Wow! Eight months! I'd love to report that I am completely recovered and good as new, but not yet. However, the news is mostly good. I have resumed my ballroom dance practices: 1.5 hours Tuesday, 2 hours Friday, 2 hours Sunday, and assorted minutes gliding about my own living room. I experience no significant discomfort, perhaps .5 on a 10 point scale. Strength and control are still coming back, and I am not fully in control of spins with right foot bearing weight. Fortunately, in our new routine I am not required to any fancy ballet-style pirouette turns!
I am actually very pleased with my endurance for dancing. About a month ago I attended four 50 minute dance workshops in an afternoon and then danced vigorously for about two hours the same evening. My dogs were tired as I hobbled to the car. For some reason, my dear foot that performed so marvelously all afternoon and evening throbbed and ached all the way home, and by the time I got out of my car an hour later, rigor mortis threatened. I took Ibuprofen and went to bed hoping rest would bring a full recovery. By the next morning I was back to normal!
So, what is abnormal? The ball of my recovering foot experiences a tightness, a tension, and sometimes a low grade ache. Of course, I'm hoping all of that will go away in time. There's no more stabbing pain in the ball of my foot as I sometimes experienced prior to surgery. Significantly, I've relinquished my expectation for range of motion to match my abnormally-flexible left foot. My recovering foot is able to bend and flex within the normal range, and as I work it, strength should continue to improve.
That's it folks. My next post will be at the one year mark. Perhaps I'll have exceptionally good news to report.
Best wishes to you in your recovery process!
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Achievements at 5 months Post-Cheilectomy
Here are my celebrations at this point:
1. Hiking - I have attempted as many as 3 miles at a time on irregular terrain and really didn't experience much pain or sense of imbalance. I do still resort to icing and elevating at times when I feel uncomfortable pressure, but this is infrequent. I definitely do not feel as sure-footed as before, but I'm hopeful that eventually I'll enjoy greater function than before the surgery.
2. Gardening - It's surprising how tiring that can be! Wielding a pick and shovel, maneuvering a large wheelbarrow laden with soil, wrestling rocks about, bending, lifting--- these all pose a strain that sneaks up and surprises me each time. My foot gets tired! Still, I can work for a half hour easily. The day that I worked for hours helping to double my current garden space was exhausting. Pressure seemed to build up in my foot and ice and elevation was a welcome relief. I thought about taking pain medication, but decided against it since rest, ice, and elevation are so effective.
3. Balance - Improved! Here I am, goofing around, on the new wall my son installed to expand the garden. That's my damaged foot I'm standing on, so I guess I'm not doing too bad. However, dancing is the real test for balance...
4. Dancing - Ahhhh... I have returned to one of my former loves: international folk dancing. For two Monday evenings in a row I walked, hopped, slid, and performed any number of moves not typical in an ordinary day of movement, and to my relief, I did okay. Pivot turns were tricky, requiring full weight on the pivoting foot to execute a controlled, graceful turn. Eek! I could tell that I need to be more consistent in daily PT exercise of raising up on to my toes with most of my weight shifted to the recovering foot. I have a strength deficit that I'd better work on remedying before my ballroom resumes in a couple of weeks. I also tried a "Zumba Gold" class last week and was able to do most of the moves with some degree of control.
5. Cycling poses no strain at all, whether on my exercise bike or out on the road. I'm currently doing 30 minutes a day of varied intensity intervals in order to get a cardiovascular workout.
6. Jogging - Hah! Well, I've never been a runner, but I have added a wee bit of jogging to my daily walks. Think small: three or four hundred feet of jogging and a whole lot of walking. It is interesting that jogging really doesn't feel any worse than walking. I sprinkle in a bit of running to try to get more of a cardiovascular workout.
1. Hiking - I have attempted as many as 3 miles at a time on irregular terrain and really didn't experience much pain or sense of imbalance. I do still resort to icing and elevating at times when I feel uncomfortable pressure, but this is infrequent. I definitely do not feel as sure-footed as before, but I'm hopeful that eventually I'll enjoy greater function than before the surgery.
2. Gardening - It's surprising how tiring that can be! Wielding a pick and shovel, maneuvering a large wheelbarrow laden with soil, wrestling rocks about, bending, lifting--- these all pose a strain that sneaks up and surprises me each time. My foot gets tired! Still, I can work for a half hour easily. The day that I worked for hours helping to double my current garden space was exhausting. Pressure seemed to build up in my foot and ice and elevation was a welcome relief. I thought about taking pain medication, but decided against it since rest, ice, and elevation are so effective.3. Balance - Improved! Here I am, goofing around, on the new wall my son installed to expand the garden. That's my damaged foot I'm standing on, so I guess I'm not doing too bad. However, dancing is the real test for balance...
4. Dancing - Ahhhh... I have returned to one of my former loves: international folk dancing. For two Monday evenings in a row I walked, hopped, slid, and performed any number of moves not typical in an ordinary day of movement, and to my relief, I did okay. Pivot turns were tricky, requiring full weight on the pivoting foot to execute a controlled, graceful turn. Eek! I could tell that I need to be more consistent in daily PT exercise of raising up on to my toes with most of my weight shifted to the recovering foot. I have a strength deficit that I'd better work on remedying before my ballroom resumes in a couple of weeks. I also tried a "Zumba Gold" class last week and was able to do most of the moves with some degree of control.
5. Cycling poses no strain at all, whether on my exercise bike or out on the road. I'm currently doing 30 minutes a day of varied intensity intervals in order to get a cardiovascular workout.
6. Jogging - Hah! Well, I've never been a runner, but I have added a wee bit of jogging to my daily walks. Think small: three or four hundred feet of jogging and a whole lot of walking. It is interesting that jogging really doesn't feel any worse than walking. I sprinkle in a bit of running to try to get more of a cardiovascular workout.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Weight Gain with Cheilectomy
Ladies and gentlemen, I gained twelve pounds in the three months immediately after my cheilectomy. DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU! Gaining weight is as easy as relaxing on the couch with your foot on ice, sipping the consolation drink of your choice. Losing weight, especially after foot surgery, requires persistence and pain.
I have no excuse. I knew that, basically, if I ate more calories than I burned, I would gain weight. I also knew that my caloric expenditure would plummet with the foot surgery. I definitely did not pause to do the math. Here are the hard facts: Before the surgery I consumed a given quantity of food, and after the surgery I continued to consume pretty much the same amount. Before the surgery, I was dancing fairly vigorously at least three hours each week and either cycling, walking or jogging almost daily--- burning at least 3,500 kcal each week. Does 3,500 kcal sound familiar to you? For years, doctors, dietitians and fitness professionals have used this rule of thumb: cutting food intake by 3,500 calories will result in a 1 lb weight loss, and conversely, increasing food intake by 3,500 calories (or reducing 3,500 calories of exercise) will result in a 1 lb weight gain. Doctors, dietitians, and fitness professionals now know that it's a bit more complicated than that, but you get the idea. According to this old weight balance dogma, it was a no brainer that I would gain about one pound each week just from the elimination of vigorous exercise. On top of that, I'd gain even more pounds from the severe reduction in basic movements associated with daily living. Actually, it's a wonder I didn't gain more than twelve pounds!
Friends, don't let this happen to you! Do the math. Really. Calculate how many calories you are not burning in hard physical work or exercise during your recovery, and reduce your intake by at least that amount. Easier said than done, I know. I love cream in my coffee, a glass of wine with dinner, chocolate, and second helpings.
I know you're hurting and you want to reward yourself. You deserve to reward yourself! Just don't do it with food!
I have no excuse. I knew that, basically, if I ate more calories than I burned, I would gain weight. I also knew that my caloric expenditure would plummet with the foot surgery. I definitely did not pause to do the math. Here are the hard facts: Before the surgery I consumed a given quantity of food, and after the surgery I continued to consume pretty much the same amount. Before the surgery, I was dancing fairly vigorously at least three hours each week and either cycling, walking or jogging almost daily--- burning at least 3,500 kcal each week. Does 3,500 kcal sound familiar to you? For years, doctors, dietitians and fitness professionals have used this rule of thumb: cutting food intake by 3,500 calories will result in a 1 lb weight loss, and conversely, increasing food intake by 3,500 calories (or reducing 3,500 calories of exercise) will result in a 1 lb weight gain. Doctors, dietitians, and fitness professionals now know that it's a bit more complicated than that, but you get the idea. According to this old weight balance dogma, it was a no brainer that I would gain about one pound each week just from the elimination of vigorous exercise. On top of that, I'd gain even more pounds from the severe reduction in basic movements associated with daily living. Actually, it's a wonder I didn't gain more than twelve pounds!
Friends, don't let this happen to you! Do the math. Really. Calculate how many calories you are not burning in hard physical work or exercise during your recovery, and reduce your intake by at least that amount. Easier said than done, I know. I love cream in my coffee, a glass of wine with dinner, chocolate, and second helpings.
I know you're hurting and you want to reward yourself. You deserve to reward yourself! Just don't do it with food!
Chiropractic Care for Cheilectomy: 16 Weeks after Surgery
Chiropractic Care?
One hundred twelve days (16 weeks) after my cheilectomy, my friend, Suzanne, suggested that I go to her chiropractor, a very nice man who also does amazing work with extremities. That sounded a bit weird. I have not been a big consumer of chiropractic care, but I felt abandoned by my physical therapist, and I trusted Suzanne. What could it hurt? Both the surgeon and my PT had said that basically, I might experience pain, but I won't hurt the toe joints or the repair.
Ten days after PT graduation the nice chiropractor manipulated and popped some of my toe joints. Nothing alarming. Then, he sat on the floor for a closer examination. His conclusion? Bad news. This may be hard to explain because I can't fully visualize it myself. He said that there seemed to be an imbalance in the way ligaments are pulling on that right big toe, and it is likely to lead to the development of a bunion on that foot if left uncorrected. He suggested that I seek out a good podiatrist who could fit me with an orthotic. Really??? NOT what I expected or wanted to hear. He may or may not be right. If it truly takes six to nine months to recover from this surgery, then it makes sense to me that it's just too early to tell. I plan to revisit his suggestion many months from now when my foot is fully healed and I know what my new normal really is. Four months into recovery is still early. Meanwhile, I'll go back to him a few more times. The work he did actually manipulating my foot seemed to be beneficial, and I'll take all the help I can get!
One hundred twelve days (16 weeks) after my cheilectomy, my friend, Suzanne, suggested that I go to her chiropractor, a very nice man who also does amazing work with extremities. That sounded a bit weird. I have not been a big consumer of chiropractic care, but I felt abandoned by my physical therapist, and I trusted Suzanne. What could it hurt? Both the surgeon and my PT had said that basically, I might experience pain, but I won't hurt the toe joints or the repair.
Ten days after PT graduation the nice chiropractor manipulated and popped some of my toe joints. Nothing alarming. Then, he sat on the floor for a closer examination. His conclusion? Bad news. This may be hard to explain because I can't fully visualize it myself. He said that there seemed to be an imbalance in the way ligaments are pulling on that right big toe, and it is likely to lead to the development of a bunion on that foot if left uncorrected. He suggested that I seek out a good podiatrist who could fit me with an orthotic. Really??? NOT what I expected or wanted to hear. He may or may not be right. If it truly takes six to nine months to recover from this surgery, then it makes sense to me that it's just too early to tell. I plan to revisit his suggestion many months from now when my foot is fully healed and I know what my new normal really is. Four months into recovery is still early. Meanwhile, I'll go back to him a few more times. The work he did actually manipulating my foot seemed to be beneficial, and I'll take all the help I can get!
Last PT - 14 weeks, 3 days after Cheilectomy
Physical Therapy--- Over?
Evidently, at 14 weeks, 3 days after my cheilectomy, I had made enough progress for my physical therapist to say goodbye. My big toe strength and range of motion in extension and flexion were back within normal limits, although not even close to my other big toe's range of motion.
I had mixed feelings about "graduation." I still experienced pain with movement. I couldn't walk more than 3 mph, couldn't do basic ballroom dance steps. Range of motion was not where I wanted it to be. It had been very beneficial to have someone with strong, knowing hands manipulate my toe joints, pushing them beyond my usual limits, giving me guidance, encouragement, and homework. Okay, to be honest, I felt a little abandoned. Suddenly, I was left to my own devices, encouraged to continue all of the daily stretch and strengthening exercises that had brought me this far. I was to trust the process, be patient and persistent.
I could do that, but I wanted more help with this seemingly never ending recovery process.
Evidently, at 14 weeks, 3 days after my cheilectomy, I had made enough progress for my physical therapist to say goodbye. My big toe strength and range of motion in extension and flexion were back within normal limits, although not even close to my other big toe's range of motion.
I had mixed feelings about "graduation." I still experienced pain with movement. I couldn't walk more than 3 mph, couldn't do basic ballroom dance steps. Range of motion was not where I wanted it to be. It had been very beneficial to have someone with strong, knowing hands manipulate my toe joints, pushing them beyond my usual limits, giving me guidance, encouragement, and homework. Okay, to be honest, I felt a little abandoned. Suddenly, I was left to my own devices, encouraged to continue all of the daily stretch and strengthening exercises that had brought me this far. I was to trust the process, be patient and persistent.
I could do that, but I wanted more help with this seemingly never ending recovery process.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Slow Progress - at 11 weeks 5 days after Cheilectomy
Delusions of Quick Recovery
I am frustrated with the speed of my recovery, and I have to admit that I brought this on myself. My surgeon told me flat out that most of her patients are not even happy they had the surgery until 6-9 months post op. She also told me of one patient (only one), a marine, who was back to full duty in three weeks. She was very clear with me that he was by far the exception. So what expectation did I set for myself? What I'm realizing is that deep down, I figured that if he could do it in three, I could do it in six. Weeks. Not months. I was hoping I'd be able to rejoin my dance team for the June and July performances. Nope. Not even close. I'm unhappy to report that 6 - 9 months is probably a more reasonable expectation. Perhaps I need to stop dwelling on all the things I still cannot do and focus on evidence of progress.
I can walk, with pain, at a pokey 3 mph pace. I can ride my stationary bicycle at a calorie-burning pace. My toe, foot, and leg strength seem to be improving; the PT toe raises are less painful and easier to do. My range of motion has certainly increased.
No quick recovery for me, but I am making steady progress and have cause for gratitude.
I am frustrated with the speed of my recovery, and I have to admit that I brought this on myself. My surgeon told me flat out that most of her patients are not even happy they had the surgery until 6-9 months post op. She also told me of one patient (only one), a marine, who was back to full duty in three weeks. She was very clear with me that he was by far the exception. So what expectation did I set for myself? What I'm realizing is that deep down, I figured that if he could do it in three, I could do it in six. Weeks. Not months. I was hoping I'd be able to rejoin my dance team for the June and July performances. Nope. Not even close. I'm unhappy to report that 6 - 9 months is probably a more reasonable expectation. Perhaps I need to stop dwelling on all the things I still cannot do and focus on evidence of progress.
I can walk, with pain, at a pokey 3 mph pace. I can ride my stationary bicycle at a calorie-burning pace. My toe, foot, and leg strength seem to be improving; the PT toe raises are less painful and easier to do. My range of motion has certainly increased.
No quick recovery for me, but I am making steady progress and have cause for gratitude.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
First Ballroom Shoes, a Painful Experience at 9 Weeks, 2 days Post-Surgery
I finally tried putting on my dusty old ballroom practice shoes, hoping to try out a few moves. To begin with, my right shoe was uncomfortably snug because of the continued swelling around the big toe joint. As for trying out a dance move--- perhaps a mellow little Night Club Two-Step--- dream on! The first picture that I took of my feet made me realize how abnormally I was standing as I tried to avoid putting weight on the big toe. In this second picture, you can still see my right leg curving outward in pain avoidance! I just couldn't put weight normally on my right foot, much less dance on it. I am so disappointed, even though I know that this is unreasonable. No one said I'd be good as new in a mere two months.
I want to rejoin my dance team! I want to resume my usual breakneck stride! I have been riding my indoor bicycle vigorously for 30 minutes each day, but I'm unable to walk at a calorie-burning pace, and clearly ballroom dancing is still unattainable. I've gained eight pounds in two months! Not happy!
And all of this complaining is not making me any happier! Enough already. I'm going to do my PT exercises and attempt to count my blessings... (Still scowling.)
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