tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4600105796046449572024-03-25T09:57:38.365-04:00Cheilectomy - surgery, recovery, experience, improvement, scar & activities.This is my personal experience of surgical treatment (cheilectomy) of hallux rigidus.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-20356008147358794862022-10-25T22:08:00.001-04:002022-10-25T22:15:44.099-04:00Summary - a good place to startI am sharing my experience from cheilectomy, the surgical treatment of hallux rigidus, focusing on the recovery from the cheilectomy surgery and the significant overall improvement and relief I have experienced. In addition, you can see what my <a href="https://cheilectomyexperience.blogspot.com/p/before-and-after-surgery-photos.html" target="_blank">cheilectomy scar</a> has been looking like over time; there are also a lot of discussions contributed by the readers, especially about running and other physical activities (as well as wearing high heels by those who wear them). <div><br /></div><div>Hallux rigidus means "rigid toe" and is a condition where one gets osteophytes (spurs) over the metatarsophalangeal joint (this is the one on the base of your big toe), plus damage to the cartilage of the joint. With time, these cause big toe pain (right at its base), limited dorsiflexion (ability to bend your toe upwards), and there are "lumpy knuckles" that cause aesthetic problems, especially to the ladies (we guys usually do not care that much, although some do....). The condition is developed after acute or chronic trauma, can be genetically conditioned, or - like many things in human medicine - one simply does not know the causes yet.<br />
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You will find the history of my recovery on the right side of the page or below if you are viewing this blog on a mobile device. It has a table of contents format, starting on the day of the surgery. Many readers have provided their comments and experiences and asked and answered questions (you can see in the table of contents how 'active' each topic has been so far. <br />
<br />The full history of the recovery can be found<a href="http://cheilectomyexperience.blogspot.com/p/p.html"> here</a>. There is also a <a href="http://cheilectomyexperience.blogspot.com/2014/08/recovery-survey-lets-share-experience.html">Cheilectomy Recovery Survey</a> that allows you to see the experience of others and share your own experience.<br />
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This blog was created in real-time; each post was written on an actual day following the surgery (and not retrospectively). You may get a good idea of the post-operative recovery time for a cheilectomy. However, there is an obvious element of variability here, and your healing and recovery may differ.<br />
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Your thoughts, comments, or questions to me or other readers are most welcome.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com113tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-80587724976644275402022-10-22T17:50:00.008-04:002022-10-22T17:50:53.021-04:0010 years<p>10 years after the surgery, I feel as if I never had any problems with the toe. This is likely my last post. If any problems return, I promise I will report them here. Good luck to everyone who needs to undergo a cheilectomy! I hope this blog, with all the contributions of the readers who have left their comments, remains helpful.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-56599744041488793532020-06-23T08:06:00.002-04:002021-03-26T15:23:58.234-04:00Pre- vs. post surgery photos<br />
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<li>Thanks to Rob Hemsley for providing his photos. They show the week 7 vs. pre-op range of movement, as well as the scar at week 4, week 6 and week 12. </li>
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<li>Thanks to Chi Judo for providing his photo. It shows the scar and the range of toe extension 12 weeks post-surgery. </li></ul><ul><li>Also posted a photo showing the range of motion of my toe 9 years after surgery.</li>
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These photos can be viewed <a href="https://cheilectomyexperience.blogspot.com/p/before-and-after-surgery-photos.html">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-61326161909347725562020-06-23T07:57:00.004-04:002021-04-06T09:55:19.818-04:008 yearsNo pain. No problems. And no... memories of what it was like before the surgery!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-63159644808655838702017-05-27T08:42:00.002-04:002021-04-06T09:55:08.883-04:005 yearsIt is hard to believe - yes, it has been five years now. Only the scar, and a very occasional pain (or perhaps I should not even call it pain, it is more like a transitional discomfort if I put too much weight on the big toe), remind me of the problems I used to have. To my surprise, the range of motion in the operated toe is almost the same as in the other foot. Well, it seems that the healing process continues. Without any specific exercise, physio, etc.<br />
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Based on my experience, and on all comments on the blog, here is the advice I would like to reiterate:<br />
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<li>Choose a good surgeon for your cheilectomy</li>
<li>Be very patient - expect long - or rather very long - recovery (months/years)</li>
<li>Remain sceptical about any ways to "rush" the healing process. </li>
<li>No forced bending/extending of your toe after the surgery, unless there is a very good rationale for that</li>
<li>Remain positive and make your life after cheilectomy as easy and pleasant as positive. In most cases, there is no need to suffer post-op pain (use proper painkillers under medical supervision), there is no need to go smelly without a shower for a day or two (use shower protector), go back to exercise and daily routines as quickly as your body allows, but do not rush. There is nothing to lose by not running for another month or so - compared to what might happen as a result of an injury to the healing joint that is not ready for the exercise.</li>
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And remember: being reasonable is not a sign of weakness (on the contrary, acting on your emotions usually is).</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-68474655295549291432016-05-22T17:58:00.004-04:002016-05-22T17:59:57.262-04:00Four years afterYes, it has been four years now. The foot is in perfect shape, only occasionally giving me some faint reminders of the past problem. In spite of the rather gloomy prognosis the surgeon gave me after the surgery, I cannot see any recurrent signs or symptoms of arthritis. On the contrary, I think that the foot is getting better and better every year - thus my answer to everyone who is asking the question: <i> </i><br />
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<i>While the initial recovery may and probably will take a few months, <u>some people</u> may experience further improvement over the following months or even years. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-32037735905149954782015-11-08T14:27:00.004-05:002021-04-06T09:54:50.870-04:00Mountain hike 3 years after cheilectomy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_r5YMKo041w1sh-w28l7onhSfBX5QC4PpH1E04I54VBLUC1AM18wnJ5IFP9tjke9ZyoFVaEFPEiZGyQ1dzONgJ0Gjs5BcikhNsNcUCdWPguTei3KBGODlEtM5KiRXbuN4MapD9izwMZY/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Echo Canyon Trail Difficulty Sign" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_r5YMKo041w1sh-w28l7onhSfBX5QC4PpH1E04I54VBLUC1AM18wnJ5IFP9tjke9ZyoFVaEFPEiZGyQ1dzONgJ0Gjs5BcikhNsNcUCdWPguTei3KBGODlEtM5KiRXbuN4MapD9izwMZY/s320/IMG_1160.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a>A few weeks ago I was in Phoenix, AZ. I and my colleague from work decided to hike the Camelback Mountain - if you have never been to Phoenix and you do not know, it is the landmark of Phoenix, a rocky mountain in the middle of the city. It looks relatively small and benign from the distance, yet is in an illusion. Quite a tough hike for a 'city' mountain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYBkdKTcOfGCKyPjlVf-HarINhA13Z0x27_uFRRB0ZmoiULAItR052NV3IKcdMbnmfPyDMWqFLBELyliwjiVqOclaO-CrWQdqO_wpkdA2KvMlt7jZSW9kvupY8NfHp-XrZAZuwrx4vJAQ/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thunderstorm over Phoenix, AZ, seen from Camelback Mountain" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYBkdKTcOfGCKyPjlVf-HarINhA13Z0x27_uFRRB0ZmoiULAItR052NV3IKcdMbnmfPyDMWqFLBELyliwjiVqOclaO-CrWQdqO_wpkdA2KvMlt7jZSW9kvupY8NfHp-XrZAZuwrx4vJAQ/s320/IMG_1150.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><br />
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I had not had any problems with my foot for a long time, therefore I did not expect any problems. As it was a business trip, and the hike was somewhat unexpected, I did not have proper hiking boots - I could only wear my running shoes. The hike was very scenic, we had a surprise single-lightning thunderstorm (which made us hesitate for a moment, but as we were halfway to the top, we agreed that going up or down would not make any difference).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfxf7vSNYKlQS-VVMRBpZQtkX7_XZBZoOQtRsNaYuMURgg6iFQ_A0hIsS9pBV6_pgwW4wSZGicjELqs1GZ0iKGeTaTH_6i5mFR6a2JZkwSDxtEAcVpt6Z5TSkyWj5qwp-jgi3f8qwLHcj/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Camelback Mountain formations" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfxf7vSNYKlQS-VVMRBpZQtkX7_XZBZoOQtRsNaYuMURgg6iFQ_A0hIsS9pBV6_pgwW4wSZGicjELqs1GZ0iKGeTaTH_6i5mFR6a2JZkwSDxtEAcVpt6Z5TSkyWj5qwp-jgi3f8qwLHcj/s320/IMG_1159.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
The views were very spectacular. Unfortunately, the continuing hyperextension of the toe caused moderate pain in the joint. It would not prevent me to continue the climb...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACupX4cUcWV9B8pcXKEdtxDvZd-GhHK149EshYCXAQtP_KLyFOgM_HC2fEAQHUHIHhxiU_4xR8dINsjSjiqPnqE5vHo2yU_xSsKeOhhmO8cZPxQ9-NvbN-js_wOzStvjsmbzKQE8UGzGz/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Camelback Mountain - Panorama of Phoenix, AZ" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACupX4cUcWV9B8pcXKEdtxDvZd-GhHK149EshYCXAQtP_KLyFOgM_HC2fEAQHUHIHhxiU_4xR8dINsjSjiqPnqE5vHo2yU_xSsKeOhhmO8cZPxQ9-NvbN-js_wOzStvjsmbzKQE8UGzGz/s640/IMG_1147.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04fylPOy5_CALNXUQhqJb9iN0Vh2ysUu2prqaHUfE7EDsbDqGj6j3w7iSOfyNyTu7diTsEcdx0uK-roWaTrmYnOzGdQEDK0XfMhy-8-z9K2a3U6kW580msL3A3AV7ciwmDBYwTohICNyu/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Camelback Mountain - Summit" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04fylPOy5_CALNXUQhqJb9iN0Vh2ysUu2prqaHUfE7EDsbDqGj6j3w7iSOfyNyTu7diTsEcdx0uK-roWaTrmYnOzGdQEDK0XfMhy-8-z9K2a3U6kW580msL3A3AV7ciwmDBYwTohICNyu/s320/IMG_1158.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><br />
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And we made it to the top! It took approx. 1 hour to get there, and another hour to go down.<br />
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Actually, going down, while being much less effort to the heart, did put even more strain to the toe. Still, I made it to the top, I made it back to the base. The pain subsided in the evening... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBcrwHXOLv1mKXysN7vWetgfyXGn04ojY35r00JA5Me-Y8jUfdEig9Oi9nptPWdlf5ASYQfzaUkHxR-2-bEjp1gznKm8GRM5FrhIrOHve_jVCTAMaknaub6WRYYxIG0594WQDQtgHHEii/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A pink drink" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBcrwHXOLv1mKXysN7vWetgfyXGn04ojY35r00JA5Me-Y8jUfdEig9Oi9nptPWdlf5ASYQfzaUkHxR-2-bEjp1gznKm8GRM5FrhIrOHve_jVCTAMaknaub6WRYYxIG0594WQDQtgHHEii/s320/IMG_1161.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><br />
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.... perhaps not without a little help from....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-75587707790633049412015-05-25T07:14:00.003-04:002021-04-06T09:54:31.760-04:003rd anniversaryIt has been three years since the cheilectomy now. So far, so good! There is no pain and practically no discomfort. There is a feeling in the toe joint that reminds me that once I had a problem there. The range of movement is only marginally limited, and it is not a problem for me at all. I can engage in any physical activities I want (running, jumping, playing competitive badminton, etc.). I still keep on the back of my mind the warning that I received from the surgeon - he told me three years ago that there had been a lot of damage to the cartilage, and that I might need another surgery (fusion) soon. I must be lucky though; I cannot see any worsening of the symptoms; on the contrary - my foot seems to be getting better and better with time.<br />
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I have been receiving many positive comments about this blog. I would like to thank everyone for posting their stories, questions, ideas. I started the blog with the intention to create a good repository and exchange of first-hand (or shall I perhaps say "first-foot" ...?) experience, so everyone who considers cheilectomy can find out what they may be looking for.<br />
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Your contributions made this blog so successful! Thank you again!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-41028912525896972832014-10-24T22:35:00.002-04:002021-04-06T09:54:19.741-04:00Questions still to be answered (dancing, high heels, nerve block, cross-country running, etc.)So far, a few questions have been asked in the comments to the survey. I will not create any further poll-style questions; instead, I would like to request free-text comments:<br />
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1. Any dancers out there? The person who asked that question wanted to know how many of you were able to dance within 3 or so months after the surgery. By dance, she was referring to any type of dance involving hopping, going slightly up on the toes for pivots, etc. (i.e., not ballet). The person who asked the question also taught Zumba twice a week and hoped to go back to it at some point.<br />
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2. Ladies, what is the main reason you cannot wear high heels anymore? Pain from wearing them? Very curious as that was found to be a big bummer.<br />
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3. Nerve block - one of our readers had a nerve block in her thigh before the unilateral cheilectomy, to help with the pain, and has been experiencing some unpleasant symptoms since the surgery. Please see the comment under this post.<br />
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4. Trail/cross-country running - any experience? How soon were you able to run in "random terrain" after cheilectomy?<br />
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Please provide your information by sending your comments to this post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-27768181453076296772014-08-05T13:16:00.002-04:002021-04-06T09:54:04.276-04:00Recovery survey - experience sharingI have created a simple survey - this should help all of us who have had cheilectomy to share the recovery experience. I hope that we can help those who do not want to expect, or perhaps are anxious and have not yet decided to undergo the procedure. The questions are below, the survey is completely anonymous. I invite you to participate in the survey and provide the information based on your own experience!<br />
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If you have not had a cheilectomy yet, or have not yet recovered, and cannot provide any answers, but you would like to see what others have been reporting, please click "View Results" for each question, and it will reveal the answers that have been given so far. It is also OK for you to answer only the questions that you can (or want to) answer at this time.<br />
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8227892.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8227892/">Did you have unilateral or bilateral cheilectomy?</a></noscript>
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8227908.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8227908/">For how many days did you stay on strong painkillers (e.g. Percocet/Oxycodon/Tramadol, etc)?</a></noscript>
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8227922.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8227922/">When did you have your first shower after your cheilectomy?</a></noscript>
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8227925.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8227925/">When were you able to wear normal shoes (i.e. anything else than the ortho shoe)?</a></noscript>
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8227927.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8227927/">When did you get back to driving after cheilectomy?</a></noscript>
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8227935.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8227935/">When did you get back to your gym or other physical routine?</a></noscript>
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8227949.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8227949/">When did you get back to your usual work routine after cheilectomy?</a></noscript>
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Questions added in response to the comments from the blog readers:
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8315062.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8315062/">For ladies: how soon after the cheilectomy were you able to wear high heels?</a></noscript>
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8315069.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8315069/">Did you receive any physiotherapy or rehabilitaton after the surgery?</a></noscript>
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<script charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8375147.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8375147/">Did you have only a cheilectomy, or did you also have some additional ostheotomies?</a></noscript>
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If you would like to suggest any other questions for the survey, please go ahead and send them in the comments to this post. <br />
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P.S. By now, I have almost forgotten that I ever had a problem with my foot. It is only the scar that serves as a reminder.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-19036252217207240792014-05-11T20:33:00.003-04:002021-04-06T09:53:50.874-04:002nd AnniversaryToday is the second anniversary!<br />
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My foot is absolutely OK - my surgeon was a bit sceptical two years ago, at that time he said that the damage was very significant and that I would likely need a fusion in the near future. However, so far so good - I have no problems, I can do whatever I like, run, cycle, climb, dance... what else I need? Yes, I do feel <i>something</i> different in that joint, I would not even call it "pain". It is a kind of little tenderness, I even do not know which words to use to describe it. It definitely does not limit any activities, it feels so much better than before the surgery, and I think I am actually feeling less discomfort than last year.<br />
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I am very happy I got that problem fixed. If only one could fix all other challenges so easily...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-21647511789687202112013-05-11T00:10:00.004-04:002021-04-06T09:53:33.901-04:001st anniversarySo, I am sitting outside, it is the middle of the night, and my Mac (actually my wife's Mac) has just announced "it's twelve o'clock". Beautiful English accent received pronunciation (but I am in the South of the United States haha, life is a cabaret, isn't it - I have lived in so many different places in the world...)<br />
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Nevertheless - 12 o'clock means that I had my cheilectomy exactly one year ago. And all I can say is that I do not even remember why. This is so good. I can do whatever I want. I know I am lucky; probably I am one of these guys in whom the surgery really worked - and brought the relief.<br />
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All I want to say is that cheilectomy can help. I do not have any statistical data to see what is the likelihood. For me, it was a miracle.<br />
<br />The last sip of pinot grigio and I am going to bed in a moment.<br />
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Forgive me for the lack of being "serious" on this occasion. I am European, I spent a good part of my life in England, and I learned the power of taking myself seriously, but not too seriously. Yet I am taking all of you very seriously. That's why I created this blog. No one needs to suffer if there is no need to suffer. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-13715773144527215632012-12-27T21:37:00.004-05:002013-07-11T19:21:01.786-04:00Skiing after cheilectomyThis is a follow-up on my last post - I tried skiing today. No problem at all. No pain in the foot. I am not sure if I can say anything else. I did not try skiing <i>before</i> cheilectomy - actually, the stiff shell of the ski boot may be offering the best protection for the damaged joint.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-26642669545060792552012-12-25T10:35:00.004-05:002016-02-01T21:11:02.469-05:00Scar after cheilectomyIt has been 6 months now, and - so far - I am very happy with the outcome. There is very little residual pain, not interfering with any activities - long distance running, walking, digging in the garden, or whatever this could be. The only time I was reminded I had a problem with the foot was while putting a winter boot on - having to bend my big toe to get the boot on causes some inconvenience, but it absolutely nothing compared to what it used to be. This week I am going to try skiing - this should be fine as long as soon as I get the boot on....<br />
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I do not care about the scar, but I have seen some searches pointing to this blog, so I am posting some photos below. <br />
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(don't tell me you do not like my hairy feet, ha ha ha)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTjWL50GH3etvJsPOEPlQ7CywyejOELHcTgNYkGQ52mbVXrp_9i2pA8l29YL6lKGifHm0SpBrH56cbW8nSYhXzXp5RudJEDiPYuAC9rldDn6dFpUNfjsNRVDUHFASZ0q6dHd0awk24K2u/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scar after cheilectomy" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTjWL50GH3etvJsPOEPlQ7CywyejOELHcTgNYkGQ52mbVXrp_9i2pA8l29YL6lKGifHm0SpBrH56cbW8nSYhXzXp5RudJEDiPYuAC9rldDn6dFpUNfjsNRVDUHFASZ0q6dHd0awk24K2u/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" title="Scar after cheilectomy" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb8fxh3U2rMqH-O9P2fT2LetZbNzIyGycsgonkkgTNRiHn4k-P0yj7ScrQDNIf76FmWsZpaAizqq8AySy8Ctnkw5d0r1Ia2XDSGxKJJLnUK7v9qdBcJkbzC04Bdmz1KwnA9BxNMduT4-i/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scar after cheilectomy" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb8fxh3U2rMqH-O9P2fT2LetZbNzIyGycsgonkkgTNRiHn4k-P0yj7ScrQDNIf76FmWsZpaAizqq8AySy8Ctnkw5d0r1Ia2XDSGxKJJLnUK7v9qdBcJkbzC04Bdmz1KwnA9BxNMduT4-i/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" title="Scar after cheilectomy" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-51727119936861929842012-11-18T08:09:00.001-05:002012-11-18T08:12:36.266-05:00Surgery photoActually, before the surgery, I asked that a photo of the open joint be taken, so I could see the damage. I have attached it <a href="http://cheilectomyexperience.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html">here - click to view if you want; again it is a picture taken during the surgery</a>, it is showing an open joint, and you have been warned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-88377902176137484932012-10-21T08:20:00.005-04:002021-04-06T09:52:41.692-04:005 months after the surgeryIt has been five months now. The foot is absolutely fine, I have some very minor residual pain, and the range of motion is somewhat limited, but this is not causing me any problems. I feel no restrictions in any areas of my activity. I can wear whatever shoes I want (again ladies, I cannot comment on high heels!). I run long runs, and from time to time get muscle pains in the other foot/leg, and these are more restricting than the foot after the cheilectomy.<br />
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I hope the great outcome will last. If you are expecting (or thinking of) a cheilectomy, I hope you get similarly great results. Again, do not rush through the recovery, but do not give in to the pain!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-91988197015812715882012-08-12T07:50:00.003-04:002021-04-06T09:52:27.499-04:00Week 12/13 - Feeling the benefits of the surgeryThis may be one of the last posts on this blog - I think I am back to normal. There is a limitation of the range of motion, but there is no pain, I can run long distances, play badminton, and generally it is so much better than before the surgery. I think I should have done it earlier rather than wait for miraculous improvement, which would never happen on its own.<br />
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Yes, I had my moments of doubt - now I know for myself what successful recovery takes:<br />
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<ul>
<li>lots of strong painkillers just after surgery - to block the emergence of pain (and not kill the pain once it is there)</li>
<li>quick withdrawal of painkillers when one does not need them</li>
<li>remaining as active as possible (in the post-op shoe, then in normal comfortable footwear)</li>
<li>accepting some pain and challenging myself (but no torture!) </li>
<li>accepting that the recovery will take time, and believing that it will be better</li>
</ul>
If you are awaiting a cheilectomy or a similar procedure - take good care of yourself and try to remain positive!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-30383227765113012512012-07-30T07:03:00.004-04:002021-04-06T09:52:07.794-04:00Weeks 10/11 - BreakthroughThere was a major breakthrough over the last two weeks - probably resulting from the combination of the very active exercising (swimming, running, badminton games), and the time that elapsed sing the surgery, allowing for natural healing. First, I noticed that the swelling decreased significantly; for the first time (for two years!) I have been able to see the dorsal tendon running to the toe over the affected joint. Second, the range of movement has significantly increased now (although it is not as good as the other toe yet). Third, the pain is minimal, I could run 4 miles non-stop @ 7 mph yesterday, and I could probably make another 3-4 miles - there was no pain while running (but obviously I am not as fit as I used to be before the surgery, I still need to rebuild my level of general fitness). And the nocturnal pain I wrote before about is gone.<br />
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I came to the point where I am very happy about the outcome of the surgery (4 weeks ago I was not so sure of this). My advice to all of you who undergo a similar procedure - do not give up, and move and exercise as much as you can (i.e. as much as the pain allows - but do not ignore the pain).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-62867573393890949392012-07-17T21:50:00.001-04:002021-04-06T09:51:41.321-04:00Week 9 - Back to court gameVery little to add. I am living a relatively normal life, the only bad thing is the night episodes of pain - I have not yet worked out what may be causing these; why lying on my back is OK, and any other position triggers the pain. If anyone has any idea, please let me know via comments.<br />
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The new thing is that on Friday I went to play badminton again - and I was really rubbish at it, as I was not able to move quickly on the court (and this is what is needed in this game). Hopefully, I will get better with time. I will be seeing my surgeon in a few weeks. If the pain does not go away by the end of October, I will probably consider a fusion. I will rather have a stiff toe without any pain. Anyone had it?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-48807714380680530412012-07-08T08:02:00.004-04:002021-04-06T09:51:16.747-04:00Week 8 - Coming back to normal life?My foot feels quite OK now - I can wear any shoes I want, I do not seem to be much restricted in any activities. I ran regularly on the treadmill this week, up to 8.5 mph, and up to 30 mins. On Friday I was ready to play badminton - but it was cancelled during the summer holidays. It would be interesting to check how I could cope with the active rapid movements in all directions as well as jumps during the game. Yesterday tried throwing and catching a rugby ball with my son in the garden, I had to run & jump after the ball, it was surprisingly OK.<br />
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Occasionally, I get very strong at night, which wakes me up and I have to change the position of the body. The pain occurs when I am sleeping on my belly or on the side, but when I change to lying on my back, the pain subsides immediately. Difficult to say why.<br />
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The range of movements is still very restricted - plantar ~30 degrees actively (with my own muscles) up to 45 passively (with the help of my hand). Dorsal approx. 30 degrees no matter if I try to help it or not. But I must say that I am not very disciplined in training the range of movement (although I am staying very active).<br />
<br />To summarize - the recovery is not spectacular (as it was for the first 2-3 weeks after the surgery), but there is clearly a lot of progress.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-58101263079378184652012-07-01T19:33:00.001-04:002021-04-06T09:50:37.039-04:00Week 7: The Last Stitch...... hopefully? My feet were bitten by furious mosquitoes, and I was scratching my toe when I felt something unusual (I had thought it was a re-growing hair). I took my wife's tweezers and pulled out a half-inch piece of suture...<br />
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That was the only change since last week. I can hardly see any improvement, and on two nights this week I felt a horrible pain in one body position (but cannot remember what it was. The pain was severe and I could not sleep - but when I changed the way I was lying, things were OK again.<br />
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A good thing is that I went to the gym today and managed to run 8.5 mph - and actually the pain while running is not more than while walking. Interestingly, I feel most pain at night when I am sleeping, and in the morning until I "warm-up".<br />
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I expect it to be gone in a few months!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-13515775502070864332012-06-24T07:41:00.002-04:002021-04-06T09:50:19.567-04:00Week 6 - Back to runningThe recovery is very very slow now. I hardly can see any change since last weekend. I saw my orthopaedic surgeon a few days ago, he looked at the foot and nodded his head when I told him that I was still unable to run. He said that arthritis in my joint is really bad, and I may need a fusion if I suffer a lot of pain, but for the moment the joint is fully functional, and there should be some improvement over the next few months. So let's see how it is going. I will be in the gym today and will try slow jogging for a few minutes.<br />
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***<br />
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Back from the gym: success!!! I managed to run up to 7 mph, I tried only for a few minutes - the first time since the surgery - but it was OK and I think I could easily make a few miles. Back to running now!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-13835662090324822772012-06-18T21:19:00.002-04:002013-07-12T21:03:30.871-04:00Week 5 - Long haul flightsVery slow improvement. Working on the mobility of the big toe, still quite restricted - especially the (plantar) flexion. And still quite swollen. Swimming helps a lot. Survived a week's travel to Europe, eight flights, driving from one country to another. Seeing my orthopaedic surgeon this week, let's see what he says.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-726369721387951382012-06-07T14:39:00.006-04:002021-04-06T09:49:48.724-04:00Days 25-26 - Back to proper shoesMassive progress! Yesterday I noticed that one of the scabs on the site of one of the stitches stubbornly remained in place (while all others were gone). A closer investigation revealed that black thing to be one of the stitches itself. I got it out, it was about 15 mm long.<br />
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Today I got up with much less swollen toe, and I managed to put on my best shoes - no discomfort at all! The piece of the stitch must have been responsible for it.<br />
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I am glad to be able to look normal now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460010579604644957.post-6000223554739246142012-06-05T06:51:00.002-04:002022-10-28T19:34:37.488-04:00Days 23-24 - Back to running shoes (but not running yet)Nothing new. The recovery is now slow. The joint is still quite swollen, yet I was able to put on my normal running shoes when I went to the gym last Sunday. But nice formal shoes are still a no-no - very uncomfortable.<br />
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I swim every day, which helps improve my range of movement, albeit very slowly. But, overall, my daily functioning is practically normal - running is the only thing I cannot do.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10