We’ve looked at various options, opinions, risks, benefits, test results, etc. for the past week and have decided to move forward with the tendon lengthening surgery on Thursday, Nov. 13th in Dallas. As procedures go, this is relatively minor and only 30-45 min. of surgery time. Assuming all goes well, the surgery will allow the contracted tendon to be longer causing the foot to relax and lay down. It also has the possibility of sitting better in a shoe, if the tendon is not continually contracted. The doctors that I have the most faith in are in agreement that this is the next best step, so we’re going to boldly step forward and go for it. My current pain level and the negative affect on my artificial hip are the reasons for us feeling like we have to do something to improve the situation. All the work done last spring is totally healed.
The 3-4” incision will be on the shin area and is NOT on the foot or anywhere near where we have worked in the past. The Dallas dr. knows that I’ve had healing issues in the past and we have a plan, if wound healing becomes an issue (amputation is not the only option)…. although he was fairly certain that it should heal okay because of the new blood supply and new area. Big time trust and faith is ahead. Two weeks in a non-weight bearing cast and then two more weeks in a walking cast.
There is no risk of jeopardizing any previous work related to fusions, bone, hardware, positioning, etc. Healing is the biggest risk, so start praying now that those skin cells will grow well!
If you know any “healing tricks,” send them my way …. I know about zinc and lots of protein, but am willing to try anything else that might give it an added boost – some of you out there are experts in this!
Mom & I will fly to Dallas early on the morning of 11/13 & the surgery is outpatient at a surgery center at 12:30pm …. flying home the afternoon of 11/15 (Sat.) & I’m planning on returning to work on Monday, Nov. 17th. We will stay with friends in Dallas, which will be easier than a hotel.
I’m at peace with our decision & am thankful that the Dallas surgeon is willing to help us correct the problem. I can continue to consult and see the Chicago surgeon as needed or desired. We are so close to having this all done. I have about 2 ½ weeks to get things organized at work, which is a blessing. Perhaps I’ll be able to wear a shoe by Christmas …. there would be no better gift. Dream big!
“I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me.” – Jeremiah 32:27
Thanks for praying last week .... it helped lots!
je
2 comments:
OK...I vote for a shoe for Christmas, too...and my MIND would like it to be a 3-4" strappy snappy heel...but I would settle for a loafer or a tennie! I WILL think big! Ha! Glad to hear about the step forward (literally) and will begin to pray for 11/13's Sx and the LONG casting to follow... Isaac is screaming "Down in my heart, Down in my heart to stay!!!" while they play "hot" and "cold" with his sunglasses (?) I'm just glad I'm holed up in here where it's (kind of) normal. Thinking of U! L Jo
Jenny, Glad to hear of your decision to go forward with the surgery. You know I have also felt that this will have a positive ending. I know I am right! So we will pray and wait patiently until all is healed. Praying and thinking of you always. Love, Ted,Carol and Teddy
PS: I went to Teddys parent teacher conferences Thursday all of his teachers had great things to say about him. All A's and one B I am pretty proud of him. I know you will be, because you had a part of him being who he is!
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