Last Ankle Post

So, I had appointments every few weeks with x-rays taken each time.  Let me tell you it is strange to see the image of your leg bones and see this metal and screws on the side.  I will post a picture of it when I make my way down to radiology records to get a digital copy.

I got the ok to put weight on my foot at 6 weeks post op.  I hadn't put any weight on my left leg for 7 weeks and it's amazing how quickly your muscles go away!  I had lost pretty much all my calf muscle.  Walking with the boot and crutches went well.  Of course now that I had more freedom I was ready to walk!  Brian will tell you I pushed myself too much and that is probably true.

I went in again on January 24th and everything was looking great and so Dr. S told me I could take off the boot and start walking around with two shoes and crutches.  I was SO happy!!  He also had me set up some PT appointments to get the flexibility back in my ankle. 



Wearing two normal shoes again.  Sometimes it's the small things!




After wearing the right shoe for 2 months I did need to get new shoes.  And with the weather getting worse I thought it was best to get some shoes for the winter weather.

My scar from the surgery is healing well.  I never took pictures right after surgery, but trust me it was pretty yucky looking.  My ankle is thicker than it was before and the tissue is still repairing itself so it looks pinker than the other foot.  The brusing is almost gone and the scar is healing nicely.

I'm now walking without any crutches at home and use both crutches while at work.  As Dr. S and the physical therapist said pain will be my guide in how much I push myself.  I have exercises to work on getting my range of motion back and the physical therapist said I will be able to get to the point that I can run again.  And because I only run if a big dog is chasing me I think I'll be just fine.

Not the best picture, but you get the idea of how long the incision was.

In the room where I have the x-rays taken is a picture of a womans foot in a high heal shoe.  I never wore them a lot, but at this point I can't even wear 2" heals as my ankle doesn't have the flexibility to maintain that position for an entire day.  After seeing a picture like this it is incredible that some women wear these shoes every day.

So, my recovery is going well.  I'm thankful for our church family for their prayers and meals they brought over early in my recovery.  For our neighbors in taking the kids on the day of my fall at 6:30 in the morning and after my post-op went longer than expected.  For Diane and the help and support she gave us during the day of my surgery (before and after) along with making everything for Christmas Day dinner.  For the rest of my family for their concern and support.  And lastly, for Brian and everything he's done the past two months.  From laundry, cooking, cleaning and his supportive words when I felt awful he's been wonderful.