Saturday, June 20, 2009

Bunionectomies Are The Best Medicine

I'm supposed to keep my foot elevated and I've been on the computer for a few hours now so I'll make this quick: I had my surgery last week and was awake for it, which was interesting since I got to hear all about my doctor's love life. In case you just tuned in: I had an operation to remove a post-traumatic bunion that had formed after I broke my foot nearly two years ago. Even more backstory: in August 2007, I had broken my knee and it wasn't until after that healed that it was discovered my foot had been fractured in four places, most likely when I fell and fractured my knee. By then, my foot had healed on its own and this gigantic bone was curving out below my big toe which made my foot so wide that I could no longer wear regular shoes. My doctor recently decided it was time to do surgery on the humongous bunion so that's what I had done last week when I got to hear all about her current boyfriend while lying on a gurney and listening to Bon Jovi and Depeche Mode on the radio.

On Wednesday, I saw my surgeon and they removed all of the bandages and I wanted to do a happy dance after seeing how normal my right foot looked. It's still a little oddly shaped -- she couldn't do anything about the toes that curve to the left now but the giant bunion was all gone. Woo freaking hoo! I now have a plate and some screws in my foot, which match nicely with the metal plate and screws in my knee. (Does anyone know if I'll set off metal detectors now? I keep forgetting to ask.) I still can't put any weight on my foot for quite awhile -- the bones need a chance to mend -- but knowing I will eventually be able to go back to wearing regular shoes has cheered me up considerably.

I still have a chronic wound on my other foot that is just not healing and she is talking about doing surgery on that too but I'm still on the fence about having that done until I hear more details. Anything with that requires more than a week of recovery is not something I'm ready to sign up for. Between losing my drivers license and dealing with broken bones, it will be three years in October that I've been housebound and I am truly sick of it and ready to have a life again. And, to wear cute shoes while doing it.

Please cross your fingers, say some prayers, and think good thoughts that my foot will heal the way it's supposed to. I won't get my stitches out for another 11 days so infection is still a possibility, but I'm staying out of the shower until then (ugh) and fortunately my circulation is still pretty good for someone with diabetes for over thirty years.

I've only finished one cross stitch during my convalescence but I've read at least 6 paperbacks in the past week. If you like stories about amateur detectives who solve murders AND bake cookies, check out Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series. The books are fun and a quick read, and loaded with recipes.

Back to putting my foot up and reading another Hannah mystery.

16 comments:

Jane said...

Glad to see you back and to hear the operation went well. Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery

Lori Lynn said...

Yay! Normal shoes!!I'm happy for ya!! Get better!

barncat (Lisa) said...

I'll be sending good thoughts your way :)

Bea said...

I have been thinking of you. Glad to see you back at the blog. And glad you are happy with the results of the surgery. Keep that foot up!

Busym1 said...

I too have been thinking of you, hoping the surgery went ok. Glad to see you back! Keep it elevated and take care! Michelle

Anonymous said...

Hi Patty, so pleased the surgery went well and I hope that the rest goes smoothly.

Haha, I think you might set off metal detectors, and you won't be able to have an MRI with all that metal in you! lol

Mary said...

Oh my. I didn't realize you were having surgery. I hope it heals perfectly for you. Maybe the toes will move back once you start wearing regular shoes since it won't have anything pushing them aside. It's not like you've had them off to the left like that all your life.

And yes, you will set off the metal detectors especially at government buildings and airports.

I think you are supposed to bring some documentation if you ever take any planes to say that the reason for the beeps is my knee and foot and no you aren't hiding anything illegal inside your leg...lol.

You haven't stitched much but I know you have been working on your farm...lol. ;-)

Glad to see you blogging again. Take care!
Hugs!
Mary

sheppy said...

Hi there,

Thanks for the update, am very glad to hear that that long awaited operation went well and can't wait to see photos of some really cute foot shots soon.

Erin

Jenny S said...

I'm so glad your surgery went well and I wish you a speedy recovery. Can't wait to see all the cute new shoes you'll be getting now :) xo

Loralynn said...

Hang in there, Patty! It won't be long until you are able to dance the Irish jig again!

Protector of Vintage said...

So happy to hear that you are doing well!! I have read all of Joanne Fluke's books....probably because I hang my hat in Minnesota!! Here's to a speedy recovery~

Unknown said...

I'm still cringing it all sounds painful and not just the doctors love life ! Rest up and get well soon .

Melissa said...

I'll keep you in my prayers and God's speed in the healing of your foot. Take care and looking forward to your next post. xo

Anonymous said...

I'm glad the surgery went well! You're well on your way to getting out of the house. :)

I got to hear the highlights of the Chiefs game during my c-section. So I feel your pain about that! lol.

Check out this cool website I found: www.funtrivia.com. It will entertain you during your convalescence (I don't think I spelled that right).

Diane said...

I've missed you so much! You're in my prayers for a speedy and infection-free recovery :)

barbara said...

Happy thoughts and many, many, many good wishes for a speedy and perfect recovery. I've been hoping your absence meant you were getting all fixed up. Take care! Barbara