3 months post op..what should I be able to do?

Take care not to reinjure feet. Soak in Epsom salts removes swelling then Ice , take anti inflams and rest rest rest until swelling subsides..remember swelling is UR bodies way to tell u to rest and stay off the feet.

 OPPS don't forget a muscle relaxer if a glass of wine or margarita helps ...or meds!

CHEERS

HOPE

Take care.

What you describe is text book stuff.

After periods of apparent continued progress I went through periods of feeling I was regressing rather than progressing.

This does seem to be the way it goes. I guess when we feel we are making good progress we tend to forget that we have had major trauma to the foot/feet and overdo things. The result is then exactly as you describe. Acing and swelling. You will soon learn that the recovery from thissurgery is going to take a very long time and you'll begin to understand that you must not expect too much from your foot/feet.

Of course you'll want to get back to noral as soon as possible. I know I did. But, lie you kept getting very sharp reminders that I needed to be knder to my foot.

The walking will get better. I enjoy walking and it has taken me a long time for my fot to feel happy in my Brasher walking boots. The thing is, my bots are quite old and like all footwear they get used to accommodating your feet and their shape. Once you've had the operation the foot takes on a different shape and what once felt comfortable n certain shoes or walking boots will maybe not feel quite so now.

I am delaying replacing my worn out boots until I've had my other foot done. I have however, bought a pair of Waldlaufer walking shoes which look a bit like trainers but are in act very much stronger and give more support than trainers. They come in shoe and boot style. I opted for the shoe style and believe me they have been a very worthwhile investment and are so comfortable and supportive. I will take my Brashers with mewhen I go on holiday to Scotland as I may want to walk in terrain where they will be more suited footwear than the Waldlaufers.

As for sandals, mine were in need of replacing and I recently bought a new pair. Again from the Waldlaufer range. These have 2 velcro top fasteners across the top of the foot and a further buckle strap which goes around the ankle area. They cost £59.99 are are very lightweight and also very supportive. So, I can really recommend these also.

As for the footwear in general, I am a bit of a shoe-holic and ave many pairs. All are flats as I don't feel happy in heels and are of the ballet pump or loafer style. I can confirm that I can comfortably wear all my shoes but it does take a lot of time and patience getting used to easing the feet into the shoes following this surgery. Whatever you do, do not force the shoes onto your eet if the feet won't bend. You will only cause unwanted damage and prolong the recover. I was wearing just 3 pairs of shoes for many weeks and thought I'd end up giving all my other pairs to charity. But, I am happy to report this is not now necessary.

Patience is the key to all of this.

Doing a 2 mile walk in 3 instalments sounds exactly like me back in February ( which was 3 months after my surgery). You may find that you experience some discomfort along the top of your foot/feet extending from the base of the tes towards the ankle. This is due to the ligaments and tendons settling into your foot walking in a different way to how it was prior to surgery. Also, as the bandages come off the foot is re-learning how to bedn and this can take a very long time as you will have a lot of stiffness.

I am trying to be very thorough in explaining what you can expect as there's a lot going on in our feet which we are not aware of until we have this surgery. Lots of little bones and tendons etc.

Do try to take care. Don't overdo things. Makes sure you continue to give the foot'feet plenty of rest and elevation. Do take painkillers if you get discomfort and/or pain. You will get there all in the fullnes of time.

Good Luck.

Gillian.