Out of Commission Due to Surgery #6

Well, it's been eight days since I've had a fusion of the metatarsal joint of my left big toe and lengthening of my Achilles tendon. It was done on September 27, 2013. This is my sixth major surgery, not including a biopsy I had done. You can find out more about my surgeries here. I've had lots of surgeries, just never any on my feet. This is uncharted territory for me, but I am up for the challenge because I want to be able to walk again and not have to use the wheelchair as I've said in previous posts.


I'm doing pretty well. I just can't put any weight on my left foot for six weeks. The first two nights home were rough because I am used to transferring from my bed to my wheelchair with no help. Since my left leg must be elevated, my mom has had to help me more. That has been an adjustment. :) The first post-op visit with my doctor showed that my foot looked great. I usually have never taken many pictures before or after my surgeries as I have gotten older, but I thought it would be good for people to see and know what I am going through.

Here are some pictures: (click to enlarge)


foot surgery, unstable foot, toe problems, toes crossing

My left foot is the one with the big toe entirely under my second toe. This was making me very unstable. It was just hard to move around in general and put clothes on, even with my walker right in front of me.

foot surgery, cast, post op picture

post op pain, foot recovery

These next two pictures were taken right after I was brought back into my room from recovery to see my mom. I was kind of emotional as you can see. The one good thing about this surgery is I haven't experienced any of the intense vomiting that I have had with other surgeries. I also got to sleep in my on bed that night because this was an outpatient surgery - a first for me!

I will give another update next week when x-rays are taken.

Comments

Connie said…
Thanks for the update, Madison. It is amazing how important our feet our. I found it quite illuminating to see your "before" photos. I'm praying for you, every time I think of you, that your hopes will come true. You certainly deserve it after all you've been through. You are plucky as well as determined. Love, Connie

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