4 months post-op
"How
is your foot?" a patient asked me as I brought him into my exam room.
"What do you mean?" I asked. "Last time I saw you, you didn't
have shoes on," he said. "I guess… better!" I replied surprised
as my memory returned of me apologizing for the lack of footwear. My foot felt
pretty good today and I forgot it was sore enough to remove my shoes only three
weeks before. Progress is slow, so much so, that without reminders, they are
hard to recall.
My second experience has
been a longer recovery. The first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint is stiff;
therefore, my toe still does not bend. My brain tells me I can bend it but when
I look down, nothing is happening. It’s painful to propel off my big and second
toe thus movements that involve toe bending of any kind are uncomfortable such
as brisk walking, standing on my tippy toes and lunging. Two weeks ago, I was reluctant
to begin higher impact plyometric workouts again but I forced myself to try
knowing that I could have difficulty. From my understanding, strengthening my
calf and ankle could significantly improve my discomfort. I remain hopeful as I
continue foot and ankle exercises outlined by my physiotherapist. My ankle is sore
but hasn’t been a focus for me until now.
Tim and I vacationed in Costa
Rica at the beginning of February (3 months post-op) and I was concerned that I
wouldn't be able to participate in some of the activities offered. Admittedly,
walking more than 2km was challenging because I compensate by taking pressure
off my right foot resulting in discomfort in my hips, legs and left foot. I
have recently hit a milestone running 5km on the treadmill which put a smile on
my face.
Up to this point in
my recovery, even with the set-back, I believe I made the correct decision to
cut my relationship with my old friend Paul Bunion. I estimate I’m 70%
healed. The grand finale to my
journey is to make my first shoe purchase. I’m anxious to shop at a mainstream
shoe store because I harbour old reservations that their shoes won’t fit. I
guess I’ll find out soon enough!
 |
| Now that I look at this picture, I see my feet look pretty even. Perhaps the edema has subsided enough to purchase my first pair of shoes? |
