After much hesitance (scabs after stitches are still there), I decided to go to the swimming pool today. Actually, I rode the bicycle, which was absolutely fine. Then, I swam a few lengths of the pool - that felt great.
I do not think I will make it to the gym tomorrow - I tried my trainers, and my foot was very uncomfortable. The foot is still very swollen.
Next weekend perhaps.
26 May, 2012
22 comments :
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My right foot is still a bit swollen, so my daughter bought me two pairs of comfortable suede mocassins for use in the house. I am now wearing size 8 on the left foot, and size 9 on the right. The mocassins are working far better than continuing to use a surgical shoe, and are more handy to get on and off than my sneakers, which I have worn outside. Btw- the mocassins were pretty affordable at Target.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I thought getting my bandage off and stitches (staples in my case) removed would make a sudden difference in how I felt. It really has not. After yesterday's post-op visit, I am still achy and "throbby" ,and still feel the need to elevate my foot throughout the day. I very slow moving around in my orthopedic shoe and it takes me forever to do small things. It is obvious I still need a lot of healing time! Since it was my right foot that was operated on, I cannot see myself driving anytime soon-- at least for another week or two. I am now getting myself dressed each day (after being in pajamas for two weeks) and this has boosted my spirits.
ReplyDeleteDay 15 - second foot
ReplyDeleteFeeling good! Rode bike hard for 1 hour and only noticed the foot a few times a very dull pain that got better with a foot shift. I also did 1 hour of weights and PT, so I was up on the feet a lot. Left toe a little swollen and even the right done 13 weeks ago, got some marginal swelling. Again for those who are considering a cheilectomy or going through recovery neither were at all bad, nor painful. As I recall from toe #1 - 13 weeks back, while it all went great, the more challenging time in terms of swelling was when I started getting moving and did not elevate. Try keeping the foot up as much as possible and ice when you can...it makes all the difference in the recovery.
CR - Day 15
ReplyDeleteToday I went to the gym - Hooray! I managed to get into my old runners on the loosest setting for the surgery foot - just a bit painful putting it on & off.
With some adjustments for my foot, I was able to do a class that mostly incorporated lifting weights and ‘ab’-work. Felt so good. Someone noticed my limp, and I was able to say it was wonderful as opposed to where I used to be with my foot...
Will try Yoga tomorrow....
Will need to arrange my back to work schedule....
I'm back in my own shoes, minimal swelling and a scar that's healing nicely. I'm walking with some pain right in the joint, but it's mild; no more painful than before the surgery. But I have a question for Parcival: How much cartilage did you have in your joint? I'm reading about folks not having much left and the cheilectomy not doing much good for them. I'm getting nervous now, as my surgeon told me I had minimal cartilage left. She did drill a couple small holes into the bone to stimulate growth. I'm thinking I'll be looking at a fusion.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, please have a look at the photo taken during surgery - you can find it in the table of contents on the right side (or below if you are reading the blog on a mobile device). It is one of the last entries. You will be able to see my damaged cartilage there.
ReplyDeleteAfter the procedure, my surgeon said that he would not be too optimistic - he had found hardly any cartilage left, and he said that I could be looking at a fusion within a few years.
Fortunately, in a few weeks there will be the second anniversary of the cheilectomy, and have to admit that I cannot have any problems with the foot. Yes, I can feel a little pain (or a sensation that is a bit like pain), but it is absolutely nothing compared to what it used to be. And in no case does it limit any activities - I can run, cycle, walk, climb, swim, etc. Of course every person is different, and every recovery can be different. Still, I am a living proof that things may go well even if your surgeon prefers to remain cautious; it is prudent of him or her not to promise too much. Still, I hope that your recovery is as good as mine!
You're so sweet to respond so consistently and so quickly, Parsifal! I'm going to adopt your positive attitude and go forward in my own journey remembering your words.....but you'll still hear from me. LOLOLOL!
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch!
Marilyn
I got my stitches out and my foot feels a lot more comfortable. Getting them out was uncomfortable. I took one of my pain pills before and it still hurt a bit. The doctor's assist was great and apologized that the knots were a bit small and hard to get out. She put glue over the top of it along with tape strips. They should fall off in a few days.
ReplyDeleteI can quit using the Ace bandage that my foot had been wrapped in. My doctor wants me to stay in the boot for 2-3 more weeks. I was surprised by that. He said I could start shoes after. He suggested that I put nylons on under socks and that would help with friction. He also wants me to continue to move my toe as much as possible. He also said only short showers and no swimming. I go back again in 6 weeks.
Overall feeling happier today than I had been.
Now that I can wear real shoes, I did just that all morning. I can only fit my feet into Crocs. None of my other shoes will go over my still swollen toe. I moved very slowly, but I was able to walk all morning without Roboboot. It did kind of wear me out though. I took a nap this afternoon. That surprised me.
ReplyDeleteIn the evening I went to dinner and a play with my husband. I am not quite ready to go out in public without Roboboot yet. I am enjoying this added bit of freedom from my couch.
Still, when I don't have something specific to do, I am trying to rest the foot and keep it elevated. I am moving my toe just as my doctor recommended. I'm trying to find that balance - gaining movement and allowing my toe to heal.
Stitches out today. A nurse did that while the surgeon spoke to me. Didn't hurt. He said the level of arthritis was minor and that the chances of needing fusion in the future was minimal. My calf pain due to DVT (see yesterday) has subsided a bit but still bad. How frustrating it is to have this complication when the toe itself feels good.
ReplyDeleteNo real updates for today. Stitches out tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI did my first long day in work today - which included an hour's drive each way to a meeting and a presentation. I couldn't really keep my foot elevated during the meeting or of course while driving and by the time I got home my foot was very painful and swollen - not great at all! However, after some rest keeping my foot up that evening it was a lot better. Hopefully will be better tomorrow as I have my first post-op appointment and dressing removed then.
ReplyDeleteFirst day back in the office today. Still wearing the sandals, but put big socks over the ace bandages. The drive was uneventful. I'm not loving the inability to elevate feet, but other than some swelling pressure and the slow pace of walking, I feel pretty functional.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the general foot swelling is resolving, but very slowly. I can't tell if I'm regaining feeling in my right toe, but the left seems to have more or less normal sensation.
I think I'm going to do a slightly shortened day because of the swelling so I can elevate my feet. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and I don't want to backslide.
My surgery is this Friday. Thanks for posting your progress. Hoping for a good outcome!
DeleteGood luck with your experience! I've been very pleased so far, and was logging my activity for posterity - it's really good to see someone else who is currently going through the decision / preparation process!
DeleteI followed Parsifal's blog and read all the comments when I was originally diagnosed, but waited over a year before moving forward with surgery. I can say with certainty that (1) the pain level was nowhere near as bad as I had feared, (2) the challenges to daily functioning are slightly less than I expected, and (3) I'm about as impatient about the recovery process as I expected, and really fighting with myself to push too hard and backslide.
Thanks! I've been putting this off for several years after reading the horror stories out there. This year, the pain is much worse. I thought they would tell me I needed a fusion after waiting so long, but the doctor recommended this first. Like you, I read every post and comment on this blog and was relieved with so many positive comments.
DeletehI had my cheilectomy 6 days ago and have been given so little advice, i gad my first dressing change yesterday and the nurse only put a thin elastoplast on so now the shoe i was given to wear is way too big, i havent a clue how long i was supposed to keep the shoe on or if i am supposed to be exercising my toe, could you help, my email is june_walton_200@hotmail just incase i cant get find your brilliant site again.
ReplyDeletethankyou
As Parsifal (who is a real doctor) mentioned, no one can just give you advice without knowing your specific case.
DeleteIn my case, I was advised to pretty much leave everything alone and keep my feet elevated as much as possible for two weeks, basically. I was told that the first couple of weeks are all about healing, not rehabilitating.
I suggest that you phone the nurse/doctor to get advice - this depends on the healing in your specific case. Sorry, I cannot provide further advice here.
ReplyDeleteSame as day 14
ReplyDeleteDay 15 ... post op #2.... knot of dissolving stitches removed..I can understand why people say it is uncomfortable...sharp and stingy. Swelling and bruises continue to improve. Dr. stressed importance of continuing ROM exercises, especially pointing toes down.....that is the worst! He also says I can return to all activities as tolerated, that I can't hurt anything!! Went on 40 min walk and felt pretty good. The hardest part is getting my shoe on and making it comfortable on the incision. Also took x-rays at the appointment.....spurs are gone and joint spaces look great. Hope to continue on this recovery path.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first post: Day 15 cheilectomy post-op for me. This blog has been a great source of support. Thanks Parsifal! Great find.
ReplyDeleteI went to the doctor (orthopedic surgeon) for my follow up visit this morning, bandages were taken off, and I don't have to wear the velcro post-op shoe any more! The nurse asked me if I wanted to take it home; I politely declined.
My foot is a pretty black and blue but not swollen at all. For rehab, I was told to grab the big toe and move up and down and sideways a few times a day. It does hurt quite a bit when I move the toe up, a little less when I move it sideways, so hopefully this will improve daily.
That's it. Resume normal activities as pain permits. "Listen to my foot." For me, normal activities include a lot of high intensity workouts, so my foot is already telling me to just try walk around a little without limping for a few days. Just putting on sneakers was an ordeal, but I did get them on. As it turns out, I'll be on my feet alot all day today, so we'll see what my foot is telling me later.
After reading a lot of posts on here, I was surprised there were no other instructions given, however, I will search online for some good PT exercises. I have a 6 week follow up appointment, only if needed. I'll report back here in 6 weeks with an update. I am optimistic for a good recovery, although I expect it will take a good 2 months or so.