Below is what I call the surgery shoe because that's what my doctor calls it. This shoe DOES NOT bend. So I have to limp or hobble when I have this one on. This is what I have been LIVING in and what I slept in up until last week or so. I could tell as the swelling went down because I'd have to cut the straps shorter and shorter so they would not drag on the floor. The doctor actually said I could just keep wearing this shoe if I wanted versus using the boot, yet I took along the boot too on 11/29 just because it's the safer if I'm out and about. I have not used the boot much. Just once when I was out and a few times when I have exercised. It would be hard for my foot to get hurt with the boot on. I can also do normal push ups and front and side planks etc when I wear the boot. I have started to exercise with the boot so I can do all the squats and lunges, etc.. and not worry about putting to much weight on my foot. I wondered if I could do yoga in this boot and might attempt it. We will see. A yoga instructor prior to my surgery thought I'd be able to do it and thought the whole hot yoga thing would be good for the healing process too.
So I'm on 3 days in a row walking Allie for 15-20 minutes outside and I gotta say for some reason today my toes all feel great. I feel like some of the stiffness has left my foot!! Maybe I'm dreaming it, but I swear my foot feels more normal and walking barefoot now seems to have come back to me. Up to today I was still very hesitant to walk barefoot and it felt like I had forgotten how to walk normal. Today has been a crazy work day and I almost didn't get in my walk except now Allie comes and whines and cries until I get her out, so I had to finally get her out around 3:00 p.m. and I can say on that walk I went fast and I'm even going up and down a pretty steep hill. If I have time tomorrow I hope to go 1 mile, but again work has been crazy so I don't know if I'll get it in or not. The weather has been great in WI so I gotta get out and enjoy it even if it's only for 20 minutes. I also plan to hit the health club on Friday. Not sure what I will do yet, but I'm going to do it. I called and I can wear the boot in the club, so I'm going to go. I won't over do anything, but I think it's good to just break my routine after a month of being almost house bound. Again, only try walking if you feel ready. I have felt ready for a good week, but was hesitant to do it, yet I'm glad I did. I feel like I could do more and the other day I was tempted to get on the spinning bike but I thought... just wait Julie... figure in one week I go back to the doctor and he certainly better tell me I can let loose or I think I might have to do it anyway (smile). The thing is my foot is not swelling up and I am not experiencing any pain or anything. I will say the bottom of my foot seems a little more bruised, but it doesn't hurt or anything. So I'm sure that's just the pressure from the extra weight. I don't know. One could analysis this thing to death! So for those of you who have been through this before if you think I'm over doing anything please let me know. Thursday will mark my 1 month post surgery and I don't want to screw anything up. I am icing my foot right now. Not sure why, but I thought I would for the heck of it. Partially because I honestly didn't pay any attention to my foot today because I was so focused on work. I think I even caught myself jumping steps while I went up and down them. I did have my surgery shoe on so that puppy does always keep me going slower then I'd like.
I will say I have been so bad at remembering to do my toe exercises. Maybe I get in 4 a day compared to the 8, yet I do get good range of motion when I do it and now I include all the toes in the bending forward and backwards to try and get them loose too.
Okay - you know me.. I'll stop writing or I'll just keep rambling on about something. I always appreciate your comments or questions. Hope you had a great day! Enjoy the rest of your week!
And for the record I'm SO HAPPY I got a surgery shoe. It made sleeping and everything so easy right from the start. I don't know how I would have slept with this big boot on my foot. Bless you all that only got a boot.
Also Amy - interesting your getting your pin out. My pins stay in forever as far as I know. Your the first one to mention something about getting the pins out. Have others had that done too? Just curious.
Hi: Got my sutures out today, Dr. says everything loooks great. I got the big "walking" boot as in your first picture, but he says to continue with the crutches & try to keep weight off of the front of my foot. Big improvement! I had a soft cast for 2 weeks that I had to sleep in. The outer part of my boot comes off (via velcro) & I only have to sleep on the inner liner. I go back in 3 & a half weeks at which point if all continues to go well I can start to put weight on it. All in all better than expected, basically I have had no pain to speak of. BTW--my screws will stay in. Talk to you later.
ReplyDeleteJoe
Joe, glad you had a good report out on your foot. Keep doing what your doing!! And just think soon you'll be scheduling your other foot!! It's amazing all of the different boots, shoes, casts, that are used for this process. I still can't get over the size of the screws in that toe of yours (smile).
ReplyDeleteHi, I had an osteotomy of the first metatarsal, big toe and bunionectomy 5 weeks ago. My steel pin was removed 3 days ago and a wire will remain in my big toe. Is this very different than what u had? I am so worried because I cannot bend my big toe up on its own more than 1mm and down 1/8". Manually I get maybe 3mm up and 1/2" down. On xray the first metatarsal looked elevated where it meets the big toe. I think that's jamming my toe but I pray its only swelling. I've been in the big walking boot for 5 weeks and dr gave me permission to shower today bc the pin hole closed. However he didn't tell me when I can lose the boot. Just to return in 2 weeks and he rushed out. I'm really scared that ill never be able to bend this toe upward enough to return to heels or sports. He says no way will I ever see full range again and that majority do not. Yet I see that untrue all over the net. He also said to forget high heels. =( any info. Please pass it on. Glad to see others doing well.
ReplyDeleteThnx christy
I forgot to say that it hurts a lot when I try to bend my big toe either direction too far. The pain stops me and I've got a pretty decent tolerance for pain.
ReplyDeleteChristy
Julie
ReplyDeleteThanks for explaining the difference of the walking boot vs surgery shoe (second pic). I am still wearing the surgery shoe. I asked my surgeon if there is other kind of shoe (meaning the boot).He kind of said the surgery shoe is the only kind. I would prefer the boot as this will help me better to get around as I plan to go back to work after Christmas.
About the pin, my surgeon said he'll decide if it can be taken out when I see him on Jan 9 (6 weeks after surgery). To be honest with you, I thought the pin was internal too, but I saw it around the stitches when they took out my bandage for the first time.
Amy (from Toronot, Canada)
Christy, I didn't have any wire as part of my procedure so I'm guessing we had different things done. I just had the 2 pins put in that will stay in the toe. I will have to ask my doctor next week what the formal name of the procedure he did with my foot/toe. If I was you I'd call the nurse and see if you can get any answers to the questions you have. Also, request that you can go to physical therapy if your not seeing any improvement with your range of motion. With the boot I think it's normal to be in that for 6 weeks, but there too I'd ask the nurse if it's okay for you to change to a normal shoe or not. I'm assuming I'll get the go ahead next week, but honestly I don't know if my foot would fit in my running shoe or not and since the boot seems to work for me I might stick to that until my normal shoe works. I was going to try on a pair of Dansko shoes I have since those tend to be more bulky to begin with and are supportive. I think every procedure is just a little bit different, so sorry I've I'm not offering you much reassurance. My doctor from the get go mentioned I should get the full range of motion back, etc.. I don't know why but for some reason I just don't have pain when I bend my toe. I can feel things are tight from where the tendon was cut. It's not fear to leave you hanging just because he was in a hurry. Hopefully others can read your story and add their 2 cents worth too. Thanks for taking the time to share what's currently going on with you.
ReplyDeleteAmy - interesting if you actually saw the pin. Jan 9th will be here before you know it and hopefully then your able to get back to some normal shoes. Wish he would have offered you the boot too.
I passed the two week mark yesterday. I too had a bunionectomy/osteotomy of the first metatarsal of the left foot. I have had little to no pain. I have been in the boot from first day. Slept in it until first post-op on day 6 at which time my surgeon told me to wear it only when walking. I am pretty positive that I have dissolving stitches. I have had steri strips under bandage since surgery. I guess I will find out for sure on Monday at next appt which will be day 16 post surger. That seems a little long to wait to remove stitches. I still have swelling if I overdo it. Have been off work but plan on going back on Tuesday. Oh yeah I have a screw too although I have yet to see it on x-ray which I am sure will be at next appt.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie, Yes, definitely let me know which one you had. I will ask the same (formal name) for mine but the did two osteotomies and the bunionectomy. I did call today,and I'm waiting for a call back regarding my questions. I'm def. planning on PT but if the bone isn't set right shouldn't they go back in before it all heals up and fix it? What's it going to be like if 2 months from now my toe wont bend beyond the metatarsal bone and I spent all that time healing, only to cut it open again? This is my biggest fear. I'd much rather be in a orthotic shoe, than boot, so my calf muscle doesn't completely disappear. It's almost gone as it is. He said insurance doesn't cover the dynaflex in house, but it does cover pt. I explained that this shouldn't limit my options as I can pay cash. The same goes for shoe options. I think sometimes Dr's tend to think that if you're on an HMO that's all you can afford. Anyway, I am cranking at it 8x a day, 10 sec. holds, it seems better with each night of sleep but I think I'll go to another Dr. for a second opinion and take all of my x rays with me. Where the bone is sitting is my concern and nothing we do in PT can relocate that bone, I don't think. I had stitches that were removed already. One metatarsal pin that's been removed also, and a wire in the toe that will remain.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback. I'll check back in again soon. :)
I had a Hallux Valgus Deformity with Metatarsal Osteotomy and Screw Fixation. It's good your getting a second opinion either to put yourself at ease or to know for sure something isn't correct. It's good your pushing back at your doctor if he isn't giving you what you need. Way to keep up with the exercises. I started off good, but then would forget to do it during the day. I also found that the more I started walking a bit that seemed to help with the range too, but go slow and listen to your body. You will know if your ready to walk or not. I hope all is good and you don't need to go back in and have anything cut open again, but if something isn't right I agree it needs to be fixed.
ReplyDeleteHi julie,
ReplyDeleteWell yesterday was just over 6 week post op. When I asked the dr what procedure I had, if it were the chevron or what, he said "something like that" and never gave me the exact procedure. He does that a lot. Cuts me off and changes direction. Anyway, that said, I can't sleep bc I am so worried. The x ray we took yesterday revealed that the first metatarsal was rotated too high and the bone did not heal together. He removed the pin that held it in place like 2 weeks ago. I asked if it was non union or mal union, and he said "not yet". Either way the bone hasn't healed together, and there's nothing holding it together. He tells me were starting pt now and the pt allowed in my hmo is horrible. Been there for other things, they're terrible. Anyway, he's told me to remove the boot cast once a day for an hour and to start walking on the foot. Despite the bone not being healed? Why is this? He said he can't use a bone stimulator bc he put a k wire in my toe and supposedly they don't want them using bstim with those in place. So now I'm instructed to walk on it? Maybe to stimulate the bone? I don't know but I'm so sick and frustrated. I may have to start my own blog to help me cope with this. Even if the bone manages to heal, who's to say its healed in the right position? Alignment looks great from top view. But side view is where its misaligned. Oh and he told me that I'm not allowed to post any pictures of my xrays in a blog online and that its illegal if I do. Is that true? What a mess. I'm hoping to see another dr outside hmo this week. Depends on their schedule. Its horrible though bc I have to pay cash to do so. Anyone with advice or knowledge on this matter is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Christy
I think your doing the right thing by going to a different doctor this week. At this point I think I'd wait on anything until you get a second opinion. Keep calling and let the new doctor's office know it's urgent that you get in to see someone ASAP and just be honest with them regarding how you feel. I am sorry I have no advice but I agree something seems off here and doesn't seem right. My doctor knew I was taking pictures to post on my blog and never commented on it being illegal. He even would pull up different views for me to get other photos. I wish I had more to say Christy. Please keep me posted as you hear more information and I will be thinking about you. It might be good to hear what a PT says too if you find one you like. They should know if you should be doing anything if the bone hasn't healed fully. Keep trying to get other opinions. What about your general doctor. I'd give him/her a call too and see if they can get you to someone else or see you, etc... Hang in there. Some how you will get this fixed, but keep following your gut.
ReplyDeleteJulie: Isn't there a patient advocate within your HMO that you can voice your concerns to? Sounds to me as though your Doctor is awfully reluctant to give you straight answers. The part about not showing pictures sounds like it falls under the CYA (Cover Your Ass) Clause. Do try to talk to someone about your concerns at the HMO. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteJoe
Thanks you guys. I managed to get a free consult from a dr who squeezed me in today. I am on my way there now. I did walk on it like he told me to and it swelled up a lot but went back down by morning. I felt more tingling, but that's it. Not sure if he wants to stimulate the bone by walking on it or what. That is what ill find out today I hope. The oddest thing happened, when I called for my x rays, he got on the phone and talked to me more. He said he looked into the bone stim. And that they won't allow it to be used until were 2 months post op. But the day before he said we can't use it with wire in toe. Ugh...he also said that he's changed his mind on pt and we won't start that until later. I asked why we aren't going in to fix the rotated bone now and he said its too small of a misalignment to warrant re cutting all the nerves, blood flow, etc. That he'd rather give the bone a chance to heal first, even if slightly out of place. Yeah, I'm not real happy about being told I can't blog the images, but he was talking about the xrays, not personal images of it. Ill check into that later and be back tonight after meeting with this new dr. Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteChristy
Hi julie,
ReplyDeleteI met w sec. Opinion. Gosh I'm so glad I did and I feel a ton better now. He pretty much answered all of the questions I wish my own dr could have. He did say that its very unfortunate the bone moved and misaligned but that he would also wait to see how it heals. If pain, redo surgery, if not, all is well. Said my toe was locked up bc been in boot too long. Maybe hmo rules bc he'd never do it that way. Said that sleeping in it for 6 weeks probably caused the delay in bone healing too bc it cuts of circulation. I told him the boot hurt so bad and id feel my toes tingle at night like numbness. He was shocked that I was advised to sleep in it for so long. And to keep it on even when sitting and watching tv. Following rules as to prevent risk of injury they fear. Anyway he said if bone doesn't union, yah its bad news. If it does just pray no pain from misalignment. I totally forgot to ask about the posting pics in blog but ill ask my attorney that tomorrow. I have one retained at all times so its no big deal. I also asked how much time is considered non union and he said 6mos. He said that bone stim should be happening now, not later, hmo bull, call dr and get around that, pay cash, whatever it takes. Pt after bone heal but to take pain meds and crank that scar tissue out of toe and unlock it! Ill report back on the posting of pics in blogs later. =) have a nice weekend.
Christy
Christy, I am glad you went to see another doctor and feel better. Hopefully all will be okay and the bone will grow together straight and not cause any pain and then you can put this behind you. Throughout this process every doctor does things so different and that's why it's hard to know what's right and wrong. I also found out yesterday that I don't have scar tissue I am just feeling inflammation and with time that will go away so I was happy about that too. I kept hearing everyone talk about breaking up their scar tissue and I guess I don't know what that means. I assumed it was the feeling I feel in my foot now when I walk, etc... I can tell my foot still is swollen a little and that is where I feel the bulky feeling so it makes sense. Okay, hang in there! Thanks for all the posts as it helps others prepare. Try to think positive and not consume extra energy on this other doctor. Focus on what you have control on. Have a great weekend. Where do you live? Just curious.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteThanks. No, the bone cannot grow straight no matter what. It is mis aligned/rotated. If and when the bone unites/heals, it will heal in the wrong spot. This is part of the complication with my surgery outcome. The question is whether or not it will cause pain because it's out of alignment. We hope for the best. I have so much toe stiffness that I cannot walk normal on my foot, I have to use the side of it more. Like yours it's swollen also so I sort of hope that's part of the reason why it wont move, but the second opinion said no, it is indeed locked up, the joint that is. Keep in mind that I had a toe osteo also, not just first metatarsal. So I think that makes it much more difficult. The one compliment I can throw my Dr. is that I can clearly see that he worked hard on trying not to scar me too bad. My scar is turning into something resembling a tiny cat scratch just on the toe. I've been using a lot of holistic topicals and have now resorted to proper nutrition to feed the bone so it heals better. I am willing to bet the bone will be healed by the next post op because of the extra attention given to nutrition. I play every sport under the sun, so this foot better heal or I'll have it cut off and a robotic foot put on! HAHAHAHAHA
You're welcome on the posts, it's why I did it, to share info. so everyone can help everyone. :D
Isn't it kind of sad that our Doctors can't do their job, and we have to resort to others for help? It's the system. Everyone in a rush for profit, and Dr's are over booked and claim to be under paid by insurance. So very sad!
I'll email you where I live, don't want to post on public board. Hope you have a nice weekend.
:)Christy
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteI got yet a 3rd opinion on my foot via xrays. The Dr. said that there's no way it's going to be fully functional and he recommends repeating the first metatarsal osteo. He's out of state so he knows that he wont be doing it, no reason to be dishonest. Clearly said that the bone will most likely union but the function, including the toe will not return. Not even with PT. So now it's a fight between me and my hmo to correct it, and why. This is the stuff people need to know about. How I am being told that my toe bends better than it did pre surgery yet that's no where close to the truth.
Yes, I will have to start my own blog, so I can cope with this. It's painful both mentally and physically to conceive that I have to cut into it again after taking such great care of it to begin with. I cannot express my grief but have to say that as of now I regret the surgery.
Glad to see that you are doing well, I can after all use you as an example of how I should be doing.
Christy
Your awesome to get a third opinion just to make sure your next step of action is the right one. Sorry to hear the news was not what you wanted to hear. Do start a blog. I have enjoyed doing my blog and connecting with different people throughout this process. I am glad my HMO is wonderful and the doctors I have in countered over the past 15 plus years have all been great. I wish I had words to help your situation. My only advice is try to accept this news and just figure out your next steps. Try not to replay things over and over since it will drive you crazy. Seek the legal advice you need as you have done and figure out how to get your foot corrected. I am so sorry this has not been a pleasant experience for you.
ReplyDeleteIt was really insightful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a nice content.
Cheers
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