I originally wrote this post in the beginning of December and never posted it officially... oops!
For Christmas my parents bought me sessions with a personal trainer. This is like the best gift EVER and I am so excited about it!!
I wanted to get back into working out safely. I'm an athlete - I know I'm out of shape and I've been on activity restrictions for almost 2 years now. I can push myself, but I like it when someone else helps push me. And I really wanted to make sure I didn't push myself too hard too soon, or do something wrong, and re-injure myself. A personal trainer is definitely an investment, so I was beyond excited that I got sessions as a Christmas gift.
I joined the gym my sister has been going to. It's awesome, and way less expensive than Freedom Center. When I signed up for personal training the guy was like, "Do you want a male or female trainer?" Of course I said, "Definitely male." "Oh, you want someone to push you? I have just the guy," was the response I got. Awesome. No seriously, I was way excited.
Last week I met Mike. And he is awesome. After an assessment day, we got to the real work on Thursday morning. Oh my gosh, I am out of shape!! I mean, I knew I was out of shape, but this was ridiculous! And Mike was like, "You did great today! This was great for a first day!" Oh Mike...
After my work out I felt awesome, but tired! I was SO tight. Apparently my muscles were so tight that they were pulling things out of place. When I got to New York that night I allowed my friend who is a chiropractor to adjust me for the first time. It was scary and it hurt a little, but I felt so much better. WOW!! Since then I've been trying to stay looser, because she's not around to fix me! :)
Tuesday it was back to work with Mike. It was a little easier this time! And he was very impressed that I remembered how to do things correctly. I woke up Wednesday morning with sore legs and a left arm that I couldn't straighten. (Yay!) Every now and then I get a tendinitis flare up in my bicep tendon, and that seems to be the problem right now. I had another session with Mike today, and luckily I was still able to do all of my exercises even with my bogus arm. He continues to push me and be simultaneously impressed that I'm improving. I don't see it, but I appreciate the positivity. Today he also brought me this heart rate monitor thing which was awesome. I would really like to invest in one if I had the money because it just keeps track of so many things for you and tells you where your heart rate is at. I was definitely able to keep mine up pretty high!
Onward!!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
(Finally) Discharged from PT!
Last week I was finally discharged from physical therapy!!
Wednesday I did my regular workout with them and then got re-measured. All of my measurements have improved! It was very exciting and I felt like I should be wearing a graduation cap! My diploma was my updated measurements and discharge paperwork for my surgeon!
I'm not at 100% yet, but at least now I feel like I can get there. The surgery to take the screw out was definitely needed and successful - I am really getting back to normal activities now!
Wednesday I did my regular workout with them and then got re-measured. All of my measurements have improved! It was very exciting and I felt like I should be wearing a graduation cap! My diploma was my updated measurements and discharge paperwork for my surgeon!
I'm not at 100% yet, but at least now I feel like I can get there. The surgery to take the screw out was definitely needed and successful - I am really getting back to normal activities now!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Pilgrim Cupcakes
For my high school swimmers' recent pasta dinner I made some fun Thanksgiving themed desserts! Here are the pilgrim hat cupcakes I made, inspired, of course, by Pinterest!
I made regular cupcakes from a box and used store bought icing (I know! Can you believe it??) and then had fun with the tops! Once again, I'm here to tell you making things from a box is ok! Sometimes, that's all you have time for and all that is necessary - they're still delicious! Any ways... I used vanilla cupcakes with chocolate icing and Funfetti cupcakes with yellow (vanilla flavored dyed yellow) icing.
You need:
cake mix and ingredients to make it
can of icing
yellow icing for hat buckles
Keebler "Fudge Stripes" cookies
Reese's miniature peanut butter cups (I got a family sized bag to have enough for 4 dozen cupcakes!)
The yellow-iced cupcakes got "real" pilgrim hats - Keebler "Fudge Stripes" cookies upside-down with a Reese's peanut butter cup upside-down attached by a dab of icing! Then I used yellow icing to pipe on buckles!
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| Pilgrim hat cupcakes! |
On the chocolate-iced cupcakes, the above cookie concoction looked silly. So I left out the cookie, and just added an upside-down peanut butter cup.
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| Cute and delicious! |
For both, I used a yellow icing tube to pipe on the buckle!
That's it! Really easy, really cute!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
This Week's Ankle News
So this week because of the holiday I could only make it to PT once. I went bright and early yesterday morning to see Dave. My ankle is feeling a lot better after being mysteriously "compressed" on the outer side of my ankle/foot. I would say it's not at 100% like it was when I first started doing all of the crazy exercises, but much, much better than when it got compressed. So yesterday I got to walk in all four directions on the treadmill again. I didn't do any other exercises or jumps, but the treadmill felt ok. I did my stretches and had some manipulation done to my foot before icing and being hooked up to the stim machine again. As the day went on I was on my feet a lot. My foot was definitely swollen, but not more than usual. I think it's getting better!
Today I went to the gym with my sister to try going to Zumba. Dave said I could try it but that it might hurt to go side to side, which has been the biggest problem after this injury. Our biggest worry was that I would not be able to do a whole one hour class yet because I have not built my endurance back up. I decided to try the class today. And guess what? I did it!! There were definitely some moves that were hard for my ankle, and I can tell my right side is still weaker. But I was able to do almost everything in the class, and made it through a whole one hour class!! I can't even tell you how happy I am about this!!
Next week I have two more PT appointments. And this should FINALLY really be the end of physical therapy. But every time I think that, something happens... So keep your fingers crossed!!
Today I went to the gym with my sister to try going to Zumba. Dave said I could try it but that it might hurt to go side to side, which has been the biggest problem after this injury. Our biggest worry was that I would not be able to do a whole one hour class yet because I have not built my endurance back up. I decided to try the class today. And guess what? I did it!! There were definitely some moves that were hard for my ankle, and I can tell my right side is still weaker. But I was able to do almost everything in the class, and made it through a whole one hour class!! I can't even tell you how happy I am about this!!
Next week I have two more PT appointments. And this should FINALLY really be the end of physical therapy. But every time I think that, something happens... So keep your fingers crossed!!
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| I totally look like this girl on the left when I Zumba - I'm that good! ;) |
Update: The Bad News
As you can see, my last post was written in the past tense... So things were going on wonderfully for about 2-3 weeks. I was definitely high on endorphins! And then came the bad news...
After pushing it hard for a couple weeks, high school swimming started. I spent time standing on a concrete pool deck everyday. I also joined Freedom again so I could work out before practices or swim after. About two weeks ago we had a Saturday practice where I worked out on my own (walking on the treadmill) and then I stood on the deck for over two hours. My foot hurt SO bad afterwards. And it didn't feel any better as time went on. I even noticed as I massaged my scars I could feel the outside of my ankle as if it was bruised. I couldn't massage one of the scars because of it.
I limped into PT last week and was so upset. I knew I wasn't going to be able to do any of the exercises I'd been doing. I was in pain. And I didn't know how long it would be to get better again. Dave looked at it, spent time manipulating it, and determined that I had compressed something on the outside of my ankle. It's still kind of a mystery how this happened. Basically, it should not have happened and we don't know why it did. It's an injury I got from doing these exercises, but isn't really related to my surgery. Weird. My main concern was how long this was going to take to get better. I'm tired of waiting to heal and am running very thin on patience!! I was supposed to be discharged from PT last week because I was doing so well. Instead I spent the week getting my foot massaged and manipulated (not as nice as it sounds, after an injury it hurts!), hooked up to the stim machine and icing it down while elevated, and resting. I made an appointment for this week and the next. Yay! Not really...
After pushing it hard for a couple weeks, high school swimming started. I spent time standing on a concrete pool deck everyday. I also joined Freedom again so I could work out before practices or swim after. About two weeks ago we had a Saturday practice where I worked out on my own (walking on the treadmill) and then I stood on the deck for over two hours. My foot hurt SO bad afterwards. And it didn't feel any better as time went on. I even noticed as I massaged my scars I could feel the outside of my ankle as if it was bruised. I couldn't massage one of the scars because of it.
I limped into PT last week and was so upset. I knew I wasn't going to be able to do any of the exercises I'd been doing. I was in pain. And I didn't know how long it would be to get better again. Dave looked at it, spent time manipulating it, and determined that I had compressed something on the outside of my ankle. It's still kind of a mystery how this happened. Basically, it should not have happened and we don't know why it did. It's an injury I got from doing these exercises, but isn't really related to my surgery. Weird. My main concern was how long this was going to take to get better. I'm tired of waiting to heal and am running very thin on patience!! I was supposed to be discharged from PT last week because I was doing so well. Instead I spent the week getting my foot massaged and manipulated (not as nice as it sounds, after an injury it hurts!), hooked up to the stim machine and icing it down while elevated, and resting. I made an appointment for this week and the next. Yay! Not really...
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| Spending my time at physical therapy like this again... |
Update: The Good News
Well I've been missing for a little bit - things have been absolutely crazy in my life. But here's a quick update on my ankle:
At the end of October I started to do more and more things at PT, and it was amazing. I could do it!! I walked directionally on the treadmill, did jumps, and started doing football drills for agility. I was running and grape-vining across the gym. I started jumping not only front to back, side to side, but also diagonally. It was amazing! I felt like everyday at PT I got an amazing workout in. I was on cloud nine! It felt so good to finally be working out again and to be able to do so many types of exercises after over a year of not being able to do any of these things. The only down side was, it was really telling how out of shape I've gotten in these past 19 months of activity restrictions. Oh my goodness - I was dying! But the feeling of now having the option to do some exercise, and some vigorous exercise, was amazing!!
At the end of October I started to do more and more things at PT, and it was amazing. I could do it!! I walked directionally on the treadmill, did jumps, and started doing football drills for agility. I was running and grape-vining across the gym. I started jumping not only front to back, side to side, but also diagonally. It was amazing! I felt like everyday at PT I got an amazing workout in. I was on cloud nine! It felt so good to finally be working out again and to be able to do so many types of exercises after over a year of not being able to do any of these things. The only down side was, it was really telling how out of shape I've gotten in these past 19 months of activity restrictions. Oh my goodness - I was dying! But the feeling of now having the option to do some exercise, and some vigorous exercise, was amazing!!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Kindness: Loves
I've been wanting to write a post for a while now about my loves and how awesome they are, especially because they have been there for me during these past 18 months since I got injured. They're the only reason I'm doing so well on this journey with my ankle. And (at the risk of sounding like a total social worker) today my heart feels really happy and full of joy and love for my loves so here it is...
If you don't know what I mean when I use the word "loves," loves are friends. Often they are very dear friends, and I am lucky to have several of them. My loves have supported me and been there for me through both of my surgeries. I'm not even sure what I would do without them!
After my first surgery several loves visited me. My love Ellen drove all the way down from Philly just a couple days after my surgery. I was drugged up and out of it, so we mostly watched some episodes of How I Met Your Mother. It was awesome and just meant so much to me that she would go out of her way to visit me. She even brought me a bell for my scooter! My love Amanda also visited me and kept me company and ate lunch with me one day. Matt came and watched a movie and chatted with me when I was feeling a little better. When you can't leave the house on your own for a while and are home alone, a little company is the best gift in the world!
When it was time to try to leave the house last Fall, it was a really hard process. Every exit of our house has stairs, which were nearly impossible at times for me to navigate (even scooting on my butt or crawling on my knees - how do you stand back up again on one leg? It's not easy, I'll tell you that). Then my scooter/walker/crutches had to also make it down the stairs and out the door and into the car with me. It was SO much work for me to go anywhere when I couldn't walk. Just leaving the house was an arduous process, much less actually doing anything if I got out. My love Marcelle really helped me with getting out when I was going crazy. In fact, she deserves her own post sometime...
And then there was Deidre who helped me leave the house and get to physical therapy twice a week for several weeks before I could walk or drive on my own! Snickers always wanted to go with us on our adventures... We managed to get her to stay behind and made it to PT appointments, and even once all the way down to somewhere in Prince William County to complete paperwork so I would be able to coach when swim season started. Oh what adventures we had!
Loves who were further away sent me cards and packages. My love Nora sent me a good book to read while I wasn't able to do much else. Shannon and Terry sent me a package with movies and chocolate, one in the shape of a foot! Amanda sent me a game and homemade bread with a card before she came to visit me. I got cards from all over! And text messages, emails, fb messages, and phone calls were the best too! Loves took time out of their busy days to check in with me and see how I was doing.
Of course there's also my family. My mom who walked up and down the stairs multiple times a day when I couldn't, to bring me food and ice and whatever else I needed. My sister did the same when she visited and sat with me to keep me company many times. I remember the day my dad brought me dinner from Panera and added a special cookie for me. My Mimi and Gramps checked on me and brought me flowers after my first surgery. It was one of my Gramps' last outings ever before he died. After my second surgery Mimi made sure a get well card got to me and flowers with a balloon were on their way! My aunt is always checking in to see how my ankle is doing - I remember trying to talk to her when I had bad reception after finding out it was a tumor that caused the tendon to tear. I think I scared her that day! And Linda came right after my first surgery when I was in so much pain. She and John gave me an itunes gift card so I could have new music while I was sitting around and I remember having a huge Starbucks iced tea with her. She was ready to come sit with me after the second surgery when the rest of my family had plans, before my sister decided to stay with me instead.
All of these loves were simultaneously there for me and my family when we lost my Gramps last year in the midst of my recovery from my first surgery. The cards, love, and support came from all over. My aunt, mom, sister, and cousin made sure I could get up to the altar at church to do a reading at his mass and say the eulogy I wrote with them. Marcelle came down from Baltimore for the funeral that day. Linda brought food for everyone when things were crazy. Flowers came from Kim and Ms. GT... ;) Which gave us a good laugh when we needed it the most when we realized the flowers were of course from Kim and Rod and should have had the abbreviation MSgt. (At least I know it's not Ms. GT...)
These loves have shown me the greatest kindness. They are all very busy people who took the time to see how I was doing or make my day a little brighter when I wasn't doing so well. They are the reason I made it through a difficult recovery from a major surgery when at times I felt like giving up. I only hope I can do the same for them someday. And I hope that everyone can find these people in their lives and tell them how much they are appreciated, or be this kind of person for someone else in their time of need.
And I know I've missed a lot of people in this post - so thank you to everyone who has asked about my ankle or kept up with my blog, and provided encouragement along the way. There are really so many people who have shown me such kindness. I appreciate it more than you know!
If you don't know what I mean when I use the word "loves," loves are friends. Often they are very dear friends, and I am lucky to have several of them. My loves have supported me and been there for me through both of my surgeries. I'm not even sure what I would do without them!
After my first surgery several loves visited me. My love Ellen drove all the way down from Philly just a couple days after my surgery. I was drugged up and out of it, so we mostly watched some episodes of How I Met Your Mother. It was awesome and just meant so much to me that she would go out of her way to visit me. She even brought me a bell for my scooter! My love Amanda also visited me and kept me company and ate lunch with me one day. Matt came and watched a movie and chatted with me when I was feeling a little better. When you can't leave the house on your own for a while and are home alone, a little company is the best gift in the world!
When it was time to try to leave the house last Fall, it was a really hard process. Every exit of our house has stairs, which were nearly impossible at times for me to navigate (even scooting on my butt or crawling on my knees - how do you stand back up again on one leg? It's not easy, I'll tell you that). Then my scooter/walker/crutches had to also make it down the stairs and out the door and into the car with me. It was SO much work for me to go anywhere when I couldn't walk. Just leaving the house was an arduous process, much less actually doing anything if I got out. My love Marcelle really helped me with getting out when I was going crazy. In fact, she deserves her own post sometime...
And then there was Deidre who helped me leave the house and get to physical therapy twice a week for several weeks before I could walk or drive on my own! Snickers always wanted to go with us on our adventures... We managed to get her to stay behind and made it to PT appointments, and even once all the way down to somewhere in Prince William County to complete paperwork so I would be able to coach when swim season started. Oh what adventures we had!
Loves who were further away sent me cards and packages. My love Nora sent me a good book to read while I wasn't able to do much else. Shannon and Terry sent me a package with movies and chocolate, one in the shape of a foot! Amanda sent me a game and homemade bread with a card before she came to visit me. I got cards from all over! And text messages, emails, fb messages, and phone calls were the best too! Loves took time out of their busy days to check in with me and see how I was doing.
Of course there's also my family. My mom who walked up and down the stairs multiple times a day when I couldn't, to bring me food and ice and whatever else I needed. My sister did the same when she visited and sat with me to keep me company many times. I remember the day my dad brought me dinner from Panera and added a special cookie for me. My Mimi and Gramps checked on me and brought me flowers after my first surgery. It was one of my Gramps' last outings ever before he died. After my second surgery Mimi made sure a get well card got to me and flowers with a balloon were on their way! My aunt is always checking in to see how my ankle is doing - I remember trying to talk to her when I had bad reception after finding out it was a tumor that caused the tendon to tear. I think I scared her that day! And Linda came right after my first surgery when I was in so much pain. She and John gave me an itunes gift card so I could have new music while I was sitting around and I remember having a huge Starbucks iced tea with her. She was ready to come sit with me after the second surgery when the rest of my family had plans, before my sister decided to stay with me instead.
All of these loves were simultaneously there for me and my family when we lost my Gramps last year in the midst of my recovery from my first surgery. The cards, love, and support came from all over. My aunt, mom, sister, and cousin made sure I could get up to the altar at church to do a reading at his mass and say the eulogy I wrote with them. Marcelle came down from Baltimore for the funeral that day. Linda brought food for everyone when things were crazy. Flowers came from Kim and Ms. GT... ;) Which gave us a good laugh when we needed it the most when we realized the flowers were of course from Kim and Rod and should have had the abbreviation MSgt. (At least I know it's not Ms. GT...)
These loves have shown me the greatest kindness. They are all very busy people who took the time to see how I was doing or make my day a little brighter when I wasn't doing so well. They are the reason I made it through a difficult recovery from a major surgery when at times I felt like giving up. I only hope I can do the same for them someday. And I hope that everyone can find these people in their lives and tell them how much they are appreciated, or be this kind of person for someone else in their time of need.
And I know I've missed a lot of people in this post - so thank you to everyone who has asked about my ankle or kept up with my blog, and provided encouragement along the way. There are really so many people who have shown me such kindness. I appreciate it more than you know!
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| My flower and balloon from my Mimi. |
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| Oooo - look who Amanda sent me! |
I Can Jump!!
Wednesday was the first day Dave decided to push me harder in PT, and it was awesome. I warmed up by biking for 5 minutes and then I walked on the treadmill 5 minutes in each direction. I was pretty proud of my walking, especially backwards and to each side. I didn't have any pain in my ankle. I thought it was over there, but when I got back to the PT room I stretched and then did JUMPING. And yes, I can jump now!! I jumped backwards and forwards, and side to side over a line. And I could do it. This was amazing to me because before I had the screw taken out I could barely stand on my toes. Now I can not only stand on them, I can jump (which requires a lot of work for your toes). It was amazing. I finished up PT that day by balancing on my bad foot and bouncing a ball back and forth to the PT intern. My balance on that foot sucks. I checked my left foot just to be sure I hadn't totally lost my ability to balance, but the left was fine - I could stand on just my left foot all day. So it's the muscles in my right foot that aren't there yet. Just to pass the ball back and forth three times in a row took forever and almost didn't happen, that's how bad my muscles are on that foot at keeping me balanced. I iced and had stim before I left.
On Thursday when I woke up I was a little sore, but honestly not as sore as I thought I would be after all that work (which was a lot for me after being on activity restrictions for SO long especially after this surgery). What actually hurt was my left knee. What?? I was a super-grump for a while that day, limping around, and I thought I was going to have to call Dave about it. I mean, why was my left knee hurting? It made no sense and it made me mad! But I tried to walk around a little more (I did a lap around two floors of our assisted living facility that day) and to my surprise, it got better. I didn't even have to take Advil or anything (the pain was that bad that I thought I would have to). And it hasn't hurt since.
Yesterday I did a bit of walking with my sister to run errands and things. I wore my (ortho approved) flip flops instead of Birkenstocks or tennis shoes, and I think this was a mistake. Towards the end of the day my foot got a weird cramp-like feeling in it. It was like the arch of my foot needed to be stretched, but was simultaneously kicked. It was weird and painful. Resting it at home helped and I've been stretching it out since. I guess it's time to put the flip flops away for now anyways... except for the pool deck. :)
On Thursday when I woke up I was a little sore, but honestly not as sore as I thought I would be after all that work (which was a lot for me after being on activity restrictions for SO long especially after this surgery). What actually hurt was my left knee. What?? I was a super-grump for a while that day, limping around, and I thought I was going to have to call Dave about it. I mean, why was my left knee hurting? It made no sense and it made me mad! But I tried to walk around a little more (I did a lap around two floors of our assisted living facility that day) and to my surprise, it got better. I didn't even have to take Advil or anything (the pain was that bad that I thought I would have to). And it hasn't hurt since.
Yesterday I did a bit of walking with my sister to run errands and things. I wore my (ortho approved) flip flops instead of Birkenstocks or tennis shoes, and I think this was a mistake. Towards the end of the day my foot got a weird cramp-like feeling in it. It was like the arch of my foot needed to be stretched, but was simultaneously kicked. It was weird and painful. Resting it at home helped and I've been stretching it out since. I guess it's time to put the flip flops away for now anyways... except for the pool deck. :)
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Candy Corn Cookie Crunch
Halloween is just a week away! Here's yet another Pinterest win from Kelly's Fall themed housewarming party! I decided to go ahead and fast forward to one of the best parts of Fall, Halloween, for this one. But be warned, it is very sweet! Happy Halloween!
Candy Corn Cookie Crunch
1 lb. almond bark candy coating or white chocolate (I used meltable milk chocolate)
14 Oreos, broken into pieces (I used Halloween ones with orange filling)
1 1/2 cups pretzels broken (I used honey twist ones because that's what I had)
1 cup candy corn
1/2 cup peanuts
1/4 cup Reese's Pieces
1/2 cup Peanut M&M's (Fall colors)
Halloween sprinkles
Cover a cookie sheet with waxed paper or foil. Spread the broken pretzels, broken cookies, peanuts, and about 3/4 of the candy corn on the prepared cookie sheet. Melt the white chocolate or candy coating until smooth, according to package directions.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pretzel mixture, spreading with a spatula if needed. Before it sets, sprinkle on the remaining candy corn, M&M's, Reese's Pieces, and sprinkles. Place tray in the refrigerator until set. Break into pieces and enjoy!
I recommend having something to mash things with before starting. I did not realize that my sister, who in all fairness just moved into a new house (which she owns!!) and is not as domesticated as me, has very few kitchen tools. Mashing things up without tools was difficult and messy (I put items in a Ziploc bag and mashed by hand).
As with many Erin creations, I used a little more of some things until it looked right to me. So feel free to modify the amounts to your desire. Also, it was hard to break apart at the end, but it also got melty if out of the fridge for too long. In the end, Amanda and I ended up using a knife to break it apart the best we could, and then put the pieces back in the fridge for a bit, and this seemed to work. Good luck and enjoy!
Candy Corn Cookie Crunch
1 lb. almond bark candy coating or white chocolate (I used meltable milk chocolate)
14 Oreos, broken into pieces (I used Halloween ones with orange filling)
1 1/2 cups pretzels broken (I used honey twist ones because that's what I had)
1 cup candy corn
1/2 cup peanuts
1/4 cup Reese's Pieces
1/2 cup Peanut M&M's (Fall colors)
Halloween sprinkles
Cover a cookie sheet with waxed paper or foil. Spread the broken pretzels, broken cookies, peanuts, and about 3/4 of the candy corn on the prepared cookie sheet. Melt the white chocolate or candy coating until smooth, according to package directions.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pretzel mixture, spreading with a spatula if needed. Before it sets, sprinkle on the remaining candy corn, M&M's, Reese's Pieces, and sprinkles. Place tray in the refrigerator until set. Break into pieces and enjoy!
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| Before we broke it up. Looks sinful! |
As with many Erin creations, I used a little more of some things until it looked right to me. So feel free to modify the amounts to your desire. Also, it was hard to break apart at the end, but it also got melty if out of the fridge for too long. In the end, Amanda and I ended up using a knife to break it apart the best we could, and then put the pieces back in the fridge for a bit, and this seemed to work. Good luck and enjoy!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Extending PT - Bad News or Good News?
After originally being told by my surgeon and physical therapist that I would only need PT for 4 weeks, and extending to 5 weeks because of my forgetful brain, I am now extending even more. It's bad news because it means I really haven't made enough (any??) progress, but good news because it gives me more time to work on it I guess. It's also bad news because my schedule is already a bit overextended this month and next month, but I need to do this so I will make time.
Yesterday I got to PT and I was in a bad mood. I don't know if it was my day at work, the crazy woman at PT before me, the annoying PT intern, or just being plain frustrated with my foot and lack of progress, but I was not a happy camper. When I thought about it my ankle wasn't feeling too great that day - it was more swollen than usual, etc. and an unhappy ankle means an unhappy Erin. Dave noticed right away that I wasn't too happy and asked me about it. I tried to express my frustrations in sitting around for a year and a half because of my ankle, but I just got really upset. I was at least able to express my frustrations that all I can do is stretch at PT. Dr. Buchanan said those famous words - let's make sure you're back to all normal activities including running in three months, again and it freaked me out. I don't think I'll be running in three months - my ankle sure doesn't feel that way. And it didn't happen the first time. So Dave decided that starting on Wednesday we're going to "turn things up a notch." I'm supposed to bring my workout clothes and we're going to start harder workouts in the gym. I'm happy about this; I love to be pushed. I will push myself as much as I can, so I'm happy to have permission and someone to help guide me in doing this. Recently I've been afraid of pushing myself too hard and being in major pain or re-injuring myself. Being pushed while at PT is the best thing because Dave can make sure I'm pushing it the right amount and doing things correctly. I can handle the pain. I'm really hopeful this is finally going to help, but also cautious at the same time. I haven't had many things go the way they are supposed to recently, and I could really use some good news about my ankle.
When I have clients who focus on the negative I ask them, what's going right? I'm going to social work myself and ask myself what progress I have made. I do have a little more flexibility in my ankle. I am walking better and not limping most of the time. I also can not only wear a real shoe but now can wear a shoe with a back on it. So maybe there's a little progress in these areas, but I want to get back to "normal." Fingers crossed!
When I have clients who focus on the negative I ask them, what's going right? I'm going to social work myself and ask myself what progress I have made. I do have a little more flexibility in my ankle. I am walking better and not limping most of the time. I also can not only wear a real shoe but now can wear a shoe with a back on it. So maybe there's a little progress in these areas, but I want to get back to "normal." Fingers crossed!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Pumpkin Dip
Another recipe hit from Kelly's housewarming party. An easy, Fall delight: Pumpkin Dip! Another Pinterest win!
Pumpkin Dip
1 15 oz. can of pumpkin
1 5 oz. box of instant vanilla pudding (just the powder, don't make the pudding)
1 16 oz. container of cool whip (low fat is ok)
1/2 Tbl. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 Tbl. Cinnamon
1 small pumpkin (to hold dip if desired)
1. Mix pumpkin, pudding mix, cool whip, and pumpkin pie spice together (by hand) in a very large bowl.
2. Chill for several hours before serving. Meanwhile, carve your pumpkin!
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve with fresh apple slices, vanilla wafers, or ginger snaps.
Although not shown in my picture, I loved this the most with red apple slices! Others loved it with the ginger snaps or Nilla Wafers. It is delicious and so, so easy!
As my caption and picture point out, I did not carve out my own pumpkin to put the dip in. As nice as the presentation looked from the picture on Pinterest, I was pressed for time that day. I'm not an experienced pumpkin carver myself (although it doesn't look too hard!), and since I don't have a husband to do this dirty work for me as the original poster did, I opted for my lovely glass pumpkin bowl. Don't feel bad about yourself or your pumpkin dip if you put it in a dish instead of a pumpkin. I'm here to tell you that is wonderful and so are you!
Pumpkin Dip
1 15 oz. can of pumpkin
1 5 oz. box of instant vanilla pudding (just the powder, don't make the pudding)
1 16 oz. container of cool whip (low fat is ok)
1/2 Tbl. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 Tbl. Cinnamon
1 small pumpkin (to hold dip if desired)
1. Mix pumpkin, pudding mix, cool whip, and pumpkin pie spice together (by hand) in a very large bowl.
2. Chill for several hours before serving. Meanwhile, carve your pumpkin!
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve with fresh apple slices, vanilla wafers, or ginger snaps.
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| Pumpkin dip is so easy and so delicious!The original blogger put her dip in a carved out pumpkin. I couldn't help but love this ceramic pumpkin dish instead! |
As my caption and picture point out, I did not carve out my own pumpkin to put the dip in. As nice as the presentation looked from the picture on Pinterest, I was pressed for time that day. I'm not an experienced pumpkin carver myself (although it doesn't look too hard!), and since I don't have a husband to do this dirty work for me as the original poster did, I opted for my lovely glass pumpkin bowl. Don't feel bad about yourself or your pumpkin dip if you put it in a dish instead of a pumpkin. I'm here to tell you that is wonderful and so are you!
Hot (Spiked) Apple Cider
For my sister's recent housewarming party I made most of the food and drinks. Let's be honest, this is my thing, so I'm in charge of the entertaining around here! We had a Fall theme and wanted to share a few of the recipes (all from Pinterest of course!).
Our Fall drink was Hot Apple Cider - spiked or not!
Hot Spiked Apple Cider
1 gallon fresh apple cider
1-2 sliced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
dash of apple pie spice
1 bottle Southern Comfort
whipped cream (we didn't use this)
Pour cider into a pot and place on medium heat. Slice apples into small pieces and cook in the cider. Add apple pie spice to taste. Cook cider until it reaches coffee-like temperature. Serve hot in mug and add Southern Comfort to tolerance! Top off each cup with extra creamy whipped cream (if desired). Feel the warmth.
We added about a shot of SoCo per mug of cider. And as I said, we did not use whipped cream because I don't like it (yep, that's why no one else gets it as an option!). I also only used apples as garnish. I bought apple pie spice for this occasion, but I think other Fall spices would have substituted nicely if you don't have it. I (not-so-secretly-anymore) dislike pie, all types of it. Bleh! So I never make pies and don't have apple pie spice, but decided to purchase it in the hopes of making an apple pie in the future for someone else I guess. Any takers? ;)
Our Fall drink was Hot Apple Cider - spiked or not!
Hot Spiked Apple Cider
1 gallon fresh apple cider
1-2 sliced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
dash of apple pie spice
1 bottle Southern Comfort
whipped cream (we didn't use this)
Pour cider into a pot and place on medium heat. Slice apples into small pieces and cook in the cider. Add apple pie spice to taste. Cook cider until it reaches coffee-like temperature. Serve hot in mug and add Southern Comfort to tolerance! Top off each cup with extra creamy whipped cream (if desired). Feel the warmth.
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| Optional: Your own super festive Halloween/Fall mug to serve your Hot Spiked Apple Cider in! |
We added about a shot of SoCo per mug of cider. And as I said, we did not use whipped cream because I don't like it (yep, that's why no one else gets it as an option!). I also only used apples as garnish. I bought apple pie spice for this occasion, but I think other Fall spices would have substituted nicely if you don't have it. I (not-so-secretly-anymore) dislike pie, all types of it. Bleh! So I never make pies and don't have apple pie spice, but decided to purchase it in the hopes of making an apple pie in the future for someone else I guess. Any takers? ;)
Second Post-Op Appointment
My brain is still over-tired and on overload; on Monday I missed another PT appointment. This one was particularly important because I was supposed to be re-evaluated and have all my measurements taken again to show my progress since starting PT, and a report made to take to my latest surgical post-op appointment with Dr. Buchanan. I was so tired and so frustrated with myself that I forgot another appointment, and a really important one, that I burst into tears on the phone with the receptionist while driving. It was not pretty. But it was an important lesson in how tired I was and how I needed to get my life back in order and stop being a hot mess this month. I'm getting it together, I swear!
Tuesday morning I had my second post-op appointment. This one went a little better than the last one, but was honestly not all that informative. First, I got another x-ray taken and waited for Dr. Buchanan. He was again very pleased with the way things were going - he was happy with the way the incision looked and how the x-ray was showing my healing progress. He said that I could get back to normal activities such as swimming and biking, but that I should wait a few more months to run or to use the treadmill.
This time I got to look at the x-ray too, something I have rarely gotten to do and I always tell myself to make sure I ask to see it. Good thing I know what happened to my ankle because my x-ray looks cRaZy. There are two lines showing my bone in different stages of healing. Of course you can see the line where the screw was taken out a few weeks ago that used to be holding my heel in place. There is also another, bigger, darker, line that is where my bone was cut during my first surgery. Basically I now see what they mean by "Swiss cheese bone." My bone is a mess. No wonder it hurts! And Dr. Buchanan also said it's expected to feel achy through my heel/ankle right now. These are holes in my bone and these were major surgeries and changes to my bone structure, of course it's going to hurt. He also said it could be a year or so until it really fills in and feels "normal" again. Good to know. Finally some validation to my pain! It was really a relief to see the x-rays myself and talk about them.
And that was really all he had to say - he's happy, this is normal. I go back to see him in three months to make sure that I've gotten back to running and all normal activities. When he said that I felt a little nervous because that's what he told me after the first surgery, and of course making sure I got back to running and normal activities never happened last time. I am praying that it does happen this time and in January I can say, YES! Finally I have gotten back to normal activities including running without pain. We will see...
Lessons of the day: Always ask to see your x-ray. It helps. Get enough rest. And stay patient, especially with yourself!
Tuesday morning I had my second post-op appointment. This one went a little better than the last one, but was honestly not all that informative. First, I got another x-ray taken and waited for Dr. Buchanan. He was again very pleased with the way things were going - he was happy with the way the incision looked and how the x-ray was showing my healing progress. He said that I could get back to normal activities such as swimming and biking, but that I should wait a few more months to run or to use the treadmill.
This time I got to look at the x-ray too, something I have rarely gotten to do and I always tell myself to make sure I ask to see it. Good thing I know what happened to my ankle because my x-ray looks cRaZy. There are two lines showing my bone in different stages of healing. Of course you can see the line where the screw was taken out a few weeks ago that used to be holding my heel in place. There is also another, bigger, darker, line that is where my bone was cut during my first surgery. Basically I now see what they mean by "Swiss cheese bone." My bone is a mess. No wonder it hurts! And Dr. Buchanan also said it's expected to feel achy through my heel/ankle right now. These are holes in my bone and these were major surgeries and changes to my bone structure, of course it's going to hurt. He also said it could be a year or so until it really fills in and feels "normal" again. Good to know. Finally some validation to my pain! It was really a relief to see the x-rays myself and talk about them.
And that was really all he had to say - he's happy, this is normal. I go back to see him in three months to make sure that I've gotten back to running and all normal activities. When he said that I felt a little nervous because that's what he told me after the first surgery, and of course making sure I got back to running and normal activities never happened last time. I am praying that it does happen this time and in January I can say, YES! Finally I have gotten back to normal activities including running without pain. We will see...
Lessons of the day: Always ask to see your x-ray. It helps. Get enough rest. And stay patient, especially with yourself!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Wearing Shoes With Backs = Progress!
The past few weeks have been extremely busy for me! So busy in fact, that I thought I had a 5pm PT appointment this week, but got a message from them around 3:30pm that day asking if I was ok. Apparently I had the wrong appointment time and they were worried because I never miss appointments. Brain on overload!! But I have added a week of PT (hopefully - Dave's schedule is really packed) to try to get enough in.
At PT I have been progressing slightly. I have gone from just stretching to also adding in some strengthening exercises. On Friday I added weight-bearing strengths exercise, which is a big step. My foot is swollen and my leg/ankle are tight still, but definitely less pain than before. So we will see as time goes on what happens. It has only been 6 weeks since surgery. I am working on icing at least at night before I go to bed. Again my memory seems to be the problem here...
I go back to Dr. Buchanan on Tuesday morning. I'm sure they'll take another x-ray to see if my Swiss cheese bone is healing. I hope so!
The biggest news is that on Friday I wore a real shoe with a back for the first time since this surgery!! I wore a tennis shoe all day Friday! And I have since worn it a little over the weekend. Victory! Dave says this is also good because it will help reduce swelling throughout the day. If this cold spell continues I'm thinking of wearing my Uggs with my ortho inserts in them, because I'm that cool. And guess what? Only myself and anyone who reads this blog will know my secret. Aren't you special?
At PT I have been progressing slightly. I have gone from just stretching to also adding in some strengthening exercises. On Friday I added weight-bearing strengths exercise, which is a big step. My foot is swollen and my leg/ankle are tight still, but definitely less pain than before. So we will see as time goes on what happens. It has only been 6 weeks since surgery. I am working on icing at least at night before I go to bed. Again my memory seems to be the problem here...
I go back to Dr. Buchanan on Tuesday morning. I'm sure they'll take another x-ray to see if my Swiss cheese bone is healing. I hope so!
The biggest news is that on Friday I wore a real shoe with a back for the first time since this surgery!! I wore a tennis shoe all day Friday! And I have since worn it a little over the weekend. Victory! Dave says this is also good because it will help reduce swelling throughout the day. If this cold spell continues I'm thinking of wearing my Uggs with my ortho inserts in them, because I'm that cool. And guess what? Only myself and anyone who reads this blog will know my secret. Aren't you special?
Ankles Are Sad When They Can't Walk on Sand
Last weekend was super busy! I got to see one of my grad school loves, and Cashmere Mafia sister, get married to the love of her life and go to the beach to do it! (Thanks Jen!) And then I went on up to Boston to co-host a bridal shower for my love Shannon! All while traveling with some BFF's. What could be better?
My ankle held up pretty well. I even drove the whole way. That's right - up to Baltimore, Baltimore to Spring Lake, NJ. Then Jersey Shore to north of Boston. And then Boston back to B'more, Silver Spring, and NoVA. YES! That happened in one 4 day weekend. It was amazing. (We jammed out to 90's music a good part of the way, particularly the NJ to Boston at 7:30pm to midnight Saturday night portion!)
The celebrations were beautiful. We could not have asked for more perfect weather. And my girls looked AMAZING. Who is more beautiful than a bride in love? A bride in love who happens to be one of my gorgeous friends, that's who. I wore my Birkenstocks (since I still couldn't wear shoes with backs) and kept my ankle wrapped up well. And sadly I couldn't dance at the wedding. (Ok - I did do the Cupid Shuffle very carefully. I can't hear it and not dance. It's not possible). I wouldn't have missed it for the world!
The only sad part was - I couldn't walk on the beach! My incision is still open and even though it was wrapped up pretty well, I was just picturing a not fun time trying to get sand out of my heel... I LOVE the beach. LOVE IT. But it was not worth testing this out and missing an event or being in (extra) pain for this special weekend. So sadly, I stayed on the boardwalk. But hey - I went to the beach in October, I can't be too mad about that.
My ankle held up pretty well. I even drove the whole way. That's right - up to Baltimore, Baltimore to Spring Lake, NJ. Then Jersey Shore to north of Boston. And then Boston back to B'more, Silver Spring, and NoVA. YES! That happened in one 4 day weekend. It was amazing. (We jammed out to 90's music a good part of the way, particularly the NJ to Boston at 7:30pm to midnight Saturday night portion!)
The celebrations were beautiful. We could not have asked for more perfect weather. And my girls looked AMAZING. Who is more beautiful than a bride in love? A bride in love who happens to be one of my gorgeous friends, that's who. I wore my Birkenstocks (since I still couldn't wear shoes with backs) and kept my ankle wrapped up well. And sadly I couldn't dance at the wedding. (Ok - I did do the Cupid Shuffle very carefully. I can't hear it and not dance. It's not possible). I wouldn't have missed it for the world!
The only sad part was - I couldn't walk on the beach! My incision is still open and even though it was wrapped up pretty well, I was just picturing a not fun time trying to get sand out of my heel... I LOVE the beach. LOVE IT. But it was not worth testing this out and missing an event or being in (extra) pain for this special weekend. So sadly, I stayed on the boardwalk. But hey - I went to the beach in October, I can't be too mad about that.
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| After surgery, ankles are sad when they can't walk on sand at the beach. |
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| Boom - married! Beautiful bride and groom! |
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| Beautiful bride-to-be! And that's a cake she's standing next to. Amazing. |
Don't Read This Post If You're Easily Grossed Out
Really - don't do it. Let me tell you what happened two Fridays ago that changed my life, but I'm warning you, it's not for the feint of heart.
After surgery apparently not all of my stitches dissolved. So a few weeks ago I realized that I had a wire, like a fishing wire, sticking out of my heel. I called the doctor, who said that it would be ok to cut it off close to my skin since I have healed by now. UMMM WHAT??? I'm not cutting something coming out of my heel from surgery! That is not ok with me. So I tried to ignore it... But it was painful.
Dave (PT) asked me to really clean off the incision to make sure it was stitches and not dried blood we were seeing. When I did that - the wire started coming out of my foot. (AHHH!!!) At this point I had to do something about it. I sterilized scissors and cut it as close to my heel as I could. I was SO proud of myself. But there was still a little piece sticking out, and it hurt when something touched it, making wearing real shoes nearly impossible.
Dave told me I needed to be brave and just pull the last little part out. Whoa! Wait! No one said anything about pulling something out of my foot. Holy bejesus what is going on?? But I was tempted by the promise of it finally feeling better and finally being able to wear real shoes with backs on them... So I looked away while Dave so kindly helped me by taking tweezers and pulling out the rest of the wire. I didn't even feel it. He said it came out in two small pieces. I knew right away it felt better.
I don't know whether it was psychological or real, but I suddenly was not as cautious about my heel. I was walking better. And I felt like maybe I could wear real shoes. Maybe! But no matter what, I knew this had significantly changed the pain in my heel.
After surgery apparently not all of my stitches dissolved. So a few weeks ago I realized that I had a wire, like a fishing wire, sticking out of my heel. I called the doctor, who said that it would be ok to cut it off close to my skin since I have healed by now. UMMM WHAT??? I'm not cutting something coming out of my heel from surgery! That is not ok with me. So I tried to ignore it... But it was painful.
Dave (PT) asked me to really clean off the incision to make sure it was stitches and not dried blood we were seeing. When I did that - the wire started coming out of my foot. (AHHH!!!) At this point I had to do something about it. I sterilized scissors and cut it as close to my heel as I could. I was SO proud of myself. But there was still a little piece sticking out, and it hurt when something touched it, making wearing real shoes nearly impossible.
Dave told me I needed to be brave and just pull the last little part out. Whoa! Wait! No one said anything about pulling something out of my foot. Holy bejesus what is going on?? But I was tempted by the promise of it finally feeling better and finally being able to wear real shoes with backs on them... So I looked away while Dave so kindly helped me by taking tweezers and pulling out the rest of the wire. I didn't even feel it. He said it came out in two small pieces. I knew right away it felt better.
I don't know whether it was psychological or real, but I suddenly was not as cautious about my heel. I was walking better. And I felt like maybe I could wear real shoes. Maybe! But no matter what, I knew this had significantly changed the pain in my heel.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Back to Physical Therapy!
I got evaluated by Physical Therapy on Friday, and I've been hurting ever since!
Basically I am only stretching. I am so tight after not walking for just those 9 days or so that I have to stretch my foot/ankle/toes back out so that I can walk correctly. Friday Dave spent time measuring my movement and stretching my foot, ankle, and especially my toes out. I got hooked up to stim with ice and then instructed to stretch (I was given stretches for my calves, ankles, and toes - my Achilles tendon is keeping me really tight) and to ice down at the end of the day, and two other times a day if I can. Also, I still can't do anything activity wise. According to Dave the progression is swimming, biking, elliptical, walking on treadmill, and then running on treadmill. Right now my incision is not all the way closed so I still can't submerge it in water, so of course I can't swim. I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO EXERCISE!!! I feel like a blob, and I am SO frustrated.
Over the weekend I tried to stretch when I could, but only remembered to ice one night. My leg is so tight!! I had a lot of trouble stretching out even. And the part that was the most sore? My toes! What?? Who has ever had sore toes before? It's a weird feeling.
Looks like I'll only do PT for 4 weeks this time. One of my main goals is to get back into a real shoe. Because my incision is still open I have to wear the post-op shoe for at least this week. Then I hope to transition into an open backed shoe soon. I'm nervous about it because it's really tender back there and the post-op shoe is really protecting it. So I am trying to be patient with this too!
Today I went back to PT for my first real session. It was very much the same as Friday. Dave moved and stretch my foot/ankle. Then he massaged my scar tissue around my the outside/back of my ankle and deep down to my Achilles tendon. OUCH! That hurt and I am still sore. It has to get better from here, right?
Basically I am only stretching. I am so tight after not walking for just those 9 days or so that I have to stretch my foot/ankle/toes back out so that I can walk correctly. Friday Dave spent time measuring my movement and stretching my foot, ankle, and especially my toes out. I got hooked up to stim with ice and then instructed to stretch (I was given stretches for my calves, ankles, and toes - my Achilles tendon is keeping me really tight) and to ice down at the end of the day, and two other times a day if I can. Also, I still can't do anything activity wise. According to Dave the progression is swimming, biking, elliptical, walking on treadmill, and then running on treadmill. Right now my incision is not all the way closed so I still can't submerge it in water, so of course I can't swim. I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO EXERCISE!!! I feel like a blob, and I am SO frustrated.
Over the weekend I tried to stretch when I could, but only remembered to ice one night. My leg is so tight!! I had a lot of trouble stretching out even. And the part that was the most sore? My toes! What?? Who has ever had sore toes before? It's a weird feeling.
Looks like I'll only do PT for 4 weeks this time. One of my main goals is to get back into a real shoe. Because my incision is still open I have to wear the post-op shoe for at least this week. Then I hope to transition into an open backed shoe soon. I'm nervous about it because it's really tender back there and the post-op shoe is really protecting it. So I am trying to be patient with this too!
Today I went back to PT for my first real session. It was very much the same as Friday. Dave moved and stretch my foot/ankle. Then he massaged my scar tissue around my the outside/back of my ankle and deep down to my Achilles tendon. OUCH! That hurt and I am still sore. It has to get better from here, right?
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| Even just doing this is incredibly hard and painful. Ouch! |
Sunday, September 16, 2012
One Year After Surgery
Yesterday marked one year since my ankle surgery. This is a landmark I've been waiting for. It was supposed to be a marker that I could measure my progress by; but after having my second surgery two weeks before this anniversary, I've had quite the setback. I'm just starting to walk again after the second surgery and I'm having to go back to physical therapy, which I wasn't supposed to need to do. I'm ok with going because I recognize that I definitely need to get into PT - I'm not walking well at all. I'm just wondering when it will actually be that I can say "I'm better," or even, "I'm doing really well," when someone asks me. I'm definitely frustrated. But, I do recognize that most likely with more time (and lots more patience) I will get better. And maybe someday I will be better than normal and get back to real activities that I love - like working out (maybe even boxing again??).
When I get down about my ankle and the fact that I have been on activity restrictions for one and a half years now, I've gained weight, and in general my life has been put on hold, I try really hard to look on the bright side. There are people who have worse things happen to them, who aren't going to get better, and whose illnesses or injuries really permanently change their lives. The people I think of the most are our men and women in uniform. How many of them come back injured physically or permanently loose the use of their foot or other body part? And how many of them protect us, but are injured in other ways we can't see? These heroes are inspirational.
This experience with my ankle and having surgery, just like everything else I've been through in my life, is just part of who I am now. As a very wise supervisor would say, it's "woven into my tapestry." It's changed many things about me, but in the end there's nothing I can do about it, it's just something that happened. It's taught me many lessons, and I try to look at it the best way possible. I hope writing my story here helps my friends keep up with me, as well as gives others some hope that if you're going through something, keep going! It will get better! And I hope I've shared some of the hope and kindness I've been shown, as well as the lessons that have helped me.
When I get down about my ankle and the fact that I have been on activity restrictions for one and a half years now, I've gained weight, and in general my life has been put on hold, I try really hard to look on the bright side. There are people who have worse things happen to them, who aren't going to get better, and whose illnesses or injuries really permanently change their lives. The people I think of the most are our men and women in uniform. How many of them come back injured physically or permanently loose the use of their foot or other body part? And how many of them protect us, but are injured in other ways we can't see? These heroes are inspirational.
This experience with my ankle and having surgery, just like everything else I've been through in my life, is just part of who I am now. As a very wise supervisor would say, it's "woven into my tapestry." It's changed many things about me, but in the end there's nothing I can do about it, it's just something that happened. It's taught me many lessons, and I try to look at it the best way possible. I hope writing my story here helps my friends keep up with me, as well as gives others some hope that if you're going through something, keep going! It will get better! And I hope I've shared some of the hope and kindness I've been shown, as well as the lessons that have helped me.
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| I feel like I should have made a celebratory cake! One year since surgery! |
First Week Back to Work
After getting my bandages off at my doctor's appointment Friday, I've been working hard on my walking. I tried to put my boot on when I got home, but it actually hurt even more because the boot makes your ankle stay in a 90 degree angle. So I chose to wear my post-op shoe instead - it was much more comfortable and actually a lower level that I would have graduated to in a week anyways. Friday I tried to start putting weight on my foot. IT HURT! I had to take lots of Advil and do it slowly. Ouch! Saturday I walked around the house using one crutch. I could not walk without the crutch, and it was pretty painful to put weight on my right foot. Mostly it was painful getting up and starting to move again. The more I tried walking on it, the easier it got. Sunday I finally graduated to not using the crutch! I did limited walking around my parent's house and my sister's house. I still could not walk up or down the stairs. In case you're wondering how to go up and down stairs when you can't walk, you crawl up on your knees, and scoot down on your butt. It looks pretty awesome.
Monday I went back to work. I wore my post-op shoe, and found a cute outfit to match. I was limping, but I made it through the day with some Advil and finding places to sit with clients while at the nursing home. I did not push any wheelchairs that day! None of my clients noticed my foot, but all the nurses did! Tuesday it was a little easier to walk, but I was still limping. Luckily I had mostly paperwork to do since I was admitting a client. However, my client was also moving to a new room and I ended up walking back and forth with her to keep her calm through the process. Finally I got her to sit in one place! Wednesday was another really long day and one of my clients needed to go shopping. I ended up walking all over Target with her. I have to say we were quite a pair - a 70-something year old woman who can't breath well and me limping around allover Target! This was the day that really did me in. Luckily Thursdays are our meeting days, so I had significantly less walking to do - a meeting and paperwork, plus a lot of driving with clients. But after the day before, when I got home, I had to go straight to bed to put my foot up and ice it. I planned to get up again, but I just couldn't. Friday I had already worked more than enough hours for the week, so I had a lighter schedule. Thank goodness!! I saw my clients, ended up pushing a few wheelchairs to take people outside to the garden to meet, but got to leave a little early when my client work was done and our paperwork system went down for over 2 hours... Efficiency at its best I tell you. But back to my ankle - by Friday afternoon I was so exhausted from working so much all week, after 10 days of not doing much at all, my body was DONE. I had to take a really long nap to even get moving again, and then I went to sleep that night ASAP.
I've been struggling a bit with how to wrap my foot. The doctor told me to put a Bandaid on it, as if a Bandaid would stay on a heel... So I've been keeping it wrapped the way Dr. Buchanan wrapped it after my appointment. I also am VERY nervous about all of the scary things that live in the nursing homes that I work in that could get into an open wound. I have been keeping my incisions wrapped and covered with multiple layers. The problem with wrapping is that I've accidentally wrapped it too tight a couple times. Over the weekend I have been experimenting with wrapping less and have finally gotten it down to two Bandaids! Going back to work I'm planning to cover it a bit more though.
Best news: After getting back into my schedule of massaging my other surgery scars with coco butter or Scar Zone, plus allowing them to get some air, my scars have gone back to being a beautiful soft pink color!!! No more ugly purple or bright red scars! YAY!!
I'm continuing to work on my walking and I go to see Dave at physical therapy to be evaluated on Friday. I can't wait to get back to walking normally! At least I am able to walk up and down the stairs now - one step at a time.
Monday I went back to work. I wore my post-op shoe, and found a cute outfit to match. I was limping, but I made it through the day with some Advil and finding places to sit with clients while at the nursing home. I did not push any wheelchairs that day! None of my clients noticed my foot, but all the nurses did! Tuesday it was a little easier to walk, but I was still limping. Luckily I had mostly paperwork to do since I was admitting a client. However, my client was also moving to a new room and I ended up walking back and forth with her to keep her calm through the process. Finally I got her to sit in one place! Wednesday was another really long day and one of my clients needed to go shopping. I ended up walking all over Target with her. I have to say we were quite a pair - a 70-something year old woman who can't breath well and me limping around allover Target! This was the day that really did me in. Luckily Thursdays are our meeting days, so I had significantly less walking to do - a meeting and paperwork, plus a lot of driving with clients. But after the day before, when I got home, I had to go straight to bed to put my foot up and ice it. I planned to get up again, but I just couldn't. Friday I had already worked more than enough hours for the week, so I had a lighter schedule. Thank goodness!! I saw my clients, ended up pushing a few wheelchairs to take people outside to the garden to meet, but got to leave a little early when my client work was done and our paperwork system went down for over 2 hours... Efficiency at its best I tell you. But back to my ankle - by Friday afternoon I was so exhausted from working so much all week, after 10 days of not doing much at all, my body was DONE. I had to take a really long nap to even get moving again, and then I went to sleep that night ASAP.
I've been struggling a bit with how to wrap my foot. The doctor told me to put a Bandaid on it, as if a Bandaid would stay on a heel... So I've been keeping it wrapped the way Dr. Buchanan wrapped it after my appointment. I also am VERY nervous about all of the scary things that live in the nursing homes that I work in that could get into an open wound. I have been keeping my incisions wrapped and covered with multiple layers. The problem with wrapping is that I've accidentally wrapped it too tight a couple times. Over the weekend I have been experimenting with wrapping less and have finally gotten it down to two Bandaids! Going back to work I'm planning to cover it a bit more though.
Best news: After getting back into my schedule of massaging my other surgery scars with coco butter or Scar Zone, plus allowing them to get some air, my scars have gone back to being a beautiful soft pink color!!! No more ugly purple or bright red scars! YAY!!
I'm continuing to work on my walking and I go to see Dave at physical therapy to be evaluated on Friday. I can't wait to get back to walking normally! At least I am able to walk up and down the stairs now - one step at a time.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Post Op Appointment Disappointment
Well I was under the impression (thanks to Dr. Buchanan) that I was just going to walk right out of my post op appointment today like normal. I started to realize yesterday when I tried to put some weight on my foot that that was not going to be the case. And it wasn't. I've decided I'm going to stop listening to Dr. Buchanan's deadlines because he is way too optimistic for the way my body heals.
I got to the appointment and they took me back to be X-rayed. The nurse took off my bandages and they were feeling a little wet. Great. Apparently having the ice cuff on is the cause of this. For me it means my foot looks crazy (aka really gross). As if that craziness wasn't enough, when I looked at my scars from my previous surgery, THEY WERE PURPLE. Yes, purple. I was pretty upset about this because before surgery they were a very nice light pink, almost white! What's happening?? The techs took my x-rays and wheeled me into my room to wait. I tried moving my foot around a bit, but it really hurt. It has no range of motion and moving it in certain directions causes a lot of heel pain.
Dr. Buchanan came in and took off the last dressing covering my incision. He was happy with the way the incision was healing, and said that although it looks like "a tiny incision for the simplest surgery ever" that's not the case. Obviously the screw was causing a lot of pain and it's going to take a little time to heal. He wants me to go back into wearing my walking boot for the next week to protect the incision while it continues to heal. He also wants me to work on walking. He says I'm not going to damage anything that they did. (Yes, but it hurts!) I asked what happens if I fall or something since I currently have a hole in my bone. He says my bone is "like Swiss cheese" but it will heal itself and it's very unlikely that it would break. Also I have to go back to physical therapy. What?? I didn't think I was going to need to do that again! Ugh! Mostly it's just annoying because I don't have time for it. Dr, Buchanan seemed unsure why my incisions were looking so purple, but said it could be from it being wrapped and swollen, plus the "orange paint" they put on them during surgery. Ah! I hope they go back to normal soon!! So overall Dr. Buchanan was happy, but I was pretty disappointed.
On the way home I called to get into PT with Dave since he has an office in Herndon too, which is closer to my office. I can't get in for two weeks. But as Dr. Buchanan - and my mom - tell me, I already know all the exercises. So I guess I'm starting it myself. We also stopped by DMV to get my handicap parking pass. I didn't think I'd need it this time so I hadn't gotten one, but since I can't currently walk without an assistive device, and it's unclear when I will be able to walk on my own for a bit, now I have one again. It is very convenient.
So for now I'm walking in either my post-op shoe or boot with either my walker or crutch. It hurts. It feels almost like it did first walking after the first surgery. THAT HURT SO BAD! It was like a broken bone was walking on the ground with no padding - and that's pretty much what was happening. This feels almost as bad. I accidentally tried to take a step without my crutch earlier and I fell over in pain and from weakness.
I am in pain. My foot hurts and now my shoulders and arms are hurting after all the work they've been doing. But I have been off my prescription painkillers for about 3 days now, which is good news. And I haven't taken any Advil today, which is my own fault. We have a rule in our house if you are in pain: you are not allowed to complain unless you've done something to try to fix it. It started with my mom and now we all do it - if you start complaining she will ask you, "Did you take something for it?" if your answer is no, she tells you, "Then I don't want to hear about it." So I'm off to take some Advil now. If I'm still in pain later, I'll let you know - because I'll be allowed to say something about it then.
I got to the appointment and they took me back to be X-rayed. The nurse took off my bandages and they were feeling a little wet. Great. Apparently having the ice cuff on is the cause of this. For me it means my foot looks crazy (aka really gross). As if that craziness wasn't enough, when I looked at my scars from my previous surgery, THEY WERE PURPLE. Yes, purple. I was pretty upset about this because before surgery they were a very nice light pink, almost white! What's happening?? The techs took my x-rays and wheeled me into my room to wait. I tried moving my foot around a bit, but it really hurt. It has no range of motion and moving it in certain directions causes a lot of heel pain.
Dr. Buchanan came in and took off the last dressing covering my incision. He was happy with the way the incision was healing, and said that although it looks like "a tiny incision for the simplest surgery ever" that's not the case. Obviously the screw was causing a lot of pain and it's going to take a little time to heal. He wants me to go back into wearing my walking boot for the next week to protect the incision while it continues to heal. He also wants me to work on walking. He says I'm not going to damage anything that they did. (Yes, but it hurts!) I asked what happens if I fall or something since I currently have a hole in my bone. He says my bone is "like Swiss cheese" but it will heal itself and it's very unlikely that it would break. Also I have to go back to physical therapy. What?? I didn't think I was going to need to do that again! Ugh! Mostly it's just annoying because I don't have time for it. Dr, Buchanan seemed unsure why my incisions were looking so purple, but said it could be from it being wrapped and swollen, plus the "orange paint" they put on them during surgery. Ah! I hope they go back to normal soon!! So overall Dr. Buchanan was happy, but I was pretty disappointed.
On the way home I called to get into PT with Dave since he has an office in Herndon too, which is closer to my office. I can't get in for two weeks. But as Dr. Buchanan - and my mom - tell me, I already know all the exercises. So I guess I'm starting it myself. We also stopped by DMV to get my handicap parking pass. I didn't think I'd need it this time so I hadn't gotten one, but since I can't currently walk without an assistive device, and it's unclear when I will be able to walk on my own for a bit, now I have one again. It is very convenient.
So for now I'm walking in either my post-op shoe or boot with either my walker or crutch. It hurts. It feels almost like it did first walking after the first surgery. THAT HURT SO BAD! It was like a broken bone was walking on the ground with no padding - and that's pretty much what was happening. This feels almost as bad. I accidentally tried to take a step without my crutch earlier and I fell over in pain and from weakness.
I am in pain. My foot hurts and now my shoulders and arms are hurting after all the work they've been doing. But I have been off my prescription painkillers for about 3 days now, which is good news. And I haven't taken any Advil today, which is my own fault. We have a rule in our house if you are in pain: you are not allowed to complain unless you've done something to try to fix it. It started with my mom and now we all do it - if you start complaining she will ask you, "Did you take something for it?" if your answer is no, she tells you, "Then I don't want to hear about it." So I'm off to take some Advil now. If I'm still in pain later, I'll let you know - because I'll be allowed to say something about it then.
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| It looks yucky enough from here - you should see the bottom. You can still see the "yes" and doctor's initials on my leg. Bleh! |
Monday, September 3, 2012
Recovery Part II
My recovery from my second surgery is going well and is a lot easier than the first time. For one, I am definitely in less pain than the first time. After my first surgery I had some heavy duty painkillers that could be taken every four hours. After three and a half hours it would have worn off to the point where I was crying and doing everything I could to make it until I could take another one (only icing and talking to someone to be distracted helped). Eventually the doctor's office let me take more meds, which just made me sick to my stomach. I couldn't sleep through the night without waking up from pain and I couldn't get in a comfortable position to sleep in for weeks. This time is way different. I am still in a deal of pain, but it feels manageable this time. I have Vicodin for pain which, while still a heavy painkiller, is less than I needed before. (I can't think of the name of what I had before, but it required my license to be checked to pick it up at the pharmacy. Vicodin doesn't.) And while I can take it every 4-6 hours, I am only needing it maybe every 5, and made it most of today without taking more. The biggest difference I noticed was that I slept through the night since the first night after surgery. YAY!! Maybe it helps that I've done this before and I know how to arrange my pillows, or that I just had a screw removed with one small incision instead of my ankle reconstructed with four huge incisions, but I have less pain and I can sleep, so I am happy!
Sleeping is actually the main thing I have been doing. I've been getting dizzy (I think from meds) which makes me nauseous if I don't go to sleep. I have an antibiotic that has to be taken twice a day on an empty stomach, and Vicodin that needs to be taken with food so my stomach doesn't get upset. Who decided that was a good idea? It's hard to fit everything in. But other than meds, everything is going well. I'm a bit weak. I'm staying in my bed, watching TV or sleeping, and just taking it easy. But sometimes using my iPad or computer for too long makes me dizzy. I'm honestly a little bored because other than my foot, my body feels fine, so it seems like I should just be able to get up and do things.
My sister asked me if I could tell if my foot felt better yet. Basically my foot feels like someone removed a giant screw from it. It hurts! So I think it's going to take some time to heal after this surgery and be able to tell if it's helped. I'm ready to be patient with my body this time.
My arms and my abs have been getting a great workout too. Between walking with my walker, to getting around my room and to the bathroom, my arms have been working hard. And my abs are the other thing that hurts - I think they're working really hard to pull me back into bed or keep me moving forward with my walker. Because I am actually an 80 year old woman and use a walker...
I am off work the rest of the week to continue to recover and rest. It's especially hard since my job requires walking and driving everyday. I also push people in wheelchairs most days. And I do all these things while carrying my own bag, water bottle, notebook, etc. I'm also at risk everyday of being attacked by a psychotic client - it's one of those things that they don't mean to do, and it doesn't happen that often, but it doesn't seem like a good idea to do my job when I can't get away from someone who tries to grab me if I needed to. My post-op appointment with Dr. Buchanan is on Friday, and I should be good to go after that. I actually can't walk even on my toes right now because I chose to have my ice cuff put into my bandages after surgery, instead of being put in my post-op shoe. Friday I should graduate to the shoe. Fingers crossed!
Sleeping is actually the main thing I have been doing. I've been getting dizzy (I think from meds) which makes me nauseous if I don't go to sleep. I have an antibiotic that has to be taken twice a day on an empty stomach, and Vicodin that needs to be taken with food so my stomach doesn't get upset. Who decided that was a good idea? It's hard to fit everything in. But other than meds, everything is going well. I'm a bit weak. I'm staying in my bed, watching TV or sleeping, and just taking it easy. But sometimes using my iPad or computer for too long makes me dizzy. I'm honestly a little bored because other than my foot, my body feels fine, so it seems like I should just be able to get up and do things.
My sister asked me if I could tell if my foot felt better yet. Basically my foot feels like someone removed a giant screw from it. It hurts! So I think it's going to take some time to heal after this surgery and be able to tell if it's helped. I'm ready to be patient with my body this time.
My arms and my abs have been getting a great workout too. Between walking with my walker, to getting around my room and to the bathroom, my arms have been working hard. And my abs are the other thing that hurts - I think they're working really hard to pull me back into bed or keep me moving forward with my walker. Because I am actually an 80 year old woman and use a walker...
I am off work the rest of the week to continue to recover and rest. It's especially hard since my job requires walking and driving everyday. I also push people in wheelchairs most days. And I do all these things while carrying my own bag, water bottle, notebook, etc. I'm also at risk everyday of being attacked by a psychotic client - it's one of those things that they don't mean to do, and it doesn't happen that often, but it doesn't seem like a good idea to do my job when I can't get away from someone who tries to grab me if I needed to. My post-op appointment with Dr. Buchanan is on Friday, and I should be good to go after that. I actually can't walk even on my toes right now because I chose to have my ice cuff put into my bandages after surgery, instead of being put in my post-op shoe. Friday I should graduate to the shoe. Fingers crossed!
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| Hooked up to my ice machine. Still one of the best purchases ever made! |
Second Surgery
I had my second surgery on Thursday and it went really well! My mom and I arrived at Woodburn Surgery Center just after 11am, I got registered, and then they took me back pretty quickly. I got changed into my fashionable hospital gown and accessories (read: awesome socks with anti-slip grip), and they went over my medical history again (seriously this was like the 5th time). The first snafu came when they tried to put my IV in. My veins are always hard to find, but not being able to drink any water since the day before wasn't helping the nurse find them any easier. The only place she could put it was in my wrist. It looked uncomfortable, but they numbed the area, so I really didn't feel it until later. (Later trying to walk with my walker my wrist has been really painful).
Just before surgery Dr. Buchanan came out, went over what they were going to do today (take the screw out of my ankle to eliminate pain) and what to expect, and initialled my leg that was being operated on. This is one of the weirdest things to me - I know they want to get everything right, but when I have to write "yes" on my leg and the doctor has to initial it, it's just so weird! The next snafu was about my antibiotic. I am allergic to the antibiotic that everyone usually gets before surgery, so I have to have a different one. Apparently this is the same antibiotic I got last surgery as well. However, last time I didn't start getting the antibiotic until I was going under for surgery. Apparently this antibiotic can be "caustic" and getting it a little earlier this time meant that I felt it burn a little going in. Luckily I was taken back to the operating room pretty soon thereafter.
I walked back to the operating room with my nurse, who carried my IV bags, and I got on the table. The nurse said that as I lay down on the table my eyes got really big. Yes! They probably did. That was when it really hit me what was happening, but I wasn't nearly as nervous as last time. This couldn't be as bad! But sadly I knew walking into the operating room was the last time I'd be walking on two feet for a bit. It was very cold in the operating room, and all the doctors and nurses were very busy. I was aware the anesthesiologist gave me something in my IV that calmed me down. And after that I don't remember anything until I woke up in recovery...
When I woke up in recovery this time I wasn't crying! Victory! Funny story - my nurse in recovery, Wanda, remembered me from last time and how much I was freaking out when I woke up. Oops! hehe But this time I was ok - I was very calm. Until the next snafu - I suddenly began itching so badly! I was under anesthesia less than an hour total, so my antibiotic was finishing up in my IV. We think it was an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. It started with my scalp and was moving down my body. Wanda said I had a read line across my forehead. They helped me get my stylish surgical hat off, prepared Benadryl, and got the anesthesiologist while I scratched my head like a crazy person. The doctor came pretty quickly and gave the order for a half dose of Benadryl, since they were trying to wake me up and Benadryl was going to put me back to sleep. God bless IV's! The Benadryl worked right away. It stopped my itching and only made me a little sleepy. I drank my water and ate a couple crackers and they got my mom to come in. They brought my screw out to me and brought me a bag to take it home in. WHAT?? Thanks for cleaning it up, but I don't want that screw you just took out of my body! I took a good look at it - it was black and pretty long, maybe 4-5 inches? It looked like a normal screw. And then told them, "No thanks!"
I got a Vicodin for pain and ate some graham crackers and ginger ale with it to make sure my stomach was ok. Then it was time to go over instructions and get dressed. They got the wheelchair to take me out and before leaving I embarked on my first adventure on one leg - going to the bathroom! I remember this being the HARDEST thing to learn to do last time! Wanda helped me in and offered to stay and help but I knew I could do it myself. This time I was more prepared. I think my left leg is a lot stronger and prepared to do everything itself this time. I did it! Wanda continued taking me out to my mom's car and helped me in. Before we left Wanda told me she didn't want to see me back there again - unless I was there just to visit. Ok Wanda. I'll try!
Just before surgery Dr. Buchanan came out, went over what they were going to do today (take the screw out of my ankle to eliminate pain) and what to expect, and initialled my leg that was being operated on. This is one of the weirdest things to me - I know they want to get everything right, but when I have to write "yes" on my leg and the doctor has to initial it, it's just so weird! The next snafu was about my antibiotic. I am allergic to the antibiotic that everyone usually gets before surgery, so I have to have a different one. Apparently this is the same antibiotic I got last surgery as well. However, last time I didn't start getting the antibiotic until I was going under for surgery. Apparently this antibiotic can be "caustic" and getting it a little earlier this time meant that I felt it burn a little going in. Luckily I was taken back to the operating room pretty soon thereafter.
I walked back to the operating room with my nurse, who carried my IV bags, and I got on the table. The nurse said that as I lay down on the table my eyes got really big. Yes! They probably did. That was when it really hit me what was happening, but I wasn't nearly as nervous as last time. This couldn't be as bad! But sadly I knew walking into the operating room was the last time I'd be walking on two feet for a bit. It was very cold in the operating room, and all the doctors and nurses were very busy. I was aware the anesthesiologist gave me something in my IV that calmed me down. And after that I don't remember anything until I woke up in recovery...
When I woke up in recovery this time I wasn't crying! Victory! Funny story - my nurse in recovery, Wanda, remembered me from last time and how much I was freaking out when I woke up. Oops! hehe But this time I was ok - I was very calm. Until the next snafu - I suddenly began itching so badly! I was under anesthesia less than an hour total, so my antibiotic was finishing up in my IV. We think it was an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. It started with my scalp and was moving down my body. Wanda said I had a read line across my forehead. They helped me get my stylish surgical hat off, prepared Benadryl, and got the anesthesiologist while I scratched my head like a crazy person. The doctor came pretty quickly and gave the order for a half dose of Benadryl, since they were trying to wake me up and Benadryl was going to put me back to sleep. God bless IV's! The Benadryl worked right away. It stopped my itching and only made me a little sleepy. I drank my water and ate a couple crackers and they got my mom to come in. They brought my screw out to me and brought me a bag to take it home in. WHAT?? Thanks for cleaning it up, but I don't want that screw you just took out of my body! I took a good look at it - it was black and pretty long, maybe 4-5 inches? It looked like a normal screw. And then told them, "No thanks!"
I got a Vicodin for pain and ate some graham crackers and ginger ale with it to make sure my stomach was ok. Then it was time to go over instructions and get dressed. They got the wheelchair to take me out and before leaving I embarked on my first adventure on one leg - going to the bathroom! I remember this being the HARDEST thing to learn to do last time! Wanda helped me in and offered to stay and help but I knew I could do it myself. This time I was more prepared. I think my left leg is a lot stronger and prepared to do everything itself this time. I did it! Wanda continued taking me out to my mom's car and helped me in. Before we left Wanda told me she didn't want to see me back there again - unless I was there just to visit. Ok Wanda. I'll try!
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| This was the best my veins could do today. I was numbed at the time, but my wrist still hurts today! Owie! |
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| Going home! |
Saturday, August 18, 2012
First Pre-Op Appointment
Yesterday I had my first pre-op appointment. This one was with the PA at the Foot and Ankle Center. I got last minute questions answered and got all of my prescriptions for after surgery. It sounds like this surgery will be a cake walk compared to the last one! Let's hope so!
The PA said that there is a fluid pocket around the hardware in my heel, which is what's causing the pain. Interesting - I hadn't heard that before. No matter though, the screw is coming out and the fluid should go away and so should my pain. She said I would be put under and the surgery would only take about 5 minutes for them to back the screw back out of my heel. Awesome! I got my prescriptions for my antibiotic and pain killers to take after surgery, as well as an anti-nausea medication in case I need it. They went over my allergies to meds, etc. I even got my post-op shoe to wear! I get to wear that instead of a boot this time. I am not allowed to walk or drive for at least 5 days after surgery, and should be off my feet and on crutches for 7-10 days. I will have a big dressing on again that can't get wet and won't be removed until my post-op appointment a week after surgery.
We talked a lot about how the pain would be nothing compared to last time. That sounds amazing to me. I WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN LAST TIME! And for a long time, too. I can't even accurately describe the amount of pain I was in after surgery - it was just so intense and so bad. I honestly felt like if I ever have children some day, I could do it without drugs after this surgery pain. But then again, I also know I don't deal with pain well... But relatively less pain than last time, YAY!! The main reason I have to be off of my foot is so that the incision will heal. So I am planning things to do while I'm in bed again. I'm getting out the ice machine and lots of pillows to elevate my foot on. Knowing that it will be a short time I'm stuck in bed helps. It's more like a mini-vacation this time - with an end in sight! Sounds good to me!
Time to drink some milk! I'm loading up on my calcium so that my bone is ready to heal quickly since it will have a screw-sized hole left in it after surgery!
The PA said that there is a fluid pocket around the hardware in my heel, which is what's causing the pain. Interesting - I hadn't heard that before. No matter though, the screw is coming out and the fluid should go away and so should my pain. She said I would be put under and the surgery would only take about 5 minutes for them to back the screw back out of my heel. Awesome! I got my prescriptions for my antibiotic and pain killers to take after surgery, as well as an anti-nausea medication in case I need it. They went over my allergies to meds, etc. I even got my post-op shoe to wear! I get to wear that instead of a boot this time. I am not allowed to walk or drive for at least 5 days after surgery, and should be off my feet and on crutches for 7-10 days. I will have a big dressing on again that can't get wet and won't be removed until my post-op appointment a week after surgery.
We talked a lot about how the pain would be nothing compared to last time. That sounds amazing to me. I WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN LAST TIME! And for a long time, too. I can't even accurately describe the amount of pain I was in after surgery - it was just so intense and so bad. I honestly felt like if I ever have children some day, I could do it without drugs after this surgery pain. But then again, I also know I don't deal with pain well... But relatively less pain than last time, YAY!! The main reason I have to be off of my foot is so that the incision will heal. So I am planning things to do while I'm in bed again. I'm getting out the ice machine and lots of pillows to elevate my foot on. Knowing that it will be a short time I'm stuck in bed helps. It's more like a mini-vacation this time - with an end in sight! Sounds good to me!
Time to drink some milk! I'm loading up on my calcium so that my bone is ready to heal quickly since it will have a screw-sized hole left in it after surgery!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Reconstructed Ankles Don't Like Walking on Sand
I got to take a little vacation to the beach! We go to Outer Banks, NC of course!
I have been avoiding the sun this summer because of my scars. In fact, this swimmer went to the pool for the first time this summer on vacation - August 4th. It hurts my swimmer's heart to say it, but it's true. But surgery scars don't like the sun! Especially if I want them to fade. To go out I layered my sun tan lotion - a layer of SPF 15 Scar Zone, a layer of SPF 45 lotion, a layer of SPF 50 from a lotion stick, and then just to be safe a layer of SPF 45 spray lotion. Then most days I sat with a towel over my foot too. But the biggest discovery of vacation was that my ankle doesn't like walking on sand. It's just not strong enough yet.
The first day we went to the beach there was really strong undertow and I almost fell over just standing on the edge of the water. It was like I couldn't stay standing in the sand. Walking down the beach was hard too. Everyday it felt like my ankle was getting a really hard workout. And maybe that was a strengthening exercise it needed, but it was painful and exhausting just going to the beach. I can't wait to get back to "normal" someday! I feel like I have just missed so many things that I want to do or things that should be normal or easy are just so difficult.
Despite the workout my ankle got, I had a wonderful and relaxing vacation. Being on the water just does something for my soul. I need to move to live on a beach or lake of some sort. Any suggestions?
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| Nags Head, NC - Jeanette's Pier |
The first day we went to the beach there was really strong undertow and I almost fell over just standing on the edge of the water. It was like I couldn't stay standing in the sand. Walking down the beach was hard too. Everyday it felt like my ankle was getting a really hard workout. And maybe that was a strengthening exercise it needed, but it was painful and exhausting just going to the beach. I can't wait to get back to "normal" someday! I feel like I have just missed so many things that I want to do or things that should be normal or easy are just so difficult.
Despite the workout my ankle got, I had a wonderful and relaxing vacation. Being on the water just does something for my soul. I need to move to live on a beach or lake of some sort. Any suggestions?
Another Surgery: The Screw is Coming Out
I went back to the surgeon at the end of July and found out what we had expected: my heel has healed so the screw can come out. And my doctor thinks we should take the screw out to eliminate that pain. I will still have pain at the site where the tendon was transferred, he said. That might take another 6 months to heal. But taking out the screw will eliminate the bone pain (which we think is the main problem now) and then if I still have pain, at least the screw will not be the cause of it.
I was of course a little bit wary of having another surgery. And of course the week that I went to the doctor my ankle/heel was feeling better with little pain. I thought maybe it just needed more time to heal. So I spent a few days thinking about it. Ok, agonizing over it. Was it the right thing to do? Why was it feeling better this week? How painful had it really been before? Did I have time in my schedule for it? (Yes, this is a legit concern!) I calculated how much leave I had, determined when was the best time to have it to take the least leave, and got it all approved and scheduled the surgery - and of course the three other appointments that go with it.
So surgery to remove the screw from my heel is scheduled for Thursday, August 30 in the afternoon. I can't walk on it for 7-10 (preferably 10) days after surgery. I won't have to have a cast - I will have a post-op shoe. And I should use crutches (I want my scooter back!!), which of course means I will use my grandmother's walker again, and probably not leave the house unless I really have to. Even after all that time on one leg, I am just not good at getting around on one leg. It's not easy! I will only need "a little bit of sleepy medicine," as my doctor says, which hopefully means I will have less of a reaction to coming out of it. (I don't know if I've ever confessed it on my blog before, but when I woke up from the first surgery I was panicked and crying. I've heard that whatever emotion you're having before you go under gets intensified, and I was really anxious. Surprise, surprise.)
So think of me on August 30th! Hopefully this will finally end my pain and allow me to get back to "normal" and back on track with my life!
I was of course a little bit wary of having another surgery. And of course the week that I went to the doctor my ankle/heel was feeling better with little pain. I thought maybe it just needed more time to heal. So I spent a few days thinking about it. Ok, agonizing over it. Was it the right thing to do? Why was it feeling better this week? How painful had it really been before? Did I have time in my schedule for it? (Yes, this is a legit concern!) I calculated how much leave I had, determined when was the best time to have it to take the least leave, and got it all approved and scheduled the surgery - and of course the three other appointments that go with it.
So surgery to remove the screw from my heel is scheduled for Thursday, August 30 in the afternoon. I can't walk on it for 7-10 (preferably 10) days after surgery. I won't have to have a cast - I will have a post-op shoe. And I should use crutches (I want my scooter back!!), which of course means I will use my grandmother's walker again, and probably not leave the house unless I really have to. Even after all that time on one leg, I am just not good at getting around on one leg. It's not easy! I will only need "a little bit of sleepy medicine," as my doctor says, which hopefully means I will have less of a reaction to coming out of it. (I don't know if I've ever confessed it on my blog before, but when I woke up from the first surgery I was panicked and crying. I've heard that whatever emotion you're having before you go under gets intensified, and I was really anxious. Surprise, surprise.)
So think of me on August 30th! Hopefully this will finally end my pain and allow me to get back to "normal" and back on track with my life!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
CT Scan
I got my CT Scan done yesterday! Finally! It was pretty easy too. I had to wait a little bit, but the scan itself only took about 5 minutes. If you were ever curious what a CT scan was like, I'll tell you! It's a machine that looks a lot like the MRI machine (it might even be the same machine. Maybe one of my doctor/nurse friends can tell me). It's like a huge machine that almost goes up to the ceiling and has a hole in the middle of it like a donut for you to go through. For me it's not too bad because only my foot and leg really have to go in. I don't think I'd like being inside a machine more than that. You may know that I have a weird, sort of irrational fear of machinery. It's weird, I know. So these things are not fun for me. I was really nervous beforehand. I don't remember feeling this nervous before the MRI, but it's been over a year since I had that done. I do remember being even more nervous before surgery. I hate that feeling! Any ways, the CT Scan kind of sounds like a really loud washer or dryer. Not nearly as bad as the MRI that also bangs around A LOT and takes a lot longer - I was in the MRI for forever it seemed last year!
Now I just have to wait until July 27th to see my doctor again and see what the CT scan told us.
Now I just have to wait until July 27th to see my doctor again and see what the CT scan told us.
Monday, July 9, 2012
I Hate Insurance Companies
I didn't get to have my CT Scan over the weekend thanks to my stupid insurance company.
I got a message late Thursday night (but didn't talk to them until Friday morning) saying that my insurance company had not approved the CT Scan and had requested more information from my doctor. Great. Apparently the radiology place contacted my doctor for more info and then sent it to the insurance company, but they needed at least two business days to review everything.
I don't understand why this happened (other than the fact that insurance companies suck in general) and it's really annoying. I never had any problems with my MRI and everything before the surgery. I do have a different insurance company now than I did then, so maybe that's the problem. The surgery and everything was when I had my old insurance, so maybe it seems weird to the new insurance that I need a post-surgery CT Scan. Who knows. But I REALLY hope they figure it out this week - they rescheduled me for this Saturday morning instead!
In the meantime, my ankle continues to swell and be painful - especially when walking. I really can't walk without shoes on right now, which is a fairly new development. My tennis shoes and Dansko's are my savior! It's really hard to walk in sandals without pain right now. But it's still so hot!!
I got a message late Thursday night (but didn't talk to them until Friday morning) saying that my insurance company had not approved the CT Scan and had requested more information from my doctor. Great. Apparently the radiology place contacted my doctor for more info and then sent it to the insurance company, but they needed at least two business days to review everything.
I don't understand why this happened (other than the fact that insurance companies suck in general) and it's really annoying. I never had any problems with my MRI and everything before the surgery. I do have a different insurance company now than I did then, so maybe that's the problem. The surgery and everything was when I had my old insurance, so maybe it seems weird to the new insurance that I need a post-surgery CT Scan. Who knows. But I REALLY hope they figure it out this week - they rescheduled me for this Saturday morning instead!
In the meantime, my ankle continues to swell and be painful - especially when walking. I really can't walk without shoes on right now, which is a fairly new development. My tennis shoes and Dansko's are my savior! It's really hard to walk in sandals without pain right now. But it's still so hot!!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
My New Ankle Survives Another Busy Vacation!!
Saturday my mom, my sister, and I headed up to NYC again. I wore my Sketchers sandals that are very good for my feet. When it is 104 with a heat index of 115 I'm sorry, but I need sandals!! We got to NY early enough that we could do some shopping at Macy's and all on Saturday. Although we drove down to that area, there was lots of walking through Macy's and a bit to other stores to do. As the day went on I was in a lot of pain! I went back to the hotel to rest, but it didn't help much. This kind of pain means I walk slower (which is to say even slower than my current "normal") and sometimes am limping a little bit. It limits how far I can walk for sure. Luckily we stayed in Times Square where you can find anything you need including restaurants close of course! And the Marriott Marquis is right between the two shows we came to see!! After seeing the Broadway musical Porgy and Bess that night I went back to the hotel and iced my ankle before bed.
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| The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess! This year's Tony winner of Best Musical Revival! Amazing!! Even without the star Audra McDonald (from Private Practice anyone??) who was on vocal rest! |
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| The Best Man - full of so many amazing actors!! |
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| After a long but AMAZING and FUN day with my love and favorite bride-to-be! |
I am so glad to have today (Wednesday) off for the 4th to unpack and relax before going back to work for the rest of the week! I'm limping a bit today, but have to admit that I am not wearing shoes, which could be the problem. My original physical therapist Cristina told I should ALWAYS wear shoes now. My feet just want to be free sometimes!!
My ankle and I are hoping to take another vacation or two before the summer is over. There are so many friends to see!! But it will depend on when I can get the screw taken out after my CT Scan this weekend. I hope my heel is healing!
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| John Larroquette signing after The Best Man on Sunday! |
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| Kerry Butler reaching over my head and signing! |
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| Candice Bergen signing. Murphy Brown anyone?? Or any fans of Boston Legal?? |
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| Eric McCormack signing. AKA Will from Will and Grace! I miss that show!! |
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| James. Earl. Jones. This man needs no other statement. He's that amazing - and oh so cute in his old age!! |
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Dessert Pizza
Happy 4th of July!!
I'm getting caught up on updating my blog today with both recipes and ankle news! I've been pretty busy lately and let my blog go for a bit - I'm sorry!! But there have been graduations, and parties, and birthdays, and parties, and retirements, and parties, and trips/vacations, and seeing friends... Just so much going on, especially over the past month or so! So I'm back now and of course will try to be better about updating! I've heard from so many friends (who I am lucky to know all over the country!) that they actually read my blog, which makes me so happy!! Feel free to leave me a comment from time to time if you're visiting my blog! :)
Today I'm bringing you a recipe I made earlier this morning for the 4th of July - my second favorite holiday!! (Come on y'all, if you know me at all you know my devotion to all things Christmas! But I also love summertime, fireworks, and all things patriotic!)
Of course this can be made for any occasion - just change up the fruit and the design of it! This looks like a lot of steps, but it's really so easy to do! Enjoy!
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| Dessert Pizza dressed up for the 4th of July! My favorite!! |
1 package (18 oz.) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar assorted fruits (apple, strawberries, banana, kiwi, blueberries, etc.) - they suggest selecting three
1.) Preheat oven to 350.
2.) Remove 1 cup of cookie dough and reserve for another use (I don't do this. I use all the dough! But remember it makes for an even bigger cookie, which means not only bigger, but a longer cooking time too).
3.) Press sugar cookie dough into a 12-inch circle on a 13-inch baking stone using lightly floured hands.
4.) Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
5.) Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes.
6.) Loosen cookie from stone by sliding knife between cookie and base of stone. Cool completely.
7.) Combine cream cheese and sugar in a bowl.
8.) Spread mixture over cooled crust.
9.) Prepare fruit for topping (peel, slice, etc.).
10.) Arrange fruit on cream cheese mixture.
11.) Chill until ready to serve.
12.) Cut into wedges or squares with pizza cutter and serve.
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| Sugar cookie dough all rolled out on the baking stone. You could also use a pizza pan I suspect! |
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| After baking almost 15 minutes since I used all the dough! |
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| About to put the cream cheese/sugar mixture on! |
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| Ready for some fruit! |
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| There's nothing like fresh fruit in the summer!! |
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| Is there anything more American than a giant cookie with fruit on it to disguise it as something healthy?? I think not! :) |
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