The Get Well Gift

 One of the nicest and most valuable get well gifts that I received after my ankle replacement surgery was a housekeeping service.  My father and brother gave me this, and let me tell you, it saved my life and house.  Although my husband was capable of taking care of the housework, and everything else for that matter, he wasn't always available to run the entire show due to his extensive travel.  I was conditioned to look forward to every Tuesday when my housekeepers would come and shine everything up and make the house smell good, dust and mop,  and fold my towels as if I were on a cruise.  They really did that.  My towels were made into fans, so were my papertowels and tiolet paper.  What a nice treat that was.  WAS is the operative word.  No more housekeepers for me.  I am slowly (turtle-like) getting back into the "normal life" swing of things.  Keeping up with my daily responsiblilities has been quite the challenge. As much as I would like to think that everything is perfect, easy and fine, I am often reminded that it is not.  I am still healing, and I must respect that and be patient.  I am not invincible....yet.
Housekeeping is back on me now, the service is just not a luxury that we can afford right now.  Now that I am doing everything myself again I realize how spoiled I was! Since every step I take is slow and deliberate, what would normally take me a couple of hours to do, takes all day. I have become an expert at slow motion cleaning.  I can't finish everything in one day, because my ankle needs a rest, so I get up the next day and continue.  Housework has become a chore that never ends... not liking that.  I spend a great deal of time on my feet, probably more than I should.  Thankfully my ankle doesn't hurt,  but it does continue to swell a lot.  When it gets too big, and tight, I rest and elevate.  Eventually my daily chores will get easier. To anyone with upcoming ankle replacement surgery, I highly recommend a housekeeping service, I found it hard to live without.  Thank you Dad and Michael for your loving and oh so generous gift!  I love you!

Hoops anyone?

I rode my bike the other day, for the first time.  It felt fabulous! My daughter was thrilled to ride with me, so happy to see me back out there. "Mama?  You're riding a bike"?  We love to ride bikes together, heck, we love to do ANYTHING together. Olivia was surpised recently, when I joined her on the basketball court that my neighbors had put in in their back yard not too long ago. I headed down the steep incline on the side of my house, knowing all along that Olivia's face would light up with one of her enormous toothy smiles when she caught sight of me.  There was the smile, that I adore more than anything, and we proceeded to shoot some hoops like the best of 'em. I don't take much for granted, I'm so grateful to get to have these moments that I have dreamed about for years. 

Life continues to improve as my family and I venture out and do the things we haven't been able to do (together) for so long.  It's a beautiful thing, and I relish every moment of each new step. I am especially thrilled by the happiness I see on the faces of my children and my husband. No longer do they see me in chronic debilitating pain.  Ankle replacement surgery has done more than wonders for my life.  Everyday I get to stand up and say "heck yeah, I'm not in pain anymore!"  Geez, what more can a person in my predicament ask for?  I still walk a little "funny" do to the stiffness in my ankle.  I really try to concentrate on every step but often find myself sticking my foot out to the right.  Bad habits are hard to break, but I'm working on it, and most likely will be, for years to come.  All I know is that the horrible pain is gone...totally gone.  I never expected to feel this good, ever. 

On the yucky side, I notice that my veins are bleeding, which is totally normal after ankle replacement surgery.  I've got some very unattractive blue marks all over my foot and ankle....  dots and smudges, ugly veins, and what have you.  Not pretty, but I am assured they will go away eventually.  I hope so, because summertime is not fun when you have veins bleeding all over your feet.  Oh well,  priorities....  ugly veins, or freedom from pain....hmmmmm.  I'll take the freedom!!  Thank you very much!

Speaking of unattractiveness, my scars are not exactly attractive.  I've viewed many a picture of post ankle replacement scars, and they look beautiful.  I can not say the same for mine, and I'm not sure why.  My big scar in the front is discolored and has brown spots where the sutures were, and in general, looks unruly.  I've seen improvement in the scar on the back of my calf, but still, it is not looking that great.  I've been using cocoa butter, vitamin e, mederma, you name it.... to no avail.  I won't give up though, I never do. And again, ugly scars, or freedom from pain....hmmmm.  I choose, yes, you know.... 

FREEDOM!

Best,
Suzanne :)

Wizard of Oz Wheelchair Wedding Adventure

My family and I recently returned from my brother's wedding in Wichita, Kansas.  What an adventure it was, to say the very least.  Let's just say that I felt like Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz.  One minute we were enjoying a leisurely drive on the highway amazed by the fact that all we could see was road, grass, and cows.  Zillions of cows.  No trees, just grass.  The next minute we were driving right into the mouth of a monumentous storm.  Nothing like driving into Kansas with a sky filled with funnel clouds.... after taking shelter under four underpasses, we finally made it to our destination, unscathed.  You know, all of this tornado business here in the midwest is making me miss the east coast, where I grew up.  Did I mention that we had an earthquake here in Missouri recently?  And a cicada plague? And a sweltering heat wave?  I say enough already.  Today is a beautiful day, for that, I am thankful.

Prior to leaving for our trip I spent a great deal of time preparing and running (fast walking) around the house getting everything together and packed up.  I was on my feet from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the day of, so there was quite a bit of swelling in my ankle.  I looked forward to the seven hours in the car so I could sit still.  The swelling didn't go down much, because I had a difficult time comfortably elevating in our car. By the time we made it to our hotel I couldn't wait to put my foot up and to ice my ankle.  I didn't experience a lot of pain, it just looked like my ankle was going to explode if I didn't get it up above my nose.  Remember, toes above the nose....  so after unpacking and organizing everything, I did my deal, and ahhhh it felt good.

The next morning we all went for a swim in the pool, and well, that always feels good.  I'm not able to flutter my ankle in the water yet, still hurts a bit, but it sure felt great to just move around and exercize a little.  Next stop was the hot tub.  Heavenly.  After a nice relaxing moring and afternoon, it was time to head out to the rehearsal dinner party at my brother's house.  The rehearsal dinner was an outdoor casual affair and I was dressed accordingly and was excited to be wearing "normal" shoes.  A comfortable pair of slides that offer a great deal of support yet still look fashionable (in my humble opinion).  So.... there were several podiatrists in attendance at the dinner, and I proceeded to pick thier brains about how I "looked".  All the podiatrists there were board certified foot and ankle surgeons and the unanimous consensus was that I had an amazing recovery and looked just the way I'm supposed to at 3 months post op.  It came as no surprise that I should expect swelling for a year or more.  Gold stars from all who knew what they were talking about. 

The cocktail hour before the wedding was what seemed like a mile (not really) away from the ceremony area.  I made it, but I knew I couldn't make it back.  The ground was uneven, there were hills and valleys and it hurt.  Since I was wearing "normal people" shoes, I was hurting.  My husband lovingly went to get a wheelchair for me.  After the cocktail hour my daughter pushed me to the ceremony area.  I didn't think I would need a wheelchair, sometimes I think I'm invincible, but quickly learn that I am not.

The wedding.... beautiful, I cried like a baby because my brother's vows were like nothing I have ever heard, and he very much included my mother in those vows, God rest her soul.  He said that he had wished that his mother had met his bride, that she would have instantly loved her, and she would be her daughter....all through tears.  No words can explain.  I'm so happy for my brother and my sister.

My beautiful daughter, Julia

Yep, I really danced!

One of the goals that I had for post new ankle was to dance again.  I danced!  I danced and danced and danced!  I had to keep up with my little one! Didn't move my right ankle much but I sure moved the rest of my body and it was wonderful!!  I think it's been more than ten years since I got on a dance floor, dancing was a victory!  I'm posting a picture to prove it, but I positively despise that way I look.  I've gained thirty pounds since my surgery, and I'm sad about that.  Perhaps I should turn my blog in to a weight-loss blog.  About a year and half ago I lost 60 lbs in a desperate attempt to relieve my pain. It worked, but not enough to avoid ankle relplacement surgery.  Anyhoo, to those of you struggling with weight issues, like me, it really does make a huge difference.  I have six months until I see my doctor again, between now and then I will WILL lose a minimum of forty pounds.  So continues my blog, hopefully.  The positive impact of weight loss.  I look forward to putting less strain on my precious implant.  Let me know what you think about my continuing this blog, please go ahead and comment.  Do you want me to continue with my ankle antics?  Weight loss antics?  I would be very appreciative of your input.  To those of you who have made it through the rain with me, and forged through every word, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.  My only wish is that I have helped someone. 

My dancing machine, Olivia!

 Best Always,

~Suzanne

12 Weeks Post-op Already?

I can hardly believe that it's been twelve weeks since my March 15th ankle replacement surgery.  When I look back, I recall thinking that this day would never get here.  The weeks of non weight bearing felt like an eternity at the time....well, it appears that I've made it through the rain.  Today, I get to see Dr. Johnson.  It's been six weeks since my last visit with him, so I am thrilled to see him again.  I'm feeling anxious, excited, nervous, you name it.  The butterflies in my tummy are fluttering frantically, as I anxiously await the results of my x-rays today.  The uneasy feeling I have comes as no surprise to me, as the memories of some negative results many years ago weigh heavily on my mind.  Back in '95, after my second surgery to repair the first surgery that collapsed, I was told that I had a nonunion, and proceeded to go through hell and high water to fill in the gaps in my bones.  My only wish is that today, I hear the words "everything looks great."  I'm so nervous that I don't even think I can eat breakfast. 

I have some time before I get ready, so perhaps I'll share what I've been up to since my last post.  You might recall me saying that I wouldn't be walking through an amusement park anytime soon.  Well, on Saturday and Sunday, I did. We went to the carnival.  I wore my aircast for support, and more importantly, SAFETY.  Thank God I wore it, because in a sea of excited, rampaging young children, it was a necessity.  I lost count of how many times I was kicked, stepped on, bumped into, spilled on, the list goes on. Had I not worn my brace, I would have left the carnival on a stretcher!   In the end, a great time was had by all.  I did, however, end up with a heat rash on my leg, I get so cotton pickin' itchy!  It was 100 degress outside, so you can imaging how hot my leg was in the confines of my aircast.  I'll be happy when the aircast days are behind me for good, when I can be in crowds without fear. 

I suppose I should get ready for my appointment now, goodness I am nervous.  If I don't eat something I fear that my stomach rumbling will drown out the words that I am longing to hear...everything looks great Suzanne, everything looks great...couldn't look better...enjoy your new life...

shower
eat (maybe)
start car to cool it off
get daughter ready
feed the cat

off we go.....to Washington University Orthopedics.

I'm baaaaack.  After an unusually long wait, I finally got x-rays taken.  I had hoped to post images of my x-rays here, but unfortnatey they couldn't burn them to a disc, and they can't be emailed.  Instead, I came home with with good ole old fashioned giant x-rays that I get to hold up to a light.  In this day and age, I'm left shaking my head...I had really hoped for a disc.  Following x-rays, my 7 year old daughter and I were led to an examination room and almost immediately, in popped Dr. Johnson.  First things first, I stood up and gave him that big hug that he had coming his way.  After the big hug and a huge thanks, we sat down and went over everything.  Dr. Johnson asked me what my pain level was at, I said "zero."  We talked about my remarkable recovery, and he turned to the x-rays on his computer.  He said, "well this looks great!"  There they were....the words I had been hoping to hear.  As the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders, I turned to my daughter and winked at her and said,  "Mommy's all better now."  A smile leaped across her face, I just adore that big toothy grin.  That moment spoke volumes to me...Olivia has been waiting for this too.  Perhaps I can take her to the zoo now.  In the fall I'll be able to walk her to school, and very soon we will ride bikes together.  We can play in the yard now, too.  There is a long list of activities that we need to do together, we've got a lot of ground to make up.  Now back to the x-rays, before the tears start falling....  Dr. Johnson pointed eveything out to me, and explained where we didn't want to see spaces or shadows and he showed me where the bone had clearly grown and secured itself to my perfectly aligned STAR implant.  No spaces, no shadows, and the doctor said that he was extremely pleased.  He told me not to do anything crazy on my new ankle. I'll use my common sense and best judgement, so no sky diving for me :). Dr. Johnson recommended swimming exercises, riding a bike, the elliptical, and weight training.  He asked that I not use the treadmill at this time. Okay by me, I'm not a treadmiller anyway.  I actually prefer rowing over anything else, when given a choice.  There is an adult rowing team in the St. Louis area, and in the past I always wished that I could join it.  I guess that can be up for consideration now, or when I get back into shape.  Anyway, back to my doctor visit, it was all good, and I am so relieved to tell you that. My next follow up appointment is in six months.  SUCCESS!  Hallelujah!

Turns out I was able to get some (not so great) shots by placing my x-rays on white poster board.  So here it is, my new STAR ankle.  Thanks for reading, wishing you all a beautiful week! 

Best Always,

~Suzanne

Range of Motion and Sunblock Lotion

I'm making my own way now, without physical therapy.  The final numbers are in....drumroll please...
                                   4-29-11                            5-27-11
                          AROM     PROM             AROM     PROM
Plantarflexion           +18          +20                   +22          +26
Dorsiflexion               +2            +6                     +8          +12
Inversion                  +18          +20                   +18          +20
Eversion                   +16          +18                   +14          +18

All those tiny degrees of happiness!  AROM is when I'm doing it myself, PROM is with the help of my PT.  I'm especially pleased with the noted improvement in my dorsiflexion, as that is hands down, the most important motion when it comes to walking.  Not sure what happened with my eversion, I must spend more time working on that on my own.  I have continued my stretching and strenghtening exercises at home, but the best exercise for me, has been walking.  I look forward to getting back to the gym, but I must wait for my twelve week check up on the 6th, to get the green light.

I am not spending much time in my boot anymore, I've been venturing out and about without it.  However, if I go to the mall, or somewhere that will require a lot of walking,  I put it on.  I do find that if I wear my boot for a long period of time, it aggravates me and I simply can't wait to rip it off.  What used to bring me comfort and relief now irritates me.  Go figure. 

Thankfully, I continue for the most part, to enjoy freedom from pain (I still find that so hard to believe). That said, the more walking I do, I fully expect to experience twinges here and there.  The latest twinge that I am featuring is intermittent heel pain while ambulating up the stairs.  It's difficult to describe, and strangely enough, I don't feel it on every stair.  Let me see, how can I describe this feeling....  almost like a light jab in my heel with a toothpick.  That's the best I can do.  My guess is that there might be some mild nerve impingement, which in due time, will dissipate.  There are nerves that are still trying to wake up from their bad dream, in some cases it can take years for them to "wake up" and fully recover from the trauma they have experienced in a construction zone of an ankle.  So other than the mild toothpick prick, and some stiffness, I have no complaints. 



OUCH!



A couple of days ago we all headed to the pool for some fun in the sun, my youngest daughter was going to explode if she didn't get to go swimming...so swim she did, for five hours.  Normally I'm in the water with her but with it being the first day of the pool being open, the water felt like ice cubes. It felt colder than ice cubes. It was the kind of cold that can take your breath away.  So instead of jumping (carefully lowering myself) in, I lounged. I lounged, and lounged, and lounged some more.  I chatted the day away with some dear friends, all the while applying sunblock 50 to my scars.  I was so worried about my scars being in the sun.  Unfortunately, I was so focused on protecting my scars that I forgot to reapply to the rest of me.  NOT good, not good at all.  That was on Sunday, today is Tuesday (almost Wednesday, good Lord, what am I doing up) and I'm still a hurting unit.  My right calf is burned to a crisp, so much so that when I stand up it feels like a bed of needles is being pressed into me.  Little tip:  while you're tending to your scars with sunscreen, remember your other body parts.  Ouch.
You'd think that after 46 years of life on this earth and under the sun, that I could avoid a bad sunburn.  Nope. :)

Take care all, and thank you for reading.  Wishing you the best, always.

~Suzanne