Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Ugh, ouch, and OMG that hurt!

So, way back when I was pregnant with Emery I noticed the side of my left foot hurting, like I had cracked it or something. I have a fairly high pain tolerance and just complained here and there and totally ignored it for way too long because I really didn't have time to deal with it. Pregnancy, newborn, toddler, kindergartner, karate, work, house, etc... my schedule is booked. Then last summer came and there were times that I could barely walk on it. I'd limp around like a lame duck, looking pathetic, and then just getting really, really, really pissed. I played Dr. Google and diagnosed myself with planters fasciitis of the left foot and tried stretching and all of those good things that Dr. Google says to do. Then I went to my doctor who confirmed what I thought and told me to get some good insoles and stay off of it because really, "rest is the best medicine." Umm, toddler, kindergartner, karate, work, house, etc.... rest does not fit in with those others words. So I did what I could and it got worse, and worse, and worse. My high pain tolerance was seeming less and less tolerable. Long story short I went to the podiatrist who ended up giving me three cortisone shots in the heel (holy mother of God they are like 10x worse than any IVF shot) and that would work for a little while and then the pain would return.

Now I can think of one good reason to have surgery: hello, we are hitting Disney World in less than 10 weeks and I have got to be able to do some walking!!!!! Considering I could barely walk the rodeo I knew I'd never make Disney in this shape. On the other hand, I could think of about a zillion reasons not to have surgery. Toddler, kindergartner, karate, work, house (two story house w/all the bedrooms up at that), etc... I'm telling you, you have no clue how valuable a foot is, until you can't use it!

Long story short (as if it's not too late for that), he said surgery, I said no. Then he said surgery again and shoved his thumb right into my heel, causing me to crumble into a zillion bawling pieces and I said bring it cause I think I'm going to die now. So, after postponing it one more time I finally gave in and had the surgery last Friday.

Recovery has been tough. Real tough. The Princess does not understand why I can't be at her beckon call and Chase is worried, but really he's more into the crutches and knee walker (look it up, pretty cool). Fortunately, Jeff has been awesome, he really is the.best.husband out there! The stairs are my worse enemy and even little things like going to bathroom, I know TMI, are a total nightmare. I know it was the right thing to do, but OMG this has kicked my butt. I am using muscles that I didn't even know existed and ache all over. I was told to take two weeks off minimum, but unless I want to pay $240/day back to the district, that was not going to happen. Since I didn't want to pay $240/day, I went back to work today. I now know why they say to take off. Ugh. I'm beyond exhausted and can barely move. Fortunately I have awesome co-workers who have been going out of their way to help, which I'm very grateful for.

Now that I've rambled, here is my new fashion accessory. If I'm going to wear a boot, then it's going to look good! ;o) Please ignore the dirty toes, the t-ball fields and playground are so dusty that after one step, you're covered.

Now, if you're not squeamish and can handle nasty pictures, here's a picture of my foot three days past surgery. It was briefly unwrapped, checked, and rewrapped Monday afternoon. Once I saw it I knew exactly why it hurt and was quite eager to have it covered up again. Can we just say gross? Stitches come out next Monday.

So, right now I'm just praying and begging that it heals right and I'm done with all of this nonsense for like... ever! This my friends, has just knocked me on my ass.

****I am grateful for
1) a smooth surgery
2) awesome coworkers
3) the evenings when I can rest!!!
4) every day of recovery that is behind me!
5) never having to do this again (I pray)

5 comments:

Amber said...

Oh my goodness. Hope your foot is feeling better today and you're able to find a little time to rest.

Joy@WDDCH said...

I have Plantar Faschiitis in my left foot. And now I do not want the shots! LOL! I definitely have to go see a podiatrist because those stupid exercises DO NOT work. I have PF since August '10 or so. And today has been, by far, the worst day.

How long is your recovery going to take?

Stacy E. said...

I'm sorry you've been in so much pain. :-(

Praying for a speedy recovery, and that this fixes the problem once and for all!!

Let me know if I can do anything to help along the way.

((HUGS))

Chelle said...

Ahhhhhhhhhh! I have had cortisone shots and I laughed because, yes, those suckers hurt like a B****! I had to have one in the ball of my foot when I was in college.

As someone who has also undergone foot surgery, I totally hope that this surgery cures your problem. One thing to be thankful for: the surgery was on your heal, so you won't have to deal with scar tissue affecting your ability to walk. I will never have a full range of motion in my big toe again, and let me tell ya, there are days when I just CANNOT to any type of heal because of it.

Rest up as much as possible. Hopefully it will all be worth it in the end, and hopefully you will be so glad you went through with it when you're walking around having an awesome time at Disney.

Leah said...

OMG!! I have it too and it is the worst pain ever. People can't possibly understand how painfuul it is. I feel for you! And that pressing into the heel thing? Yeah...I'll spill any beans for that torture!

Mine is better now but I was seriously considering surgery to fix it. That's quite an incision. My mother in law had the surgery and said it was the best thing she could have ever done. Good luck with everything! Hope you are back on your feet in a hurry!