Yesterday I took a little one-mile test drive in my rural neighborhood. Stepped on the gas, stomped on the break, and that all felt fine. Perhaps it had something to do with the way my foot normally contacts the pedal--- and my Prius is an automatic, so really, there's very little for my right foot to do! When I thought of taking that 30 minute drive this morning to get my stitches removed, my main concern was the discomfort of pressure building up in my foot, and the accompanying pain. Obviously, there's no way to elevate the right leg while driving! My husband had more than enough to do today, and driving myself seemed like a reasonable risk, so I decided to go for it. No problem! Actually, the need to move my right foot motivated me to finally learn how to use my cruise control. It worked at 34 mph and also on the freeway, so my right foot was able to dance, stretch, and tap a jazzy beat, to help pump that blood out of my foot. I did fine!
Suture Removal
Mostly pain-free, I'm pleased to report. The sutures that were at the less mobile parts of the incision seemed to adhere, so there was a bit of pain when those were removed; most slid out painlessly. The PA who I met with seemed pleased with my healing progress. She put a few steri-strips on for good measure, and then I was off on my next adventure: acquiring a compression sock at a local prosthetics office.
Compression Sock Magic
I had no idea that acquiring a sock would be such a production. I thought I'd walk in, pick one off the rack, pony up the money, and be on my way. Well, no. It's an insurance-billable item, so they had to collect all the relevant info, I had forms to fill out, electronic signatures--- the works. After waiting a long time in an elegantly-appointed gold and burgundy waiting room (classical piano music, no magazines), I was ushered into a treatment room. More waiting. (In their defense, I could have made an appointment if I'd been less ignorant.) My "server" eventually arrived to take detailed measurements of my foot and leg. Finally, a medical-grade compression sock was stretched onto my leg, and WOW, I never would have guessed how good it would feel. Truly magnificent! Usually, a person acquires two socks at a time per leg; one for the leg and one for the laundry. Makes sense, but I'm glad I thought to inquire about the cost before sauntering out the door with two. That would have cost me 30% of the insurance-billed $140. Gasp! Considering it's limited period of usefulness in my life, I thought, one sock would be quite sufficient, thank you. Whew, narrowly missed that unnecessary charge.
As a relevant postscript to my driving comments, the drive home was absolutely amazing. I could not believe how comfortable my foot and leg felt, all because of one very expensive compression sock. Who knew?!
Air Travel
Confession: tomorrow is my birthday. Second confession: some days ago my husband and I happened upon some cheap fights (direct) from Vancouver, Canada to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. It just so happens that we have good friend who lives in Kona. What better place to recuperate than on a friend's couch, yard, and at the beach? The five hour flight is the primary reason for the compression sock. I've also increased my aspirin intake. Medical folks worry about a blood clot, so I'll need to be up and about and stretching the foot on the flight. I'll have to figure out how to elevate the leg. Wonder if the folks in front of me will mind my foot in the air hovering over their heads...
My experience on day 10 ...my stitches are still in and the original dressing still on until day 14. I'm still wearing the post-op shoe and only bearing weight on the heel. I'm having slight discomfort at the base of the big toe, moreso than last week. I've been taking occasional ibuprofen. I'm able to stand in the shower now. I was able to vacuum today, but I had to rest after each room because my good leg was getting tired of bearing the bulk of my weight. Since my surgery was on my left foot, I've been driving since I stopped taking Vicodin. I had asked my dr about air travel and was advised to avoid it until after the 4 week point because it causes increased swelling. I'm glad it worked out ok for you.
ReplyDeleteIn the commonly used cotton and nylon, we continue to achieve innovative applications of some new fibers and blending applications. bulk socks
ReplyDelete