Hello,
Time for an update. I apologize for the lengthy ready.
I've had 4 medical appointments in relation to my feet over the past week. Last Friday I met with my orthopedic doctor. New xrays were taken for both feet. Left foot looks good. Wounds remain closed. Swelling is about the same but I usually keep it compressed. Pain continues to reduce on its own but it's still difficult to stand or walk for very long. In the evening and on through the night the pain becomes more apparent.
For the right foot, I continued to repeat that I still have pain at midfoot. The problem seems to be in the
navicular bone. This wasn't fused. I've been saying this since October of last year when I began placing weight on the foot: each time I take a step, I get a sharp pain. It feels like there's flexing occurring in the bone. It has stopped healing and it's becoming more painful each time I place weight on the foot. My doctor thinks it's navicular arthritis. He suggested a test: a cortisone shot in the foot. So I was like, cool. I've had a cortisone shot before in my hand so it's no big thing. Boy was I wrong lol.
On Tuesday of this week, I met with a pain specialist. He prescribed a sleeping pill that has a pain reducing effect. I haven't started using it yet. Tonight will be the first. I really don't like side effects when it comes to medicine. He suggested other pain meds to take but it's up to my doctor to approve.
Yesterday, I met with my plastic surgeon. Since all the wounds closed, he discharged me from his care. Before I left, I did ask one question, "If the bones need to be accessed again, how would that occur with the muscle and skin graft in place?" His answer was surprising, "We'd cut right through it to access the bones underneath. Then sew it back up. The muscle and graft look great and has it's own blood supply so it should close and heal back up quickly." Hmm, just like cutting through a steak. Well that's what I thought of.
Also yesterday, I had the cortisone shot with Radiology. They were able to squeeze me in on the same day as the plastic surgery appointment. Again, I thought this was going to be a routine cortisone shot. But because the foot contains the most bones in the body and that the structure of my foot is different due to the original crush injury and numerous foot reconstructions, they needed the use of a CT scanner to pinpoint the exact location for the shot. Plus, my orthopedic doctor changed his mind on the location. Instead of injecting in the navicular joint, he wanted the shot in the
subtalar joint. The xrays display a problem, a narrowing of this joint. It also communicates with the navicular joint. The subtalar joint connects the heel bone (
calcaneus) with the ankle bone (
talus). Further, it's easier to access. I'll keep it simple, the entire procedure took 45 minutes and was PAINFUL.
The cortisone shot is only a test. If it alleviates pain when I place weight on the foot, then the problem is in this joint. If not, then the problem may still be in the navicular joint, damage to numerous tendons or ligaments, or a possible fracture upon which further testing will be performed such as an MRI, CT scan, or bone scan. The cortisone shot should take effect in 3 to 5 days. Then I'll know one way or another.
With the medical appointments, it's been a stressful week. The right foot is on my mind lately even though the left continues to heal. I've come to the conclusion that something is wrong with it. I've been contemplating this since October of last year but now it's no question. Either something didn't heal right or the surgery exposed another problem. Note that prior to the surgery, I did not have this pain. It's something new and isn't going away.
Still dependent on the Lord to guide me through this. But this week alone has drawn me even more closer. This whole experience has certainly changed me. I'm more patient and calm in my relationship with others as well as everything I do. I've had a lot of setbacks and nothing phases me. I try not to rush anything. Much thought goes into every move. I pray for others all the time. I've discovered I'm keen on others who need healing due to health reasons. So I can't complain. I truly believe God is holding my hand through this entire ordeal.
Again, much thanks for the prayers,
Ed
If surgery is inevitable, i pray it helps in the long run.
