tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24888229306722438132024-03-21T13:12:02.284-04:00French Bunion SoupBunions Be Gone: my recovery from consecutive lapidus procedures for halux valguschar0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-1729013103466510492016-07-15T16:09:00.002-04:002016-07-16T07:40:32.643-04:00Blades less Bunions<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">9 months post-op</span></h2>
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I had a moment today when I put my roller-blades on for the first time in many years. This used to be my favourite thing to do but had to give it up because it became so uncomfortable. Today, I truly feel a triumph in my journey and riding these wheels never felt so good.<br />
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My family doctor had trouble referring me to an orthopedic surgeon for guidance so we decided that it was best that I seek out a <a href="http://public.ontariochiropodist.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Chiropodist</span></a> for advice which is covered under my benefit plan.<br />
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Here are my concerns:<br />
1) My big toe is stiff and has lost some range of motion consequently,<br />
2) My third toe is taking on extra force creating shooting pains when I walk, mostly without shoes on.<br />
3) My <a href="http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/injuries/foot/plantar-fasciitis/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">plantar fasciitis</span></a> is re-manifesting - it took me two years to get over this the first time!<br />
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I was advised to:<br />
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1) Continue my toe crunch exercises - I've been lax on these.<br />
2) Get more stable shoes because I <a href="http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/health/footwear/choosing-a-shoe/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">over-pronate (flat foot)</span> </a> - my shoe should not twist like this.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A twistable shoe is a big no no for over-pronators!</span></td></tr>
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3) Get <a href="http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/health/footwear/do-i-need-orthotics/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">orthotics</span></a> to even out weight distribution and prevent over-pronating.</div>
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So this is my plan and I feel once my third toe pain is gone, I will be 100% happy with my outcome.</div>
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During my visit with my family MD, he gave me a copy of my OR report. GOLD! Here is a great website that will break down the medical terms:<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics/where-does-it-hurt/foot/foot-anatomy/" target="_blank">houstonmethodist.org</a></span></div>
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<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-82408038441802233222016-05-02T20:05:00.001-04:002016-07-16T07:39:34.987-04:00There's No Crying in Baseball! Or Shoe Shopping - 6 Months Post-op<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">6 months post-op</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> One of the draw backs of being your surgeon’s last patient
before he retires is being left with unanswered questions. The expected healing
time for Lapidus surgery is 6 months and I’m there. Of course, as a health care
professional, I acknowledge every patient heals differently. But that’s hard to
accept when YOU are that patient with a potential prolonged healing or even,
complication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My concern:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I avoid walking on the inside of my foot and do not use my
big toe (Biggie) to push off. Biggie has
a limited range of motion, so putting my body weight on her to propel is
uncomfortable. To compensate, I use the outside of my foot and my third toe (Small)
to take on Biggie’s load instead. This is particularly painful when I walk around the house in socks or bare feet. I prefer to wear
something with a sole like slippers or even running shoes for more support.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My question:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Will this resolve itself with time and patience? I can’t imagine
surgery as a solution, but is there something I can do to improve my range of
motion? Or, is this just the way it’s going to be? I need to know….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I saw my family MD today and we discussed my concern and
question. He told me he would refer me to an orthopedic surgeon in Ottawa who was in his graduating class in 1977. I promptly belted
out: “My boyfriend was born in 1977,” not to make him feel old but because nearly
every appointment I have with him, he enjoys recalling the opening of his
practice, the month and year I was born, August 1981. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Despite this set back, my feet look great (I love my scars)
and I went for my first pedicure a couple weeks ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My shoe shopping
experience was not fun. It felt like a FAIL! Shout out to my friend Nancy for witnessing it! I went to multiple shoe stores and could not find comfortable fitting shoes. My old frustations returned, everything felt super tight or loose on one foot or the other. Clearly, my feet are about 1/2 size difference due to the natural healing or some long standing edema. It is apparent that I can’t
wear cheap shoes and I don’t think I will ever be able to wear anything other running
shoes and flats with good support. High heals are out of the question. I did find one cute pair of flats at Aldo which I would have never been able to wear before my surgeries. They are leather so they will stretch but I cannot wear them for more than a couple hours because the sole isn't strong enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My new Aldo kicks! What do you think?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> So, my journey continues......</span></div>
char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-71138100677240637562016-03-01T22:10:00.003-05:002016-03-07T22:04:54.222-05:00Hello....Is It Feet That You're Looking For?<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">4 months post-op</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV8lo67ZmJv_UPPd4fFVjeNm869hTQSauYdwNJ4PP6cXjZDL3R-mE20s7f8o3sdRBz63GDrD-W-QCno6r_CrAjoSr4kDFdlkczMqIJ_nXloBqCBTC1w3AKpm6_2ST8vnvkQQaY_lMRRE/s1600/hello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV8lo67ZmJv_UPPd4fFVjeNm869hTQSauYdwNJ4PP6cXjZDL3R-mE20s7f8o3sdRBz63GDrD-W-QCno6r_CrAjoSr4kDFdlkczMqIJ_nXloBqCBTC1w3AKpm6_2ST8vnvkQQaY_lMRRE/s320/hello.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 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!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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?</td></tr>
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<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-5515047460822768652015-12-20T10:42:00.000-05:002016-03-06T21:44:49.937-05:00Not a Fat Sentence<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 60</span></h2>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My return to the gym was day 58. I spent 30 minutes on the bike at
moderate resistance and walked on the treadmill for 15 minutes at 2.5mph. The treadmill was not at all comfortable, but
this isn’t my first rodeo. Yesterday, I rode 45 minutes on a spin bike. I cannot "climb" yet so I stayed seated and experimented with my pace. And it hurt like a...use your imagination... to clip in and out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; text-align: justify;">I can now put two feet down on the ground for plank and push-ups but not without soreness and stiffness. My big toe still refuses to move on its own.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> Admittedly, I have been pushing my boundaries. “This
is not a race,” Dr. Brunet reminded me at my final post-op. One year ago, at the exact same time
post-operatively, I was still religiously wearing my fracture boot on my left
foot. This time, I barely wore it at all. I prefer a shoe, however, my foot is still swollen enough that it is
still one size larger than the other. Luckily,
I kept some of my larger shoe sizes, so I can choose from a small conserved
selection. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Incredibly,
I actually lost 6 lbs within the first 6 weeks of my surgery. If you are worried about weight gain during
your recovery, if you watch what you eat, this will not be a “fat sentence”. You do have to pay attention to your diet, you shouldn't ignore it. These are the reasons for my weight lost:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I slept in alot so I my first meal was around 11 am. This likely cut about 200-300 calories from my day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t grocery shop or be in the kitchen long
enough to make complex meals. Eggs, bananas and chicken were major parts of my
diet. I cut down on bread but still had half an English muffin every day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I recorded my food intake on <a href="https://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a>. I find a food diary the most valuable tool because if you are honest with it, you can recognize what you can do to cut calories.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I consciously
did not eat junk food that I knew I couldn’t burn off. That being said, I did not totally deprive myself either.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I worked out almost every day to fight the blues
as well as to stay motivated.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I believed that I could loose weight and put my mind to it. </span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Time
is passing by much faster now that I am independent. There is so much stuff
to do around here when I have both feet on the ground. I do have limitations; </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; text-align: justify;">I still cannot stand for over 10 -15 minutes without my compensating leg and hip making it unbearable to stand any longer. When I start to sweat and can't think properly, I need to sit down.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My
blog has been very useful to compare where I was last year at this time
with my left foot. For those of you
expecting to have one foot done at a time, I highly recommend that you take notes. The first foot you are basically going
through your experience blind, the second foot I found to be much easier with
experience to reflect from.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-28375481360740927882015-12-15T19:13:00.000-05:002016-03-06T21:45:20.804-05:00Long time no post!<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 55</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> A month has past since my last update. Two weeks ago, X-rays were taken and Dr. Brunet gave me the go ahead to start walking. Since then I have been interchanging between my fracture boot and my running shoes. Luckily, I still have one pair running shoes that are a size larger than my norm so my right foot can fit; the only caveat is that they're bright pink. I still take my crutches along when I expect to be out for longer than 30 minutes. I started driving on December 5th (6.5 weeks post-op) and on December 11 (7.5 weeks) I was able to make the two hour drive to my parents house in Ottawa with the help of cruise control. I feel like I can finally enjoy my time off with my new found freedom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My big toe is still lazy four weeks post K-wire removal. Dr. Brunet encouraged my continuation of physiotherapy and was confident that with time, my toe movement would return. The video below was taken on Friday December 3, 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I am looking forward to returning to the gym in three days and anticipate to return to work in early January 2016. </span></div>
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<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-17655322163334467852015-11-16T12:27:00.000-05:002015-11-20T21:35:06.344-05:00Shaved Leg, Tapered Pants and Physiotherapy<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 26</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I took it upon myself to schedule a four week post-op, only one week after my previous appointment. Since I stayed in town at my parents' house and live two hours away, I wanted the opportunity to clean my foot and get a fresh cast to last me until my next post-op in two weeks. I arrived with my emery board and moisturizer ready for a quick pedi</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I was mildly concerned that I was unable to bend my big toe since the K-wire was removed the previous week. To my surprise, Dr. Brunet decided to remove my cast two weeks earlier than I expected. Not because I am a super human healer, but I needed physiotherapy for 1st metatarsal-</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">phalangeal</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> weakness. I was instructed to continue with absolutely no weight-bearing and wear my fracture boot for support. "I recommend that you start physio to get that joint moving again," Dr. Brunet explained, "I don't think you're an unreasonable person, so I will take you out of your cast with the condition of no standing or walking. Your X-rays in two weeks will really tell me if you can bear weight at that time." Not an unreasonable person? I'm pretty sure he's read parts of this blog<i>.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Is this good news or bad news? My first thoughts were that I could wear my tapered pajama pants and shave my leg. Beyond that, I was optimistic that this was a common complication and with time and effort, will eventually resolve. No two feet are the same; they won't heal the same and every surgery is different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Alexandre, the casting technician, made me a wonderful splint cast to get me home since I did not have my fracture boot with me. Admittedly, I have been wearing it around the house since the fracture boot is heavy and bulky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Along with physiotherapy, I was instructed to start ankle movement, toe towel crunching exercises, scar massage and hot and cold therapy. For more information on the latter, visit <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.painscience.com/articles/contrasting.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Contrast Hydrotherapy</span></a> .</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Splint cast</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p8SeY1SO8vnblrsW-1xXzz1pirUDZI-eo2-Kbwe3YqUaKoSFonmgeZBILOH0-bCbV66vSWBn-fVI0j-rSO_x6faXoyt4FEF_ALCHc3D60FeaT4ANFLnU9eVDRNwjpZZSmVMG09bgw7s/s1600/Right+foot+progression.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p8SeY1SO8vnblrsW-1xXzz1pirUDZI-eo2-Kbwe3YqUaKoSFonmgeZBILOH0-bCbV66vSWBn-fVI0j-rSO_x6faXoyt4FEF_ALCHc3D60FeaT4ANFLnU9eVDRNwjpZZSmVMG09bgw7s/s640/Right+foot+progression.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right foot progression</span></td></tr>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-33174458193458582652015-11-10T17:28:00.002-05:002015-11-20T21:47:52.573-05:00K-Wire Removal: That's What She Said!<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 20</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Yesterday, the Kirschner<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"> </span>wire (K-wire) was removed from my foot. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was no need for anesthetic as the wire was inserted through my bones which contain no nerves; however, all my toes were</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> fairly sore afterwards.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It wasn't a pleasant experience but it wasn't the most uncomfortable either; Tim stood next to me holding my sweaty hand throughout. The 5 inch wire was inserted during my lapidus surgery, 3 weeks ago, to help elongated my tendon. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> Today, my big toe is very stiff and won't bend on its own, so I will have to work on it to bring it back. I recorded my K-wire removal in the video below:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-nK48lDu8hnvdOszxOl-q9UAB8lpLWKGgbcd39Fk-asGSKt-sGe1WAE-nfoOHmGGCKyuD3zz-jG6Bq8kZCXQnwGSeYqPCHqovlyeF_ErUaRWAnIxWbfyB5B_VsaGF3le_uYmkMve3Pc/s1600/cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-nK48lDu8hnvdOszxOl-q9UAB8lpLWKGgbcd39Fk-asGSKt-sGe1WAE-nfoOHmGGCKyuD3zz-jG6Bq8kZCXQnwGSeYqPCHqovlyeF_ErUaRWAnIxWbfyB5B_VsaGF3le_uYmkMve3Pc/s640/cast.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fiberglass cast; looking good!</span></td></tr>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-25576519109746312662015-10-30T16:01:00.000-04:002015-11-20T21:48:49.922-05:00Out with the Wheelchair, In with the Knee Walker<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 10</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I ditched the wheelchair this time and opted for a brand new mode of transportation: a knee walker. NB: this does not replace your crutches. Compared to my first experience, I'm certainly more active and independent around the house with its help. I am able to carry things, especially items from the kitchen to the living room without the stress of spilling my coffee everywhere. It even came with a panier (there are certain words that I prefer in French). I ordered it online at <a href="http://kneewalkercentral.ca/"><span style="color: blue;">kneewalkercentral.ca</span></a> The cost was $312.00 including shipping and it arrived in 4 days. It was quick to assemble and significantly lighter than a wheelchair. My benefits covered 90% of the cost, so be sure you check with your benefit company to verify inclusions for your unique plan. I took it to the mall today to run a quick errand: it definitely has potential for good speed and on bumpy asphalt, it was surprisingly comfortable. I think I put a smile on strangers faces as I dashed by them. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out this ride - the need for speed!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can't beat this look!</span></td></tr>
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<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-87851289286124945762015-10-26T16:08:00.000-04:002015-11-20T21:52:22.827-05:00Right Foot Revealed: Not for a Weak Stomach<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 7</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I arrived at my one week post-op at the Ottawa General Hospital with questions: Did the surgery go as expected? Was the pin needed to stretch my tendon unusual? Why I'm experiencing more long lasting discomfort than last time? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> "I suspect you experienced more pain because I put a temporary pin in your big toe," Dr. Brunet explained. "Without the pin, your toe was shooting forward up in the air. I could have cut the tendon but I prefer to stretch it with the pin instead. Your body is starting to reject it so we could probably take it out in a couple of weeks." His instructions for my pin extraction (a.k.a. k-wire) were to eat a solid lunch beforehand and take a pain killer on route.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> For now, my big toe is immobile. I'm looking forward to the pin being removed so I can move my toe around. It's a very awkward feeling. Luckily, my steady stream of acetaminophen is helping with the pain management.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxtJj5zsW-jKJDoL2MzIje3OdXflVldXk8Qi2BvQmWu1x5qHFZ6l1F1xxyoIixdBln9FVKCc5QQvWZpCzobt74A0M3mQcMn84Ai_IksS7uf1Wv5ifBaSGZsxJoozzxy4IJerpdA7nnOs/s1600/Oct+26+2015+-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxtJj5zsW-jKJDoL2MzIje3OdXflVldXk8Qi2BvQmWu1x5qHFZ6l1F1xxyoIixdBln9FVKCc5QQvWZpCzobt74A0M3mQcMn84Ai_IksS7uf1Wv5ifBaSGZsxJoozzxy4IJerpdA7nnOs/s400/Oct+26+2015+-9.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pin is keeping my toe down in order to strech the tendon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx0aGEb1sMkW5V0hwI7wEVLMmJvRfCBUXBqL29ynzARjGdKoKu-ZO0hbK0tv_F4O1-jskdRCh27IopU3O4w0laa7PKPx-j0z08cl4mqLCZcz_0KQWyXQXsWdVgJ5WAgkVgt_L0pdmPJ0/s1600/Oct+26+2015+-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx0aGEb1sMkW5V0hwI7wEVLMmJvRfCBUXBqL29ynzARjGdKoKu-ZO0hbK0tv_F4O1-jskdRCh27IopU3O4w0laa7PKPx-j0z08cl4mqLCZcz_0KQWyXQXsWdVgJ5WAgkVgt_L0pdmPJ0/s400/Oct+26+2015+-11.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's georgous only to her mother</td></tr>
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<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-4658279676601387262015-10-24T22:00:00.001-04:002015-11-20T21:53:21.852-05:00Round 2 of 2<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 1</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTnCbZ-EsdsgC_kD2gwsHTBJKij7fOh2pUsbzM-iwvjwbg0xSQQobcbGsNi8mG4USoKdRH9U6VIik_oTgvsIx4MlcNtgNm0JMSSnXpDoLsEP7lQVy4HW2QYlda9FFstgtCnKpbFNV4z0/s1600/bthf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTnCbZ-EsdsgC_kD2gwsHTBJKij7fOh2pUsbzM-iwvjwbg0xSQQobcbGsNi8mG4USoKdRH9U6VIik_oTgvsIx4MlcNtgNm0JMSSnXpDoLsEP7lQVy4HW2QYlda9FFstgtCnKpbFNV4z0/s320/bthf2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to the Future Day</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I recognize that I have great and perhaps somewhat unrealistic expectations: the surgery, recovery and outcome had gone so splendidly for my left foot, is it realistic to expect the same for my right foot? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I was expecting a general anesthetic(G.A.) like my first experience but my lingering
upper respiratory infection increased the risk of bronchial spasm so my best
option was now a spinal block combined with sedation. "So, if the spinal block is less risk, why would one chose a general anesthetic?" I asked the anesthesiologist. She explained that some people don't like the idea of being awake, or having a needle put in their back and it is preferred because of flow. You can recover much faster from a G.A. than a spinal block = more surgeries completed. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was an irrational part of me thought that I could beat an anesthesiologist at their own game. You got me last time, so you’re not going to get me this time, I thought.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> "How do you feel?”
my anesthesiologist asked as the fentanyl was entering my veins. “A little
strange,” I said as she prepared to insert the needle. “Round your back like an
angry cat,” the nurse said. I felt a small pinch and then she laid me down
gently on the operating bed and put a sheet up vertically to block my view of
my feet. “Can I see?” I asked as I crunched to peak overtop. “No,” the team
answered assertively as I lay back down. Fortunately, my anesthesiologist knows
better than I and my plan to stay awake didn't playout. I was nicely sedated
for the entire event and woke up just in time to wave goodbye to everybody in
the operating room. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> "Can I please have some ice chips?" I asked the nurse since I was a now a pro and knew what I could forward to. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Not yet," she replied, "we need to wait until you get some feeling back, maybe another half hour." Two hours later, their first attempt to switch me from the bed to a rolling chair was unsuccessful. "Try to squeeze you butt and thighs," the nurse urged. It wasn't happening and back into the bed I went.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It took 4 hours for the feeling in the bottom half of my body to return. Wow, with my G.A. I was out within an hour last time; huge difference in recovery. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Brunet explained that the Lapidus procedure went as planned; however, he had to put a temporary pin in my big toe because my tendon was too short and it needed to be stretched. The pin is expected to remain for 3-4 weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I left the hospital painless, peppy and pleased with my first dose of
acetaminophen and hydromorphone in my system. "Have a look at my foot," I urged my Mom once I made myself comfortable at home. She removed the sock covering my foot and I think I was more shocked than she was. There was lots more blood than I had seen at the hospital. It wasn’t long before my
pain dramatically increased. I had the chills, nausea, vomiting and the clock slowed
down so that I could feel every intense palpitation in my foot. By 1:30 am, after
leaving a voicemail at Dr. Brunet's office out of desperation, I decided to
double my dose of hydromorphone and take a sleeping pill. Eventually, I
was able to fall asleep and with Dr. Brunet’s approval, I was able to manage my
pain more effectively.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;"><b>Day 4</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> Today, my pain has reduced significantly without the influence of medication. It’s amazing how fast the body heals.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I expect to have my plaster cast replaced with fiberglass in two days and get a first glimpse of my new foot.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hFJ5yZLax_w7kEoyUDtEZ0CBiSN1UOwKGjJjvIJrc9_7hL3LydtHFEmAgVcmYbEWmAA2TRUl1abhZ1i29SEzqbL-U9zIYXqRqGmhyphenhyphenxeSPLGL0tVJ7hgYNs8bahrliD2KFlTXWSp8uRk/s1600/right+foot+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hFJ5yZLax_w7kEoyUDtEZ0CBiSN1UOwKGjJjvIJrc9_7hL3LydtHFEmAgVcmYbEWmAA2TRUl1abhZ1i29SEzqbL-U9zIYXqRqGmhyphenhyphenxeSPLGL0tVJ7hgYNs8bahrliD2KFlTXWSp8uRk/s640/right+foot+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the pin in my big toe. The Jays game is on!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAPR13qXaXjmbRWfr0QvsT9O1Q2XkEux8TktFBQNO2P9MOq-BGZOIX8yqVtCmtkQJ9Gp16m4YsmONwftaetRgvf4TSbGBoxNExw8yquCxRHV5sDcJnEfKPeITKGX0YxRmYfP3huloVjo/s1600/right+foot+ariel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAPR13qXaXjmbRWfr0QvsT9O1Q2XkEux8TktFBQNO2P9MOq-BGZOIX8yqVtCmtkQJ9Gp16m4YsmONwftaetRgvf4TSbGBoxNExw8yquCxRHV5sDcJnEfKPeITKGX0YxRmYfP3huloVjo/s640/right+foot+ariel.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial view. Ready for Halloween.</td></tr>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-34907060164880193342015-09-20T14:01:00.001-04:002015-11-20T21:49:32.579-05:0031 Days and Counting<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<h2>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">11 Months Post-op</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I am counting down the days until my next foot surgery scheduled for October 21, 2015. Now that I know what to expect, I am way less nervous and not an emotional mess like last time. I plan to enjoy my long days with HBO, Netflix and a few borrowed DVDs. I look forward to an early breakfast brought to my bedside by Tim (lucky me!) and sporting a variety of sweat pants for 60 days. I will rediscover my morning routine of non-weight bearing exercise followed by a seated shower and cautious crutching down the stairs by noon. It won't be long until I get to ride in my fancy cycling shoes that have been sitting in my closet for two years. My hope is that my recovery will be similar but I understand that the results of my first surgery won't necessarly predict the healing pattern/outcome of my second surgery. It's hard to believe that almost a year has passed and I'm ready to do this one more time.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVsyJx7ipZluhz7c_F6rUq1rzCKleefMbpKot_O-K_R4B4Z8OYaj7vk7WdtPSUQanLVKceTj3abKiMVm7B5dRZOhQEmxJ5kc-Phd0LuUB6RFPq9A7ZxdWhP6kQTxd_dK0moHG6A2j4Bw/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVsyJx7ipZluhz7c_F6rUq1rzCKleefMbpKot_O-K_R4B4Z8OYaj7vk7WdtPSUQanLVKceTj3abKiMVm7B5dRZOhQEmxJ5kc-Phd0LuUB6RFPq9A7ZxdWhP6kQTxd_dK0moHG6A2j4Bw/s320/IMG_1838.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll soon be able to wear stylish shoes!</td></tr>
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<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-34596655151425166312015-06-30T20:17:00.001-04:002015-11-20T21:50:19.187-05:00Preparing for Round Two<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<h2>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">8 Months Post-op</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am very happy with my reconstructed foot. Thank you Dr. Brunet! My
foot is essentially pain free. The skin around the scar is still a little
sensitive and I have lost some superficial nerve sensory near the scar but this
is VERY MINOR and was expected! The pin in my foot is not a problem in terms of
rubbing on my shoe (<a href="http://frenchbunionsoup.blogspot.ca/2014/12/my-final-post-op.html"><span style="color: blue;"> see my concerns from Day 56</span></a>) and I definitely
do not cause the metal detectors to sound at the airport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I'm beginning to mentally prepare myself for round two as my surgery is
scheduled for October 21, 2015. Will I recover the same? I often picture how I
would be a year from now. Will I be better runner or faster cyclist? I
gave up rollerblading years ago because I no longer fit comfortably in the
boot. No more blisters and calluses between my toes from excess rubbing. Most
importantly, I look forward to the pattern of my socks looking symmetrical when
on my feet.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWE3StfY3PK7gWxiEuji42nhNxoE3BOulU5amsLFeHE5vf8N29Ecvil4zlj4C6dfBx34CsTq-M5YcTABsrzaewjPAagUAM4NUn37nZEFuWYjUnX1Wq59V0p1us1_LjvVlCgL1601LWH9Y/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWE3StfY3PK7gWxiEuji42nhNxoE3BOulU5amsLFeHE5vf8N29Ecvil4zlj4C6dfBx34CsTq-M5YcTABsrzaewjPAagUAM4NUn37nZEFuWYjUnX1Wq59V0p1us1_LjvVlCgL1601LWH9Y/s400/IMG_1533.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the hospital for my right foot consultation. Note the scar on my left is much more faint.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> I recently had a consultation with Dr. Brunet. He verified there was no change to the progression of my right bunion and its severity is not as bad as my left but it will still require the same procedure and recovery.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10ParKiiiIZ-vHVbv5wSq_PnK4rJIv7U_AOtSyix_iMbKRkN8aECZXwbK6N_0zHjReb5owgDLOwoJjLs5e4ggUxniGxyq49MAx0yxq2qQDAokI-BWYx-MkAgDq-UuZ62OKFoSnzOy860/s1600/Meaurement+xray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10ParKiiiIZ-vHVbv5wSq_PnK4rJIv7U_AOtSyix_iMbKRkN8aECZXwbK6N_0zHjReb5owgDLOwoJjLs5e4ggUxniGxyq49MAx0yxq2qQDAokI-BWYx-MkAgDq-UuZ62OKFoSnzOy860/s640/Meaurement+xray.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I'm looking forward to the end results and I am not hesitant to proceed again. Now that I know what to expect, I'm looking forward to spending time with my parents, doing modified workouts, watching movies, working on my hobbies, chilling with my cats and welcoming Tim home after the work day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> The bucket below was in one of the plaster rooms at the hospital. It's interesting what needs to be labeled these days.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilB-0ghytyoCeweV9swVD_ddB7A5EENGuIYskysi72Wycs2Gj3djUq0SU2yGElxBkW34o5AQeG-V3NL0yzjuhlfcgXky4O3nYzPM8684a7dgFAZhoQ_ODqYnIQyU-4twEng4iQINnJwV4/s1600/IMG_1537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilB-0ghytyoCeweV9swVD_ddB7A5EENGuIYskysi72Wycs2Gj3djUq0SU2yGElxBkW34o5AQeG-V3NL0yzjuhlfcgXky4O3nYzPM8684a7dgFAZhoQ_ODqYnIQyU-4twEng4iQINnJwV4/s200/IMG_1537.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beware of the bucket</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0FgVbE3Atfw9a0inkRG1UredYT-O8UbiJn3flh2SF_AqNR9zvzyNx6op9WG9vrgKNq9d4PWihmSufuk9qPo2R-3rn4tRsFjUDzpP6jM0KPRyidYD6cZ74RIswpLJidttRrP_U_XFbgg/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0FgVbE3Atfw9a0inkRG1UredYT-O8UbiJn3flh2SF_AqNR9zvzyNx6op9WG9vrgKNq9d4PWihmSufuk9qPo2R-3rn4tRsFjUDzpP6jM0KPRyidYD6cZ74RIswpLJidttRrP_U_XFbgg/s320/IMG_1538.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-14744625689275991022015-04-01T11:37:00.000-04:002015-11-20T21:57:43.068-05:00Don't let my scar Fool you<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<h2>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">5 Months Post-op</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> April 1st! Just past my five month milestone. Improvements are now
subtle as I journey away from my surgery date of Oct 22, 2014. To date, my
experience has been better than expected. I can run, jump, pivot, climb and fly
(wishful thinking). "A new foot and wings please, Dr. Brunet."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> There are still times that I limp after a long day in the OR but it's my
bunioned right foot that bothers me most. I had an incident, last week,
where my I closed a door on my left foot which resulted in a bruised nail-bed.
It hurt, of course, but self-inflicted pain has been
my only hindrance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I went for my first pedicure last Monday. I had been reluctant
since the skin around my scar was still sensitive and numb in some spots.
"Surgery!" the pedicurist exclaimed, "I'll be
gentle," he added. And on went the gloves and out came the tools. He had
no hesitation putting his hands on my foot including my scar and I was getting
ready to squirm from distress but I was fine. The only squirming I experienced
was when the emery board tickled to bottom of my feet!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh349KtYZm3BkFUMYcHi2wZoriJghPY70YDTXKJaAE8Eip3u1LrJHmrn5bPLiDg2GwSYL8zd7d5qlJw1Xdq4z2u6OW2N5gtWDjfj0Zo6uagsiXffi-cW5xutJQF92VR2sirSj_PwMgJVBM/s1600/April+1+2015+Foot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh349KtYZm3BkFUMYcHi2wZoriJghPY70YDTXKJaAE8Eip3u1LrJHmrn5bPLiDg2GwSYL8zd7d5qlJw1Xdq4z2u6OW2N5gtWDjfj0Zo6uagsiXffi-cW5xutJQF92VR2sirSj_PwMgJVBM/s1600/April+1+2015+Foot.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The crease beneath my big toe is slowly getting
better</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> I am actually proud of the scar on my foot. I know it will always
be there. It may not be the prettiest for
sandal season, however, will remain a testament from my experience. I
can't wear flip flops or any shoe that requires a strap to go through my first
and second toe since the toes on my right foot are so close together that they
crunch on the strap. I'm looking forward to having surgery on my right
foot so that I feel more balanced, and yes, can wear pretty shoes. (Not
heals though, don't worry Dr. Brunet, I won't wreck our work.) Instinctively, I
put more weight on my right foot over my left. It would be nice to wear
bowling shoes without Paul Bunion sticking out and rubbing on the side.
Well, at least he waves!</span><br />
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-32783134827270670052015-01-27T21:55:00.002-05:002015-11-20T21:51:49.380-05:00Comparing Pains<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> "What did you do to yourself?" inquired a familiar gym mate as I hobbled down the stairs a few weeks back. "I had bunion surgery," I replied. "Oh, did they cause you a lot of pain?" she asked. My immediate answer was YES but how much pain is a lot? I had nothing to compare it to. It's not like I could attach someone else's bunionized foot to my leg and give a solid answer. The pain was tolerable and I vouched that I could live with it for a few more years. I remember, before my surgery, while standing in the shower after a workout, my bunions red, sore and throbbing. This was my norm. My frustrations came from the impossible task of finding comfortable, well-sized shoes. My podiatrist, who miraculously cured my two year episode of <span style="background-color: white;">plantar fasciitis<span style="line-height: 17px;"> </span></span>with orthotics, informed me that my feet had excellent range of motion and will be surprised to know I had this surgery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> "I hear the recovery is painful," a stranger said with sympathy. "Not really," I replied. "My foot was numbed for the first 36 hours, I had adequate pain killers for 5 days, I was in a cast to my knee for the first 6 weeks and then an aircast for another 3 weeks." The most painful part of my recovery was when I decided to go Christmas shopping the same week I got my aircast. Standing in one spot, due to my indecisiveness, for more than a couple minutes was excruciating. With my heavy winter coat on, my temperature was rising and my blood pressure was dropping. I had to let go what I was carrying and sit down on a display. My <u>non-operated</u> foot was still compensating by bearing much of my body weight and it was in so much pain, I was going to faint. Lesson learned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Now that I have one "normal" almost healed foot and the other with Paul-B still attached, I can give a more concrete answer. YES, they were painful. YES, the surgery was worth it. And YES, I'm looking forward to getting my other foot done. In retrospect, the throbbing, shooting pains were not normal. I just put up with them. My new foot is quiet, it doesn't yell at me after exercise. The skin near my scar is still tender to touch and still numb in some areas. The odd dull aches are becoming less frequent. My limp only appears when I've been walking all day at work. I'm now used to the shape of my new foot. So this is what other people's feet look like?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swelling still evident 3+months post</td></tr>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-35489328749810838182015-01-19T20:03:00.000-05:002015-11-20T21:56:49.355-05:00Three months post-op: One Foot Out The Door<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 89</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I'm about to celebrate my three month milestone and my foot is performing better than I expected. My cardio intensity and strength training is at approximately 85% . I've jogged several kilometers at a time on the treadmill, added back plyometric training and weight lifting (legs). I struggle with lunges since my range of motion is being tested but have already seen a huge improvement in the last 30 days. Dr. Brunet told me that I should be at 100% by 6 months post-op. I feel like I may be ahead of the norm since I kept fit during the time when many are sedentary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I went shoe shopping for the first time since surgery! My foot's new figure dropped a size and fit every shoe beautifully. Of course, I still have to accommodate my other foot, so I kept my old numbers and ended up with my reliable friend Nike Pegasus (really a fantastic shoe). </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still a favourite</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I'm not a big believer in creams, lotions or potions that heal scars but I happened to find some Vitamin E oil hanging around. So, I'm using it...just in case! No harm done!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I found it in the "lost goods box" in my closet</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Applying the oil for good measure</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I haven't used my accessible parking permit much since I stopped using my aircast. It's still good for a few more days but now that I'm walking and standing without pain, there is no need for it.</span></div>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-16075232854317936302014-12-30T19:29:00.000-05:002015-11-20T22:02:13.344-05:00Back to the Grind!<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 70</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I started back at the gym on December 19th, three days shy of my two month surgery anniversary. It was the exact date that I projected for myself from the very beginning; the same day my gym would start taking payments out again! I remembered what Dr. Brunet had said to me at my final post-op: "You can walk on the treadmill for about 20 minutes, use the elliptical and cycle without resistance. If you over do-it, it could set you back, not push you forward." </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started on the bike for 30 minutes with resistance (sorry Dr. Brunet). It was no problem; very low impact on my feet and at the same level of resistance that I used pre-operatively. It was wonderful to feel my body move again and I was so thankful to be there. I remember why I loved the gym. It was my time to reflect, relax, think, stare, sweat, read and decide what I was going to eat for dinner. I use it to meditate, basically. Then I moved to weights and found out quickly how much my home workouts actually helped to keep me fit. I could lift more weight in my arms, shoulders, chest and back than before. My main focus was now my legs with squats, lunges and weight machines that exercised my quads and hamstrings. This was definitely my expected weak point. I finished with 20 minutes of walking on the treadmill. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Brunet cautioned that people tend to walk on the outside of their foot so I made a conscious</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> effort not to. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I describe it as a relaxed hurt. I closed my eyes to bare through the discomfort with a mission to learn how to properly use my foot again. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Check out my impressive 2.5 miles/hour</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The last time I used my aircast was December 24th. I really didn't mind wearing it. But now that I don't need it, it feels fantastic. I walk with a noticeable limp but I noticed today that it's becoming less evident. I didn't end up having to buy new shoes. Dr. Brunet recommended this because men's shoes have wider toe boxes but it turns out that my shoes do too! The swelling has come down enough to fit what I already own. My winter boots were expensive and less than a year old and molded to my old foot shape. It was weird wearing them at first, but now it feels more normal and becoming less of an issue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I'm headed back to work on January 6th (with doctor's note), two weeks sooner than expected. I will still have restrictions and cannot work in the OR until the 31st. So as my final week off is half complete, I reflect on my journey and realize that it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I didn't fall apart, I didn't lose a foot and I emerged stronger than before. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the crease on my left big toe? It is evidence of swelling/edema and will dissipate.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-11393237486942862012014-12-16T12:57:00.000-05:002015-11-20T21:58:46.731-05:00My Final Post-op<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 56</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> No more post-ops needed! Dr. Brunet was very pleased with my progress to date. I explained to him that within the last 3 days, I was getting some sharp, intense pain on the ball of my foot. He assured me that this was normal and it was caused from sore muscles. Truthfully, I broke his rules and have been standing or walking over his permitted 15 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I've noticed a hard bump on the top of my foot. Could it be a screw? Yup. Dr. Brunet confirmed it. No matter what size your foot is, whether you're 5ft2 " (like me) or 6ft1", the same size screws are used for everyone. When the swelling decreases, it may become more noticeable when I'm wearing tight running shoes or strappy sandals. Problematic? I'm not sure yet.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaX4lAHH77cLrk1tXtNyJiNzuFFkcQG6DD3H6a3a0cQmf9J5Yx4hu_EvmI8AT38PUd70QAw7Eo-2Ry7YIktuDuRqD5Z5RcAshqH1Epue6A2z_2DmBIe8krHXlsKTcjY4QMIgg8ye6Xms/s1600/foot+screw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaX4lAHH77cLrk1tXtNyJiNzuFFkcQG6DD3H6a3a0cQmf9J5Yx4hu_EvmI8AT38PUd70QAw7Eo-2Ry7YIktuDuRqD5Z5RcAshqH1Epue6A2z_2DmBIe8krHXlsKTcjY4QMIgg8ye6Xms/s1600/foot+screw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Head of screw</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Going forward, these are my post-op instructions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) Take the next 7-10 days to transition from the air cast to a shoe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) Start walking on the treadmill/elliptical for about 20 minutes. Today I did 30 min on the recumbent bike and 20 min on the elliptical. I assumed that since the recumbent bike isn't standing, I could get away with it. My operated foot felt good throughout, my other foot had that same old "hot feeling".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) Spin classes are okay without resistance or climbing. (I guess it's just peddling on a bike then).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4) Continue toe exercises. Squeeze a towel with my toe and press with my thumb on the bottom toe joint.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5) No physio needed!I</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6) </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Expect in 2-3 months to go back to normal activities. It will be a slow transition!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Notice my tan is gone!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> When am I going to get my right foot done? When my left foot gets strong enough to compensate. Dr. Brunet said that I could wait until next year but he cautioned that I will notice that I have two different feet. In my opinion, the sooner the better but I'm not going to jump the gun here. It's best to make sure I'm fully recovered and satisfied and not make any hasty decisions.</span></div>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-39461396737064366852014-12-09T17:05:00.003-05:002015-11-20T22:00:32.416-05:00Weighing In<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My scale has been taunting me since I had my cast removed last Tuesday. "Come on, just step on me," it teased. I went into this surgery in the best shape of my life. Not body builder or fitness model shape but a respectable 25-30 lbs lighter than I have been in the past 10 years. Of course, the possible weight gain from resting and recovering terrified me. Did I really want to know how much I weighed? I tried to be comfortable with a 5-10 lb gain but how would I feel in reality? My body didn't feel the same anymore and my legs looked like a Jello explosion! I definitely could have eaten better than I did. To avoid feeling defeated, I kept telling myself that weight gain was to be expected and that I had a challenge ahead of me. So, with hesitation, I stepped on the scale.......</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVdg8fWbj2bz-F8rF20fPH_kHY1x8sYHyWf8dVENWbpQUeh1TeIcCKMoGRIxXvkrJMYzyFWtE0Cg0E22aWT-Io1mXBo9KzjOSmcOB0zFH3agkBTg4aqx_ZNmbwGpDEpF2_A0_u2ip_Vs/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVdg8fWbj2bz-F8rF20fPH_kHY1x8sYHyWf8dVENWbpQUeh1TeIcCKMoGRIxXvkrJMYzyFWtE0Cg0E22aWT-Io1mXBo9KzjOSmcOB0zFH3agkBTg4aqx_ZNmbwGpDEpF2_A0_u2ip_Vs/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My mouth dropped! I was 2 lbs under my average and 2 lbs over my lightest weight. Basically, no gain! I couldn't believe it. I weighed myself three times just to make sure. At that moment, I felt relieved and grateful. Phewf! What load off my shoulders!</span></div>
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My theories on this miracle are:</span><br />
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1) My metabolism is still high so I'm still burning more calories as if I'm doing a vigorous workout? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) I have developed good eating habits and therefore without realizing it, ate healthier smaller portions than I did when I was heavier?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) I lost muscle and gained fat (no question mark needed).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4) I worked out almost everyday. It's actually a really tough routine and takes about an hour and a half to complete. See my<span style="color: red;"> <a href="http://frenchbunionsoup.blogspot.ca/p/working-with-atropy.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">semi-weight bearing workout.</span></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My triumph today was completing push-ups with both feet on the ground. My toe flexibility has improved tremendously which I 100% attribute to my workouts. Pointing, flexing and stretching are foot movements that are automatic with my routine. To celebrate, I gave myself a pedicure. It's true ladies, I only need to use <u>one</u> toe separator. Never thought of that perk!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbTwVTJQCSMuFuI6lcADEdWui9laguUjFBRcJG3Ep8UEl9ONAIrMbAIRZtEjDukkjhOZLlLX6nG9uahTXmlXrcw37JGAM8MqemGIyW-mxPfekoDfPvj3vzFevk4ogJPnxwELZHAAHJeg/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbTwVTJQCSMuFuI6lcADEdWui9laguUjFBRcJG3Ep8UEl9ONAIrMbAIRZtEjDukkjhOZLlLX6nG9uahTXmlXrcw37JGAM8MqemGIyW-mxPfekoDfPvj3vzFevk4ogJPnxwELZHAAHJeg/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> As for my mobility, I walk with my air-cast and crutches are no longer needed. If I use the air-cast for over 15 minutes in an hour, I pay for it. Now that I can carry things, there's just so much stuff to do around here! The bottom of my foot is still swollen so when I have my foot flat, my big toe doesn't touch the ground. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks pretty good, don't you think?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One week until my next post-op, I better start shoe shopping!</span></div>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-28652975039017851252014-12-04T00:06:00.002-05:002015-11-20T22:02:40.588-05:00Phase Two: X-ray Exhibit<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Deep down inside, I wanted to be an exceptional patient. One that would heal faster than the norm. I knew with these expectations, I was setting myself up for disappointment. Pressure was alleviated when I realized being on schedule was the best thing I could be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> My fiberglass cast was removed yesterday. It was such an odd feeling. My leg felt so light and I wasn't sure how to maneuver myself off the hospital bed over to the x-ray module. After 6 weeks of being totally dedicated to a non-weight bearing lifestyle with a cast up to my knee, I would now transition to an aircast. I was now allowed put pressure on my foot and perhaps be able to carry a cup of coffee from the counter to the couch. And oh, the shower! No more giant plastic bag over my leg. I felt like belting out "A Whole New World" from the Aladdin in the plaster room for all to hear, but I didn't.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scar is healing nicely</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Dr. Brunet explained that</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I needed to wake-up my bones and muscles. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could start standing or walking for 5-15 minutes per hour and I'm not allowed to bank that time. I had to massage the skin about one inch around the scar and continue with my toe exercises as much as possible. He expects that in two weeks, I will spend half my time in the air cast and the rest in a men's shoe. Since their toe boxes are wider, it would be my best option for comfort for a few weeks. Jealous?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> I had some x-rays taken for the first time since the surgery. The pins are a permanent fixture.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Three different angles - 6 weeks post</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRzF9kn7hcPrErt787s0oa7Bcj2UWk40eCb551buZunmp7kk0z9ELdZ1HKvA-2wzCUGj9E8KaZfoREcHM-E7lv0RddH-ZLVgfa9K5Q3PRi-a70dCywglePysEoKuIzqMUZ0fQnThdr78/s1600/before+and+after+xray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRzF9kn7hcPrErt787s0oa7Bcj2UWk40eCb551buZunmp7kk0z9ELdZ1HKvA-2wzCUGj9E8KaZfoREcHM-E7lv0RddH-ZLVgfa9K5Q3PRi-a70dCywglePysEoKuIzqMUZ0fQnThdr78/s1600/before+and+after+xray.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before and After</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> O</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ne of the first things I did when I got home was soak my foot in the bathtub. It was amazing to see how many layers of dead skin had built up. Apparently, my foot looked really good in that regard. I've noticed that my skin has been re-positioned a little bit. I don't have any padding on the bottom of my foot near the big toe, so it feels very weird to touch it to the ground without a cast. I'm still numb to touch in a few places but it will take some time for the nerves to grow back.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nasty, I know!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My crutches will be used less once I build some muscle again.</span></td></tr>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-54311015017805681882014-11-26T19:12:00.001-05:002015-11-20T22:02:05.354-05:006 More Sleeps<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The count down is on! Not much has changed with my foot since my last post. I'm still in my non-weight bearing cast and counting down until next Tuesday when I can walk and let my leg breath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I would like to sidetrack for a paragraph from my bunion themed blog to talk about my Mom and the gift she received almost one week ago:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My Mom received a kidney transplant after over five long years of wait. She has polycystic kidney disease and over the last several years, my family has watched her battle against her dying kidneys. It took a lot of courage not to loose hope that one day, she would find a matching donor. You see, my Mom is a difficult match. Her high anti-bodies combined with her less common blood and tissue type made it difficult to receive organ donation. Last June, she was placed on a special list for people with hard-to-match requirements. Finally, our wish came true and she is likely being released from the hospital tomorrow. She will now start a new challenge and hopefully get her quality of life back. My family has deep gratitude to the organ donor. The donor was deceased and the kidney came from Windsor, Ontario. That person saved my Mom's life and no words can describe how grateful we are. Please sign your donor card or give blood; you could save a life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back to my foot:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My foot looks like it's disintegrating. Without the exfoliation effects from wearing a sock or shoes, it's drying up. There is nothing much I can do about this until my cast comes off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I bought a Tilt-a-Table from Canadian Tire last week for $13.99 on sale. It is fabulous! I highly recommend this product for everyone. It's light weight, portable and useful for meals and my laptop.</span></div>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-5369253176014430942014-11-18T13:39:00.001-05:002015-11-20T22:03:59.114-05:0028 Days Later: My third foot unveiling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> This morning, I had my 4 week post-op. I went with high hopes that I would receive the good news that I was healing on schedule. This time, with decreased edema, I was more excited than nervous to see my foot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> And the two week old cast comes off! I exercised quite a bit with this cast on so surprisingly, there was no smell nor evidence of any significant water damage. (See Day 16: </span><a href="http://frenchbunionsoup.blogspot.ca/2014/11/confessions-of-not-so-perfect-patient.html" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">"Confessions of the Not So Perfect Patient."</a><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZMvNwiO40c/VGttnS_68AI/AAAAAAAABWM/-2_3e00Mc64/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZMvNwiO40c/VGttnS_68AI/AAAAAAAABWM/-2_3e00Mc64/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It's shocking how dry and scaly my feet were from being in a cast. I gave it a good clean with alcohol solution before a the new cast went back on.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Underneath; cotton from the old cast stuck to the bottom </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ankle trick - over pronation; a whole other issue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The doctors and technicians were impressed with my healing. "You must be keeping it elevated," said Dr. Brunet with certainty. "As much as I can", I responded, " and I've been exercising almost daily." "Maybe that's helping the circulation to reduce the swelling," he said. "I'd like to keep you in a cast for two more weeks. At that time, we will take some x-rays. There is a 50% chance you'll move to an aircast or you could go into a stiff-soled shoe," he explained. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Hopefully, at 6 weeks post-op, I will be able to wear a stiff soled shoe, but either way, at least I will have the freedom to sleep without a cast on my leg. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Notice the gap is closing between my big and second toe.</span></td></tr>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-31042257696509072902014-11-11T16:51:00.001-05:002015-11-20T22:01:22.739-05:00Fighting The Mean Girl On My Shoulder<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I have never been off work this long. Before this medical leave, my longest vacation was in Germany for two weeks in 2009. I wish I could be more productive but being on crutches gets in the way. I do less in one day then I did in one hour when I could walk. This is discouraging. Of course, I've been trying to occupy my time with this blog, teaching myself how to sew and working out but that doesn't cover all hours of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Teaching myself how to sew is not an easy task. I've finally taken my sewing machine out of the box from last Christmas. I've bought most of the essential materials it takes to complete a successful project. I've broken a needle already and have pulled half my hair out. Over the course of the past two days, I've watched about a dozen sewing videos. There is sewing vocabulary that I had no idea existed! Apparently, my experience making scrunchies as a child does not qualify me as an experienced seamstress. So now, I'm at a standstill. There is no way I can teach myself without going bald. Tim's mom, Maryke, advised me to take a step back so I wouldn't launch my machine into the street. Thankfully, she is stopping by tomorrow to give me some tips. Thanks Maryke!! Maybe there's still hope for me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Since I spend a lot of time on my crutches, I've mastered a few skills. Going up and down stairs being one of them. At week one, with a heavier plaster cast on, I would scoot up and down on my behind. Look at me now! The trick is to make sure your crutches are as wide as possible so your center of gravity is lower which maintains better balance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I didn't end up getting a new cast after I got it wet last Thursday. The cast looks and smells alright and my new <a href="http://www.seal-tight.com/index.php" target="_blank">Sealtight </a>shower bag purchased from <a href="http://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/english/home_health_care/store_locations/index.html" target="_blank">Shopper's Drugmart Home Health Care</a> is working well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> What I did notice...this is totally gross so stop reading of you don't want to know....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is my accumulation of toe jam. Yes, this is a real thing! I've been so focused on protecting my cast that I forgot to clean my toes. Now, I can understand why some laser eye surgery patients come to their exam the day after their surgery with gunk all over their eyes. I can testify toe jam is way worse. Nasty!!!</span></div>
<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-63371631999010469062014-11-06T19:34:00.000-05:002015-11-20T22:00:44.204-05:00Confessions of the Not So Perfect Patient<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "poiret one" , cursive; font-size: x-large;">Day 16</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I did something bad. Something that I was warned about so many times. I got my cast wet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> At my one week post-op, Martin, the casting technician, gave me a high five because when he removed my plaster cast, there was no evidence of it being soiled with water. "What did you do to keep you cast dry?" he asked. "I bought a special shower bag", I responded with content. "Well, you did a really good job at keeping it dry, but I would recommend you take a sponge bath instead. You don't want to have to come back in to get it changed or be out of luck on a weekend with a wet cast," he responded. A sponge bath? Out off the question, I thought. I'm a two shower a day type of girl. No joke, I shower before and after I workout. A sponge bath was not happening. "How can you tell if someone got their cast wet?" I asked. "You can just tell by looking at it", he said, " and it would smell like decay."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The following Sunday, I got my cast a touch wet. The water pooled on the shower bag so when I took it off, the water ran onto my cast. No big deal, I was getting a new cast in two days time and it dried up in about 4-6 hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Today, only two days after my new cast change, it's soaked. I'm not sure how deep the water penetrated. I hope I can survive with this one on for 12 more days. This time, the water actually got inside the shower bag past the rubber bands that were supposed to seal it. My leg has been itchy and I've been cold all day. I ran a blow dryer down my cast on the cool setting several times but it doesn't seem to be much help.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAPUqC6ukUWviVPD03MZ8_fcqzbH63ixm84J_Uby4qMsSPk-bPJvV6eO4APQKFnhC_t5k5VBMmMvYSCs8in8lsCnD-3sfGhF2sSwBGVm2K_lQ317jzp2awwAr-IEb2k1jewA4kn32ENc/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAPUqC6ukUWviVPD03MZ8_fcqzbH63ixm84J_Uby4qMsSPk-bPJvV6eO4APQKFnhC_t5k5VBMmMvYSCs8in8lsCnD-3sfGhF2sSwBGVm2K_lQ317jzp2awwAr-IEb2k1jewA4kn32ENc/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" width="268" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I'm a bit worried I'll have to return to Ottawa tomorrow to get a new cast. I feel a little embarrassed, after all, the incident did happen on my second shower of the day after my workout. What will Martin think? Am I that thick headed non-compliant patient? I ask my patients to follow specific instructions all the time to ensure their best healing following laser eye surgery. When they don't listen, it's frustrating. I am that patient. Two showers a day Michelle? Come on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I guess I'll go out and buy a sponge, darn-it!</span><br />
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<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-43558972107561359702014-11-04T13:32:00.001-05:002015-10-24T20:54:54.467-04:00Two Weeks Post-op: My second foot unveiling<link href="http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Poiret+One" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My second foot unveiling was this morning. I had a dream last night that I was walking on my cast. In reality, I was hoping that I was a marvelous bionic healer and Dr. Brunet would put me in a walking cast today. No such luck! I'm healing well but there is still lots of edema that needs to subside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was instructed more than once, to keep my leg elevated as much as possible to prevent scarring and prolonged healing. Okay, so maybe my Costco run yesterday wasn't the best idea but it was nice to get out of the house with my Mom. Besides, I bought a mountain of garbage bags and rode the electric wheelchair with authority. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">NB: I've transitioned from pyjama pants to jeans when out in public.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought was going to be late for my appointment this morning, so my Mom dropped me off at hospital's main entrance. I opted not to take a wheelchair and stick to my crutches. Boy, can I ever pick up speed with those things. I was Sasha Fierce, there was no stopping me and people were sure to move out of the way. I made up some time, got some cardio and presented myself to the reception desk slightly out of breath. "Sorry, I'm late," I said. "You're good, only two minutes over, no big deal," replied the receptionist. Her response made me feel much better about my tardiness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was nervous to see my foot again. At week one, I was so shocked to see how swollen my foot looked and today, I was afraid I wouldn't notice much change.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Removing the cast</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Snipping the bandages</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Removing the gauze</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There she be!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I could tell the edema had decreased significantly.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Do you think I'm ready to be a foot model?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Toe exercise</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Removing the ends of the stitches since they are dissolvable.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Fiberglass is sharp, so a tensor bandage is applied over top</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Brunet was happy with my progress. He instructed me to practice toe exercises twice a day and cautioned that it should be uncomfortable. My next post-op visit is at 4 weeks. X-rays aren't taken until week 5.</span></div>
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<br />char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488822930672243813.post-14880797554663630942014-11-01T09:00:00.000-04:002015-10-24T20:55:35.993-04:00Clearing the Air: Why I got Bunion Surgery<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bunion surgery is not an easy decision. For most cases, it is 100% elective. I've been putting it off for over 10 years. When I finally booked the surgery, I almost instantly regretted my decision. The thought of going from very active, to not being able to walk without crutches was mind boggling. I couldn't picture myself alone, on the couch all day, watching TV and petting my cats. I seriously considered cancelling it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great part of my profession involves discussing with people about elective laser refractive eye surgery. I've been doing this for almost 8 years; pros and cons, risks versus benefits. There are people that I counsel that are great candidates and some not as much and I let them know this. Laser refractive surgery has done great things for many people. I couldn't work in this field if it wasn't a success. I think bunion surgery is similar. I've shopped around, done my research and found my surgeon. I've weighed out the risks versus benefits and today, the benefits outweigh the risks. That's when you know you're a good candidate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if I lost feeling in my big toe? What if I couldn't workout with as much intensity? What if I was in my more pain after than I was before? Bottom line: any and every surgery has risks but so does giving birth or walking across the street or driving a car. You could get hurt or die at any time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been listening and watching other peoples stories for years. This was not for cosmetic reasons. I never thought my feet looked ugly. I didn't even realize my bunions were unusual. In fact, I thought other peoples feet looked weird because their big toe was straight. I was never embarrassed and never hid my feet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my prom, I wore wedges with a half inch rise. I was ok with that. They were silver and had sparkles. Who cares?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could never walk into a shoe store like Aldo, Spring or Payless. They were out of the question. I was lucky to find something at Naturalizer even with the wider width. "We can stretch your shoe overnight," they would offer. "Sure," I said with hopefulness. It never worked, the shoe never fit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought my own shoe stretcher from the USA. It's heavy and hardcore but didn't work for me. "Your shoe should fit when you buy it," said my podiatrist, " you should never have to stretch it."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My shoe collection consists of many shoes that are barely worn. Most of them too big for me. They felt great at the store but in reality, way over compensated for my bunion. The rest, too tight and not tolerable for more than five minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would prefer shopping for bathing suits or anything else for that matter. I hate shoe shopping!!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a lot of running shoes. But even they cause me trouble. Two years ago, I discovered the Nike Pegasus. This is a fabulous shoe. Nice and soft, fits my orthotics and a beautiful mesh-like top that expands with my bunion. Thank you Nike!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My last running shoe purchase was completely unsuccessful. I returned two pairs and then another two pairs before giving up, four weeks before my surgery. The Pegasus was not working for me; my feet didn't agree with it anymore. I tried D width in another brand and my feet swam around in them. I don't have wide feet, I have bunions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm always thinking about my future. I have polycystic kidney disease (PKD). I'm saving like crazy for my retirement because I know I won't be able to work until the ripe age of CPP. My feet are part of this future. I can't push this off any longer. I want to be able to walk, run, cycle and stay fit for as long as physically possible. This is the most important thing in the world to me. Dr. Brunet wants to operate on me before I develop arthritis and while I can have an ideal recovery. Now is the time, no more excuses. This is an investment in my future.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA4eqVghEKA8FOqbXeW-lzUhqw_O2XyUiAXKXIheMfXRZG_6ReZToQ3MkIXjww4WF8mK3yifx_Ut-0Mu0oGYW4ZuP5nrpw_cuSGCTHhr_6TdrV8XpWkAKHmFb0Q9UnhGxksOrX2Gu3PM/s1600/endpkd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA4eqVghEKA8FOqbXeW-lzUhqw_O2XyUiAXKXIheMfXRZG_6ReZToQ3MkIXjww4WF8mK3yifx_Ut-0Mu0oGYW4ZuP5nrpw_cuSGCTHhr_6TdrV8XpWkAKHmFb0Q9UnhGxksOrX2Gu3PM/s1600/endpkd.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Pumpkin carving by Heather and Chris Buckley</span></td></tr>
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char0263http://www.blogger.com/profile/12320337576855147490noreply@blogger.com0