Friday, March 18, 2011

Week Twenty-three

Wednesday, March 9th, was twenty-three weeks post surgery. I noticed that sometimes on days when the weather was damp or rainy, my ankle was not sore... and then on other days it was. I was beginning to think there really was no rhyme nor reason to what made my ankle sore; it was probably something that I was just going to have to deal with. My therapist had told me that the soreness could go either way... it would either remain for the rest of my life, or my ankle would heal and the soreness would subside.

Another thing I noticed was how much more active I was becoming. I was on my feet more, running errands and doing household chores without thinking too much about it. Things I couldn't do before, like work at the shelter in the morning and then run errands in the afternoon, were becoming easier. I could carry more weight when walking, but still had to be careful with anything too heavy, especially when going up or down stairs.

My increasing energy and activity were making it difficult to keep up with my blog, and unfortunately I felt that my blog was becoming stale... there weren't too many more obstacles to jump over and report about. On the bright side, I was able to write about how much the quality of my life had improved. That in itself was worth sharing, and I knew it would give others out there more motivation and comfort in making their decision to have this surgery. It always felt great to read comments posted and know I was helping someone get their life back.

Thank you all for reading... and forgive me if I am not as diligent in posting... remember that in my book, no news is good news. I will keep you all posted on my progress and hope you benefit from my experiences!

6 comments:

  1. Hi Christine and Suzanne,
    So good to read your inspiring posts. Thank you.
    I don't know how to set up a blog yet, being from the old geezer generation of techies.

    I need some practical advice.
    What kinds of household and ambulatory aides should I obtain pre-surgery to have on hand? a wheelchair, a bathtub bench, recliner? others?
    I will be sent home after one-two days at the hospital in Iowa City or to a nursing home in my town where they have skilled nursing and physical therapists. One daughter from 5 hours away can be with me initially for a few days, the other on the west coast when she is able.
    Were you able to administer pain narcotics and handle the consitpation (if any) problems at home?
    What do you recommend wearing to accomodate the cast post op?
    Any other advice?
    Much appreciated.
    Thank you!
    Kay

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  2. Hi Kay and Christine Too!!
    I'm Holly, TAR 4/6/09!! Best thing i've done for myself!
    Kay in 2007 I had to have bowel surgery (lost 7 inches)(colostomy for 6 months) so that is always first in my mind, being regular. I did very well on pain meds, but I also watch what I eat. Also a kneel walker was my "best friend", found one on-line for $200 and it was on my doorstep the next day. I spent a lot of time in my recliner. Go get some loose fitting jogging plant or shorts (I just cut the leg off the ones I had, it made room for the boot (cast) and still kept my other leg warm. When the time came I used a small rubbermaid 2 step stool in the bath tub, I would just put my "new ankle" outside the tube till I was able to shower! Oh I also got an attachment for my shower head that has a hand held part so I could sit and bathe myself. Best of Luck! Holly

    Christine, it sounds like you are doing so GOOD!!! Keep up the work!!
    Holly

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  3. Hi Kay... first, good luck with your surgery!

    The household and ambulatory aides I used were crutches, a tub bench and a raised toilet seat. The reason for the toilet seat was because initially I couldn't put any weight on my foot and not having to sit so far down and then stand up again was a lot easier for me. The couch in my family room reclines so I was set there, and I'm glad I had that option! You will need to have your foot elevated post-surgery.

    It would be great to have someone home with you for the first few days, or however long you feel you need assistance.

    I was able to take pain medication on my own and took stool softeners to help avoid constipation... worked great!

    I wore loose-fitting jogging pants that fit very well over the cast and eventually the walking boot.

    There should be plenty more advice in my blog! :-)

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  4. Hello Holly... congrats on your upcoming "2-year anniversary!" I hope you are doing well. :-)

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  5. Hi Christine,

    Jan again, TAR 5/4/11. You inspire me. I'm in the second week postop and having weird stabbing pains, burning, blood rushing pain wheh I dangle that foot, and sleepless nights.

    I'm also blogging and hope that I have the good outcome you have. I shall remain blogging weekly as I go along.

    God Bless You for sharing!

    Jan Hall

    http://www.jans-anklereplacement9.blogspot.com

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  6. Hi Jan... I hope your recovery is progressing well. I'm not a doctor, but the pain you are describing sounds like what I experienced and if all goes well it should have subsided by now.

    I will be following your blog and wishing you well! :)

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