Thursday, March 19, 2009

6 Weeks Post-Op Update

Well, here we are....6 weeks post op! Wooooooooo hooooooooo! Sorry that I haven't updated lately, it's just that, well....there hasn't been much to update!
I went to the Dr on Monday for my 6 wk check up, everything looks like it's healing nicely! I am now allowed to put weight on my foot (in the boot) while using my crutches. That is a nice break for my armpits! I also started Physical Therapy this week.....it was eventful to say the least.....
Everything was going fine, like a normal PT session (stretches, massage, resistance exercises,...) and then it was time for the hot/cold contrast therapy. We started off with the hot moist packs, that felt great. Then it was time for the ice pack.....I put my foot on it and one was wrapped around my ankle, I lasted for about 12 seconds then the pain was SO INTENSE I seriously started to freak out, it felt like someone was stabbing me in my arch, the physical therapist came into the room and I was like "OMG I can't take this" (he promptly pulled the packs off and called in the other PT guy), my face got all red, I busted out into this major sweat, got all dizzy, my heart was RACING!!!!!! Seriously, I almost passed out. He explained that what was happening could potentially be RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy). According to the linked website "RSD/CRPS appears to involve a complex interaction among the sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems, and the immune system. It is thought that brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) control over these various processes is somehow changed as a result of an injury". Basically, the capilaries in my foot are staying dialated, sometimes after a surgery and being non-weight bearing for so long there is damage to the smooth muscle fibers (**NOTE- I could have some of this wrong, if you know something more...TELL ME!), so when my foot had the cold on it, it didn't react properly. The "sympathetic" part ties into the "Fight or Flight" reaction I had, it's like it's confused on how to react. It scared the s&*t out of me....BIG TIME! I was wiped out for the rest of the day.
The good news is that we caught these symptoms early. Now that I am partially weight bearing that will help to stimulate everything, and hopefully get me out of the "danger zone" on this.
When I went back the next day we did the hot/cold contrast with just a cool towel and I was fine. Then we tried the ice pack and I made it about 45 seconds, then the same thing started to happen. It's a good sign that I made it longer, it shows that I am adapting...yippeee!
Hopefully by the end of next week I'll be allowed to take my boot off and drive, then put my boot back on when I get where I'm going, and hop around.
I just want some of my freedom back. I want to drive. I want to go to the grocery store and not make someone carry all of my shit. Not to mention.....I WANT TO RUN!!!!! But for now, I'll settle for being able to just go for a WALK!
**And one more thing, my bday is next week, exactly 1 week from today and I'll be 33.....I'll have more thoughts to post about this over the weekend.....

14 comments:

Jess said...

Thanks for the update! I'm glad to hear your recovery is progressing well, except for that bizarre reaction to the cold. Wishing you lots more speedy recovery action!

Kelly said...

Again, thanks for the update. Good luck with the RSD. Sounds like it's already improving. Yay! Hopefully you'll be up and walking/driving in no time, right?

I Run for Fun said...

Nice to hear that things are progressing. Hang in there, you will soon be running.

Anonymous said...

Glad you posted! I have done the hot/cold before and it sucks! Glad things with teh foot are going well.

Marlene said...

Glad to hear you are making progress. You'll be running around again in no time. Good luck!

Carolina John said...

glad you're getting better, watch out for that ice. and have a great birthday! i'm 33, there's nothing special about it.

Ali said...

Great update. That sounded so painful. But you are making progress, which is great news.

P.O.M. said...

Whoa - that is really scary sounding. But I'm glad you're progressing!

I'm 33. It is what it is.
Happy early bday!

Aron said...

glad you are healing well!!!

yay for birthdays :)

Unknown said...

It is a VERY good thing the potential for RSD was caught this soon, usually it's much much later and has already caused great turmoil in your life. I applaud the knowledge of the PT guy....not many would have known to pull those ice-packs off let allow know the potential of RSD!! Not many at all would have thought of RSD!!

I was diagnosed right after my cast came off when I broke my ankle back in 2003. Was doing really well until a dental visit went array and I now have full body RSD, Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis of the knees, MS and something they are trying to figure out what....but they have ALL been "GIFTS" to me and I wouldn't change one minute of any of it at all!!

I will keep your progress in my prayers to continue to be positive and it to gift you a full recovery so you can run again!!

Blessings,
Coach Marla

Amy - the gazelle said...

Thanks for the update! I'm glad that things are getting better - I know you'll be driving & walking in no time - and running soon after.

The RSD sounds scary, though! I'm glad you're already adapting.

Unknown said...

I'm glad to hear you are healing, that sounds terrible about the pain from the ice. Here's to driving soon!

Marci said...

Wow that sounds like a scary reaction. I hope you are progressing better. Take care and I hope you had a great birthday!

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that things are moving along!! I hope you continue to get better!

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See the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
Think only of the best, work only for the best and expect only the best.
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Spend so much time on the improvement of yourself that there is no time to criticize others.
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