Monday I went back to the knee doctor to find out the results of my MRI. Although I had the images on a CD, I did not have the radiologist's report so I didn't know what it found. I was honestly hoping it something was torn so that they could just go in and fix it. Although I really don't want to have another surgery, and I really have NO time for surgery or recovery this summer, I just want an actual fix to my knee pain. There was a day recently when I considered chopping off my knee... My pain has been bad!
The report basically said there were two places that are inflamed but nothing serious is wrong like a tear, etc. I'm really glad there's nothing serious wrong, but I was slightly disappointed there wasn't going to be an easy fix. The doctor gave me a prescription for 4 more weeks of physical therapy. He said I could be more aggressive than I have been and suggested I really focus on quad strength before my trip to Europe - which is only about 4 weeks away.
I feel so defeated over this. Physical therapy didn't work for the first eight weeks, so why would it suddenly work in four more? I don't believe it will. I just really hope more strengthening will help the pain, especially in time for walking through Europe. Ahh! But I have to trust if my doctor is good enough to be a Redskin's team physician, he knows what he's talking about... Now I'm just debating if I want to get back into physical therapy for a couple weeks, or I just want to start walking and exercises on my own.
Showing posts with label physical therapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label physical therapy. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
April Knee Doctor Appointment
Well my appointment with the knee doctor last month was pretty disappointing to say the least. They took an x-ray and told me what I already knew: that my knee caps are tilted. This is not new news. He also said that he thought I had not spent enough time in physical therapy yet. So although he gave me a prescription for an MRI so that I wouldn't have to come back for another appointment just for that, he wanted me to go to PT for four more weeks before using it.
I debated with myself what to do, because I really believed my knee was not going to get better. But I decided to follow the doctor's instructions and continue PT before getting the MRI. Well we are at almost 4 weeks later now, but my knee is not really better. Over the past week I have noticed a slight improvement, but that is mostly because I have been really sick and resting more and doing less. I know that as soon as I'm back to more activities, my knee will kill me again. So I am planning to schedule the MRI ASAP so that we can see what's really going on in there. I only wish I had followed my intuition and done it sooner.
I have to get my knee better soon because not only am I moving to New Orleans this summer, I'm also traveling to Europe where I will need to do a lot of walking!
I debated with myself what to do, because I really believed my knee was not going to get better. But I decided to follow the doctor's instructions and continue PT before getting the MRI. Well we are at almost 4 weeks later now, but my knee is not really better. Over the past week I have noticed a slight improvement, but that is mostly because I have been really sick and resting more and doing less. I know that as soon as I'm back to more activities, my knee will kill me again. So I am planning to schedule the MRI ASAP so that we can see what's really going on in there. I only wish I had followed my intuition and done it sooner.
I have to get my knee better soon because not only am I moving to New Orleans this summer, I'm also traveling to Europe where I will need to do a lot of walking!
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| My knee has to get better in time to explore Prague this summer! |
Saturday, April 20, 2013
My Stupid Knee
Today the damage to the skin on my knee after my frost "nip" incident is FINALLY, almost looking normal. Here's today's lesson: Never get frost bite (or frost nip).
My knee overall is not doing well. I have been going to physical therapy for four and a half weeks and my knee is not better. If anything, it's worse. And so I have decided to go to the doctor to have it really looked at. Dave (PT) thinks I need an MRI at this point. The problem is that my ankle surgeon is only an ankle specialist, and his entire practice is only for feet and ankles. It was awesome to know that I had an ankle expert working on my ankle, but now that my ankle has affected my knee, it means I have to find a new doctor to look at my knee.
I found a practice that accepts my insurance (the one that was recommended to me did not accept it) and was able to make an appointment with a knee specialist. Luckily, they had an appointment pretty quickly. I am scheduled to see the doctor on Monday (4/22)! Hopefully I can get this looked at, find out what's wrong, and get moving again! Not only do I want to get back to working out (I had to cancel my remaining appointments with my trainer), I have some big plans for this summer and I don't want to be in pain!
My knee overall is not doing well. I have been going to physical therapy for four and a half weeks and my knee is not better. If anything, it's worse. And so I have decided to go to the doctor to have it really looked at. Dave (PT) thinks I need an MRI at this point. The problem is that my ankle surgeon is only an ankle specialist, and his entire practice is only for feet and ankles. It was awesome to know that I had an ankle expert working on my ankle, but now that my ankle has affected my knee, it means I have to find a new doctor to look at my knee.
I found a practice that accepts my insurance (the one that was recommended to me did not accept it) and was able to make an appointment with a knee specialist. Luckily, they had an appointment pretty quickly. I am scheduled to see the doctor on Monday (4/22)! Hopefully I can get this looked at, find out what's wrong, and get moving again! Not only do I want to get back to working out (I had to cancel my remaining appointments with my trainer), I have some big plans for this summer and I don't want to be in pain!
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| HAHAHAHA!! |
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Frost Nip
Yesterday was my birthday, but it was Wednesday so I also had to go to PT. There are just some things you shouldn't have to do on your birthday!
I was still sore after PT on Monday, and doing too much walking while shopping on Tuesday. They pushed me hard, but not quite as hard as Monday. Everything was normal until I got hooked up for e-stim. I could tell the ice was a little too cold, but it soon numbed my knee and I was happy about that. When I stood up my knee was still numb and really frozen. I looked at it and saw why - it was REALLY frozen. There was ice actually stuck to my knee. I was freaking out. Duffy looked at it and tried to melt the ice off with his hands, but it wouldn't really come off. Dave and Duffy seemed unconcerned about it, so I left and assumed it would warm up later. But it had really freaked me out.
Later when I looked at my knee again, the ice had melted off and a big red mark was now in its place. As the night went on, my knee was redder and hurt more. I couldn't bend it because my skin hurt so bad when I tried. Even once I went to bed, if I moved and tried to bend my knee in my sleep I woke up because it hurt so bad.
This morning it is slightly better, but there is still a large red welt on my knee and a few other smaller red areas. I put in a call to Dave because after many, many PT treatments like this, I have NEVER had this problem before. Duffy called me back and asked me a bunch of questions about the red mark on my knee. He determined that I most likely have "frost nip," which is like frost bite lite. Basically they think that the skin is damaged, but the tissue underneath is not. So it's good news and bad news I guess. He said it should continue to get better. In the meantime, I can take Tylenol for the pain (except I can't take acetaminophen) and I should NOT ice my knee.
All I can say is... really? REALLY??
I was still sore after PT on Monday, and doing too much walking while shopping on Tuesday. They pushed me hard, but not quite as hard as Monday. Everything was normal until I got hooked up for e-stim. I could tell the ice was a little too cold, but it soon numbed my knee and I was happy about that. When I stood up my knee was still numb and really frozen. I looked at it and saw why - it was REALLY frozen. There was ice actually stuck to my knee. I was freaking out. Duffy looked at it and tried to melt the ice off with his hands, but it wouldn't really come off. Dave and Duffy seemed unconcerned about it, so I left and assumed it would warm up later. But it had really freaked me out.
Later when I looked at my knee again, the ice had melted off and a big red mark was now in its place. As the night went on, my knee was redder and hurt more. I couldn't bend it because my skin hurt so bad when I tried. Even once I went to bed, if I moved and tried to bend my knee in my sleep I woke up because it hurt so bad.
This morning it is slightly better, but there is still a large red welt on my knee and a few other smaller red areas. I put in a call to Dave because after many, many PT treatments like this, I have NEVER had this problem before. Duffy called me back and asked me a bunch of questions about the red mark on my knee. He determined that I most likely have "frost nip," which is like frost bite lite. Basically they think that the skin is damaged, but the tissue underneath is not. So it's good news and bad news I guess. He said it should continue to get better. In the meantime, I can take Tylenol for the pain (except I can't take acetaminophen) and I should NOT ice my knee.
All I can say is... really? REALLY??
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| "Frost nip??" Ain't nobody got time for that! |
Monday, March 25, 2013
Back to Physical Therapy
On Wednesday last week I was reevaluated at physical therapy for my knee and hip pain. I am less than thrilled to have to go back to PT again. It's a good thing I like Dave, my physical therapist so much. He's awesome!
So Dave has a new intern with him now. I wish I could remember his name, because he is awesome, and he is the one who actually did a lot of my eval. They asked me a million questions and did a bunch of tests. In the end they identified two problems.
The lesser of the two problems is my right hip. They don't think anything is actually wrong with my hip, they believe it is just weak from not being used after the surgeries. So I have a few exercises to strengthen my hip.
The bigger problem is my right knee. Again, a result of my life after surgery. They initially thought I might have torn my meniscus, but after evaluation decided that was not the case. Thank God! The problem is my knee cap is not tracking, and a myriad of other problems going on with my leg affecting my knee. My quad needs to be strengthened and my hamstring stretched. My glutes need to fire at the same time as my hamstring, and right now they are firing way after my hamstring, causing further problems. Basically, my leg is a mess after my ankle surgeries.
The WORST news of all? I AM BACK ON ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS. AGAIN. I am only allowed to do these really basic PT exercises. I can't do any lower body workout - so no treadmill, bike, or even elliptical, or working out with my trainer. I can't even swim unless I only pull, and I'm not sure my shoulders are up for taking all of the burden right now. I might try it though, because my only other cardio option is the hand bike. Ugh.
So Dave has a new intern with him now. I wish I could remember his name, because he is awesome, and he is the one who actually did a lot of my eval. They asked me a million questions and did a bunch of tests. In the end they identified two problems.
The lesser of the two problems is my right hip. They don't think anything is actually wrong with my hip, they believe it is just weak from not being used after the surgeries. So I have a few exercises to strengthen my hip.
The bigger problem is my right knee. Again, a result of my life after surgery. They initially thought I might have torn my meniscus, but after evaluation decided that was not the case. Thank God! The problem is my knee cap is not tracking, and a myriad of other problems going on with my leg affecting my knee. My quad needs to be strengthened and my hamstring stretched. My glutes need to fire at the same time as my hamstring, and right now they are firing way after my hamstring, causing further problems. Basically, my leg is a mess after my ankle surgeries.
The WORST news of all? I AM BACK ON ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS. AGAIN. I am only allowed to do these really basic PT exercises. I can't do any lower body workout - so no treadmill, bike, or even elliptical, or working out with my trainer. I can't even swim unless I only pull, and I'm not sure my shoulders are up for taking all of the burden right now. I might try it though, because my only other cardio option is the hand bike. Ugh.
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| Never thought I'd miss the treadmill! Darn knee... |
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Another Knee Update
After trying to rest my knee for some time, it's not really getting better. In fact, it is now worse than ever. Not only can I not exercise without pain, I also cannot even walk up the stairs without pain at this point. My knee makes this awful clicking noise that I feel with every step. It's so bad. So last week I finally did what I had been trying to avoid but knew was coming: I made an appointment with physical therapy to be re-evaluated for my knee pain. Unfortunately Dave could not see me until this Wednesday, March 20th, so I am just waiting until then.
It's really frustrating and overall really sucks. There's no other way I can describe it right now. But hopefully Dave will have some ideas and I can get my hip and knee in alignment and working well again. I'm hoping to be back to real work outs soon. Let's see how it goes!
It's really frustrating and overall really sucks. There's no other way I can describe it right now. But hopefully Dave will have some ideas and I can get my hip and knee in alignment and working well again. I'm hoping to be back to real work outs soon. Let's see how it goes!
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| I'm a sad cloud over my knee again. |
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Knee Update
So my knee has been killing me. Last week I finally had to call Dave, my physical therapist, because my knee was hurting so bad. Not only did I have to stop running, I was having trouble doing normal things, including just walking in my day-to-day life. Over the weekend I was in a wedding (look for another post on that!) and I finally heard back from Dave Monday.
Dave said he thinks I am getting tendinitis in my knee and having a problem with a sliding knee cap. That sounds about right. I've never had great knees. He said I needed to ice it and rest it. He reiterated to BACK OFF it, or it will NOT get better. I got it, loud and clear. He said no running while it's like this. He was not too happy about the elliptical either. He suggested biking and said that this would be best because I'm having this problem because my quad muscles are still too weak.
So I am following Dave's advice: backing off things like running and anything that generally hurts, icing and resting, and moving to biking, etc. to strengthen my quads, and really stretching my legs out. Man my legs are tight!!
Dave said he thinks I am getting tendinitis in my knee and having a problem with a sliding knee cap. That sounds about right. I've never had great knees. He said I needed to ice it and rest it. He reiterated to BACK OFF it, or it will NOT get better. I got it, loud and clear. He said no running while it's like this. He was not too happy about the elliptical either. He suggested biking and said that this would be best because I'm having this problem because my quad muscles are still too weak.
So I am following Dave's advice: backing off things like running and anything that generally hurts, icing and resting, and moving to biking, etc. to strengthen my quads, and really stretching my legs out. Man my legs are tight!!
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| Bahahaha! This cracked me up! |
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
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. :)
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
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?
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! |
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