What has worked really well for my second bunion surgery

 This time I tried to remedy everything that was tiring or made recovery longer. Obviously I couldn’t fix everything but I did make some changes that really helped.

Of course I have a live in helper/caretaker in my Hubby and would have to have done many other things if I was trying to deal with this on my own or with occasional help.

1. It is more tiring to use the knee scooter on carpet than hard floors so I set up a table in the guest room and put my clothing on it. No going to our closet in the carpeted bedroom to get clothes.

2. The first surgery I thought it was important to wear the walking boot all day. That ended up with my ankle being frozen. This time I am wearing it only when walking or as time progresses for a couple of hours a time.

3. I was too cautious about moving my ankle once the cast came off last time. This time I am rotating, flexing and pointing it several times a day. Much better range of motion at this point.

4. I didn’t prepare frozen breakfast foods the first time but did this time. Still tiring to get my own breakfast but easier on me and Hubby.

5. The retractable leash purchase has enabled me to let the dog out in the morning even from the knee scooter. Again much easier on Hubby.

6. Hubby suggested using Tupperware as bowls or plates for breakfast as less likely to spill. A good solution.

7. I bought a knee scooter with a basket and it is wonderful at reducing the number of trips for things.

8. I looked up exercises that could be done for leg strength with a cast on and have done them occasionally. Frequently would have been even better. Same with how to stretch leg muscles while lying down and upper body stretches while sitting.

9. Make sure your knee scooter is adjusted with the proper height seat and handlebars for maintaining good posture and then try to use it with good posture. It is way to easy not to. 

10. Don't slouch while sitting or lying with your leg elevated. Last time I tried to use one of those reading in bed pillows but it didn't work for me. 

11. Once you can stand with bare feet work on body alignment as the walking boot and scooter will throw it off. No need for additional aches and pains.

12. Figure out the easiest ways to get around your house, make your bathroom work for you and practice with your mobility aids before surgery! I did this the first time but again the second with the learning from before.

Things I wish I had done!

1. Rearrange some dishes and food items in pantry and frig so fewer trips were required to get them and they were within easier reach.

2. Have more clothing choices including PJs that would fit over my cast.

3. Figured out more easy outings as I am really sick of my home at this point.

4. Watched even more YouTube videos on how to be mobile, recovery tips, etc. There are some great PTs and other health care professionals who have created useful ones.

Medicare Factors

1. According to my podiatrist Medicare only pays for one walking boot every 3 years. That seems to also apply to the compression stocking so you may want to use an elastic bandage at night when you need wash it or buy a second one.

Hope this helps someone else. 

If you want to see the difference between one year of recovery and 4 1/2 weeks just compare my feet in the photo below.

Slogging along

 No complaints just boredom and tired of sitting. I’ve mad it through two of three weeks with a cast, two of six weeks with no weight on my foot and two of sixteen weeks till physical therapy will end and I will be on my own to progress.

Can you tell I looked back at my calendar to track what happened last year after surgery on my other foot lol? The cast comes off and the stitches out in a week which will be great. Off course that means the boot goes on. This time though I am determined to figure out how to safely get in and out of the shower while I still can’t put weight on my foot. Small problems.

I did call a friend and have a nice chat and then invite a neighbor to come over for an in person visit. Other than that it is me, Hubby and the dog hanging out.

Otherwise all is well - nice weather, Hubby is hanging in there being the only cook and housekeeper, the dog is well as are the next two generations of our little family. Our granddaughter started ice skating lessons and it looks like she is taking after her figure skating award winning Mom by actually skating in her first lesson. All is good.

Suggestions as to how to pass the time while sitting on the couch for 4 more weeks welcome! I’m already reading more than even I a bookaholic want to, finding zero interest in watching anything on tv and browsing the internet way too much. I can get around on my knee scooter and sit at the desk or table for short times but not long term yet as I need to keep my foot elevated.

Same surgery, different recovery experience

 I was expecting to experience pretty much the same things during the first week or so of recovery from bunion surgery this year as I did last year. In many ways that has been true but in others not.

Perhaps it is because of expectations but I have experienced less pain this time although I took the prescription painkiller for the same amount of time. Certainly we were able to make some of the mobility challenges easier by arranging things differently.

What has been different this time I think is my reaction to the over the counter medications for pain and inflammation and need to cut back on them to eliminate side effects. I also feel like I am sleeping a lot more which I suppose is good for healing and may result from my being in less pain and thus more active. 

I have been making a concerted effort to do more for myself which has been good but tiring. It has helped Hubby be less worn out too.

All in all 10 days out it is going well and I am pleased with progress. After the year and a half of COVID restrictions though it is sad to have to say no to upcoming social events like a wedding celebration and listening  to a friend’s band play . I know I won’t be able to handle the drive and the actual event physically by then though without feeling miserable so there is no way to go.

 First I have to get feeling like being social as I haven’t yet taken friends up on offers to come visit! Working on it.

Thankful Thursday July 1st

There are small and not so small things to be thankful for each week.

1. A front basket on the knee scooter! Why would they rent one without it? Glad I bought one that included the basket.

2. I was able to wash my hair in the kitchen sink the day after surgery which was great because I wash my hair every day or every two days.

3.  Day 3 post surgery I was able to let the dog out first thing rather than waking Hubby. We bought a retractable leash  just for this purpose so I can stay inside and she can reach the grass. She figured out what to do right away being a smart little poodle.

4. I am very thankful for effective painkillers . Ironically as I write this there is a news headline that Johnson & Johnson is paying $230 million to New York State to settle the damage done by opioid addiction. Luckily I know I won’t get addicted despite my gratefulness for  Percocet. All I have to do is take off the anti-nausea patch and I won’t be able to keep one down. And they make me itch!

5. Phase two of recovery started Tuesday with a regular cast put on my foot and lower leg. Dr says it all looks good in the X-ray so only two weeks in the cast. After that a walking boot and crutches for phase 3 

6. Wednesday was able to fully switch to just Tylenol instead of the opioid plus Tylenol painkiller.

Notes to myself for an easier week after surgery

 Had a bit of a tough morning after taking a medication on an empty stomach. I had to wake Hubby up way to early to help me and I am trying not to do that to him this go around.

 Fine now but we also forget to lay out my breakfast last night so it was a hassle to make coffee and get breakfast today. The knee scooter basket is making it all much easier in general though as I have fewer trips to take around the house and that is keeping my knee from getting sore so far.

So here are my notes to myself to make this phase of recovery easier.

1. Lay out breakfast night before so can make it with ease and then take it into the den where I have parked myself until able to walk without support.

2. Put some cracker or another easy middle of the night small snack by the bed. Eat and then wait a bit before takin medication in the night.

3. Starting soon as my concentration is back, work on a written project each day in addition to reading a lot and frequently occupying myself with sites on the internet.

4. Get dressed each day after taking a sponge bath. Wearing pajamas all day is comfy but not helpful to my attitude or sense of progress.

5. In a couple of days start connecting with family and friends via a written note, call, email/text.

6. Start Thankful Thursday again.

7. Also keep a journal of successes . And to list those need to do or do better items

My new "wheels"

For the next couple of months this little scooter and I will be best friends. Whoever invented this deserves a medal. Crutches are easy to topple especially when on painkillers. Walkers are hard to use if you have to hop on one foot. 

I do have crutches and a cane for later on in the healing process but this is a wonder early on. I decided to buy one as that was cheaper than renting and then I can donate it to the church medical supply closet for someone else to use.

Isn't it spiffy looking? And it has a basket which the rental ones don't have. So lots fewer trips to get meals, etc

Medical equipment and medical supply closets

 I knew that Leisure Village has a small medical supply closet and for my last foot surgery I was able to borrow a shower chair from them but not crutches. 

A friend mentioned that the local Methodist church has a large medical supply closet so I checked it out this morning and it is wonderful. Lots of crutches, canes, walking boots, walkers, a wheelchair, etc. So I borrowed a really nice pair of crutches and they will take my walking boot when I am done with it.

They took my contact info in case a shower chair is returned or donated. I'll check the supply here too.

So now I have to rent a knee scooter as that is essential and that part of surgery prep is done. Onward.

Pre-op appointments week

 So it seems that my bunion surgery is going to happen on June 25th. I can't say I'm looking forward to it but I keep telling myself it is an investment in my future mobility.

My 90+ year old neighbor has told me (repeatedly I might add) that she need knee replacement surgery but can't have it because of her age and health problems. Fortunately she told me again just a few days ago when I was wondering why I am putting myself through the pain and slow recovery of another foot surgery when my foot doesn't even hurt when I walk!!! 

Since I'm not going to get younger and my foot will only get worse this needs to happen. 

We just mailed in our passport renewal applications so I am clearly hoping for international travel in the future. Perhaps the pandemic end and my foot full recovery will coincide.

I'm glad all the pre-op is as far in advance as possible.

- Monday I had a 7 am appointment for my blood test. The employee who showed up 5 minutes after that didn't have the right key to unlock the door and had no idea how long it would be until someone showed up with a key. Fortunately there is another location in town so I hopped over there and had the blood drawn.

- Tuesday I went to see my internist and it turns out the lab didn't do one of the required tests. Sigh. But at least I passed the EKG, etc. I also learned that the holdup on a referral for something else was that she had put the wrong info in the referral request. Thank goodness it isn't anything serious or urgent.

- Today (Wednesday) after the dog sees the vet for her monthly shot I will go back to the lab and give some more blood so that can be checked off!

- Thursday I see the surgeon and then it will just be follow up to make sure all the forms get turned in on time, my last minute COVID test is actually scheduled, and I know when to show up at the hospital.

All that will be left then is to have the COVID test, rent a knee scooter, pick up the painkiller and anti-nausea prescriptions (the painkiller causes me to vomit lol) and set up the house for recovery.

I have to say the vet and vet's office is much more organized, less cumbersome to navigate for care,  and always follows up without reminders. 

So what does it say about the American healthcare system when my dog gets better organized care than I do?

Kicking off 8 week surgery countdown

 I'm finding I don't remember the answers to lots of my questions and the ways I arranged things as I was healing from the previous bunion surgery lol. I have realized I need to get a lot done before June 25th comes around and we are discussing how to make the whole saga easier on Hubby this time.

I'm in the midst of week 1 of countdown and working on getting more exercise as one helpful thing. 

Checking off 2 doctor appointments: my regular skin check and a crown on a tooth that had an inlay after a root canal. Unfortunately the regular dentist is on maternity leave so I have fingers crossed the substitute is good! Didn't want to have a broken tooth while I am couch bound.

It is club board meeting week and I just sent out an impossibly long agenda. Being out of commission during summer planning and decision making will be interesting. We are also trying to revise/update our bylaws and find a new insurance provider for the club and clubhouse. 

Beyond that it is my plan to make sure I have one more room deeply cleaned and get our passport renewal photos taken. We also need to schedule the building inspection on our new attic insulation.

The rest is just the usual stuff! 

What is on your agenda for the week?

My experience with bunion surgery: Recovery with weight bearing (Part 3)

 Week 4 to 6:

- Got used to walking in the boot with 2 crutches and just a little weight on foot. Graduated to more weight and one crutch and then to none part of the time. Started walking a bit outside to build my muscles back up in my affected leg. 

- Found out I lost 4 pounds mostly by not being able to indulge my Starbucks latte and cookie afternoon habit but some muscle loss too. Not complaining lol.

- Got really bored and really tired of reading and laying around. Initially not able to sit with my foot down for long as it still swells and needs to be elevated but that got better. Did start taking showers - bliss. Was really glad we have grab bars, a no slip shower floor and the borrowed shower seat for when I need to wash my feet.

Week 7 & 8:

- The bone is healed although the incision and bottom of foot are still tender and my foot not very flexible. I am walking a bit wonky but able to get up in middle of night with only one crutch for balance at the start of week 7 and no crutch by         No more knee scooter!

- Wearing a compression ankle sock and foam toe separator except at night. Weaning off of walking boot with a schedule - 1 hour 2 x a day for 3 days then 2 hours, etc. My leg muscles are weary which denotes progress. 

- Can drive (left foot operated on), run errands, cook and do chores - Yeah! 

- We were able to put almost all furniture back in place and store away all the special equipment and supplies except for the rental items that will be returned soon. It cost much less to rent them by to month - less than the 2 week fee - so I have some time yet to get them back.

- Physical therapy twice a week for now. 

EDIT: I ended up getting a cane to help with walking without the boot. I was wobbling from a week ankle and not taking a normal length step with my unaffected foot but the cane solved that.

My experience with bunion surgery: Recovery while no weight bearing (Part 2)

 Surgery Day:

In my case this was outpatient surgery that only required a sedative and nerve block from the knee down. Surgery was quick as was recovery room time. 

I was able to get in the car with the seat back as far as possible, support from the nurse, and having practiced the move required to not bang my foot! I also was able to leverage out of the car with Hubby's help and use the knee scooter as we had practiced to get in the house and into bed.

So the outpatient surgery is over. Now what? 

Well I definitely cannot put my foot down as there is no weight bearing for the first 3 weeks.

Week 1:

- This was the most painful part especially the first 3 to 4 days. Painkiller plus anti-nausea patch, Ibuprofen to reduce swelling, icing as directed, elevating my foot religiously, sleeping a lot. Washed up only and washed my hair in the kitchen sink. 

- Day 5 saw the Dr. and the bandaging came off and the cast went on. I quite easily scootered in and out of the office. Quick improvement from first couple of days.

Week 2 & 3: 

- Found that my knee started hurting now that I was scooting around a lot more. We padded the scooter with foam and that helped but I also had to use it less. Other leg got tired.

- Did not feel confident trying to take a shower so continued with sponge baths and kitchen sink shampoos. Continued icing, elevating and at night first painkiller and then just Tylenol. Had to stop Ibuprofen due to it bothering my stomach but icing and elevation do the same thing.

- Doing Zoom meetings and FaceTime calls from the couch with my foot up and my iPad on the bed tray.

- Dr. removed cast and I started wearing the walking boot except at night or when resting on couch. You also use a little foam toe separator which wouldn't stay on so I added a lightweight sock and that worked and also protected the tender incision. Started putting lotion with vitamin E on incision and foot.

Not bad for just 3 weeks from surgery!

My experience with bunion surgery: Preparing for surgery (Part 1)

 I've had several people mention that they may have bunion surgery in the future so I thought I'd share some of my personal experience with preparation and recovery. There are lots of different types of bunion surgery and protocols so take this for what it is - one person's experience. 

I am glad I had the surgery as once fully recovered  walking longer distances should be pain free.

What was they type of surgery I had? A Lapidus Bunionectomy. 

"A Lapidus bunionectomy is a procedure in which the first metatarsal bone is fixated to the medial cuneiform bone with a plate and screws to stabilize and correct a moderate to severe bunion.  The procedure involves removing a small wedge of bone at the base of the metatarsal to allow for reduction of the bunion.  Fusing the joint at the base of the metatarsal helps prevent any possible return of the deformity."

A sample x-ray of what they do - not my foot!

My before surgery prep for recovery:

- I read online about recommendations for what you will need and what to try ahead of time. My Dr. is a good surgeon but not great on detailed info about anything but surgery. Lots of good info available though.

- Clearly you need a caretaker for the early weeks. I'm lucky I had a live in one and thus not only I but also our dog were taken care of.

- Make sure you have clothes and sleepwear that will fit over a very bulky bandage almost to your knee, then a cast and then a walking boot. You will also need shoes that can be loosened to fit your still swollen foot when you reach that stage. I wore very loose crop PJ bottoms to the hospital. It helped with clothes that it was warm weather but I had few options until I got the removable walking boot.

- I rented a knee scooter and crutches. Borrowed a shower chair. Bought Ibuprofen, a reusable ice pack and cover, a reading pillow, a folding bed table for eating (which I ended up using when on the couch), lotion with vitamin E for my incision scar, a shower cover for the foot and leg, Got out a water bottle to make sure I drank enough to battle opioid side effects.

- We picked up my pain prescription ahead of time. I should have also gotten an anti-nausea patch prescription ahead of time as I know opioid painkillers make me nauseous. Would have save the surgery day evening scramble to get that after I threw up.

- We arranged a couch area so I could be out of bed each day from the beginning. We set up a charging station, a small table I could reach laying down, 2 pillows for elevating my foot, Made room to get to the couch with the knee scooter and practiced. Covered the couch so no blood would get on it. 

- We set up the guest bedroom. Again cleared it to make room for using the knee scooter and practiced. Untucked the sheets so I could set up 2 pillows for foot elevation and to keep the recovering foot from being under the covers.

- We decided the guest bath was the best for access and safety. Set it up with everything I would use. Practiced how to maneuver the knee scooter and how to leverage myself on and off the toilet with just one leg available.

- I practiced getting over the front door threshold with the knee scooter so when I came home there wouldn't be a problem.

- We stocked up on food and I downloaded a lot of easy reading books onto my Kindle.

- Realize most of your shoes won't fit your still swollen boot once you can put on a shoe. It is summer and I have a pair of very adjustable sandals were the only thing that worked once I needed to wear one.

- What else would I do next time? I’d get a small cart to load up and push with one hand while using the scooter or a crutch. It was tiring to carry things back and forth with one hand. I’d make sure we had more meals in the freezer. I’d expect that I would be very tired during the day and need naps. I’d find out how to keep doing leg and shoulder stretches and work harder on my posture.

Half way there

 I passed the midpoint of the 10 week recovery period of my bunion surgery. I’m even sometimes waking without a crutch so putting full weight on my battered foot. I am finding that rather unsteady going mostly due the height differences of the boot and the shoes I can wear on my other foot. 

I wanted to celebrate somehow besides taking short walks and last night gave me the opportunity. Hubby had a very long lunch with a friend and wasn’t interested in dinner. Nothing we had appealed yo me so he agreed to to pick up take out. A cocktail and light meal later made a nice change in our dinners and really felt like a treat.

I’m being able to do more of the chores.and stuff so I’m hoping the pressure on Hubby is enough less that he can recover from all the caretaking and not be so tired. If it wasn’t for the pandemic I’d hire a housecleaner. Our son and DIL would quite generously run the vacuum etc. when they are here Sunday for my early birthday brunch but I don’t want to ask that of them I know their jobs and the pandemic restrictions are wearing them down too.

I’ve accepted that right now my ability to concentrate is low so I’m just making myself do one thing for my club each day and I’m still close to being on schedule. Had the good news that a member made a donation for our charity fund. Makes me more optimistic that when we send out our very direct appeal to all members to do so they will respond positively. We can’t rent out the clubhouse for events or hold in person fundraisers so we need plain donations.

Other than that it’s more of the same here.

Slogging along

 I’m almost halfway through recovery from my bunion surgery and although it is going well it sure has that slogging through feeling right now. Then of course there is the slogging through the pandemic restrictions and losses. At least I will be really delighted to be able to drive myself to Starbucks to get an iced latte which was the extent of my fun outings before the surgery.

Yes, I know we are really, really fortunate compared to so many but downward comparisons, although rationale, don’t help emotional states change. Did your parent’s try to get you to eat things you didn’t like by saying but think of all the starving children in ...? Didn’t change how you felt.

I suppose I shouldn’t be grousing about not being able to walk very far either since even here far from the inferno in N Cal we have an air quality alert due to smoke. I am concerned about our Berkeley family as the whole area is on high alert and firefighters stretched to the breaking point already. 

I am starting to be able to do more of the daily chores and wish it was more as Hubby is looking pretty worn out but not complaining as I probably would be.

Ok, enough about my grumpy mood.

I am looking for good book recommendations so please share! Also ideas for how to entertain myself as I can really use some new ones.

Scrabble, brief walk outdoors & wine

 Trying to get back to “normal” which in itself is pretty bizarre since it is pandemic normal!

I practiced weight bearing walking with crutches taking some of the weight and we walked to the mailbox. First time outside except for dr visits and it was great. My muscles in the affected leg have really shrunk and I am focused on building them back up. Foot is quite swollen but no painkilling meds now not even Tylenol.

I was able to sit at the table and play a game of scrabble with hubby which saws a nice change.

A nice glass of Chardonnay is wrapping the day up nicely.

How did your day go?

August Priorities

The first week of August has seen me do very little as I continue to mostly sit with my foot elevated and struggle to do basic chores or carry anything while using the knee walker. The cast is supposed to be traded in for a walking boot on August 13th but I am assuming I still won’t be able to walk around without using a walker or crutches until at least September. So my top priorities are getting more mobile and finally being able to take a shower instead of a sponge bath!

What else goes on the list?

Getting everything in place for and publicizing my club’s first general meeting in September 

Finishing phone calls to club members

Doing a bit of meal prep

Getting outside for a short walk and doing some safe exercising to build up my arm and leg strength 

Hopefully being able to take the dog out for quick potty breaks to take some of the load off Hubby

And that is it!

What are you hoping to get done this month?

Progress means a blue cast

Still no weight on my foot, must elevate and keep swelling down with ice pack and ibuprofen but look at this nice cast! I’ve also been able to take Tylenol instead of the Norco which is an opioid painkiller.

The dr was very happy with the X-ray too. The cast comes off on August 13th when I go for my next appointment. This was a good time to have the surgery as I wouldn’t be going anywhere anyway lol.

Day 4 after bunion surgery

I am thrilled that I have gone 9 1/2 hours without taking the strong painkiller! Just took one though as not ready to switch to just Tylenol yet. I am finding that icing and ibuprofen make a huge difference.

I’m able to eat normal meals too. We did have to get in touch with the dr the first evening to get a prescription for an anti nausea patch so I could keep food down. I will make that part of any painkiller prescription in the future.

I was also delighted to be able to wash my hair in the kitchen sink. The knee scooter makes mobility very easy although my backing up skills are in need of further development!

So in general this hasn’t been terrible so far. The day of surgery and the next day were pretty tough but yesterday and this morning much better. See the dr Wednesday morning and get the dressing changed I imagine.

Hope all is well with you.

Day after bunion surgery

I’m doing much better today after a rough evening and night post surgery. Getting an anti-nausea patch was key. Stretching the time between each dose of painkiller and Ibuprofen with goal of reducing the opioid painkiller as quickly as possible. Expecting each day to be better.

Rented knee walker is a great tool! Also learning I was negative for Covid. They said some surgeries have been canceled due to positive tests though.

Was able to eat breakfast thanks to anti-nausea patch. Even a little coffee. Yeah!

Hubby being a terrific caretaker but dog rather confused at my inability to cuddle or walk her.

Hope all is well with all of you.