I'd been having problems with wounds, on a toe, that would not heal. I finally made an appointment with my Orthopaedic Dr. expecting him to arrange a tendon release so the toe could straighten, the shoe wouldn't rub and everything would heal. That's not what happened. "The toe is useless, misshapen and needs to come off." However, because I also have a very significant case of lymphedema (swelling) in my feet and legs the Dr. cannot/will not do the surgery because of the hazzard of infection in tissue that won't heal. I'd be facing a more extensive amputation. The Lymphedema has to be treated. First appointment for addressing the lymphedema and when I came home DH asked me, "Did they take your toe off?" As I'd approach the door returnigng fom treatments he'd ask me again, and I finally just answered, "Not today." The last time he asked, it was, "Did they take your foot off?"
Well, the treatments are done, I am now doing home treatments about 5 days out of 7. The surgery will be next Monday, 9/20/10. There will be a helper here while I'm gone. My sister will take me and bring me home. My braces already have new linings and straps, my wheelchair will be back from repairs tomorrow. I've been fitted for a removable cast (boot) to go over my foot and brace, so with my other brace and crutches i'll be able to hobble --for "necessary trips" only. The 1st 2 weeks I am to keep the foot elevated all the time. Probably a good thing i had practice running the house from my lift recliner when I had my umbilical hermia repaired in 2007, huh?
But finally, Monday, when DH asks, "Did they take your toe off?" I'll be able to say , "Yes. They did."
You'll be in my houghts on Monday Carol. I hope you're surrounded by a lot of support. Tell someone to pamper you. Tell them there's a whole group of people who can be rallied to make them wish they did!
Carol is home. Her surgery went well. As she planned elevation must happen as often as possible. She will pretty much be off her feet for two weeks. She asked me to post this for her.
Hi! Had planned to send this yesterday, but a Thnderstorm took our power out about 9:15 pm and only got it back at 4:55 this afternoon. Made for an interesting night and day. Definitely not part of my recovery plans. DH is, generally being quit helpul, but his VaD is making that a challenge and frustration for both of us. When the power went, he immediately got out our battery operated lanterns and set them up. (good) Then set up a Kerosene lantern for the bathroom. (no way). Made him blow it out--not safe, especially unttended and with animals around. Dr. was adamant I must kep the foot elevated excpt for "necessary" trips for next 2 weeks. I can and am to pump but with reduced presure on that foot to keep lympheredma down--bot to facilitate healing. Circulatory supply is somewhat compromised so this has to be done. The reduced snsaion in my feet ghas always been a bit of a hazzard because I would walk over a sharp thuingbefore knowing, whre most of y would puyll back at the initial poke. But with the amputation, I'm also getting reduced sensation, so don't need lots of meds--only have used 12 Vicodin in the last 54 hrs and was allowed 2 every 4-6 hours. Daughter and son-in-law sent me 1 1/2 dozen long stemmed roses with a vase. Gorgeous. More later.
POst-Op Check. All is well! Incision essentially healed. 5 Stitches out. Steri-strips as support for a few days more. Start returning to activites. Wear boot about 1 week more then work into shoe in its place. As foot is down more, I'll resume the home pumping program to keep the ground I've gained on the lymphedema. Unless something unforeseen occurs, this problem is resolved. I feel good!