Well That Was Humbling: First Day of Physical Therapy

PHYSICAL THERAPY SUCKS!

I thought I was doing pretty well only to realize just his far I have to go. Everything hurt. Plus, I came home with "homework" that is laughable...but sadly, it's also near impossible. 

Freedom...kinda

FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014:

I got my hard cast off today. It was replaced by a big, heavy, cumbersome black boot.

It's not pretty but it's removable...that's what you call a trade-off.

I'm so excited that in a few days I will be weight bearing and even driving!

My puny, weak right leg. Is it wrong that I want to cast my left leg now so that I can reduce the size of my calf!?! Better yet, what about a thigh or torso cast?

SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014:

Today I coached our field hockey game and actually got to "walk" the sideline. It sure saved my voice as I've been screaming from my coach chair. I almost felt normal.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014:

In bed almost all day. I overdid it yesterday. :(

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014:

First day driving in to work. I cried after my first meeting. I was tired, overwhelmed and in a bunch of pain by 11am. Sadly, I had to take a Percocet and within an hour I felt much better. I have not yet made it through a whole day without pain medication. 

Home Schooled PT

First Follow-Up: Not Much Fun...But My Cast is Cool

I have had a great attitude through this whole process. My husband has been amazing, work has been flexible and my friends have taken me out here and there to keep me from going insane. I've gone through 100 percocets in 2.5 weeks and just started a new prescription. I am doing great...but I honestly had no idea how bad this would hurt. It is no walk in the park. And I'm afraid that the worst us ahead. 

I had my first follow-up appt today. They took my splint off and removed my stitches.

I have a small incision on the inside ankle from the arthroscopy. This was done to remove the loose cartiledge and inflammation in my joints.

I have a 3 inch scar on the outside ankle from the Brostrom procedure.  The scar is fairly gruesome but it's a thin line and I'm sure it will heal just fine. 

My poor calf has already atrophied and looks pretty pitiful. (My awesome Hubby is working from yet another doctor appointment.)

Then I met with Dr Lutta. He was pleased so far. He prescribed more pain medication and said that I would be in the hard cast for 2 weeks. At that point, I will start physical therapy. 

The nurse that set me cast had to position my ankle at 90 degrees. That was AWFUL. I cried and cried. And that's when it hit me that physical therapy is going to suck. :(

On the upside, I ordered Casttoo. I now have the best looking summer cast in town.

Two Weeks Out

Working from home. 

Mojo Hit the Snooze Button

7:30am: had a very hard time sleeping last night. My pain is down to a constant throbby ache and it makes it difficult to get comfortable. I think I finally fell asleep at 2am. And then to got the kids up for school at 6:45am. I want to head back to bed but I have a decent work day ahead.

It feels like Monday. 

I also feel like I'm about to hit a wall. I've been very active and my body is tired. I hurt and I'm getting a bit wrestless with being needy and immobile. I met these life coaches over the weekend and I was thinking about them...about the concept of Mojo and positive thinking. Sometimes I think we are our most positive only after we've experienced some downtime. It gives us perspective, place to come from and a place to compare to. I've had lots of up and downs and I know from experience that my feelings this morning will pass. I know that I'm just tired. I know that I will be strong again. My Mojo isn't gone. It just needs a nap.  

My Cast's Flat Stanley Adventures

I'm feeling stronger everyday although my ankle still hurts and I still take a few percocets daily. 

I've been blessed to have many friends get me out of the house here and there. 

And my Hubby has been incredibly helpful. 

Week +1

Today was great. I still need pain meds but the hammer/lava feeling is gone. 

I worked for a bit this morning. Then my friend Diana picked me up. We went to lunch and then she dropped me off at my hair appt. Midway through, I really hurt. I took 2 percocets and within 15 minutes I was looped. It's such a tough balance between loopy and painful. Thankfully I was amongst friends. 

I'm home relaxing now. The days are better. There's still a long way to go. 

A Week After Surgery

The most obvious effect of my recovery is exhaustion. I can typically manage one outing per day but it takes all of my energy.

At 11am, I performed a demo for work. I didn't take any Percocet until after I finished (12:30) which proved to be difficult. I was just very happy to be working. Once I finished work, I took 2 percocets and slept.

After my nap, I had my nails done. By the time I got home, I hurt quite a bit. I elevated my leg and ended up napping for another two hours. Just trying to take it easy and accept that my body has been through quite a lot. 

My friend Kim came to visit tonight. I'm so blessed to have great girlfriends. 

Post-Op: Day Six

6am: I woke up with minimal pain and did not take any medication. I was thrilled to feel better (and clear headed.)

Aspirin x3

10am: Went for a stroll up to the cul-de sac on my knee cart. There were a few uneven places on the sidewalk that tripped me up a bit but other than that, I got the hang of the cart pretty well. I can tell that it will be very useful for getting around once I'm feeling stronger. I got some fresh air and enjoyed the outdoors for about 45 minutes.

11am: When I returned, my ankle started to throb a bit so I took some medication. I also felt fatigued so I took a quick nap on the couch.

Percocet x1

5pm: Pain has subsided now that I'm on a better med schedule. I continue ice and lots of rest. 

My friend Shanie came over for dinner. What a joy! It was great to chat and enjoy some girl-time. 

Post-op: Day Five

2:45am:

Percocet x1. Push through.

Jack woke me with a stuffy head. I gave him a benedryl and some Nasonix.  

7am: 

Percocet x2

TriEase x1

Noon:

Percocet x2

Working from home. At least my brain is somewhat active. 

3:30pm:

Percocet x2

8pm: 

Percocet x1

Pain is now well managed with some spikes at 4-6 hours. Far better than the last few days. I can't stand for very long either. When my leg is down, it immediately hurts and starts getting swollen and blue. I'm better off just hanging out in bed with lots of good tv. Thankfully I also get to work from home so my brain has something to do. 

9pm:

Percocet x1

11pm: I should have stuck to two percocets at a time. By staggering them, I've gotten off schedule and am in a great deal of pain again. 

Percocet x2 (11pm & 12:30am)

Post-Op: Day Four

Excruciating! It's hard to believe that pain could exist worse than this and harder to believe that this was masked by a nerve block up until a few hours ago. My right big toe feels as though it's constantly being hammered and scalded at the same time. Getting up isn't even an option at this point.

Oh, and Happy Mother's Day to me!

2am

Percocet x1

5:30am: Awful pain. 

Percocet x1

7:15am: This is maybe the worst pain I've ever had. I know that my mastectomy hurt but at least I could walk around.  I need to knock myself out somehow. Of course, choices are limited in that I'm now on Missy's couch in Richmond. I miss my pain pump!!

Percocet x2

Phillips x2

Aspirin x3

10am: Pain is managed better.

11:30am

Percocet x2

Digestzen x1

I was able to take a bath and clean up for Mother's Day lunch. It felt great to get in the tub again. Definitely a highlight of the day. Beanie and Papa came over to Missy's for lunch and all the kids are hanging out.

3pm; My pain is definitely better however I have to stay on track with pain meds. Two percocets wear off after only about 3-4 hours. 

Percocet x2

6pm: Headed home from Richmond now. My big toe is already starting to pound. My pills get me through 3 hours. That's it. The pain comes on quickly and is unbearable. 

Percocet x2

Promethazine x1

8pm: 

Me: Sobbing in pain. 

Jack: "Mom, I think it's time for you to have some more ice on your ankle. I will plug it in for you and keep you company."

#my10thMothersDay #proudmommoments #anklesurgerysucks

11pm

Percocet x1

Post-op: Day Three

12:30am: Numb again. No feeling in my toes.

Up at 6am. Just like clockwork. I can slightly move my toes. Still pretty numb. 

Percocet x1

Aspirin x3

12:30p

Percocet x1

John hooked the ice machine up in the car and we drove to Richmond to see our family for the weekend. The drive went well and I'm still feeling very little pain. My toes are still numb. 

5:30p

Percocet x1

Digestzen x1

I still have not gone to the bathroom. My stomach is cramped and uncomfortable. 

6pm: I took the nerve block catheter out. It slipped out "just like butter" like they said it would. 

9:15pm: Starting to feel pain. 

Percocet x2

Aspirin x2

10pm: Now it feels like someone is pouring lava over my ankle. 

11pm: Pain is off the charts (9) almost intolerable. 

Percocet x1

Post-Op: Day Two

Poor Johnny. Night #2 on the tiny couch next to me. Rafae is keeping watch also.

2:52am: When I went to sleep, my toes had started to move. I just woke up and they are dead again.

4:16am: I just started with cold therapy again. My toes are numb again and very swollen. The pain medication and second block seem to be working. 

Percocet x1

9:35am: I've been fairly numb since I woke up (at 6am.) I have a hard time getting comfortable and sleeping. I was able to change clothes and clean up a bit which was great. I just started feeling some pain again. 

Percocet x1

10:30am: Yowza! Just fell off the pain cliff! I now know exactly where my incision is. Oh boy!

Percocet x1

Noon: Awful pain. 

Percocet x1

3pm: Pain managed a bit better. Took a short nap and then was able to wash my hair. I was up for about 30 minutes and my toes got swollen and painful again. I'm not meant to get off this couch right now. 

Made it to 8:30pm.

Percocet x1

Post-Op: Day One

I had a hard time sleeping until I put lavender on my temples and wrists...then I was out within 10 minutes.

Woke up around 6am with zero pain. My toes are still paralyzed and I'm numb from the knee down. I've been diligent about using my motorized "Polar Care" machine. It's great. You hook into it and it delivers the perfect temperature of cold directly to the surgical area (under the dressings.) No leaks or uncomfortable freezing spots. It's supposed to greatly decrease swelling and pain.

Noon: Hospital just called to check on me. They said that the initial nerve block will start wearing off this afternoon and that the catheter block I have now is 1/2 the strength. They told me to start pain meds now to get ahead. All I really heard was, "take drugs. You are going to start hurting soon." Now I'm kinda nervous.

Colace x2
Digestzen x1
Percocet 5-325mg x2

2pm: Senna x3

3:30pm: Alarm went off to take second round of pain meds but the initial nerve block has not worn off. I decided to wait on taking any Percocet. My toes are still 100% numb. 

4:30pm: Still numb. Diligently doing 30 on / 30 off of cold therapy. I've also done "toes above nose" all day. I've been very relaxed and a good patient so far...🙏impressive to anyone that knows me well.

7pm: My toes are starting to move. It's slight but just like clockwork. Still no pain but decided to take one tablet to get ahead just in case. 

Colace x2

Percocet x1

11:22pm: Pain is starting to kick in.

Percocet x2

Nightie night.

Day of Surgery

Before surgery:

In recovery:

May 7, 2014: (Facebook post)

Thank you for the well wishes and prayers. I'm home now. They have me hooked into a motorized cooling machine (fancy ice packs) and a nerve block/pain catheter. I have zero feeling from the knee down which is a temporary blessing. I also have to keep my "toes above me nose." It's not a pretty site but I'm trying to convince myself that I'm as cool as Tony Stark with all these mechanisms attached to me. 

The also gave me this great "fall alert" bracelet during pre-op to remind me and everyone around me how klutzy I am! I just have to laugh at that one!

Thank you Hubby John Schalow for the bowl of spaghetti I've been craving for the last 12 hours! 😘😘

PreOp: The Last Supper

May 6, 2014: (Facebook post)

Pre-op dinner. John filled me up since I can't eat from midnight tonight until after surgery at 3pm tomorrow. (In case you're wondering, that is a huge steak with bernaise sauce.) YUM!

How it all began

April 17, 2014:

Went on a 3 mile run with my Dad and then danced around the kitchen to "Happy" while cleaning the dishes. We are two peas in a pod! 

And so it begins. Just a few short hours after posting this on Facebook, my right ankle became painful and started swelling. The next morning, I was seen at the Hilton Head Hospital and after X-rays, they determined I had fractured my ankle. It was strange because the location of the fracture was not where I had the most pain but I'm no stranger to ankle issues so I went with it. The gave me a splint/soft cast and crutches and sent me on my way. 

April 19, 2014:

I was traveling without my Hubby or kids that week so the flight home was quite an experience. The United Airways team took great care of me, wheeling me straight to the bar for a pre-flight glass of wine, and then getting me comfortably boarded on the plane. It was a better flying experience (service-wise) than most. Note to self. Rent crutches for future flights.

April 21, 2014: (Facebook post)

I am thrilled! I still have to get an MRI to find out why my ankle is inflamed (ligament/joint) but I just got cleared by Dr Aguiar (ortho.) to go without a cast or crutches because my ankle is NOT broken!!
He said that the ER misread my x-ray and treated me for my old fracture!! HELLO!?!? How annoying is that??!! I had a feeling something was "off" since I didn't actually do anything to injure it...I'm so glad I'm not as fragile as it made me feel and that I actually CAN dance in the kitchen without hurting myself!
See you soon Studio Pink Fit!!

And so life went on. My ankle was still in pain and swelling in the afternoons but it was far better than the week prior. I wanted to get back to my workouts but decided to stay off of it until I got my MRI results back. Looking back, it was a smart decision.

May 1, 2014: (Facebook post)

I got my MRI results back and my diagnosis is, "your ankle is all screwed up." Yes, the doctor actually said that!
I have a torn anterior talofibular ligament. I also have scarring of the deltoid ligament, a large bone spur and "deformity" (bad healing from a break) of the lateral malleolus and a bunch of stray bones, fluid and other crappy things floating around. All of this is a result of prior injuries and ankle instability. The flare up was likely caused by running on the beach (or any unstable ground) and could happen at any time (as I have dealt with for the last few years.)  So although my swelling is down and I am walking just fine now, my only long term solution is surgery. And I get to choose when...so I'm thinking never. But he told me if I don't fix the ligament and clean out the ankle, I will positively have arthritis and continuous problems with ankle instability/pain/swelling down the road.
Not cool.

Ugh! I should have listened to my mom all those times that begged me to take better care of my breaks and sprains. It seems I usually have to learn things the hard way. Thankfully my doctor was very accommodating and was able to schedule me for surgery within the week. This is a slower time of the year for work and I wanted to ensure that I get my cast off before our annual OBX trip.

I scheduled surgery for May 7th with Dr. Lutta. He performed three procedures: modified brostrom (repair the ATFL tear), removal of ossification (bone spurring on lateral malleolus), and arthroscopy to remove chronic synovitis.