8 Weeks Out

Today marks eight weeks since the surgery on my left foot. I can already tell that my life is changing drastically. A week and a half ago I was able to take off the brace and simply put my foot in a shoe. No orthotic (i.e. custom arch support), just my foot inside of a sock inside of a shoe. I haven’t done that in more than ten years. It feels good! It also feels different, but I am welcoming this period of adjustment with open arms. I have no pain walking or going up and down stairs. I can walk full speed, but I do take it easy when going down stairs. I am really thankful and in awe at how well my foot is responding to the device. Additionally, my knee pain is fading, another great sign. Things are looking up!

I spoke to the doctor last week and am scheduled to have my other foot operated on next month. I am in a bit of an awkward stage right now because one foot is corrected and the other isn’t so when I stand barefoot, my right foot starts hurting but the left has no pain. Needless to say I am excited to move forward and have the operation on my other foot. I am amazed at how quickly things are coming together. This is something that I have been dealing with for quite some time now and for it to be resolved in a matter of months is crazy to me. I know I’m not near finished yet but there is light at the end of this tunnel. Super super thankful and hopeful.

Verse of the day: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8

5 weeks out - things are looking good

Happy New Year! 2013 is shaping up to be a great one. It’s been a little more than 5 weeks since I had the operation on my left foot. Yesterday I went and saw the doctor so he could take x-rays and examine my foot. He told me that everything looked great and the stent is still exactly where it needs to be (great news as after four weeks there is virtually zero chance of displacement). God is good!! Additionally, I have no pain when walking or going up and down stairs which he said was an excellent sign.

I see a HUGE improvement in my foot, especially in comparison to the other one. There is a slight arch (where there was none before) and my heel no longer pronates, it is straight and aligned with my ankle (will post a before and after picture at some point). More important than what I see though is how it feels. I am getting used to walking differently but I am encouraged by the fact that it does not hurt. I am still wearing the ankle brace inside tennis shoes; the doctor wants me to wait a couple days until the wound completely dries. I cannot walk super fast but I am pretty mobile and am holding my own in NYC and as they say if you can make it here you can make it anywhere.

The other piece of good news is that the doctor said I can schedule my other foot whenever I am ready. I was happy to hear that because it feels weird having one corrected foot and one that isn’t (although it’s better than two that are bad). I want to do it as soon as possible but I need to clear it with work and the hospital – things are definitely headed in the right direction! I have a lot to be thankful for, going into this operation I wasn’t really sure what to expect but so far the recovery has exceeded all my expectations. Obviously I am nowhere near 100% yet but I am looking forward to the day when this will all be behind me.

Verse of the day: "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "so shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead - since he was about a hundred years old - and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God has power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:18 – 21

3 weeks after surgery

Yesterday marked three weeks since I had the operation on my left foot. Things have progressed considerably, better than I initially anticipated. I am walking now, using a cane only for long distances and stairs but soon I will not need it any longer. I have continued to wear the ankle brace and will do so until I see the doctor in a couple weeks and he gives me the go ahead to walk without it. 

After prolonged periods of walking or standing, my foot starts to ache but 1) as time passes it’s getting easier and 2) this short-term pain is for long-term gain making the present situation easier to bear. Additionally, I get a bit of soreness in my leg as my body is getting used to walking differently with my foot in its corrected position. At this point the swelling has come down substantially and I can already see a difference in the overall shape of my foot. There is a more pronounced arch although I have not walked barefoot yet (the ultimate test) but I am believing for good things. 

It’s kind of crazy because at this point I have no idea what to expect but the situation has never looked more hopeful. I have a lot on my to-do list once I’m fully recovered. I haven’t jogged in two years or jumped in four years (crazy) but circumstances are changing as I type this out. The closest thing I can relate it to is pent-up demand whereby people have been deprived of something for so long that they go crazy when they get their hands on it. I am feeling a lot of gratitude for everything that has transpired over the past few weeks and am excited to keep moving forward.

Verse of the day: "Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31

Day 10 - Healing Is Taking Place!!

The first step is always the hardest. That phrase took on a whole new meaning for me recently.  To backtrack a little bit I went to the doctor two days ago for the first time since the operation. I am happy to report that everything went well! He took an x-ray of my foot and I could already see the improvement. The doctor told me that the stent was exactly where it needed to be. I would never know it from looking at the exterior of my foot as it is still extremely swollen. It just goes to show that no matter what things looks like on the outside, it is not necessarily reflective of what is happening or of the things to come. The doc gave me an ankle brace to wear since he did not have a boot my size (I guess he does not see size 15 feet very often) and told me to wear it with good, supportive sneakers. 
 

Up until that point my foot had not touched the ground for eight days. It does not seem like a long period of time but it felt like an eternity. To be honest, I was apprehensive about putting pressure on my foot, even with the support of crutches. The other day I saw my cousin who is about to turn a year old and she is just starting to walk. She stands on her two feet, takes one quick step and then either immediately sits down or grabs hold of the closest object to avoid falling. Two days ago I could identify with that as I was reluctant to put weight on my foot, but that feeling has quickly faded.

Today I made a conscious decision not to use crutches at all. I took the train to work and even though my walk from the station to my office took probably three times longer than normal, it was incredibly satisfying. There was a little bit of pain but it was that good pain, like pain from going to the gym. I might have overdone it because now my foot hurts a little bit but I plan on icing it tonight and seeing how it feels tomorrow. I am just happy not to be using the crutches, and my shoulders are rejoicing.

I am looking forward to continued progress. This week has not been the easiest, but rather than dwelling on my current state I find comfort in the fact that this is just a season in life and I will be better for it. In every adversity there is the seed of an equal or greater benefit. God is still good and I am blessed to be where I am right now.

Verse of the day: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37

Day 6

Things are looking up! I have not had any pain for the last few days, but still have not put any pressure on my foot. I am going back to work tomorrow after having last week off. Even though I will be crutching my way through the streets of New York, I am looking forward to it after spending most of my time on the couch for the past week. I will post an update tomorrow about my first full day out the house.

Verse of the day: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

Day 4

There is much to be thankful for; my left foot is continuing to strengthen and improve. The numbness that I had following the surgery has pretty much disappeared and my foot is starting to feel natural. I had the chance to speak with the doctor earlier for the first time since the surgery. Apparently he spoke to me right after the operation on Monday but I must have still been knocked out because I have no recollection of that encounter. He told me that everything went well with the insertion of the stent but to be careful moving my foot because the only thing holding it in place is the tissues which are not fully healed yet. He then hit me with a couple technical terms about the structure of my foot and why he did things a certain way during the operation. I have no idea what he said (there was definitely some Latin in there) or what he meant but I trust it all went well. I am supposed to see him in a couple of days to remove the bandages and get my walking boot. I am still shocked at how little pain I have had since the procedure; the doctor said that was an encouraging sign!

Today my uncle picked me up and took me to see my grandma. It was nice getting out of my apartment and breathing fresh air. There is a lot of clutter in her house, making it difficult to move around with crutches. Every time I got up she was worried I was about to either trip or break something, she started praying when I got up to use the bathroom. Although I caused her a bit of stress she was happy to see me, the feeling was mutual. I am planning on being a bit more active now that it's been a few days and the weekend is here, but am trying not to overdo it. Progress is being made though, there is no doubt about that. Bon Dieu Bon!

Verse of the day: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4

Day 2 - Rice-ing

Today was all about RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate). I am a bit surprised because I have had absolutely no pain today..was definitely tempted to peel back the bandages and make sure an incision had actually been made, but instead I think I will count my blessings. In any case, I will continue to keep the pain medication close. Ironically, my back actually hurts more than my foot from all this sitting down I have been doing, tomorrow I think I will venture outside on the crutches. I am supposed to go see the doctor in a couple days to get the boot I will be using so am pumped for that. I had the chance to catch up on some TV today but starting tomorrow I think I will try to be a little more productive with the rest of my week at home.

Verse of the day: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed within us." Romans 8:18