I had surgery to correct my Hallux Rigidus eight weeks ago; here is another update. (click here for a recap of surgery day.)
Pain wise, it is definitely MUCH better. The first month was terrible and I really questioned why I had done this to myself. It hurt before surgery, but I least I was still very mobile. After the surgery, I could barely hobble around the house, which was torture for me. I love taking the kids for walks or jumping around, none of which I could do. My kids forgot what it was like to ride in the stroller and now have no desire to get in one ever again. (but that is a story for another day).
Although it has improved, it is still not “better”. My foot still aches most of the day and it sometimes cramps up for no reason. I have definitely changed my gait, and therefore I am feeling more aches and pains in my hips and lower back. Although the incision has healed, I need to re-train my body to start walking normally on it again.
I asked my doctor about Physical Therapy and orthotics and he said none of that was necessary. At this point, I think I need a new doctor! Anytime someone has surgery, there should be follow-up care to determine how to prevent it from happening again.
The doctor told me that since the root cause of this is arthritis, the only way to prevent it from coming back is to stay off my foot. Obviously, I cannot stay seated for the rest of my life! I may not be able to prevent it’s return, but I am sure going to do everything I can to prolong it and I think my doctor is doing a great disservice by my just sending me on my way. (with a prescription, of course. I don’t need pain meds, I need CORRECTION AND REHABILITATION!)
So the next step for me is to find a better doctor and invest in some orthotics for my shoes. Come January, I hope to be out there running, snow and all!
In the meantime, I have re-found my love for this machine. I don’t belong to a gym, but my community has a small fitness center that has this wonderful contraption. Even though it isn’t my cardio of choice, I keep reminding myself that I should be thankful that I can move as much as I can.
So on that note gang, get up and get moving. Your body will be very thankful!
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December 5th, 2008 at 7:27 am 1
woman, you have had the BEST ATTITUDE THROUGH ALL THIS.
here’s to you running in jan. and perhaps us seeing eachother in feb?
Ill email you
MizFits last blog post..Who’s the new MotorolaMizFit?! (& other random Friday chickenbus)
December 5th, 2008 at 10:30 am 2
I’m glad that things are improving Lisa! I hope that you’re back to full function ASAP!
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December 5th, 2008 at 10:32 am 3
I’m so sorry about the pain. Hopefully a new doctor will help you more.
I love me some stepmill.
December 5th, 2008 at 10:33 am 4
Glad your feeling better and for sure get a second opinion!
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December 5th, 2008 at 10:43 am 5
I found the most wonderful contraption at my runner’s store. It’s called “triggerpoint therapy”. the website is tptherapy.com and is full of great advice.
I fixed many of the recovery pains (from a torn ligament in my ankle) and immobility I was experiencing (as well as my plantar fasciitis) with this kit. I’m sure you could piece something together with alternate items, but I found that the original kit was well worth the price.
Keep your chin up! You WILL run again!
December 5th, 2008 at 11:19 am 6
Yeah to running again soon! And definitely go find yourself a new doctor. My mom has arthritis (since she was a teenager) and she has a whole slew of exercises and such she was told to do to keep herself healthy.
Anyas last blog post..Igniting the Keyboard, Finding Your Cheat
December 5th, 2008 at 11:36 am 7
Am glad the pain is better! GOOD FOR YOU for looking for another doctor- physio would definitely be a huge help (talk to Bag Lady about it!). Also if you have any access to it chiropractic and acupuncture can help enormously with these exact kind of issues.
PS That step mill looks like so much fun! I like stairs.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:29 pm 8
I have done that Step Mill before and it is much harder than a typical stair master.
Tiffanys last blog post..Marathon Training Week 5
December 5th, 2008 at 5:02 pm 9
The bad thing is, it is hard to stay off of your feet.
I love to swim laps and afterwards get in the steam room. Maybe you could do something similar for a few months.
December 5th, 2008 at 5:07 pm 10
Your rear end *cough* must be looking fantastic since you are using the stair climber so much!
And yes, new doc asap. One who works with athletes if possible.
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December 5th, 2008 at 5:54 pm 11
The foot injury can be so frustrating. Your positive attitude is contagious. Keep going strong! Enjoy the weekend!
December 5th, 2008 at 9:27 pm 12
Um, how does a licensed MD tell a patient to STAY OFF THEIR FOOT, FOREVER, and think that’s good advice?
You’re definitely doing the right thing by finding another doc. And you’re absolutely right; any surgery should have follow-up care, and not just pain meds. (You might consider lodging a complaint with the AMA; it would probably go on his record.)
Good luck! And I bow at your (healing) feet. That StepMill is HARD, lol!
December 6th, 2008 at 4:13 am 13
Sheesh… I surprised he didn’t just amputate the foot altogether, if he didn’t think you should use it again.
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December 6th, 2008 at 4:29 pm 14
Yes, you must get a second opinion! Telling you just to stay off of it is unacceptable IMO.
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December 16th, 2008 at 3:08 pm 15
Hi Lisa…I just wanted to let you know that tomorrow will be 3 weeks since my HR surgery. I got back into sneakers yesterday. I am walking much better and think I’ll be able to do the Elliptical by next week. My Dr. gave me some toe exercises that I should do everyday starting yesterday and I am supposed to rub cocoa butter or vitamin E around the incision area to prevent raised scarring. I see her again in 3 weeks and she mentioned to me that if my toe was not bending as well as it should then I would have to go to Physical Therapy but she does not think I will need it. I wish you could go and see my Dr. because she is so nice. She also said I will be seeing her until I am all the way back to normal..running and everything. If you are in NYC and want to see my Doctor…let me know and I will give you the info. She is a specialist in Hallux Rigidus.
Anyway..I certainly hope you are feeling better!
Happy Holidays!
Denise
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:04 am 16
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