Back to Normal?

We're back from our "world travelling." That means a return to normal...or at least a return to the life that we left behind. For me, that means back to the issues with my fractured feet.

I went to the doctor today that diagnosed the left foot injury (fractured 2nd metatarsal as a result of tripping over the pet gate at Kristin's house and stepping on a toy). He had put me back in a fracture boot once I shattered my right ankle because my left foot would be bearing all the weight for a while. Good decision. When I went in today they took another xray of my foot and it showed that both the 2nd AND 3rd metatarsals were healing from fractures. Dr. Brancheau took me out of the fracture boot on my left foot (halleluah!!!!) and put me in "a Figure 8 wrap." I have to wear this wrap for one month (basically until July 1)and then, hopefully, I am done with the left foot injuries. The right one is another story.


I also started physical rehabilitation therapy today on my shattered and surgically repaired ankle. I really like the physical therapist that I have been assigned. He doesn't "med speak" and he is very personable. He took measurements of my foot and figured out the range of motion in my ankle which, honestly, is pretty limited at this point. He said that my surgery was one of the "prettier ones" he's seen in terms of scarring and healing. Why does that induce a sense of pride in me? I had nothing to do with it except providing the mangled ankle! Anyway, he gave me a series of exercises to do (printed copies with detailed instructions) and then he did the most wonderful thing EVER! He hooked me up to a "compression ice machine." This machine pumps air into a sleeve which intermittently tightens on the foot and all the while ice water is flowing through the sleeve. It felt like heaven. Description doesn't do it justice. It was wonderful.

Being the over-achiever (code word: Obsessive Compulsive Fool) that I am, I intend to have increased my range of motion by the time I go back for therapy next Wednesday. I'm not going to be stupid and hurt myself, but I will complete my exercises religiously 3 times a day and I will ice my foot twice a day. These are the things that will increase my ability to heal. According to Paul, the therapist, bones heal in 6 to 8 weeks, but soft tissue (tendons, muscle, nerves, etc.) can take up to a year to heal. The swelling slows down the healing so exercising, compressing and icing my foot all will work together to get me walking sooner and better. I'll let you know how that turns out.

I have to get better soon...we're taking Trenton to Disney World in 18 days!