Ankle is fine now, back to normal tkd and activities. I do not notice a loss in proprioception.
I do notice a slight loss of flexibily. I cant quite make a blade of my foot for a side kick but most normal people would not notice.
My finger on my left hand continued to get worse. I might have had success with acupuncture if I had tried earlier. I did trigger release surgery 6 weeks ago range of motion is almost back to before it started. It hurts though I understand that might get better in a month or 2.
Tumeric and black pepper are my friend, seems to keep the inflamation down.
good luck.
Art.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
3 years 4 months post
Forgot all about this blog.
Well my left ankle is doing ok. I have lost some flexibility but that was expected.
There are a few anomolies being followed by my podiatrist. Due to ongoing discomfort I ended up having an MRI that showed several problem areas.
next week I will have a second one to see if we can figure this out.
I feel pain if I am barefoot to much, oddly enough I feel pain in my other foot if I wear shoes to much. Intresting.
I have also found PT to be very helpful, but you have to find a good one. If they dont train athletes as well as old folks find someone else.
As an added bonus with the new year I broke my right foot and am dealing with that right now. Frequent flier miles with my podiatrist.
If you go through the surgery find a good chiropractor in your spare time, you will be visiting them soon.
good luck.
Art.
Well my left ankle is doing ok. I have lost some flexibility but that was expected.
There are a few anomolies being followed by my podiatrist. Due to ongoing discomfort I ended up having an MRI that showed several problem areas.
next week I will have a second one to see if we can figure this out.
I feel pain if I am barefoot to much, oddly enough I feel pain in my other foot if I wear shoes to much. Intresting.
I have also found PT to be very helpful, but you have to find a good one. If they dont train athletes as well as old folks find someone else.
As an added bonus with the new year I broke my right foot and am dealing with that right now. Frequent flier miles with my podiatrist.
If you go through the surgery find a good chiropractor in your spare time, you will be visiting them soon.
good luck.
Art.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
1 year and 1 month post surgery. not a great outcome.
Well back again.
Tomorrow another meeting with the Doc. Nice guy excellent surgeon.
Did not work for me.
I am about where I was before surgery.
Improvements: No more sprains (might have been able to do this with ankle braces)
I did have one sprain early in Jan in the snow. Would have been a ankle popper (min 6 week recovery) but I would probably have been wearing a brace if I had not had surgery, I almost did anyway. As it was it was a grade 1, very minor sprain.
cons:
lack of stability/feedback apparently you lose the sensors in the ankle when this tendon is removed and replaced. this is what gives you proprioception.
I dont have it anymore. My ankle breaks into oscillations when I try to stay on it to long, I think this is sensor and not strength related.
I cannot be bare foot for any length of time, at most I can attend 2 or 3 classes (1hr long) per week. Even then I cannot jump and end up with soreness (that I think is minor swelling) in the Tailor dome area.
One of the fingers of my right hand will no longer close to make a fist easily. this let up during my steroid treatment then returned. I suspect a higher than normal level of inflammation in my body. Noticing some improvement but still painful and annoying. This began just after surgery and has been constant. May not be related.
My other ankle is loose enough to warrant surgery but I feel more stable on it than my repaired ankle.
When attempting to restart PT with Ms Barnett I set up a schedule (re approved from insurance finally for 90 days of PT) her schedual changed and all of my appts were canceled. At this time I think I have spent enough of the families time and effort on myself so will not look for more PT. May change when I see Doc but doubt it.
My blood pressure and weight are almost back up to where they were before I started TKD.
I do not see the ankle improving although I will restart PT given to me before screw removal. Due to my reaction to the screws I hope I never need knee or hip replacement, that would be ugly.
I will also try a paleo diet, some indications that it may remove overall inflammation in my body.
I will report by my birthday (april) if there is any improvement.
This is probably because I use my ankles more than most folks and I am very flexible so the procedure may work for you. For me it does not look good. I can do everyday activities OK just not the 5 or 6 workouts a week as well as teaching.
Good luck I hope your outcome is better than mine!
Tomorrow another meeting with the Doc. Nice guy excellent surgeon.
Did not work for me.
I am about where I was before surgery.
Improvements: No more sprains (might have been able to do this with ankle braces)
I did have one sprain early in Jan in the snow. Would have been a ankle popper (min 6 week recovery) but I would probably have been wearing a brace if I had not had surgery, I almost did anyway. As it was it was a grade 1, very minor sprain.
cons:
lack of stability/feedback apparently you lose the sensors in the ankle when this tendon is removed and replaced. this is what gives you proprioception.
I dont have it anymore. My ankle breaks into oscillations when I try to stay on it to long, I think this is sensor and not strength related.
I cannot be bare foot for any length of time, at most I can attend 2 or 3 classes (1hr long) per week. Even then I cannot jump and end up with soreness (that I think is minor swelling) in the Tailor dome area.
One of the fingers of my right hand will no longer close to make a fist easily. this let up during my steroid treatment then returned. I suspect a higher than normal level of inflammation in my body. Noticing some improvement but still painful and annoying. This began just after surgery and has been constant. May not be related.
My other ankle is loose enough to warrant surgery but I feel more stable on it than my repaired ankle.
When attempting to restart PT with Ms Barnett I set up a schedule (re approved from insurance finally for 90 days of PT) her schedual changed and all of my appts were canceled. At this time I think I have spent enough of the families time and effort on myself so will not look for more PT. May change when I see Doc but doubt it.
My blood pressure and weight are almost back up to where they were before I started TKD.
I do not see the ankle improving although I will restart PT given to me before screw removal. Due to my reaction to the screws I hope I never need knee or hip replacement, that would be ugly.
I will also try a paleo diet, some indications that it may remove overall inflammation in my body.
I will report by my birthday (april) if there is any improvement.
This is probably because I use my ankles more than most folks and I am very flexible so the procedure may work for you. For me it does not look good. I can do everyday activities OK just not the 5 or 6 workouts a week as well as teaching.
Good luck I hope your outcome is better than mine!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
9 Months Post surgery. screw removal.
Ok Im back!
After repeated swelling of the Taylor dome part of my ankle. 1 cortisone shot and 2 courses of antiinflamitories.
And frankly my deciding that this whole ankle stabilization thing was a big mistake on my part. Might be good for some folks but for me
it has removed any barefoot activity. Where before surgery I was 90% barefoot (or wearing vibrum 5 fingers) now I can only do 2 or 3 hours per week of Tae Kwon Do.
Complete loss on my part. 9 months post surgery and including some aggressive PT. (1/2 hour to 1hour per day)
Next try when I told my fine Dr my tale of woe (he really is a great Doc, just does not look good for me). He proposes removing the 3 screws added in my december surgery. 2 of which are showing some signs of irritation. One just outside the Taylor dome (sp?).
1 to 2 week recovery.
Ok lets go for it, not much to lose now.
Registration person from the hospital calls. Tells me all the stuff I have already read insists I need an appt at the hospital. My Dr says I dont, registration lady is snippy and rude. Also reg lady (not a nurse, always ask) tells me not to take my synthroid the day of surgery.
Surgical nurse calls. Obviously this lady is having a bad hair day. I correct a few things she tells me (from memory of last surgery. She leaves out a few things but does tell me to take my synthroid. Seemed polite but Im glad it was my second time around.
11:40 surgery, arrive at 9:40am. Used a local taxi service since my wife is going through a relapse from her traffic accident a year ago. More vertigo. (shuttle express, very nice, prompt and polite)
Turn in cash credit card insurance card and drivers liscence. Filled out paper work all that good stuff.
Ekg, poked and prodded. Waited an hour, took a nap. Bp very high.
Moved to preop.
2 residents come to speak with me (practicing how to handle patients and marking the leg). One was really funny, I dont think he meant to be. He acted all official and Dr ish while pretending to ask questions and write down the info on the back of a piece of medical packing material. The pen was not clicked out, hey if you want to fool an engineer you need to work harder! I was polite and did not laugh at him or call him on it. He while I was out he might give me a tatoo or something. He also forgot to ask about a few bits of medical info, but I knew the nurse had it and the other resident covered it.
Same Anesthesiologist as before. Great guy! If I find where I wrote his name down Ill put it in later.
I discussed not being put out as I did not like the drunk feeling I had last time. (nurse said I had an uneducated liver). Hey Ive been drunk once when waking up from surgery, I can check that box off, I dont see why people like it, more for you guys! Also recovery from the anesthesia was longer than the rest of the surgery!
Since locals dont work well on the bones he will be working on and a block would leave me without sensation I agreed to be put down again. But the great anesthesiologist says he will change some things and it should not last as long.
They wheel me in, this time I get to see all the cool equipment.
Give me a mask turn on the drugs in the drip and away I go.
Wake up they are wheeling me out of surgery.
Post op I wake right up. Moving big muscles to burn off any drugs I can. Quickly moved to the holding area and given ice an crackers. Use the bathroom drink water, repeat.
Ask about drugs (last time big problem, this time no trouble, the pharmacy did not mess up). Drugs arrive and I took 1/2 a vicadan.
Ask about after care, told "No Weight bearing", This was not correct I ask the nurse she talks to the doc and they change it to "stop when it hurts" They give me this wooden plank to put on my foot, nearly trips me twice then I move to one of my old walking casts. They are the really cheap bits.
Wife is called and she lets them know she has to wait until the boys are done at piano before she can pick me up. I could have left around 12:30pm! No problem they let me lay around and even feed me a bit. Wife calls to say she has arrived. (really nice nurse by the way Mary I think)
Fellow asks if I want a wheel chair. Remembering the long walk in I accept. He takes me on a short cut (I could have walked this easy). I point out my car (3 car lengths away). He pulls up in the middle of the road and waves for my wife to roll up. I ask to be taken to the car, repeat.... Finally I get up and head to my wife with my stuff. He says "you cant do that!" Grabs my shirt and nearly pulls me down to the concrete. I tell him to back off and continue to the car.
We went to a quick dinner and head home. During dinner I take 3 advil liquigels. Last pain med I need. Bit sore in a few places but not near where the screws were removed, Ill ask about that at follow up. Not enough pain to keep me awake. This Anesthesia also did not mess with bowel movements sorry if TMI.
Hope this solves the problem. More later.
After repeated swelling of the Taylor dome part of my ankle. 1 cortisone shot and 2 courses of antiinflamitories.
And frankly my deciding that this whole ankle stabilization thing was a big mistake on my part. Might be good for some folks but for me
it has removed any barefoot activity. Where before surgery I was 90% barefoot (or wearing vibrum 5 fingers) now I can only do 2 or 3 hours per week of Tae Kwon Do.
Complete loss on my part. 9 months post surgery and including some aggressive PT. (1/2 hour to 1hour per day)
Next try when I told my fine Dr my tale of woe (he really is a great Doc, just does not look good for me). He proposes removing the 3 screws added in my december surgery. 2 of which are showing some signs of irritation. One just outside the Taylor dome (sp?).
1 to 2 week recovery.
Ok lets go for it, not much to lose now.
Registration person from the hospital calls. Tells me all the stuff I have already read insists I need an appt at the hospital. My Dr says I dont, registration lady is snippy and rude. Also reg lady (not a nurse, always ask) tells me not to take my synthroid the day of surgery.
Surgical nurse calls. Obviously this lady is having a bad hair day. I correct a few things she tells me (from memory of last surgery. She leaves out a few things but does tell me to take my synthroid. Seemed polite but Im glad it was my second time around.
11:40 surgery, arrive at 9:40am. Used a local taxi service since my wife is going through a relapse from her traffic accident a year ago. More vertigo. (shuttle express, very nice, prompt and polite)
Turn in cash credit card insurance card and drivers liscence. Filled out paper work all that good stuff.
Ekg, poked and prodded. Waited an hour, took a nap. Bp very high.
Moved to preop.
2 residents come to speak with me (practicing how to handle patients and marking the leg). One was really funny, I dont think he meant to be. He acted all official and Dr ish while pretending to ask questions and write down the info on the back of a piece of medical packing material. The pen was not clicked out, hey if you want to fool an engineer you need to work harder! I was polite and did not laugh at him or call him on it. He while I was out he might give me a tatoo or something. He also forgot to ask about a few bits of medical info, but I knew the nurse had it and the other resident covered it.
Same Anesthesiologist as before. Great guy! If I find where I wrote his name down Ill put it in later.
I discussed not being put out as I did not like the drunk feeling I had last time. (nurse said I had an uneducated liver). Hey Ive been drunk once when waking up from surgery, I can check that box off, I dont see why people like it, more for you guys! Also recovery from the anesthesia was longer than the rest of the surgery!
Since locals dont work well on the bones he will be working on and a block would leave me without sensation I agreed to be put down again. But the great anesthesiologist says he will change some things and it should not last as long.
They wheel me in, this time I get to see all the cool equipment.
Give me a mask turn on the drugs in the drip and away I go.
Wake up they are wheeling me out of surgery.
Post op I wake right up. Moving big muscles to burn off any drugs I can. Quickly moved to the holding area and given ice an crackers. Use the bathroom drink water, repeat.
Ask about drugs (last time big problem, this time no trouble, the pharmacy did not mess up). Drugs arrive and I took 1/2 a vicadan.
Ask about after care, told "No Weight bearing", This was not correct I ask the nurse she talks to the doc and they change it to "stop when it hurts" They give me this wooden plank to put on my foot, nearly trips me twice then I move to one of my old walking casts. They are the really cheap bits.
Wife is called and she lets them know she has to wait until the boys are done at piano before she can pick me up. I could have left around 12:30pm! No problem they let me lay around and even feed me a bit. Wife calls to say she has arrived. (really nice nurse by the way Mary I think)
Fellow asks if I want a wheel chair. Remembering the long walk in I accept. He takes me on a short cut (I could have walked this easy). I point out my car (3 car lengths away). He pulls up in the middle of the road and waves for my wife to roll up. I ask to be taken to the car, repeat.... Finally I get up and head to my wife with my stuff. He says "you cant do that!" Grabs my shirt and nearly pulls me down to the concrete. I tell him to back off and continue to the car.
We went to a quick dinner and head home. During dinner I take 3 advil liquigels. Last pain med I need. Bit sore in a few places but not near where the screws were removed, Ill ask about that at follow up. Not enough pain to keep me awake. This Anesthesia also did not mess with bowel movements sorry if TMI.
Hope this solves the problem. More later.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
16 weeks post op
still doing PT.
No sparring or jumping yet, last appt Dr said June.
Getting frustrated, Doing all of my pushups and sit ups together in order to get some cardio in.
Now is the real hard part, wanting to push at TKD but afraid of hurting the surgery. Arrgg!
Keeping on.....
No sparring or jumping yet, last appt Dr said June.
Getting frustrated, Doing all of my pushups and sit ups together in order to get some cardio in.
Now is the real hard part, wanting to push at TKD but afraid of hurting the surgery. Arrgg!
Keeping on.....
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Week 8 post op
Have not been here for a while. Ill try to do a few more entries before I leave this.
Currently polishing my cartledge moving my toe in a circle, not letting my ankle exceed 30deg flex.
Few aches nothing unusual. Started Chiropractic. Bit to soon I should have waited until I was off crutches. Helped back some, I think it was a good choice overall.
Expect to see Dr friday and get a lace up brace! Then I can go around and get rid of all the black marks on the floor from the brace, no sense in doing before I get rid of it. Having extra liners is a big help.. I have them from when I sprained it before, it would be worth buying one or 2 so you can always wear a clean and dry one.
Found out my ankles are genetic. My eldest twisted his ankle playing bball and gets to see my Dr after my appt. Bummer.
Currently polishing my cartledge moving my toe in a circle, not letting my ankle exceed 30deg flex.
Few aches nothing unusual. Started Chiropractic. Bit to soon I should have waited until I was off crutches. Helped back some, I think it was a good choice overall.
Expect to see Dr friday and get a lace up brace! Then I can go around and get rid of all the black marks on the floor from the brace, no sense in doing before I get rid of it. Having extra liners is a big help.. I have them from when I sprained it before, it would be worth buying one or 2 so you can always wear a clean and dry one.
Found out my ankles are genetic. My eldest twisted his ankle playing bball and gets to see my Dr after my appt. Bummer.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Getting towards the end
Time to unwrap gift in a few weeks.
Up to 6 weeks. Now without crutches, today was the first day.
Started taking showers on my own this week. Using a suction cup bar on the side for ballance really helps.
Started Chiropractic to soon. Last week could not stand on injured leg yet so Xrays skewed. They want to repeat. I asked before and they ignored me. I was stupidly patient so now I need to decide what to do.
My good leg is much stronger than my left leg, even shows up on Xrays. Dr says lot of work to do.
Next Dr visit on Friday, hope to start PT soon. Will start TKD next week. Need to make a cover for my boot to protect the mats at the school.
Up to 6 weeks. Now without crutches, today was the first day.
Started taking showers on my own this week. Using a suction cup bar on the side for ballance really helps.
Started Chiropractic to soon. Last week could not stand on injured leg yet so Xrays skewed. They want to repeat. I asked before and they ignored me. I was stupidly patient so now I need to decide what to do.
My good leg is much stronger than my left leg, even shows up on Xrays. Dr says lot of work to do.
Next Dr visit on Friday, hope to start PT soon. Will start TKD next week. Need to make a cover for my boot to protect the mats at the school.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
29 days post
Moving right along.
Ankle a bit sore today starting to place 30 lbs on it when walking. As directed by Dr I placed my foot on a scale pressed until I got to 30 lbs and remembered what it felt like. When I walk with crutches I put about that force on my foot.
In my old job I could have jury rigged up a sensor to tell me when I was exceeding 30 lbs. Dr says its not that critical. Next week (week 5) I get to add 20lbs a day until I am walking without crutches! Yah! Hey if I go on a diet Ill get there faster, hmm maybe not.
Need to start working on a cover for my boot so that I can start TKD as soon as I can walk on my foot, well maybe Ill wait a week. Remember dont block the boot! At 8 weeks I get to go to a lace up support. I imagine PT starts not long after that.
Continuing to get scratches on my good leg from my cast. Wrapping the boot with cloth and holding it on with velcro seems to work ok. Im ready to be done with this!
Takes longer to walk and pay attention to the weight on the boot but easier on the arms. Patches over my ribs really get raw after a while.
Ankle a bit sore today starting to place 30 lbs on it when walking. As directed by Dr I placed my foot on a scale pressed until I got to 30 lbs and remembered what it felt like. When I walk with crutches I put about that force on my foot.
In my old job I could have jury rigged up a sensor to tell me when I was exceeding 30 lbs. Dr says its not that critical. Next week (week 5) I get to add 20lbs a day until I am walking without crutches! Yah! Hey if I go on a diet Ill get there faster, hmm maybe not.
Need to start working on a cover for my boot so that I can start TKD as soon as I can walk on my foot, well maybe Ill wait a week. Remember dont block the boot! At 8 weeks I get to go to a lace up support. I imagine PT starts not long after that.
Continuing to get scratches on my good leg from my cast. Wrapping the boot with cloth and holding it on with velcro seems to work ok. Im ready to be done with this!
Takes longer to walk and pay attention to the weight on the boot but easier on the arms. Patches over my ribs really get raw after a while.
Friday, January 6, 2012
23 days post
Hmm over did a bit today felt a bit of burn where the moved tendon is. Im sure it is ok I just polished my cartilage a bit to much
It has mostly subsided.
I am supposed to extend the ball of my foot 20 degrees back and forth for 15 min. Repeat 4X a day. Dr said it was polishing in the new cartilage layer.
Getting some neck pain, I think I am holding my shoulders up to much when using my crutches.
keeping up on pushups and situps.
Still problem with sweat in cast and on cast pads.
Sad to see my calf getting so withered. It was a lot of work to get it in shape! Oh well.
Well early day tomorrow so off to bed.
It has mostly subsided.
I am supposed to extend the ball of my foot 20 degrees back and forth for 15 min. Repeat 4X a day. Dr said it was polishing in the new cartilage layer.
Getting some neck pain, I think I am holding my shoulders up to much when using my crutches.
keeping up on pushups and situps.
Still problem with sweat in cast and on cast pads.
Sad to see my calf getting so withered. It was a lot of work to get it in shape! Oh well.
Well early day tomorrow so off to bed.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
20 days post
Dr said I am doing fine.
Pad is getting wet from sweat. Drying each night is a good idea.
I now have exercises to do every day 4x per day for 15 minute each extend the ball of my foot to 20 deg and back.
I should feel pain if it exceed 30 deg pressing through could snap the repaired tendon.
Week 4 to 5 30 lbs weight bearing when walking suggested getting a scale and pressing down until I see 30 lbs. Then use this
calibration as I walk.
Walking to much is what will hurt the cartilage. The pulsing of my foot is to polish the cartilage repair.
Week 5 to 6 gradually advance to full weight on the ankle add 20lbs each day. So I am almost at week 3. week from tomorrow
I can start putting weight on.
Call if I feel pain for more than 12 hours. Keep swelling down. Be good,
Pad is getting wet from sweat. Drying each night is a good idea.
I now have exercises to do every day 4x per day for 15 minute each extend the ball of my foot to 20 deg and back.
I should feel pain if it exceed 30 deg pressing through could snap the repaired tendon.
Week 4 to 5 30 lbs weight bearing when walking suggested getting a scale and pressing down until I see 30 lbs. Then use this
calibration as I walk.
Walking to much is what will hurt the cartilage. The pulsing of my foot is to polish the cartilage repair.
Week 5 to 6 gradually advance to full weight on the ankle add 20lbs each day. So I am almost at week 3. week from tomorrow
I can start putting weight on.
Call if I feel pain for more than 12 hours. Keep swelling down. Be good,
Monday, January 2, 2012
19 days post
Continue to have a problem with moisture in the bottom of my walking cast.
Its even in the plastic.
Will discuss with Dr tomorrow. The spongy part gets full of water. I have removed it twice and dryed it out in the dryer on no heat.
Replaced it with a towel for now, no weight bearing so no big deal.
Fortunately I have another walking cast from previous injuries. That way the liner can be washed every time I wash my foot off. (well when my lovely wife washes it off). This occurs every other day.
butter fly bandages still on. Ill take a photo next time the cover is off. I also wash the stockinette every time we wash my foot. Ill shift to socks after I can move my foot more.
Its even in the plastic.
Will discuss with Dr tomorrow. The spongy part gets full of water. I have removed it twice and dryed it out in the dryer on no heat.
Replaced it with a towel for now, no weight bearing so no big deal.
Fortunately I have another walking cast from previous injuries. That way the liner can be washed every time I wash my foot off. (well when my lovely wife washes it off). This occurs every other day.
butter fly bandages still on. Ill take a photo next time the cover is off. I also wash the stockinette every time we wash my foot. Ill shift to socks after I can move my foot more.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
17 days post surgery
Happy new years eve.
Found the bottom of my walking cast was getting moist. Removed the foam bottom (no weight bearing anyway) to dry it off last night put a washrag under the liner to draw the water out of it. Seems to be better today.
Dont want skin to stay wet, that does not end well.
Sometimes sitting with the liner open but the walking boot still on for support. Got to keep that foot at 90 degrees!
Small ache yesterday after being up most of the day taking my wife out for her Birthday dinner and wandering. Felt like it was in the bone. My Aunt (CAJ a nurse) says that you can get swelling even if you cant see it and it will cause pain. Very minor 1 or 2 passed in a few hours of sitting.
Cooked a fair amount today, among other things cake for Angie as I did not have milk to make it on her birthday. Good cake.
Ill be up to just after 12M tonight to do my first 20 of 50000 push ups Im doing with some other crazy folks from the studio. Seems like a bunch but Ill make it one way or the other. That and the 100000 sit ups should help me keep in shape while not able to work out.
When walking with Angie I used the iwalk free a fair amount (1 or 2 hours) real pain to put on and take off! Cant sit to use the bathroom with it on eithor. Ok for walking if I use a cane. The cane smooths my gait. Not sure it is worth what I paid for it we will see.
Well bath night for me, looking forward to it, the simplest things seem hard now. You need to think ahead for everything! My family (particularly my wife) are helping out a lot. Bummer to do this on my own.
Went shopping on my own today. Short outing scared the clerks when I just hopped off. They have a scooter for use in the store so I left my crutches in the car and hopped on one leg into the store, to the scooter then from the scooter to the car. Makes my family nervous as well. Good exercise and good for balance. Besides I like freaking people out, good for their nerves.
Hopping is not to bad for anything under 1/4 block longer than that and I need to lean on something for a minute. Dont want to push to much. Penalty is another operation, no thanks!
Found the bottom of my walking cast was getting moist. Removed the foam bottom (no weight bearing anyway) to dry it off last night put a washrag under the liner to draw the water out of it. Seems to be better today.
Dont want skin to stay wet, that does not end well.
Sometimes sitting with the liner open but the walking boot still on for support. Got to keep that foot at 90 degrees!
Small ache yesterday after being up most of the day taking my wife out for her Birthday dinner and wandering. Felt like it was in the bone. My Aunt (CAJ a nurse) says that you can get swelling even if you cant see it and it will cause pain. Very minor 1 or 2 passed in a few hours of sitting.
Cooked a fair amount today, among other things cake for Angie as I did not have milk to make it on her birthday. Good cake.
Ill be up to just after 12M tonight to do my first 20 of 50000 push ups Im doing with some other crazy folks from the studio. Seems like a bunch but Ill make it one way or the other. That and the 100000 sit ups should help me keep in shape while not able to work out.
When walking with Angie I used the iwalk free a fair amount (1 or 2 hours) real pain to put on and take off! Cant sit to use the bathroom with it on eithor. Ok for walking if I use a cane. The cane smooths my gait. Not sure it is worth what I paid for it we will see.
Well bath night for me, looking forward to it, the simplest things seem hard now. You need to think ahead for everything! My family (particularly my wife) are helping out a lot. Bummer to do this on my own.
Went shopping on my own today. Short outing scared the clerks when I just hopped off. They have a scooter for use in the store so I left my crutches in the car and hopped on one leg into the store, to the scooter then from the scooter to the car. Makes my family nervous as well. Good exercise and good for balance. Besides I like freaking people out, good for their nerves.
Hopping is not to bad for anything under 1/4 block longer than that and I need to lean on something for a minute. Dont want to push to much. Penalty is another operation, no thanks!
Monday, December 26, 2011
day 12 post surgery
Rarely have swealling.
Busy couple of days. Hoping is improving.
Ways to get around.
Hopping (careful and know when to use crutches or another method, you cant afford a fall right now!)
Crawling stomach down, good for night time trips to the bathroom or moving something by sliding it in front of you.
Crawling stomach up, actually quieter than stomach down since my leg does not drag.
A young amputee friend tought me how to walk with one foot. You swivel heel to toe and stay centered over the foot. You can carry a glass of water this way. While she can do it as fast as I can walk with 2 feet I am a lot slower and have to stop and catch my balance often. She is amazing. It is very quiet and as you improve pretty quick. Thanks young lady! You are impressive!
iWalk free, great for cooking and being up transition from up to down sucks though. Takes a few minutes to put on/ take off and since I dont have the plastic cap sometimes I get stabbed by it. Contacted the company a couple of times and dont think Im going to get one. Should be able to do forms in it a bit though.
Crutches, work but you cant really carry anything, noisy and they keep falling over when I am not using them. Palms and ribs sore from using them, raw patches on skin above ribs starting to go away now. Ill really be ready for palm strikes when this is over.
Wheeled office chairs work pretty good.
other things that help.
Upside down 5 gallon bucket good in bathroom to prop leg up when sitting, good leaning post when getting up and good to kneel on (with one knee) when shaving.
Recliner couch with computer desk next to it. My throne! Photo comming soon. If you add a couple of pillows to prop the leg up it really helps, remember keep the foot above the heart and the swelling will stay down.
Ipod good music and games when you cant get up for a while.
near as I can tell I have a certain number of vertical hours. Spend them wisely. If at a friends lie on the floor and put your leg on a chair while visiting. dont be shy you are injured! Be proud and hurt or be humble and do more stuff your choice.
Great friends and family, I can tell patience is running a bit thin but they have not thrown me out yet.
A friend mentioned use cat rules for opening doors look at them and they will open. Funny I get the most help when out from the roughest fellows, a friend says they are the ones most likely to have been hurt so they have compassion for injuries. Works for me.
my balance is really improving in my right leg, calf muscle appears to be growing, hoping around will do that. very flat shoes are important! I am using Zem nija
Pack your patience. If you get to feeling to bad make friends with someone that cant walk and remember yours is temporary so dont whine. As a friend of mine said "If you need people to help you your job is to be pleasant so they want to" did I mention he is one of my wisest and smartest friends?
Another wash today with my wonderful wife putting up with my paranoia about hurting my ankle while washing it. Well I dont want to do it again darn it! She is right I am over the top on this but it should not be such a big deal soon another Dr appt in the new year. Feels great to be clean, the things you miss.....
Busy couple of days. Hoping is improving.
Ways to get around.
Hopping (careful and know when to use crutches or another method, you cant afford a fall right now!)
Crawling stomach down, good for night time trips to the bathroom or moving something by sliding it in front of you.
Crawling stomach up, actually quieter than stomach down since my leg does not drag.
A young amputee friend tought me how to walk with one foot. You swivel heel to toe and stay centered over the foot. You can carry a glass of water this way. While she can do it as fast as I can walk with 2 feet I am a lot slower and have to stop and catch my balance often. She is amazing. It is very quiet and as you improve pretty quick. Thanks young lady! You are impressive!
iWalk free, great for cooking and being up transition from up to down sucks though. Takes a few minutes to put on/ take off and since I dont have the plastic cap sometimes I get stabbed by it. Contacted the company a couple of times and dont think Im going to get one. Should be able to do forms in it a bit though.
Crutches, work but you cant really carry anything, noisy and they keep falling over when I am not using them. Palms and ribs sore from using them, raw patches on skin above ribs starting to go away now. Ill really be ready for palm strikes when this is over.
Wheeled office chairs work pretty good.
other things that help.
Upside down 5 gallon bucket good in bathroom to prop leg up when sitting, good leaning post when getting up and good to kneel on (with one knee) when shaving.
Recliner couch with computer desk next to it. My throne! Photo comming soon. If you add a couple of pillows to prop the leg up it really helps, remember keep the foot above the heart and the swelling will stay down.
Ipod good music and games when you cant get up for a while.
near as I can tell I have a certain number of vertical hours. Spend them wisely. If at a friends lie on the floor and put your leg on a chair while visiting. dont be shy you are injured! Be proud and hurt or be humble and do more stuff your choice.
Great friends and family, I can tell patience is running a bit thin but they have not thrown me out yet.
A friend mentioned use cat rules for opening doors look at them and they will open. Funny I get the most help when out from the roughest fellows, a friend says they are the ones most likely to have been hurt so they have compassion for injuries. Works for me.
my balance is really improving in my right leg, calf muscle appears to be growing, hoping around will do that. very flat shoes are important! I am using Zem nija
Pack your patience. If you get to feeling to bad make friends with someone that cant walk and remember yours is temporary so dont whine. As a friend of mine said "If you need people to help you your job is to be pleasant so they want to" did I mention he is one of my wisest and smartest friends?
Another wash today with my wonderful wife putting up with my paranoia about hurting my ankle while washing it. Well I dont want to do it again darn it! She is right I am over the top on this but it should not be such a big deal soon another Dr appt in the new year. Feels great to be clean, the things you miss.....
Friday, December 23, 2011
Day 9 post surgery
Wow moving right along. Now we get down to the hard part.
I think it is relatively easy to keep your spirits up for a week or so its the next few that will be hard. I spent a good portion of my life very inactive and it is hard to go back to it now.
I guess that means I have changed a bit, good news. I should have what I need to change my cast stuff out and wash it by christmas so that sounds like a good time to start push ups and sit ups.
Also I will be ordering a book: Danny Dring and Johnny D. Taylor are co-authors of the book Stay in the Fight: A Martial Athlete’s Guide to Preventing and Overcoming Injury.
This was pointed out to me by some friends at the Tae Kwon Do studio. Im sure I will face more injuries as time goes by but I am proud to be a Martial Artist and need all the help I can find to keep up with it.
Tae Kwon Do has made a huge difference in my families life. We are so lucky that we have picked up such a great family.
When you are in a hard patch you find out who your family really is.
Well been good as long as I can take it. Now using the iWalk free. Dr is against it. Oh well, Ill keep a cane handy for a few days
nearly impossible to sit down with this on, need to work on that.
"The path of the warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying the path." Richard Strozzi Heckler. (thank you Sir.)
I think it is relatively easy to keep your spirits up for a week or so its the next few that will be hard. I spent a good portion of my life very inactive and it is hard to go back to it now.
I guess that means I have changed a bit, good news. I should have what I need to change my cast stuff out and wash it by christmas so that sounds like a good time to start push ups and sit ups.
Also I will be ordering a book: Danny Dring and Johnny D. Taylor are co-authors of the book Stay in the Fight: A Martial Athlete’s Guide to Preventing and Overcoming Injury.
This was pointed out to me by some friends at the Tae Kwon Do studio. Im sure I will face more injuries as time goes by but I am proud to be a Martial Artist and need all the help I can find to keep up with it.
Tae Kwon Do has made a huge difference in my families life. We are so lucky that we have picked up such a great family.
When you are in a hard patch you find out who your family really is.
Well been good as long as I can take it. Now using the iWalk free. Dr is against it. Oh well, Ill keep a cane handy for a few days
nearly impossible to sit down with this on, need to work on that.
"The path of the warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying the path." Richard Strozzi Heckler. (thank you Sir.)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Day 8 post surgery
Moving right along, slowly learning how to do this blogging thing.
Going to be a long 6 weeks. Got to keep my eye on the prize.
No pain just inconvenient. I have been sleeping on the couch since getting the walking cast, Im always worried about it slipping off. Ill try the bed tonight. Actually I prefered the other cast it was smaller and lighter and I didnt worry about it. When I go out today Ill get a few supplies to secure it better. Also trying to find a source for stockinette so that I can wash the one I have when I change things out tomorrow. According to my research the walking cast should reduce my post cast recovery time and that is worth a bit of worry.
Going to be a long 6 weeks. Got to keep my eye on the prize.
No pain just inconvenient. I have been sleeping on the couch since getting the walking cast, Im always worried about it slipping off. Ill try the bed tonight. Actually I prefered the other cast it was smaller and lighter and I didnt worry about it. When I go out today Ill get a few supplies to secure it better. Also trying to find a source for stockinette so that I can wash the one I have when I change things out tomorrow. According to my research the walking cast should reduce my post cast recovery time and that is worth a bit of worry.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Day 7 after surgery.
A week ago right now 1630 I had been home for a while after having my ankle worked on.
I over did a bit to much today getting the boys to piano and doing grocery shopping. Bit of swelling and tired. Sad how fast us old guys lose our conditioning. Its going to be a long 6 weeks.
Ill be ready for palm strikes when I get back to TKD, I am really getting sore palms from the crutches. Also the armpits get sore from the rubbing of the tops.
Apparently the next few weeks are the most critical for the healing. Once everything revascularizes and the dead tissue is replaced it should all be good. No Weight bearing uses all new muscles. I was able to raise up from the floor last night with only my right leg, if you think it is easy give it a try! One rep was plenty though. continue to do slow kicks.
A week ago right now 1630 I had been home for a while after having my ankle worked on.
I over did a bit to much today getting the boys to piano and doing grocery shopping. Bit of swelling and tired. Sad how fast us old guys lose our conditioning. Its going to be a long 6 weeks.
Ill be ready for palm strikes when I get back to TKD, I am really getting sore palms from the crutches. Also the armpits get sore from the rubbing of the tops.
Apparently the next few weeks are the most critical for the healing. Once everything revascularizes and the dead tissue is replaced it should all be good. No Weight bearing uses all new muscles. I was able to raise up from the floor last night with only my right leg, if you think it is easy give it a try! One rep was plenty though. continue to do slow kicks.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Day 6 after Surgery
Excited to see the Surgeon Dr Vickars today. Hoping for a removable cast. Expecting a solid cast. Time will tell.
Hope I get the Ok to drive, fortunately one of our cars is an automatic should be ok to drive with my left in a cast. Sad I dont get to drive the new car for a few months.
Some concern since surgery I need to use the bathroom often at night (4 to 5 times) The meds should be out of my system right now so I need to look into this.
Well just made it to the Appt.
Dr had to remove 8mm of cartilage. Apparently not to bad they transplant carilage when it gets over 2cm. After messing with the cartilage they drill a hole in the bone so it will bleed a bit and put in a fibrous replacement for the what was removed. {any messing up of terms is entirely my fault Dr Vickars was very clear.}
Aparently I basically had no tendons left on my ankle, now I know why stepping down would cause it to pop. Also my donor tendons were very Beefy (exact quote) so there will be no problem there.
From what I know now I wish I had done it long ago then I would only be down for 1 week (nwb). Oh well. He also mentioned they X rayed both ankles and my right is pretty much in the same boat but he advised worry about one ankle at a time. The other one works now.
People that have "joint Laxity" will have these problems eventually. I was wondering what I could do for my boys. He recommended lace up braces when doing high risk activities. Apparently studies have shown they do not make your ankle weak or injure the knee. Strengthening activities do not really help. His opinion is that it is always good to have strong ankles but the muscles do not have time to react when an accident occurs. Main thing is to not get into the cycle of sprains that I have been in.
For the next 4 weeks I have to be very careful of my ankle if the ball of my foot drops more than 30 degrees from 90 it will rip out the replacement tendon and all but the cartilage must be done over again. Yikes, I might ask for a hard cast tomorrow, washing will be stressful, no pressure.
From now on it should only improve. At 4 weeks he will start doing joint movement excercises and at 6 weeks I can start putting small amounts of weight on it. Shortly after I will start PT and be in a lace up brace like I have been wearing in TKD.
I am paranoid about it slipping so I keep adjusting the boot to tight and putting my foot to sleep.
After Angie took me out to dinner.
Excited to see the Surgeon Dr Vickars today. Hoping for a removable cast. Expecting a solid cast. Time will tell.
Hope I get the Ok to drive, fortunately one of our cars is an automatic should be ok to drive with my left in a cast. Sad I dont get to drive the new car for a few months.
Some concern since surgery I need to use the bathroom often at night (4 to 5 times) The meds should be out of my system right now so I need to look into this.
Well just made it to the Appt.
Dr had to remove 8mm of cartilage. Apparently not to bad they transplant carilage when it gets over 2cm. After messing with the cartilage they drill a hole in the bone so it will bleed a bit and put in a fibrous replacement for the what was removed. {any messing up of terms is entirely my fault Dr Vickars was very clear.}
Aparently I basically had no tendons left on my ankle, now I know why stepping down would cause it to pop. Also my donor tendons were very Beefy (exact quote) so there will be no problem there.
From what I know now I wish I had done it long ago then I would only be down for 1 week (nwb). Oh well. He also mentioned they X rayed both ankles and my right is pretty much in the same boat but he advised worry about one ankle at a time. The other one works now.
People that have "joint Laxity" will have these problems eventually. I was wondering what I could do for my boys. He recommended lace up braces when doing high risk activities. Apparently studies have shown they do not make your ankle weak or injure the knee. Strengthening activities do not really help. His opinion is that it is always good to have strong ankles but the muscles do not have time to react when an accident occurs. Main thing is to not get into the cycle of sprains that I have been in.
For the next 4 weeks I have to be very careful of my ankle if the ball of my foot drops more than 30 degrees from 90 it will rip out the replacement tendon and all but the cartilage must be done over again. Yikes, I might ask for a hard cast tomorrow, washing will be stressful, no pressure.
From now on it should only improve. At 4 weeks he will start doing joint movement excercises and at 6 weeks I can start putting small amounts of weight on it. Shortly after I will start PT and be in a lace up brace like I have been wearing in TKD.
I am paranoid about it slipping so I keep adjusting the boot to tight and putting my foot to sleep.
After Angie took me out to dinner.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Day 5 after Surgery
Pain low I will take 1 advil to keep swelling down with lunch.
Moving along fine. Continuing to do slowly 5 front kicks, 5 back kicks 5 side kicks now without crutches but I am doing them in a door way so I can grab if I start to fall.
Unfortunately I cannot practice with my right leg because I need my left leg to support. Frustrating to see all that muscle fade away. At least I am in good enough shape that recovery should be fast. Hope for a good report from the Doctor tomorrow.
Plan to attend Tae Kwon do tonight (I just get to watch) but maybe we will get to eat with friends afterwards.
Great night with friends. Time for bed tired.
See Doctor tomorrow, hope the news is good.
Pain low I will take 1 advil to keep swelling down with lunch.
Moving along fine. Continuing to do slowly 5 front kicks, 5 back kicks 5 side kicks now without crutches but I am doing them in a door way so I can grab if I start to fall.
Unfortunately I cannot practice with my right leg because I need my left leg to support. Frustrating to see all that muscle fade away. At least I am in good enough shape that recovery should be fast. Hope for a good report from the Doctor tomorrow.
Plan to attend Tae Kwon do tonight (I just get to watch) but maybe we will get to eat with friends afterwards.
Great night with friends. Time for bed tired.
See Doctor tomorrow, hope the news is good.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sleeping instructions
Sleep on your side, repaired ankle up Pillow under left (repaired) ankle. 2 reasons.
#1 Keep the foot higher than the heart.
#2 protects the good foot.
I sleep spooned to Angie she sleeps on non repaired side. At 4 am med I get up and move back to the couch so I dont wake her later,
speaking of sleep......
Sleep on your side, repaired ankle up Pillow under left (repaired) ankle. 2 reasons.
#1 Keep the foot higher than the heart.
#2 protects the good foot.
I sleep spooned to Angie she sleeps on non repaired side. At 4 am med I get up and move back to the couch so I dont wake her later,
speaking of sleep......
Mission impossible a technician and and Engineer get a hairy guy showered ...........
without getting the cast wet! Dont worry Ill keep it clean.
Light the fuse cue the Misssion impossible music (the original not the one with that wimpy Tom Cruise) its all about the team work.
While I am technically an engineer I was a way better tech than engineer and still think of myself as a tech.
Materials
Gorilla tape (hey I am pretty hairy)
Trash bag
Ace bandage
Detachable shower head
Clean bathtub
Understanding of fluid dynamics
about 20 min of time.
Put the bag over the cast using Gorilla tape to secure a band all the way around the bag and leg (with the leg in the air so blood does not pool in the foot, causing swealling). Apply ace bandage (foot still up, easier if you lie on your back and partner puts bandage on) a couple of wraps on bare leg the rest on bag forming water tight seal. Not to tight but snug. Ace bandage is somewhat absorbent.
Sit in tub with cast hanging out of tub Important that knee is higher than thigh (knowledge of fluid dynamics, water flows downhill in a 1 g field) also ace bandage absorbs water that might sneak in.
Using various contortions and a good friend (really good friend) apply water. Use soap (liquid soap works great) rinse and repeat as necessary.
Dry thigh and upper body as much as possible before getting cast lower than the rest of the body (fluid dynamics) Dry off and get dressed.
Cool beans nice being clean again! time for sleep.
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