Day 9. Tuesday. 28 February 2017
Half way to having the bandage removed. This has become an event I am keenly looking forward to - like Christmas when I was a child.
As usual, the foot itself gives me no trouble. No pain, no swelling.
However, this morning I found that my hands have developed significant pain, particularly around the thumb joints, when I put my body weight on them while using the crutches. Hands are not designed to carry 80 kilograms in this manner. So instead I have been either crawling or, occasionally, hobbling by putting the weight on the heel of my injured foot. My back also continues to give me trouble - probably due to being out of my usual exercise regime and not being able to walk normally. Not to mention going a bit bonkers from being unable to get out of the apartment.
Not enjoying this one bit.
Half way.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Day 8
Day 8. Monday 27 February 2107.
One week gone.
I was given the option of today for my surgery instead of last week. I'm glad I didn't take it - I'd rather be a week in to this today than just being prepped for surgery.
Wendy has returned to work and I am back to entertaining myself in the apartment. A bit easier knowing that I only have to get through this week now and then the following Wednesday the bandage comes off to reveal goodness knows what.
Still hobbling around on crutches avoiding putting weight on the foot.
Still no pain. Occasional itching which may indicate good things are happening with the healing under the bandage.
One week gone.
I was given the option of today for my surgery instead of last week. I'm glad I didn't take it - I'd rather be a week in to this today than just being prepped for surgery.
Wendy has returned to work and I am back to entertaining myself in the apartment. A bit easier knowing that I only have to get through this week now and then the following Wednesday the bandage comes off to reveal goodness knows what.
Still hobbling around on crutches avoiding putting weight on the foot.
Still no pain. Occasional itching which may indicate good things are happening with the healing under the bandage.
Day 7
Day 7. Sunday 26 February 2017
Similar to yesterday. Wendy took me for a drive to the coast, we found a pleasant place to sit on the grass and watched some guys fooling about in a small metal boat fitted with an oversize outboard motor. I obtained a Coxwain's Certificate many years ago and much time was spent during the course emphasizing safety around boats. These guys were clueless. No wonder so many people get into trouble on the water.
The foot has given me no trouble. It does not appear to be swollen, though it is hard to tell under the thickness of bandage. I continue to have no pain (other than my back being more sore than usual).
Showering has been no problem - primarily due to the design of our shower, which we had renovated 18 months ago. As well as a shower rose, we have a shower attachment on a flexible cable (European-style). There is also no door, instead a large sheet of glass enclosures one side and ends at a step. I can sit on the step with my injured foot hanging out of the shower and wash with the flexible shower head. We also took the precaution of installing a couple of grab rails. I didn't ever expect to use these, but life is full of unexpecteds.
The two days out have brightened my outlook - I was getting a bit sour from the inactivity and being cooped up.
Similar to yesterday. Wendy took me for a drive to the coast, we found a pleasant place to sit on the grass and watched some guys fooling about in a small metal boat fitted with an oversize outboard motor. I obtained a Coxwain's Certificate many years ago and much time was spent during the course emphasizing safety around boats. These guys were clueless. No wonder so many people get into trouble on the water.
The foot has given me no trouble. It does not appear to be swollen, though it is hard to tell under the thickness of bandage. I continue to have no pain (other than my back being more sore than usual).
Showering has been no problem - primarily due to the design of our shower, which we had renovated 18 months ago. As well as a shower rose, we have a shower attachment on a flexible cable (European-style). There is also no door, instead a large sheet of glass enclosures one side and ends at a step. I can sit on the step with my injured foot hanging out of the shower and wash with the flexible shower head. We also took the precaution of installing a couple of grab rails. I didn't ever expect to use these, but life is full of unexpecteds.
The two days out have brightened my outlook - I was getting a bit sour from the inactivity and being cooped up.
Day 6 - A day out.
Day 6 - Saturday 25 February 2017
Today my wife took me for a drive to the Dandenongs (a range of forested hills on the edge of Melbourne). We found a picnic tables for a couple of hours, had lunch and enjoyed the trees and breeze. After having spent the past 5 days stuck in the apartment I had been going quietly bonkers - it was good to get out.
Nothing to say about yesterday (other than it was my wife's birthday) - much the same as Day 4.
I notice elsewhere that people have been given a big boot for their foot. I asked about this at the time of surgery and was told no boot - I have to avoid putting weight on the foot and a boot might tempt me to do so - then I was handed crutches.
I hate the crutches. It is very difficult to carry anything while using them (I hook a bag over the hand grip) and I find there is considerable stress on my thumbs when the weight comes off my feet. Hence I have quite sore thumb joints at the moment.
The have also developed some lower back pain. My lower back has been troublesome since I took a nasty fall while running in wet weather, but I manage it with exercise and stretching. I don't usually run - I don't like it as a form of exercise and this just confirmed for me how hazardous it can be. Usually my back gives me no trouble other than the odd tweak. However, since the cheilectomy it has been quite painful at times. I have put it down to the twisting of my spine due to moving awkwardly while favouring the injured foot, together with unusual stresses involved in getting up and down. I am now making an effort to avoid twisting, which seems to be helping.
Today my wife took me for a drive to the Dandenongs (a range of forested hills on the edge of Melbourne). We found a picnic tables for a couple of hours, had lunch and enjoyed the trees and breeze. After having spent the past 5 days stuck in the apartment I had been going quietly bonkers - it was good to get out.
Nothing to say about yesterday (other than it was my wife's birthday) - much the same as Day 4.
I notice elsewhere that people have been given a big boot for their foot. I asked about this at the time of surgery and was told no boot - I have to avoid putting weight on the foot and a boot might tempt me to do so - then I was handed crutches.
I hate the crutches. It is very difficult to carry anything while using them (I hook a bag over the hand grip) and I find there is considerable stress on my thumbs when the weight comes off my feet. Hence I have quite sore thumb joints at the moment.
The have also developed some lower back pain. My lower back has been troublesome since I took a nasty fall while running in wet weather, but I manage it with exercise and stretching. I don't usually run - I don't like it as a form of exercise and this just confirmed for me how hazardous it can be. Usually my back gives me no trouble other than the odd tweak. However, since the cheilectomy it has been quite painful at times. I have put it down to the twisting of my spine due to moving awkwardly while favouring the injured foot, together with unusual stresses involved in getting up and down. I am now making an effort to avoid twisting, which seems to be helping.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Day 4
Day 4. Thursday. February 23 2017.
Much like yesterday. I alternate between laying on the floor, sitting in a lounge chair, sometimes on the bed, all the time trying to keep my foot elevated as much as possible. Occasional hobbles to the toilet or the kitchen with the aid of crutches.
Still no pain, for which I am grateful. I have taken almost no painkillers the past three days.
One part of me that does ache is my back from so much laying around.
Here are the photos of my foot.
If I had to summarize my experience so far: inconvenient and boring.
Much like yesterday. I alternate between laying on the floor, sitting in a lounge chair, sometimes on the bed, all the time trying to keep my foot elevated as much as possible. Occasional hobbles to the toilet or the kitchen with the aid of crutches.
Still no pain, for which I am grateful. I have taken almost no painkillers the past three days.
One part of me that does ache is my back from so much laying around.
Here are the photos of my foot.
If I had to summarize my experience so far: inconvenient and boring.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Day 3
Day 3 - Wednesday 22 February 2017
I expect the days following until this thick layer of bandages is removed on 8 March will be quite similar. So if I leave gaps, it's because there is nothing to say.
Sleeping is awkward, due to the need to keep the foot elevated. I can sort of manage to sleep on my back, and also roll over on to my right side, as I can still keep the foot raised on that side. I wake up several times during the night. Generally I have been sleeping tolerably well.
Still no pain, for which I am very grateful, though I do have a vague, slightly burning sensation where the wound is sometimes.
My wife went to work today and has left me to my own devices. She left breakfast out for me and I managed to put together a few sandwiches for lunch. I am glad she is here to cook in the evenings, otherwise my diet would become very poor over the coming 2 weeks. I would not like to be attempting this without someone's support - it would be a difficult business on my own.
I spend a fair bit of time laying on the floor on my back with my feet up on a foot rest. Sometimes I sit in a lounge with my feet propped up. I don't spent much time in bed during the day - I just find that too demoralizing.
Overall, I am finding the actual surgery ok (ie there has been no pain) but the post-operative inconvenience has been greater than I had expected.
I expect the days following until this thick layer of bandages is removed on 8 March will be quite similar. So if I leave gaps, it's because there is nothing to say.
Sleeping is awkward, due to the need to keep the foot elevated. I can sort of manage to sleep on my back, and also roll over on to my right side, as I can still keep the foot raised on that side. I wake up several times during the night. Generally I have been sleeping tolerably well.
Still no pain, for which I am very grateful, though I do have a vague, slightly burning sensation where the wound is sometimes.
My wife went to work today and has left me to my own devices. She left breakfast out for me and I managed to put together a few sandwiches for lunch. I am glad she is here to cook in the evenings, otherwise my diet would become very poor over the coming 2 weeks. I would not like to be attempting this without someone's support - it would be a difficult business on my own.
I spend a fair bit of time laying on the floor on my back with my feet up on a foot rest. Sometimes I sit in a lounge with my feet propped up. I don't spent much time in bed during the day - I just find that too demoralizing.
Overall, I am finding the actual surgery ok (ie there has been no pain) but the post-operative inconvenience has been greater than I had expected.
Day 2
Day 2 - 21 February 2017
My foot is encased in a huge layer of bandages the size of a cast, within which is a supporting layer of fibreglass. Effectively a cast without the plaster. I'll attach a photo some time soon.
I had been told to expect pain when the anesthetic wore off. My foot was still numb until about midnight last night, so whatever they used lasted over 12 hours. Fortunately I have been experiencing no foot pain whatsoever.
However, as for the rest of me, this is not particularly enjoyable. My next appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon is on 8 March. Meanwhile I have been told to keep my foot elevated about 95% of the time. For 17 days! That's a pretty difficult thing to do. I have a pair of crutches for getting about on when I need to.
My wife took today off work to look after me and has been having to do everything around the apartment. I am pretty much useless until this bandage comes off.
My foot is encased in a huge layer of bandages the size of a cast, within which is a supporting layer of fibreglass. Effectively a cast without the plaster. I'll attach a photo some time soon.
I had been told to expect pain when the anesthetic wore off. My foot was still numb until about midnight last night, so whatever they used lasted over 12 hours. Fortunately I have been experiencing no foot pain whatsoever.
However, as for the rest of me, this is not particularly enjoyable. My next appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon is on 8 March. Meanwhile I have been told to keep my foot elevated about 95% of the time. For 17 days! That's a pretty difficult thing to do. I have a pair of crutches for getting about on when I need to.
My wife took today off work to look after me and has been having to do everything around the apartment. I am pretty much useless until this bandage comes off.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Day 1. The operation
Day 1 - February 20 2107.
The operation.
At 63 years of age, my big toes have experienced quite a bit of wear and tear. I have done a great deal of hiking, both in my home country (Australia) and overseas, often carrying a weighty backpack.
However, this doesn't explain why I have developed arthritis in my left big toe but not my right, which is in good shape. Most likely it was due to dropping the corner of a heavy bookcase on the toe in 2002, an event I can still recall clearly. In my journal I wrote: '...it has gone black. Extremely swollen and excruciatingly painful...' If I could go back I would advise myself against moving furniture in bare feet. But I already knew how stupid that was, and did it anyway. Knowing there could be unpleasant consequences has never stopped some people from doing dumb things.
Since then I have experienced minor discomfort in the joint when walking long distances with a pack, but I put it down to just being tired on the day. Then last year I began to experience increasing pain whenever I walked, not severe (maybe 2 on a scale of 1 to 10), but as I like to walk, it had become a significant annoyance and a cause for concern. My doctor sent me for an xray last August which showed osteoarthritis. The radiologist's report stated it was moderate to severe.
This was followed by an appointment with an osteopaedic surgeon, who said I still had movement in the joint and it was not quite as bad as the radiologist had stated, but that cleaning the joint out (a cheilectomy) should get rid of the pain.
I ummed and arred about the surgery for several months. But every time I walked, and I do a lot of walking, I was going 'ouch, ouch, ouch' every step I took. Not big painful ouches, but annoying. I have also been getting a bit pf pain in my hip, which I suspect may be related to adjusting my gait to minimise the ouch.
My wife has also secured a three year posting to Shanghai commencing early next year (I have a blog about my previous posting experiences in Moscow - see opposite) and I wanted this sorted before we went.
So I have taken the plunge.
Yesterday was the surgery.
I arrived at the hospital at 6.30am, went through the formalities, had my toe shaved, donned the funny green gown and was under general anesthetic by 9am. An hour later I woke in the day ward with my foot heavy bandaged and totally numb from the ankle down. I was fed a couple of sandwiches (I hadn't been permitted to eat or drink since midnight). A lesson on the use of crutches and then my wife arrived at 11am to take me home.
My instructions are to spent the next fortnight with my foot elevated for 95% of the time.
Yesterday afternoon I spent on the bed with my foot propped up, a little dopey from the anesthetic, but able to read and listen to music.
I have been given some pretty heavy duty pain killers, and I took one last night before lights out. By late evening the foot was still quite numb. I can sort of sleep on my back, but prefer my side, but it wasn't great laying there with my foot on a pile of pillows. Still I slept through pretty well.
The operation.
At 63 years of age, my big toes have experienced quite a bit of wear and tear. I have done a great deal of hiking, both in my home country (Australia) and overseas, often carrying a weighty backpack.
However, this doesn't explain why I have developed arthritis in my left big toe but not my right, which is in good shape. Most likely it was due to dropping the corner of a heavy bookcase on the toe in 2002, an event I can still recall clearly. In my journal I wrote: '...it has gone black. Extremely swollen and excruciatingly painful...' If I could go back I would advise myself against moving furniture in bare feet. But I already knew how stupid that was, and did it anyway. Knowing there could be unpleasant consequences has never stopped some people from doing dumb things.
Since then I have experienced minor discomfort in the joint when walking long distances with a pack, but I put it down to just being tired on the day. Then last year I began to experience increasing pain whenever I walked, not severe (maybe 2 on a scale of 1 to 10), but as I like to walk, it had become a significant annoyance and a cause for concern. My doctor sent me for an xray last August which showed osteoarthritis. The radiologist's report stated it was moderate to severe.
This was followed by an appointment with an osteopaedic surgeon, who said I still had movement in the joint and it was not quite as bad as the radiologist had stated, but that cleaning the joint out (a cheilectomy) should get rid of the pain.
I ummed and arred about the surgery for several months. But every time I walked, and I do a lot of walking, I was going 'ouch, ouch, ouch' every step I took. Not big painful ouches, but annoying. I have also been getting a bit pf pain in my hip, which I suspect may be related to adjusting my gait to minimise the ouch.
My wife has also secured a three year posting to Shanghai commencing early next year (I have a blog about my previous posting experiences in Moscow - see opposite) and I wanted this sorted before we went.
So I have taken the plunge.
Yesterday was the surgery.
I arrived at the hospital at 6.30am, went through the formalities, had my toe shaved, donned the funny green gown and was under general anesthetic by 9am. An hour later I woke in the day ward with my foot heavy bandaged and totally numb from the ankle down. I was fed a couple of sandwiches (I hadn't been permitted to eat or drink since midnight). A lesson on the use of crutches and then my wife arrived at 11am to take me home.
My instructions are to spent the next fortnight with my foot elevated for 95% of the time.
Yesterday afternoon I spent on the bed with my foot propped up, a little dopey from the anesthetic, but able to read and listen to music.
I have been given some pretty heavy duty pain killers, and I took one last night before lights out. By late evening the foot was still quite numb. I can sort of sleep on my back, but prefer my side, but it wasn't great laying there with my foot on a pile of pillows. Still I slept through pretty well.
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