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Anyone else have Flat Foot Reconstruction surgery?

Posted , 2 users are following.

Bronzecaramel
Bronzecaramel

Hello, I am currently just about 7 weeks post op from flat foot reconstruction surgery with tendon transfer and donor bone implant. I am seeking others who have had this surgery to compare notes. Currently, I think im expecting too much from myself. I am bothered by the fact that:

  1. Im in bed 90% of the time STILL with my foot elevated to avoid extreme pain and swelling from being "up". This whole "not doing anything" productive business is starting to wear on my mind.
  2. Nights are the absolute worst as far as nerve pain goes. I am on Gabapentin and Baclofen around the clock to deal with the tormenting stabbing, burning, prickly,electric pains. I take Tramadol if it gets really out of pocket.
  3. I can't bear much weight yet even in the Aircast (which I HATE)
  4. My incisions are still not fully healed, and look terribly scary
  5. The heel pain is deep and tiring sometimes.
  6. I don't know if the current return to work date of June 10th is realistic since sitting at a desk means my foot will be hanging down and most assuredly throbbing and swelling... ( I feel sick just thinking about the pain)

So much in one post, and im sorry. This is what happens when you are lying in bed all day doing nothing much. 😃

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Flatfoot60
    Flatfoot60 Bronzecaramel

    Posted

    Hi there.You don't say exactly what you had done for the flat foot. I had surgery Feb 28th.I had the Evan Calcaneal with implant (two screws and a plate), but I did not have to have a tendon transfer. He just fixed some tears, and I had lengthening in my tendon up my calf, and plantar fasciitis release.I did not have my heal moved as some do. If you had that done it sounds like a much more involved procedure, and your healing will be different. That being said....every surgery is different. I've had my fair share of them including two knee replacements. Each of them was a different experience.

    I'm sorry you are feeling frustrated, I totally understand. This surgery has been very low pain for me, and I have not taken any drugs after the first few days. However, the sitting around is harder than any surgery I have ever had. I am on week 9 and am still in an air cast, and using crutches. I go back to the doctor in one and a half weeks to see if I'm completely healed and get to begin wearing a shoe.

    My incisions have taken longer than my other surgeries to heal. They are healed, but the one on the outside with the graft has looked more red than the others and is definitely more tender, but is finally turning a corner and looking/feeling a bit better. I've been putting vitamin E on them and it makes them feel better. Therapist told me BioOil is really good. ( I'm assuming yours are completely closed and no scabs.) . Wouldn't want to do that if not. I do have discomfort on the outside where the graft is, but I suspect with time it will lessen.Since I've started more weight bearing, I do notice more discomfort/ pain in my tendon behind my ankle bone on the outside.

    I have been walking in the boot with crutches for three weeks. I've been gradually increasing my weight on the foot the last three weeks when I was able to begin putting weight on it.I'm putting 90-100 percent weight bearing on it now . In just the last few days I have noticed that more weight was easier. Still no way I could walk without crutches though, and I don't do that all day long.I find I need to rest my foot regularly. In the last couple weeks I've been able to keep my foot down longer, without it hurting but it still swells. I don't have to put it above my heart anymore..probably not last two-three weeks, just elevated. Doctor has me do ice baths with heat baths and it really helps me, especially after using it a lot. Seems to be better than just ice for me. The PTherapist tells me this is good too.From my understanding the swelling will last quit awhile, I"m guessing a few months. I know one of my knees stayed swollen longer as well, so it isn't alarming to me.

    I hope all this makes sense and if you have any questions I'm happy to help if I can. Hang in...I know it's hard, but it will be brighter soon.

    • Bronzecaramel
      Bronzecaramel Flatfoot60

      Posted

      Hello there,

      Ok, so my heel was moved and a screw now holds it in place. They also implanted a piece of donor bone. No plates at all. For the first 5 weeks there was also a pin in my foot that had the tip of it sticking out midfoot. That was painful when they pulled it out and now there is a hole with a scab on top of my foot. My incisions do indeed still have scabs. Lot of long scabs that are itching and flaking off.. Each incision is about 3 to 4 inches long. They just recently removed the staples and stitches. For the first 30 days I had to give myself shots in my belly to prevent clots. Now I am taking an asprin every night in addition to the regular meds ive mentioned for nerve pain and spasms. Tomorrow makes 7 weeks and it feels like 17 weeks. I think I am just anxious and stir crazy. Maybe it is still quite early yet.

      I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I wish you a speedy recovery! 😃

    • Flatfoot60
      Flatfoot60 Bronzecaramel

      Posted

      It sounds like you've been through a lot. The fact the scabs are itching and flaking off is a sign they are healing and that's good. I hope someone will chime in that has had the same surgery, to give you some feedback.

      One thing I have found with surgery is that it will feel like things are never going to improve and then without really realizing it you turn a corner, and suddenly you can do more with less pain.

      I was able to get in a swim pool today with my PTherapist. I highly recommend it if you can. It was a nice gentle way to get the foot moving.

      Wishing you all the best in your recovery.

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