Day 45

I did not realize a month had went by since I last posted something.  It has been a busy month. I don't know where to start.
Well I have kinda went back to work, but I can only work on my husband's off days since I am not driving yet. So that kinda sucks. I only was working 4 days a week for 6 hours. Part time. It's not like I work 40 hours a week. Plus, I can work from home as I mentioned before. I did okay, but my foot did start hurting after the 2-3 hour mark.
Oh did I mention I fell off my scooter? Yes, getting off of the couch to get on my scooter and I just keep going. Luckily, I had my boot on and Anthony was home. All I could to is just lay there and wait for him to help me up. Mr. Anthony was not happy with me. No even an hour later my son, Zaaye called and said he had fell too. Out if his chair at lunch. Aren't we a pair. Needless to say, we both made a trip to the doctor that day. I came away unhurt, but Zaaye had a mild concussion. He had to say home and not March in band for 3 days. He was not happy. All for a girl.
My doctor did say next time he sees me I need to be walking unassisted in my boot.
I go back to see him on the 20th of October. I'm a little nervous, but I think I can do it.
Right now we are in North Carolina on vacation. My family needed this more than I did. A dear friend of mine let us use there house and we are so thankful. We are relaxing and doing nothing, but I think the 4 hour drive did a number on my foot. For the last 2 days my foot has been hurting. I am very reluctant to take anything stronger than Tylenol, but I might   need to.
Well I'm going to call it a day. I promise I will update weekly. Until next time.

Day 28

Well its 0150 in the am again.  I am up waiting for my son, Zaaye to come in from a marching band competition.  I really do hate that I missed his first competition. They placed 2nd in prelims and 4th in the finals.  That is pretty good for their first one.

As I said yesterday I had to go to a wedding to do the make up for the bride and a bridesmaid.  I did pretty good.  My foot did not hurt that much, only a little.  I was a little tired.  Only because I did not go to bed until 0500 this morning.  I was able to get about two or three hours of sleep.  That pain medicine has my sleeping habits off.  After I came back from the wedding I tried very hard not to go to sleep with no success.  I think I napped for about two to three hours.  I know this is not healthy, but I have to find a way to get back on schedule.
I did sleep upstairs in my bed last night or at least stare at the ceiling.  It felt good to be upstairs with everyone else.  I also took another shower, but this time I was able to shower without a cast or my boot.  I was very nervous.  I did not want to hurt my foot by hitting it on the shower or accidentally stand on my heel. It felt so good to wash my leg.  It looks very skinny compared to my left leg.  It was kinda gross to see the dead skin that came off, that is still coming off.  The doctor did say I could sleep without my boot.  So today when I took my 2-3 hour nap, I slept without it.  I do have to say that it was MARVELOUS!!!  To not have any restrictions on my foot was heaven.

Well Zaaye made it home.  I am off to be at 0315. UGH!  Until next time.

Day 27

It has been a long time since my last post and a lot has happened.
My parents went home on September 7th and they are missed. Especially my mother. She really took good care if me. Anthony and the kids are doing their best. The first day I was by myself, I was a little concerned that I would need something beyond my reach or something would happen, like me falling. Thank God nothing happened and with each day I was more confident.
I also had to start weening myself off of the Percocet. It was making me feel out of it too much. All I can say is, I definitely understand why people become addicted to pain killers. The withdrawal symptoms are horrible. From nausea, cold/hot sweats, headaches, aches and diarrhea. It was pretty bad. But if you do not want to be dependent on them it is so worth the pain to go through the withdrawals. I'm so glad the worst is over when it comes to the pain meds. I think it took about a week for it to run its course, to get fully out of my system.

So I went to the doctor two days ago to get my cast changed and It was a pleasant surprise when my doctor said he was going to put me in a boot. Only requirement was that I still not put any weight on my ankle/heel. Not a problem.
Well when I got home and elevated my leg, it started to hurt like the Dickens. So guess what? I had to take a Percocet. Dang it, I just knew I was done with that evil medicine. Anyway, I took it and I am glad I did. It calm my foot down a little bit. Anthony had the bright idea to take the boot off to see if that would help, but it only made it worse. So the boot when right back on. Then his next idea was to lower the bed and my foot off the pillow. Needless to say, he was forgive for the last idea, because this one worked. That one little act, took the pain away immediately. I have not had my foot elevated since. Happy dance on one foot!
I can not believe how much my foot feels in this boot. I'm so excited.
Well it's 0145 in the am and I have a wedding tomorrow. I have to do the make for the bride and her maid of honor.
Until next time.

Day 15

This weekend has been a little ruff. My pain level has been about a 6-7. Which is the highest level since I left the hospital. Back to the Percocet, Again! I have no idea why I'm trying to rush it. I knew having this surgery it would be a long journey, but I'm praying for my recovery to be cut in half.
I am, as I write this, sitting outside on my deck with my parents. While Anthony bar b que.  They leave on Wednesday. I'm going to miss them. My mother has really taken good care of me and my family. I probably have gained a good 5 or so pounds and I'm sure Anthony & the kids have too. There is nothing like momma's cooking. 😋
Besides the pain, I think I'm doing pretty good. I took another shower today. It was glorious! I'm starting to get the hang of going up and down the stairs, but it does tire me out. I can't wait until it becomes second nature.
Anyway, the food is almost ready and I'm getting drowsy.
Until next time...

Day 14

Yesterday and today has been a little challenging. I work for my church in the finance department and am able to work from home, but it's been a difficult start.
I'm having more pain now than when I first had the surgery two weeks ago. I know it's from it being swollen. So keeping it elevated and ice on it is so important. Anthony doesn't think the ice will help, but I'm going to keep it on there. Even if it cools the cast. It's better than nothing.
It has been very hard to work when your under the influence of pain meds. Especially when you're working with numbers. I have on been able to work 2-4 hours a day. I'm so glad I have a three day weekend. Maybe I can get this pain under control.
I was able to take a shower the other night. After climbing the stair mountain, I was ready to take my first shower in two weeks. That sounds worst than it really is. I will never taking a shower for granted. I purchased a shower chair and plastic leg cover for my cast from Amazon. I will have to post pictures later.
Off to take another shower.
Until next time

Day 12-pt. 2

Today is the first day of me having constant pain. It's about a 6-7 on a scale from 1-10. So I'm back on the Precocet. It's amazing how much pain I am having with the cast on. I do remember reading another blog and the lady said she felt like she would make one step forward and two steps back. I feel the same way. Ugh! I knew it would be a long recovery process, but I just want to fast forward to December or January. This is not fun. Not that I thought it would be.  It feels like my stitches on the inside of my ankle are being pushed from the inside out. Then if that is not enough, I have this nerve pain that feels like I'm being shocked.
Sorry this is going to be short. My meds are kicking in.
Until next time..

Day 12

It's is 12:52 am and I am up watching t.v. I had another bright idea last night after my eventful day the day before. It has to be the precocet. Yes let's blame it on the pills. Why not.
Anyway, I decided I wanted to sleep in my own bed and take a half bath in my bathroom. I'm so surprised Anthony agreed. Maybe he missed me being in bed with him? I don't know, but I'm sticking to that. He misses me and to be honest I miss him too. Downstairs is so lonely by myself. I just wanted to feel apart of my family again.
It was so delightful to be upstairs. I had not seen that upper floor in 10 days. It almost felt like I was coming back from out of town. Now the journey up those stairs were very exhausting. I think I stopped about two or three times. I was so surprised I made it. There are 16 step in all. So for me to make it without incident way very rewarding. My arms and legs were shaking by the time we got up there, but I made it.
It was so refreshing to be able to get a semi bath and change my clothes. I will say it was a little different sleeping in a bed that does not have the ability to elevate my feet. Can you say a tad bit spoiled? I had to go old fashion and get pillows. It worked well and I slept well. It was a joy to see my son's, Zaaye, face the next morning when he saw me in my bed.
So you may be wondering where did I decide to sleep last night? Downstairs! I did not have the energy to climb those stairs two days in a row. Thinking about it is making me tired and plus, it's like a mini move. I have to take all my stuff upstairs and my knee scooter. Well not me, but my poor husband and mom. It's a lot to ask of them. They are pretty much waiting on me hand and foot. I'm so grateful.
Until next time

Post Op appointment

All I have to say is OUCH! I went today to have my temporary splint & stitches removed. But let me rewind to getting to the appointment.
My appointment was scheduled for 4:20 pm. Unfortunately, I was about 10 minutes late due to my poor husband having to come from work 20 minutes away to pick me up and then drive another 30 mins to the doctor's office. When he finally made it to our house, I had this great idea to help speed up the process of getting to the doctor's by going down the six steps in the garage by myself. Can you say bad idea. I made it to the second to the last step and I swayed a little bit on my crutches and hit the bottom of my heel on the last step. I wasn't in pain but was in shock. Mad at myself for being so stupid to go down the stairs by myself. My husband, Anthony was so mad at me and I understood his anger. I cried & prayed the whole way to my appointment. I didn't know if I had undone everything my doctor had done 10 days prior or if I had a new injury. I think the fear of the unknown was the cause for my tears. 
After all that drama we made it to my appointment.
When the tech took my temporary splint off I was so amazed at how good my foot looked. It was not discolored or swollen at all. There was minimal blood. Anthony was shocked too. They did an X ray and surprisingly I did not do any damage with my foolishness. PRAISE GOD. Prayer works.  Removal of the stitches were another story. Let's just say again, OUCH! The calf removal was painless, but the two at the ankle were very painful. I did have to hold on to Anthony because I started getting lightheaded thanks to the Precocet I had taken an hour earlier on a almost empty stomach. On to the cast.

This was my very first cast ever and it was uneventful. I really didn't have that much pain when I had to put and keep my foot at a 90 degree angle. Anthony has video documented my little journey too and he said it took the tech about 10 minutes to put my cast on. That is pretty amazing to me.
I think from check in to check out we were there for about an hour and a half. Remember when I told about the Precocet I took prior to my appointment? Well it came back and bit me in the butt. Or should I say stomach. Nausea & vomiting is not a friend of mine. Especially, when it makes you become friends with a trash can in the lobby area. Thank goodness I was the last patient there and thank God for the receptionist who gave me a pretzel stick to settle my stomach.  Whew!
Now you would think after all of that a smart person would go home. Well I had the bright idea of going to Costco to pick up a couple of things. I am not making great decision today. Which I realized after the fact. Remember my unwanted friendship with nausea & vomiting that visited me at the doctor's office? Well they showed up at Costco along with an even bigger trash can friend. I am so thankful for Anthony, as I got acquainted with my new trash can friend, he blocked our meeting with his body and a 20 roll pack of Bounty paper towels. I just need to go home.
Home sweet home. I made it and will probably be here for a while. It's a jungle out there. Especially when you have one foot.
Until next time

Day 9

It's 1am in the morning and I am up watching my Denver Broncos play on the NFL network. We are playing the Los Angeles Rams. That just sounds weird to say. Right now the score is 17-9 with Denver in the lead. I'm feeling pretty good about the Broncos since Peyton Manning retiring last season. We look really good.  Yes I know it is pre season, but we still look good.
Anyway, I have not had any pain meds today, or yesterday I should say. Even after my little outing to get ice cream. I had some weird nerve pain, but it only last for about 15 seconds or so. Keeping my leg elevated is the key. Oh and ice. I think it has really helped with the swelling and me having minimal pain.
I even did my own sponge bath without help from my mom & husband. I was tired afterwards, but I felt a little independent. It was great.
Well I'm getting sleepy and starting to have a little ache in my heel, first time since surgery. I think I will take a Tylenol to be on the safe side.
Until next time

Day 8

I am currently in the car on my way to get ice cream. It was a challenge to get down six steps on crutches, but with my husband in front of me I felt pretty confident.
This is my first time out of the house in 7 days. With the air blowing on my face and thru my mini Afro, I feel pretty good. A little winded from my adventure down the steps, but good none the less pretty good.
Until next time

Day 7

It's been about two days since my last post. I'm doing pretty good. I have had some pain. I had to take two Percocets last night. I might have to call the doctor because everytime I take them I get a slight headache.
Anyway, I'm a little anxious about going to my post op appointment on Monday. I really want to see what my foot & leg looks like. My foot sometimes feels like its wet, but I don't think it's bleeding. It might just be the nerves again coming back. I also want to know what all he did. I was suppose to have a tarsal tunnel release, explore the posterior tibial tendon, gastro recession and right heel medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy. So it will be interesting to see if he had to do all of that. Monday we shall see.
Until next time.

Day 4

Today has been uneventful, except for not having a bowel movement. I know TMI. I did finally have one after taking a couple of laxatives.  I have to say that is the only real problem I am having. I just took a pain pill. The last time I had some was at 1130pm last night. I think the nerves are coming back to life. I have this feeling of when your foot falls asleep.
Other than that no pain since my nerve block wore off.
So you ask how can you have this major surgery and not have that much pain?
PRAYER!  Before my surgery I asked everyone that I know to pray that I have minimal pain and I believe God has answered my prayers and my friend's prayers. If you are reading this and are not a believer, just try it and see.
Well my husband just came in from work, so I'm going to spend a little time with him.
Til next time.

Day 3

Well I have to say that the pain is not that bad. I have been taking my pain meds every 4-6 hours. My biggest problem is the nausea from the pain meds. Other than that I'm doing pretty good.
My mom gave me a sponge bath yesterday and I have to say afterwards I felt like a new born baby. I am so thankful she is here.
I think the best investment was the bed. I can not imagine climbing those stairs. We also got a raised seat for the toilet.
Another good investment. I can't wait until my knee scooter comes in, my under arms are a little sore from the crutches.

Until next time. My meds are kicking in.

Day after Surgery

It's the day after surgery and so far so good. I stayed over night in the hospital and I'm glad I did. It is 6am and my foot, lower leg is starting to come back to life.

We (as in hubby, daughter, my mom, and me) arrived to the hospital yesterday @ 7am. We were taken up to my room around 8am and I was taken to the surgery holding room at 10am. An I.V was started and I was given a nice little I.V cocktail before the Dr. did a nerve block on my leg. After that all I remember is being back in my room with a huge bandage on my lower leg. I did get a little nauseous after drinking water, but not too bad. I was so happy to be able to order dinner and have my sweet husband feed me once it arrived.
The nurse advised me to start taking pain meds before my leg comes back to life. I have had two doses of Percocet. Two tablets each time. As I write this I can feel a little bit of throbbing on the right inside of my ankle.
Oh boy! Now the fun begins! NOT!

Game day Surgery day

Well it's 3am and I'm up and can't sleep. I have to be at the hospital at 7am. I'm hungry and a little nervous.  I think I will try to go back to sleep.

1 Day Pre-Op

Surgery day is getting closer.  I have one more day of work and then it is game day! Sorry I am a huge Denver Broncos fan.  I will miss Peyton Manning this year!
Anyway, my parents came in today.  I am so thankful.  I think my family and I can relax a little bit knowing that they are here.  I believe I am pretty prepared for this surgery the best I can.  I have arranged rides for my kids from school.  My son is in Marching band and their season just started.  I am pretty bummed that I will probably miss most of it.  I am a uniform mom and the band booster secretary.  So I'm hoping I will be able to at least make a couple of games and a competition.  I think my daughter will probably miss it the most.  She enjoys going to the football games seeing her brother play and seeing her friends outside of school.

In preparing for my surgery I decide to purchase a bed to have downstairs in my family room.  I have so many stairs leading up to my front door and going upstairs.  16 inside and about 12 outside and that's not counting the 5 leading into the house from the garage.
We thought about renting a hospital bed,but after finding out our insurance would not pay for it, we decided to look online at Wal-Mart.  Yes you read it right, Wal-Mart.  

It is called a Pragma Everyday Bed in a Box Wooden Slat Adjustable Bed Head & Foot Multiple sizes Twin XL for $235.  I ordered on Sunday and it came today. I also order a comforter set.  It should be in tomorrow or Friday.  The head and foot are not adjustable with a motor, but manual.  Which is okay with me.  It seems pretty sturdy and was easy set up.  No tools needed.  Oh and the mattress came with it.  I believe it is a 6" memory foam.  I have not tested it out yet because you have to wait 24 hours for the mattress to expand.  so I will let you know how it feels after my first night sleeping on it.

I still have a ton of things to do.  At least I think I do.  I have crutches, but I still need to order my knee scooter.  I'm thinking I might have to purchase one online from Amazon.  Well I will think about that tomorrow. Have a great night! 

After reading countless blogs about Calcaneal Osteotomy surgery, I decided to document my journey before, during and after my surgery. 

I went to my pre op appointment about 5 days ago and I have to say it made me a little nervous.  They asked me everything possible about my health, twice.  Then the nurse told me what the doctor's orders said what he is planning to do to my poor ankle and heel.  I would have put it in the title but it was do dang long.  The plan is to do a gastrocnemius recession.  Basically, cut the gastrocnemius tendon and lengthen it. OUCH!  Then he will explore my posterior tibial tendon. I guess to see if it needs to be repaired too.  He will also do a Tarsal Tunnel release to help release the nerve and relieve pain.  Now the biggie, Rt.  MDCO (Medial Displacement Calcaneal Ostestomy.  Moving my right heel over and putting in a plate.  To my understanding I will not be able to put weight on my poor ankle for about 6-8 weeks.  This is going to be very challenging, but I should be okay.  My parents are coming tomorrow and will be here until Sept. 7th.  Yay!  I will also have help from my wonderful husband, Anthony and my kids, Zaaye, 16 and Trinity, 11.  

I have so much to do between now and Friday that I am seeing double.  So until next time, be blessed.