Surgery in early November questions and hints for healing

Hi Everyone:  I had my surgery November 9th.  I had a preneus brevis repair on my right ankle.  I used a knee scooter and was off perscription pain meds within 3 to 4 days.  I still take Advil.  Not much pain except in the evening my foot feels like it's on fire. The only way I can fall asleep is to place a cool gel wrap foot sleeve around my foot.

 Thirteen days after surgery I had stitches removed and was placed in a walking cam boot and told to do range of motion exercises. I was not allowed to place weight on my foot.  On December 20th my surgeon gave me the okay to walk with boot (60 to 80 percent on right foot) and use one crutch. After one week, I am walking with just the cam boot.  My only issue is the swelling.  Any suggestions, besides elevation, to get that swelling down? I am in Physical Therapy now.  

For those considering surgery, make sure you get several opinions.  I did a lot of research and I am so grateful.  My surgeon is great.  He is as compassionate as he is skilled.  It really can make all the difference when you have trust in your surgeron and when he communicates well.

Some suggestions: I did Physical Therapy prior to surgery. I got a script from my GP.  This was to strengthen my legs, core for the surgery.  Within a week, I continued leg lifts, the push ups with my knees on the floor and sit ups.  Also, some arm exercises.

 Purchases that assisted me (all from Amazon or borrowed from friends) were a wedge to keep my leg elevated (enough room for both legs); a borrowed shower chair; a borrowed potty chair for the first three days after surgery (I live alone and didn't have any assistance in getting from point A to B.) 

Now that I am walking with my cam boot, I am wearing compression stockings.  I want to buy stock in them, they are so great.  Also, I got a thing called "EvenUp" from Amazon.  It slips over your shoe or sneaker and keeps your non-injurd leg at the same height as your leg in the walking boot.  Best of all, I got a gel boot for heat or ice.  It has the perfect temperature and when I fall asleep with it on, the gel cushions the site of my incision.  

Once you start PT, you will be asked to massage your incision.  My brother lent me a lacross ball.  When I am laying on the couch at night (with an ace bandage on or compression stocking on) I just gently turn my foot to the side and roll my foot back and forth over the lacross ball.  It actually feels good and I think it helps break up the scar tissue better than doing the massage just with your hands.  

I guess that's it.  My only complaints are being so tired.  The surgery took it out of me.  Too, I find it difficult to get into a routine.  When my foot feels really good, I always over do it.  I went out the other day and walked for about 4 hours.  The next two days I had to take it real easy because my foot was too sore and swollen.  I really don't have guidelines from my physical therapist . . .  except if I reach a level of pain that is a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10, then I need to get off my foot.  

Oh . . . I tried an Epsom Salt bath in the hopes that would help the swelling. It didn't seem to do anything for me.  

Hope this helps and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.  I am 64, live alone and this surgery is a pain in the butt, but manageable.  I did not need a caregiver, but I had a friend check on me in the mornings and evenings for the first couple of weeks to help me out.

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