Backstory: 22 years ago I suffered a crushed ankle (technically the talus/sub-talus bones). The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Team Doctor happened by the E.R. and said, "don't fuse it, I think I can save it."
So 3 screws and a pin later (and 6 months non weight bearing in a wheelchair), he was right. He projected that I would get another good 10 years out of it before needing a fusion. He was wrong. I've had a good 22 year run with it.
But now I can tell that the joint is bad, and it feels like the screws have stripped inside the bones. (You carpenters will have a good idea of what that might entail, but in bones not wood.)
So, the dilemma is tempting: it feels so GOOD to strap on that velcro protective boot that comes wtih orthopedic foot injuries. It relieves SO much (if not all of the pain.) The problem is, it's like being in a cast and so you lose muscle tone. The only muscle tone left that would allow you to remove the boot and remain walking.
Right now, I can tell that my gait is becoming more and more stunted, in order to guard the weak bones. Going up and down steps is a fascinating physical gyration that few but myself would recognize as being "off".
I am so tempted to strap on the boot and live in it...but such ongoing restriction only weakens whatever muscle tone remains.
What to do, what to do...
...and yet...
I long for the boot.
As an older woman who spent many years typing for orthopedic surgeons, I have to say....go for the surgery. It will NOT be easy, but the longer you put it off, the harder it will be to recover. The boot is a temporary fix. By all means, wear it while searching for a physician to take care of the problem permanently (hopefully). but please don't look at it as something you can use for the remainder of your life.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and I hope everything works out wonderfully for you!
Gayle Senatore