Closer to a treatment decision ....

We are narrowing in on making a treatment decision with the information we learned in Dallas. My meeting with the St. Louis surgeon on Wednesday was good and he recommended the surgical procedure that I was leaning toward. I felt like I really needed to meet w/the Chicago orthopod in person, so we (mom & I) went to see her on Friday.

The report from the Baylor gait test and CD (showing my walking pattern) was mailed earlier in the week to all my dr.’s, but nothing arrived by the end of the week thanks to no mail for Columbus Day. I called Baylor on Thursday and had them fax me a copy of the report, so I took that to Chicago. Very thankful that I got someone on the phone that took pity on me …. she ignored the “HIPPA rule” of no faxing medical reports.

Dr. P read the report and watched me walk and then told us her diagnosis, before I shared with her what the three TX docs suggested. She came up w/the same diagnosis and solution. Thank heavens for consistency and agreement – this is huge! She said that the gait test is very definitive so if the problem is revealed on the gait test, then that is what needs to be fixed. She was glad we made the effort to go to Dallas.

The problem is with my anterior tib tendon (lg. tendon that runs down your leg & into the foot) remains continually contracted and doesn’t relax. When it does relax (which is rare), it happens at the wrong time in the stepping motion. My foot stays up because of the tendon being in “contraction mode” constantly.

The proposed non-surgical option isn’t really an option, because it would only be a temporary fix. Everyone has agreed that the tendon needs to be lengthened and this will cause the foot to stay down. The surgeon makes a “z” shaped cut in the tendon, stretches it out and then repairs it in the center. Four weeks in a cast/no weight – probably 1-2 nights in the hospital. Then back to pt eventually for major gait training. We can also order this electrical stimulation device that is worn on my calf and it gives the foot a tiny shock when it is supposed to pull up or push down during the stepping process …. it is like a “kick in gear” deal for the foot.

The incision would be a new incision more on the ankle area. We have never cut in that area previously, but there is still a concern related to healing. It should heal better w/the new blood supply now, but everyone is somewhat fearful about getting it to heal.

I asked Dr. P is she would do the surgery or if I need to return to TX for the operation. She is going to talk to my STL dr. this weekend and will call me w/her answer on Tuesday. It would be much easier if she would do it, but there is some hesitancy since past surgeries have not gone as we had planned. I will be elated if she agrees to do it, but will understand if she refers me to Dallas. It would be a lot easier w/no travel & having a doctor that we already know. Pray for direction and wisdom for Dr. P!

We spent last night with IL family and returned to St. Louis today. No one knows why the tendon contraction has happened, but at least there are three doctors that agree on the treatment. Not looking forward to more surgery and the cast scene again, but I’m content and happy that there is a possible solution. I will try to schedule the surgery ASAP with either surgeon, as being on crutches in December is not fun.

Thankful for God’s direction this week ….. good visit with Dr. P ….. and for the blessing of agreement among physicians. Hope you are enjoying this beautiful fall weekend!

Love & hugs,
jenny