Venturing Out!

Today I drove the car (my first drive!) to the Parkdale Market and bought some herbs and flowers.  I took my cane but I went cast-less.
Then I planted my purchases.
Probably enough activity for a while, but it feels pretty good!
Yesterday and today I wore the black crocs instead of the blue ones; less cutting across the swollen part.
Whee! Freedom!

But the skin on my feet is kind of itchy, so I'll soak them soon.

I see Dr. Brunet on Tuesday... maybe the last time!

Toes out!

I've been walking around some without my cast. Dr Brunet said Crocs would be good after a while, so that's what I was wearing today. A little sore at times, but I'm taking it easy.

Cast # 3

This is Week 3 since the surgery.
Another 2 weeks has gone by, so it was time to change the cast. It was getting a bit sloppy on the inside and a touch ratty on the outside.
Doctor Brunet had a look at it and said it was doing well. I thought it looked kind of gross. The incision is a bit crusty, and one of the pins can't even be seen, but the nurse snipped the stitches so they can dissolve.

The cast is the same as last time, in fiberglass, covered up. No weight-bearing yet.

Next time they'll take x-rays and remove the pins. Maybe I'll be allowed a little weight, or maybe that will be the next time. 

I took a picture of the bare foot today. It's nice and straight, but what a scar!

My left foot is feeling a bit beat-up these days. Mostly the skin, not the bones. Have had to soak it in Doak Oil a couple of times, and I'm trying to give it lots of care.

A change of cast and time to wiggle my toes

Yesterday I went to the Plaster Room and had the first cast removed, my foot inspected, and a new one applied. The technician was charming and efficient and the doctor was pleased with his work and my healing.

On Easter Sunday, Rachel, Cole, Beatrix and I did some decorating.

On Monday, Laura  took a picture of my toes so I could see them.

And she added her freehand map of France:

The technician (Martin) carved around most of the artwork, but did not give it to me, after all.
I have the pictures, which is better.

Here is my foot, from my angle:

And from Neil's:

 

Doctor Brunet admired his stitching and bone-adjusting, and said it was coming along well.

The psoriasis on my shin had faded away, so that was good. No need to be itchier.

 

Then Martin wrapped it all up in layers and applied fiberglass (Ms. CanoeFoot!) and we were good to go. Georgeanne was a valuable driver and navigator.

 

Here's the foot at home:



It hurts a little more now, because the angle has changed, but the cast is lighter and that makes me more nimble. I got my own breakfast (yogurt and cereal) using the wheelchair, and that worked fine.

I go back in 2 weeks for a new cast and a look at progress. In the meantime, no weight-bearing and no bathing. But I am supposed to wiggle my toes as much as as I want!

Big news on the foot front

I'm surprised and excited and a bit nervous.  Tomorrow I'm getting my right foot done! It is a bigger operation than I had on the left-- more bones to be realigned.  And a more thorough rest... a bigger cast and no weight on the foot for 6 weeks.

I had my first meeting with Dr Brunet yesterday (Monday) and he explained what he could do. Then he offered me the cancellation spot for Wednesday!

The operation will be done in Kemptville, out of town. Neil has decided to come home from Montreal 2 days early (tonight) so he can take me to the hospital and otherwise take care of me. Very sweet. I had Laura lined up to take me and Sue to bring me home, but I won't need them after all. Although I will need friends and minders from time to time, I'm sure!

Left foot doctors, right foot doctors....

Well, there has been change but no progress. The surgeon Dr. Gartke wanted to send me to for my right foot problems does not want to take me. His name was Laurent, it turns out, and he is more interested in ankles!
So now I'm being referred to Georgeanne's favourite orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Brunet.  I think I've been here before, because I asked my GP to refer me to him several years ago, but I could not get in.
Heaven knows when I'll get to see him or get anything done. In the meantime, my foot gets worse.