Severed EHL Tendon- Goodbye 2011!

On the road to recovery?

It's almost the end of the Year 2011. What have I done?

I'd say as an adult this has been; bar none one of the most challenging years in my life. From the get go on January 1st, 2011 it's been challenge after challenge. Each day, week and month had a new set of horrors present itself over and over to me, testing my abilities emotionally, mentally and physically. Yes severing my EHL Tendon was a big slap in the face. It shook me into a different dimension. It pinned me down and held me there until just the right time, and then it released me. I am different now. Everything tastes, smells and looks different. I want to say I have served my time. I want to say that one person can only take so much. Really though in the grand scheme of things I continue to give thanks that I am surrounded by beautiful and loving friends and family. That no matter how the going gets tough, the tough will still get going.

I've rekindled an all but dead relationship with my parents, I have accepted that although we won't always see eye to eye, they are good people with good intentions. Age doesn't always bring wisdom, experience does. Family and firm true friendships are the keys to happiness. It always was and always will be. No one is perfect, we all have to work at our relationships, and we are all dynamic and different. We’re not meant to be the same. Our injuries may be similar, but how we deal with the experiences can be worlds apart.

As I reflect on my ever present gregarious nature, I'm stricken silly that my injuries have brought out some of the best attributes in my friendships and relationships with people. I definitely know who will be in my corner for the long haul. I have connected on a different level with certain people; my eyes are wide open now more than ever before.

So all I’m asking for in the Year 2012 is to keep on this new journey--the one that opens the doors to all the magnificent new friendships and that still has a stronghold on the old ones. Oh yeah and that Zipperfoot has inadvertently set a new cornerstone in my life.

Happy Holidays to all. May you find love and joy in even the smallest things.

EHL Severed Tendon and Acupuncture.

Acupuncture was the next venture into my rehabilitation campaign. I didn't have a shred of knowledge on the subject of acupuncture. No one in my inner circle had ever required that type of alternative medicine.  I knew it had something to do with really fine needles being inserted into specific pressure points of the body. The thought gave me anxiety.. I mean all those needles pushed into my body. Unthinkable.

I wanted to go in blind; I didn't want to know about side effects or risks. I was going to take a chance, go out on a limb, and go all the way with no reservations. I was introduced to the Acupuncturist, Keith who has a gentle nature and is well educated as a Physiotherapist. He prefers the holistic alternative like acupuncture as a means to rehabilitate. A belief that the points of energy reached during the process acts both as a pain reliever and stimulator of joint and tissue.

The way Acupuncture works: It’s an understanding that the neurophysiologic pain relief mechanisms (eg. Endorphins) are stimulated and will assist the body in strengthening the immune system; it decreases muscle and tissue tightness and can increase joint flexibility. Originating in the Orient (however there is a dispute that it actually originated in Central Europe) the traditional understanding is that the body is divided into 12 energy channels (or meridians) that run vertically within the body. If any of these channels are affected by illness or injury the energy flow is interrupted, the belief that acupuncture (shallow needling or deep needling) into the specific channel will stimulate energy flow and healing back into the body.

As the small hair like needles pierced my skin (they are in a fine sterile tube which is slightly shorter than the needles themselves- they are positioned over the desired area and tapped into place- shallow needling in my case), there was a slight prickly sensation. He put them in various points of my foot and calf. We started with about 6 needles in our first session. I tried shifting my leg while the needles were inserted. Those little suckers were wielding quite a power beneath the surface and were almost paralyzing upon any movement. I felt an awkward pain in each of the points where the needles lay. Keith advised that being still would enhance their healing effects. Best not to move around or it will hurt!  I was left to relax on my own (more like a Zen type of relaxation) for about 15 mins.

Removing them was effortless (a few spots of blood from the top of my foot area). There was some slight bruising the next day, and a bit of soreness in the areas punctured, which I’m told is normal.

I’ve done quite a few sessions now, tackling different areas of my foot to stimulate the tissue around the scar. I have to say that I am a believer. The numbness at the top of my foot has subsided and I am actually feeling a bit of sensation now.

By no means is my Zipperfoot fully mobile at this point, but we’re still working on it one day at a time.

 

Acu: Week 1


Acu: Week 2





Acupuncture

The tendon is still tight along the Hallux to the ankle.

EHL Tendon Rehab

Trying to always be optimistic.

The Orthopaedic Specialist said I still have a good 3 months until I can consider calling my Zipperfoot normal.  I've made tremendous progress, however as I sit here 2 months into my physiotherapy (which I'm still scheduled for at least 3 times a week), I suddenly have a terrible sinking feeling that my tendon is not stretching out as originally intended. I see it on Jake’s (Physio guy)face. He pleasantly consoles me and reminds me that this will be a bit of a long haul. It’s such a rare injury---to compare it to any other rehab is just not feasible. I understand there is much more progress to be made; I just can't help but feel a small sense of loss every time I look down at my foot.
It has been almost 4 months since my surgery.

A quick pep talk from my physiotherapist and we’re planning to change direction. Acupuncture is next on the list. We’re hoping this will help stretch out and stimulate the EHL Tendon a little more.

It’s so overwhelming to come this far, just to find out that the journey is far from over.
I want to wake up in the morning and walk to the throne effortlessly without having to massage my leg awake, do a warm up or use the walls to guide me upright.

I'm tired of being at physio working on the same gruesome and painful stretches that leave me slightly debilitated every time.

I'm tired of having to explain over and over why I'm still slightly limping and how it happened.

I'm tired of refusing party invites; for fear of some drunken jackass stepping onto my Zipperfoot.

I'm tired of trying to explain to my employer that trekking out to work into the downtown core in prime Christmas shopping season is not at the top of my list to do.

My drama queen is definitely coming out in full force.

I went shoe shopping last week. I wanted to purchase a pair of shoes that I can wear in a versatile manner, more than my Nike’s or Converse sneakers. I purchased a buttery leather pair of (cow hide) loafers that are soft, yet supportive. It’s like they came down from cow heaven just for me.  I’m grateful that I can wear these with just about any attire. They are by no means the saucy tall heels I would be accustomed to, but definitely a sweet alternative.

I also toyed with a few pair of winter boots from my collection. The snow will be here shortly, I want to be prepared. Canadian Winters can be mean spirited (no offense to Mother Nature). Wearing my running shoes to traipse around in the snow and ice for my glamo trips to physio or the occasional family outing is not going to cut it.

I’ll just grin and bear it. Movin’ on…

Severed EHL Tendon-3 months Post-Op

I put a shoe on my right foot for the first time yesterday. It was painful and extremely uncomfortable; however I wanted to advance into the next stage- wearing a left and a right shoe. I will still wear my Aircast when necessary. It’s my go to accessory now, my comfort, my protector; I don’t feel right without it.

As I venture out a bit more these days into the big wild world, I fear that someone will inadvertently step onto my foot. It’s blind now you see; it will be forever infracted and offended no matter where it goes or what it is doing. For example, I’m already experiencing the delights of household folly-- dropping things like lotion bottles, spoons, books, cellphones, remotes etc. pretty close to Zipperfoot. It’s bound to make contact; I have to be ready for it. Fate, just please- give me a bit more time. I shudder to think what the impact would be; nothing life threatening (what a drama queen!) I suppose.  I’m sure as long as there is no blade at the end of the handle; I’ll be fine…ahem.

As far as physiotherapy goes, still neck deep in it. It’s been 7 weeks , 3 times a week. We have been faithfully working on stretching out that stubborn tendon. I had asked the Specialist last week if he had tightened it a bit too much. I noticed today that the top of my foot is quite bruised, mostly likely the combination of wearing a shoe and the aggressive work on the tendon yesterday.

I can press my toe into the floor with a bit more strength now; it still won’t voluntarily wiggle unless I give it a bit of a boost.  My gait has improved and I’m really working on trying to reduce the limp, which subsequently is more evident because of the fear of bending my toe.

My Nike running shoe seems to keep my foot snuggly in place. It’s very tight to get on and off, but it’s nice to finally wear a matching set of shoes.  My physiotherapist asked me how I felt about wearing Orthopaedic shoes, I found this truly funny… really.

Remembrance

If you have the opportunity, thank a veteran for his courage. Not just today but every day.

"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die." -G.K. Chesterton

"In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." -Jose Narosky

There is but one veteran left alive in my family at home in the Mediterranean, thanks Uncle Manuel for holding the fort.

Peace

2 pics from Malta's history. The Mosta Church's undetonated bomb that pierced the roof while 300+ worshippers were inside.



Mosta Church's Dome Ceiling



The Bomb Squad

Occupy

 

I rarely watch the news, it's repetitive and boring. I have seen the same news update about some vandals defacing a statue at a school for the past 4 days.

 

One story that continues to attract attention is the Occupy Movement. It's directed at the social and economic inequality that is evident on our planet through widespread corporate greed and monopolization of business and technology.

 

It has been going on for weeks now in Toronto (and globally). There are legitimate protesters that truly want to make a difference to streamline more social consciousness and incur more fiscal responsibility of the Democratic nations. A tent city is set up in Toronto's down town core. They have kept it fairly clean and neat, but now the city feels it's time for these people to march on and out.

 

 In my youth I was always in it for the underdog, I spent some time unemployed because I did not want to conform to society's social and political standards. I quickly realized that strutting around in Doc Martens, jobless and angry was not going to help anyone least of all myself. The best way to have your voice heard is from within the environment. I gained employment at a Financial Firm, where I learned that although it is always about the bottom line, I can invest my time into the global machine and have my voice heard in a proper forum. I have a more ample opportunity to make that change for equality starting within the hub.

 

Watching some of the interviews the media has conducted with some of the protesters, I'm quickly inclined to believe that they do not really know why they are protesting or what they are actually talking about. Protest for the sake of protesting. I can't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment for them as they mumble and fumble their way through their explanations and beliefs staring out into space trying to deduce something tangible. My questions to them: Do they have a passport? Have they ever actually visited, lets say the Middle East or a Communist country? No matter where you go, people want to work, to provide for their families. They will work for an offshore oil refining company or a mining company that is stripping their resources if that's where the works at. They are bringing bread home. Do they want these big fat corporations to pull out of their backyard and cut the life line. Hell No!

 

Is the visual of seeing corporate people who are doing their jobs and contributing to society that much of a disturbance?  I believe in human rights. People have the right to work and provide for their families. People also have the right to protest for what they believe in, if they really believe in it and understand it.

 

I would be more convinced of their cause if it were hoards of ex-Bay St analysts dishing on the goings on of the secret behind closed door handshakes. The world is going through a financial meltdown. These kids are preaching to the choir.

 

Yet...

 

Food for thought: Kim Kardashian spent $20mm on a wedding that lasted 72 days- someone worked that out to $277,777 dollars a day. Rapper 50 Cent made $10mm dollars on a penny stock that he had dibs on through a tweet to his fans.

 

How much equality could that have bought?                                             It's all about perspective.

 

Back to the Grind

Returning to work this week.

I will be working from home for the time being until I can make the commute into the downtown core via “my own car”. I made a call to one of my colleagues at the office, we quickly played catch up on the in’s and out’s of office life.

Ms. C, Bunny, Allpan, Buck and the New Guy are members of my team; I’m known as Cozie. Of course we reside under these aliases in order to make our sometimes very technical, analytical environment more bearable. We also have special names for the other powers that be, but we keep those on the down low.

Our first order of business was to discuss the team luncheon in December. My presence is definitely required for some schmoozing and an official catch up.  I have hundreds and hundreds of e-mails to plow through over the next few days -and most likely have to deal with in some way.  I’m sure my assignments/projects will start pouring in shortly, so I will contain my excitement until the end of the week.

 It’s good to be back! Sort of..

Severed EHL Tendon- 11 Week Post Op

I've had a lot going on in the last little while with some intensive Physiotherapy.

I haven't been blogging as often as I should, however I have received many requests to continue blogging my occasional rants or perspectives.

I will do my best to represent all and thank you for reading...

Today is 11 Weeks Post Op.  I can't believe it has been almost 3 months...it's mind numbing!

I ran into a neighbour yesterday who was concerned that he hadn't seen me for months and that my car hasn't moved an inch in my parking spot. I gave him the scoop; many squeamish facial expressions were the response to my story thus far... funny how people react when you tell them you dropped a knife on your foot and severed the tendons that connect your toes and ankle...

Halloween has left the building. Santa is coming to town.

 Another Halloween has gone by, as usual much too quickly. I've watched my usual fair share of all the baddest B and C Horror movies ever made in the last month. Definitely some repeat offenders from my youth.

 Every year the Duke and Duchess of Halloween (my sister and her hubby) host a Halloween bash at their haunted mansion.  This year they took a different approach and tried to replicate the ghoulish ambience in a different venue.  As usual all must come in costume (homemade last minute costumes are frowned upon), thought and effort must be obvious.  I chose Medusa even though everyone had me pegged as doing Frankenstein himself due to my special style of walking. My date was the Joker’s-Psychotic Nurse.

Amid the crowd Little Red Riding Hood kept her Wolf on a leash- or maybe it was the other way around! Ballerinas, Boxers, Trainers, She Devils, Geisha’s, Sailors, Psychopaths, Jack Skellington and Sally etc. made their way through the crowd conversing and admiring the decor. My brother who had dressed in a full baseball player uniform had a huge set of balls tucked in the front of his pants –I say he should have worn them in the back ;)!

There were some comfy couches I could rest myself on, and I would do a walk about once in a while to stretch my rusting calves. I would recant the story of how I severed my EHL Tendon throughout the whole evening as I was a permanent fixture on the couch. Drunken followers would take their seat beside me and cuddle up to hear my preaching and I in turn would hear their confessions. I realized I was wearing the wrong costume. I should’ve come as a priest.

You learn a lot about people when they are drunk. Some things cannot be unseen or unheard.

As the night surely turned into the dawn I departed the party and realized that next year I will wear a mask to hide my identity…and have a few tricks up my sleeve as well.

Boo!

Zipperfoot in costume.

October twenty something…Post EHL Surgery

I’d just like to end the month with a few of the obvious things that I miss since I’ve had my EHL Tendon Surgery..

I’m missing:

v  Being able to go down on my hands and knees….to retrieve things that roll under the bed.

v  Downward facing dog

v  Bull-riding

v  Doing Grande-Jete’s

v  Scrubbing the bathtub

v  Running and Walking

v  High heels (getting tired of my left Converse sneaker)

v  A good morning stretch, it’s tough to stretch out your whole body and have to avoid your right leg and all associated with it.

v  Sleeping all over the bed, not just in the same 2 positions night after night..Rotisserie chicken is what my hubby is calling it.

v  Good posture

v  Driving

v  Eating anything I want and then working it off.

Happy Hallowe’en..

Regards,

Zipperfoot.

Severed EHL Tendon- 10 Week Post Op

The Zipperfoot Gimp Limp. This is how I would describe my style of walk. 10 long weeks, leaps and bounds in terms of physical transition.  I’m hoping that within the next 10 weeks I will be much closer to my goal of walking without the Gimp Limp.

Weeks 1&2: Post surgery cast and immobilization. Pain, pain killers, lethargy and sleepless nights are what make up the first 2 weeks after my surgery.  I have one appointment with the Orthopaedic Specialist post-surgery to change my cast in week 3.

Weeks 3-6:  I’ve transitioned into a full hard cast. I get a brief visual of my foot before the second cast is applied.  I hobbled around a little more during these weeks; however I was still totally dependent on my crutches. I was doing what I call the 5-10 meter marathons. I start twitching my toe slightly, giving me hope that the tendon was reconnected. I start to notice that my toe is starting to droop back down slightly which again is hopeful that I am on the right track. I have my second appointment with my Orthopaedic Specialist since the surgery. He gives the go ahead to transition to cast number 3 (The stabilizer boot) and requests that I proceed with Physiotherapy. The stabilizer boot will most likely be with me for an indefinite amount of time; it’s removable and makes life a bit easier. I start using a cane, which gives me a little more freedom than the crutches.

Weeks 7-10: Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. It is the main focus all day, every day. I visit the Clinic at least 3 times a week. I’ve made huge amounts of progress. I dropped the crutches and the cane.  We work constantly (and painfully) stretching out the EHL Tendon.  I take a one day break once a week to heal the muscle pain in my legs and foot. Inclusive in all this is the electrode, heat and ice therapy.

I plan to return to work partially in the coming weeks, albeit I will be working from home, it will be a gentle integration back into mainstream civilization. Physically I don’t think it will be happening for a long time. I’ve had some candid and “real” conversations with my physiotherapist, I’m still going to be on a heavy physio schedule for November and December. Although we have made progress, the road is still long and winding ahead.

On a side note, a yearly work tradition that I will be missing this December due to my injury, is a Slap Shot competition at the Hockey Hall of Fame that I usually participate in (and win!).  Ron Ellis gave me some sage advice about giving up my title last year.

Those who know me will understand.  ;)

Severed EHL Tendon- 9 Weeks Post Op: Healing the Hallux

Nothing to do with Harry Potter, I assure you.

Now that we have been working the ankle and the calf muscle (by know means being anywhere close to normal flexibility) it’s time to move onto the Toe. Partly psychological, partly physical, the movement of the big toe is a scary thought. I’ve managed to twitch it from time to time but to try and bend it forward- not likely.

As I mentioned previously, Jake (Physiotherapist) will bend my toe gently behind a towel. At first I was unable to stomach the visual. As my toe is being bent forward and backward (gently), I can see the EHL Tendon at the top of my foot stretching to the limits. Let me say that I do have a hard time trying to keep my lunch down. To me it is the creepiest visual. Like some horror movie special effect. I’m waiting for something to pop out. Maybe it’s because I have boney feet- not sure. It’s not pleasurable to look at or feel.

Of course, part of my home routine on a daily basis is to mimic the same toe stretches. I have to flex that toe whether I like it or not! So for the past few days amidst all the other physio chaos at home with calfs, ankles and quads; I have to bend my big toe as often as possible.

My legs feel like they’ve been hit by a truck!

If you’re a runner you may understand. Running until the muscles in your legs are screaming, now run further and further until they are rubbery and your feet begin to clumsily lose grip to the ground below. Muscle fatigue. Now get up and do it again a couple more times today.

  On the up side, it’s a sign that the muscles are working hard to gain control, even for what we take for granted as the simple act of taking a step forward.

Severed EHL Tendon- 8 Weeks Post Op

Here I am 8 weeks later. I thought I would be up and running. Well not really.

I’m in some intensive physiotherapy, really trying to work Zipperfoot and get it moving. The excitement and anticipation of the physiotherapy has worn off, it is now pure gruelling work.

My tri-daily workout consists of Ankle Isometric Exercises and this week’s new edition Knee and Hamstring strengthening. Realistically we are starting from scratch, basically in both legs.

My right leg was totally inactive, while my left leg took the brunt of all the exertion over the last 8 weeks. Unfortunately it still did not receive enough strengthening activities over the last while, so it too has fallen victim to muscle and strength loss.

The Routine:  Range of Motion for Ankle

Dorsiflexion Exercises: this consists of having a pillow rolled between both feet, one foot on top of the other to create some resistance (Injured foot on top position) and squeeze together.  Hold in this position for 10 seconds, and then relax. 10 Repeats. (3 times a day).

This should mimic some downward pressure on the bottom of the injured foot; yes it’s on a comfy pillow- Thank God!

Plantarflexion Exercises: with a rolled pillow against a wall, press ball of foot into pillow. Hold in this position for 10 seconds, and then relax. 10 Repeats. (3 times a day).

Eversion Exercises: with a rolled pillow against a wall, press outer part of foot gently into pillow and hold for 10 seconds, and then relax. 10 Repeats. (3 times a day).

Inversion Exercises: with rolled pillow between feet press inner borders of feet into pillow. Hold in this position for 10 seconds, and then relax.  10 Repeats. (3 times a day).

I also do a hamstring stretch for both legs, with a hold of 10 seconds, for 10 times on each leg. I do this as often as I can during the day.

I’ve been doing this routine for a full week with icing in between the sessions. The foot tends to swell quite a bit if I’ve worked it a bit hard. I’ve got a few degrees of voluntary motion in my right ankle now. I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel; I just wish I could speed up the train a little….

The top of my foot where the scar resides is still extremely sensitive and tingly to the touch. We do heat and electro therapy prior to Jake (the physiotherapist) doing a very aggressive massage on Zipperfoot to get the tissue stimulated. Usually I have purple spots in certain areas of my foot afterwards, likely bruising of the tissue from exertion. He works my dorsiflexed big toe behind a little towel. I can’t look at him bending my toe back and forth (even ever so gently). The sweat that pours out of me is indicative of the “mental” workout I’m getting. He knows how far he can push me, and then pushes a bit farther than that just for good measure.

The good part is that I have transitioned clumsily to a cane, so I have less dependency on my crutches. I still wear the Aircast everywhere. I don’t think that is going anywhere anytime soon!

Coming soon…Vastus Medialis Oblique therapy and the dreaded Wall Squats. Time to rehab those Quads !

Physiotherapy: It's all in The Clinic

I began my first physiotherapy sessions this week. I was really nervous, as I didn’t really know what to expect. Well-- no secrets here; its pain!

I wanted to stay closer to my neighbourhood, so the first clinic I originally booked was a high profile athletic facility with private physio rooms and apparently staff that was extremely educated in their perspective field of Athletic Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Yet when I inquired about how much experience in rehabilitation they had on Severed EHL Tendons, they were not that familiar with it. It is not considered a “sports injury”.  To add insult to injury they had a monstrous flight of stairs to reach their posh star studded facility on the second floor. (Can’t imagine [for example] someone with a torn ACL, navigating that staircase??!!)  I inquired with the cutesy sounding receptionist where the elevator was for us people who were unable to take the flight of stairs. Sorry no elevator. Suggestion: scooch up the stairs on my behind. Everyone else does it.

[Insert expletive!] at this suggestion and I laughed maniacally. She got the drift, and at my request suggested another homelier clinic down the street by the library.

I placed the call with my armour on. Physiotherapy is expensive, so I don’t care what the clinic looks like. The cost will be the same. I need them to work on my foot not their décor. First question I asked; do you have an elevator? Response: who wouldn’t? Pearse you are a star.

What a terrific bunch of guys and gals, and what a great job they do. They are committed to the cause; to get everyone back on track and on with their lives. Professional and motivating.

My consult: we do a quick assessment; and yes (in case anyone is wondering) Severing the EHL Tendon is extremely rare and every Physiotherapist  would love a crack at this type of rehab on a patient. It’s a physiotherapist’s dream child.  They call each other and taunt fellow clinics; guess what we’ve got?! The jewel of physiotherapy cases; a dormant but potentially fully functional foot and a tendon that has been craftily and tightly braided back together and then wrapped with special dissolving sutures all within  the complex nerve and tendon maze of the amazing extremity called the foot.  It’s all memory recall for the nerves, tissues and muscles.

I’ve been assigned a vigorous schedule of physiotherapy 3-4 times a week in the afternoons for about a month, and then we will decrease by 1 session a week and so forth. The short term objective at this time is to at least attain a short range of motion for the ankle through massage with some possible movement in the toes.  We’re simultaneously trying to rebuild the calf muscle with electrotherapy, thus contributing to muscle stimulation. It’s like putting your finger in an electrical socket, but having the shock only affect your leg.  There is a level of intensity the therapist can control based on my tolerance.  As a concentration tool, I have my stress ball in my hand, so I don’t grind down my back molars when pain points are hit. No one said it was going to be easy.

Let the games begin!

Severed EHL Tendon: 6 Week Post-Op



6 weeks have gone by. I’m on my third cast. 3 casts thus far have assisted in inching my way to recovery, with a few small casualties along the way. I will begin my physiotherapy/rehabilitation next week. An aggressive schedule of 3-4 times a week for a full month and then tapering off to once or twice a week for the months that follow. My foot has zero functionality, just painful dead weight. My calf muscle is shrunken and grotesque. My right leg is half the size of my left leg. A visual that my family refuses to register.

My baby toe on my right foot (although fully functional prior) was squished rather forcefully in an awkward position for the 6 weeks that my was foot casted. In most of the photos it may be glimpsed as piggybacked with toe number 4. It will join in the rehabilitation process.

The skin on my foot and surrounding area is so sensitive and delicate. I have some numbness at the top of my foot. My ankle does not rotate yet, (this will come with therapy). The tendon is very taught and now, more than ever I must be vigilant not to exert or damage it.  I feel squeamish every time I look at it.

I’ve put together a 6 week collage of Zipperfoot thus far.

Some may be graphic.

Droopy Toe: Pre Surgery

 

Post Surgery Cast: 2 weeks





  

Dressed for the occasion



 

Quick breather before 2nd cast is put on.



Week 4 (Swollen and squishy toes)



  





Week 5 (swollen toes)



2nd Cast Removal (Week 6)





Zipperfoot




Muscle Density Loss on Right Leg.



Zipperfoot's New Home

Good Intentions

What I have recently discovered during my very short excursions outside my house is that there are people who are always willing to help out in any way they can.

 Earlier this week as I made my way to the main lobby of our condo, I was confronted with a situation; the double door exit.  I have to push open one heavy glass door, which brings me to a small vestibule, only to have to repeat the process with another glass door to actually exit the foyer. I struggled and giggled and sweat my way through the first door, dropping a crutch, then recovering from a cartoonish arm waving loss of balance. I approach the second door and notice someone is approaching from the other side; I was already in the midst of attempting to open the second door. A young lady took it upon herself to offer me assistance by opening the door herself, however she really didn’t think it through. (I already had my hand strategically wrapped on the door handle while delicately balancing crutches and Zipperfoot to avoid mishap.) She quickly pulled open the door from her end, causing me to lose balance and careen into her; generously infringing on the personal space of a perfect stranger. My first reaction was to give her a piece of my mind at her obvious lack of foresight. However I refrained, how was she to know what the outcome would be?  She had good intentions.

On one of my Las Vegas trips a few years back I was caught in a similar situation. I was floating upwards on a mammoth 2 story escalator at one of the hotels on the Strip. Behind me was a cute elderly couple pleasantly chatting. We were literally steps from the top, when the gentleman lost his balance and began to tumble down the escalator. I quickly (taking the remaining steps 2 at a time) jetted to the top and slammed on the emergency stop.  I hurried down; by this point he had tumbled excruciatingly half way down the escalator. It was awful. His arms were skinned and he was moaning with pain. As I proceeded to assist him (with the aid of his wife), he became irate with me. He was verbally attacking me because he was halfway down a stopped escalator with no way to walk up. I was dumbfounded; I thought I was helping him by stopping the escalator; potentially saving him from a more severe injury. He viewed it as a terrible journey he was going to have to make up hill on his own without the mechanical aid of the escalator.  I actually sheepishly climbed the remainder of the escalator upwards away from him and his irate state, and did what I could only do at this point- call security. 

Any lesson I’ve learned from being on both sides of the equation; ask before you offer assistance.  If the person refuses- walk away and don’t feel any type of penitence. Sometimes pride and conscience from either side can get in the way of better judgement.

 Accepting or giving assistance graciously can sometimes be harder than anyone would like to admit.

Hanging Out

I have mentioned before what a wonderful circle of friends I have; and I’ll say it again. I have a wonderful circle of friends.

Last night I was privy to being shuttled to a dear friend’s house for a convergence of the neighbourhood mama’s.  The five of us were comforted by our gracious hostess with wine and a small banquet of delicacies.  Of course I was nervous at being seen so broken and weak, but that quickly wore off as soon as we settled. It was a “put your big girl panties on, and get over it” ambience. I loved it. What’s done is done, learn and move forward.

We conversed and light heartily debated about Vespas, the coastline of France, our responsibility as parents to our children, Ducati motorcycles, the Montessori education system and on and on..

There is nothing more beguiling than taking a page out of real life and dissecting it amongst five vast and educated opinions, throw in some shit talk and it was perfection! As I looked around the room I saw such an array of diversity and accomplishment. Each of these women is confidently grounded and intimately powerful in her own way. A no nonsense crew who is willing to step up to the plate and grasp the task at hand.

Any one of the women can command a battalion at a moment’s notice with hair and wardrobe intact.

Un toast de célébration aux femmes qui peuvent faire une différence.

Bons Amis, bonne vie!

Severed EHL Tendon- 5 Week Post-Op

I have an appointment with my Orthopaedic Specialist next week. I have placed a couple of inquiring calls over the last few days, desperate for information on what is coming up in the next few weeks.

 I am going to transition to another type of cast in the next week or so.  I’m hoping that the Aircast is the next step for Zipperfoot. The last week has been a mixture of small victories and setbacks once again. As part of the process I was attempting small steps with full pressure on my right (casted) foot.  I realize at this time that the setting of the cast may be slightly off by a few degrees; as suspected by the Orthopaedic Technician weeks ago, thus causing the weird clicking and pain in my ankle. Needless to say my foot continuously swells at any and all attempts of downward pressure.

I notice that my big toe has dropped slightly from its original upward dorsiflexed position, which is excellent progress. It means that the EHL Tendon is gently and naturally stretching out as it should. I have to be ever so cautious not to knick it and continue to keep it protected as much as possible.

Now I have an acute understanding why the original recuperation prognosis was to be immobile for 6-8 weeks. The inability for it to heal properly is much greater as pressure on the foot is applied. A good amount of healing time is required post surgery in the surrounding area of the damaged tissue and tendon.  The probability of re-injury would substantially increase with any type of walking motion, since the toes are primarily used to push off when taking a step.

My original sutures are still in and they should have fully dissolved at this point, with possibly just the ends being plucked out upon the removal of the cast. I can feel them tingling once in a while like there are pins and needles in the cast.

Catching Up Rant

I guess this will be one of the blogs in which I rant. No particular subject and no offense. Here it goes…

LFL: So here we are, Toronto with its own team in the LFL. At first I was taken aback (being somewhat a feminist and believe in empowering females), but then it all made sense. It’s all part of the de-masculinization of man. We won’t require Feminism as a club or a group. The guys have handed us empowerment on a silver platter. Oh sure we have to strut around in our skivvies and do a bit of hair whipping, but the circle is almost complete. The faces in the crowd at these events say it all. Jaw dropping wonderlust. Salivating crowds of men gathered to catch a glimpse and maybe touch their heroine athlete...The male bollocks are in the jar on the shelf, now go get me a beer and lets watch Chocolat… Touchdown!!!

Facebook: Love it, Hate it. Please; why do people Facebook other people they don’t even know just for the sake of increasing their friend numbers?? Seriously? Does loneliness have something to do with it? They can’t really be friends with all those people… makes one heck of a Christmas card list.

Zipperfoot: My toes look waxy and my foot is swollen and sore. My ankle is clicking inside my cast. I need to order my Air Cast soon.  I want to paint my toe nails. I’ve got cabin fever.

Maid Service:  I had hired a cleaning lady to help around the house; a one-time clean type of deal. Site says; professional and thorough services. I got (what looked like) an ex meth addict who spent some time talking to me about her hamster. Cleaned my whole condo with a container of Lysol disinfecting wipes. There are streaks everywhere. Birds got to fly, fish got to swim and woman’s got to eat; I guess.

Why I keep moving forward: My son came up to me, kissed me and said that I was beautiful.

WTFC

Today my fall soccer season resumes at Lamport Stadium. I (obviously) will not be playing. My cleats and uniform cleaned and neatly put away until…maybe next year? My team had inquired if I was able to sit and cheer from the sidelines on their first game. Maybe do some sideline coaching as opposed to me screaming orders from the field as they’re accustomed to. Our team is co-ed and on the field as far as we’re concerned, gender plays no part. (Remember I had my jaw dislocated early this summer by an opponent; let’s call him Rooney!) 

 Amongst our team there’s a bit of screaming and flippant attitude, however our differences would always be settled with a pint (or two) after the game!!  We’re a mixture of ex-soccer players, potpourri jocks and newbies.

 I was totally excited at the prospect of attending the game until I realized that the theatrics of getting on to the field would most likely take away from the joy of actually being there.(Also I’m a bit shy in regards to my condition; they’re used to seeing a serious soccer chick, not a mousy and whiny woman).  I respect their joy; I don’t want them to feel bad for me.

I’ll wait a couple of more weeks and then do my cheering and hollering on the sidelines appropriately, by standing on my two feet!

Fingers Crossed.

Girl Power

It was girls night IN last night! A gaggle of my true blue gals came by with Ale and Spirits. BFF’s after my own heart!  I’ve been alcohol free for weeks and weeks now; quite the detoxification for me. I’ve definitely downgraded to lightweight, which is ok for now, just keep the Gewurztraminer flowing, I’ll catch up..

So good when it hits the lips….              

Today, my other true blue Gal came by with Java, Sweets and a swag bag from TIFF. Spoiled!

Total Respect….

Problem Solved: Severed EHL Tendon- 4 Weeks Post-Op

I haven’t been in the greatest of moods lately-involuntarily of course!  No matter how much I attempt at willfully being positive and upbeat, I feel down in the dumps. I’m tired of being holed up inside. I’ve made small attempts at viewing the world from the other side of my front door; they have been frugal at best. My posting should be called “Confessions of a Venting Weakling”. It takes quite a bit of upper body strength to hobble around with the crutches and I complain constantly. So as I venture into slightly longer distances, the pain in my upper and lower back increases. I noticed a weird muscle pull in my left shoulder today. I’m not out to really perfect the art of walking with crutches anyway, so I will ignore.

The Zipperfoot sits propped up patiently as usual. The pain is tolerable, and seems to just escalate slightly in the evening. I've been doing a few small daily/weekly routines to keep the blood pumping.

1.       Toe Flexes: Little sprigs of movement downward.

2.       Excursion: I walk to my mailbox and back- twice in the last week so far. Leg up, very slight pressure on my foot. (with crutches of course!)

3.        Leg lifts: This helps with the movement of my hip flexors, which are desperately screaming for some relief.

4.       Walkabout with Crutches: (not to be confused with Excursion), walking with slight pressure on the casted foot for short distances; say 4-5 meters and back. Olympic style endurance required. It’s an amazing workout!

5.       The nightly scratching down the side of my cast with a wooden skewer.  Heaven. My stick is taken away from me when I start having too much fun or become slightly aggressive.

The small battles I’m still dealing with on a daily basis are the slowness in which I complete my tasks. The simple actions of bathing and breakfast should take no longer than 30 minutes tops. I’m booking it at 90 minutes. So really by the time I’ve finished bathing, dressing and having breakfast, it’s time for elevenses.

 I still have to 2 crutch it everywhere, so I have a small saddle bag which I use to transport a book, my glasses and my cell phone which are with me constantly. Anything heavier than that and I teeter favourably to the wrong side, whichever side that may be.  I’ve instructed my family to disregard the flailing being they may be noticing in the corner of their eye. Call 911 if unconscious.

It’s sort of funny/insane; however I’ve had to reschedule friends’ visits because I’ve said I don’t have time.  I guess the truth is I have a routine, as bizarre as it seems. There is some weird structure that I’ve adapted to, not sure what it consists of but it fills my time.

 I do somewhat sense that mainstream mentality of schedules and time sharing has crept back in, anonymously without me even knowing it was there.  I thought I was supposed to be cured of this.

The Dancing Queens

I’ve already warned everyone around me, (which my girlfriends are greatly anticipating) that when this thing passes and my leg is back to its tip top form, I’m definitely going dancing. I dare anyone to tell me otherwise. I have done my fair share this year thus far and had a lot more nights out planned, prior to my accident.  So I will sit and wait patiently, silently plodding all the places I will hit once I’m back. In this family we love to dance.

Somewhere in my parents’ 70’s paraphernalia storage there is 16mm footage of me doing the robot and many other dance skits. My parents would have elaborate disco dance parties in their basement in the 70’s. (Much like everyone else?) I discovered they were weekend basement disco ravers. The adults were busting it to the Slush, the Hustle, the Robot and couples/group disco dancing; Dance Fever style. Most of us kids were (supposedly) nestled in bed with our pj’s on, listening to the music blaring from the basement. There was no way I was going to lay in bed and let them have all the fun. I would sneak down the steps, one by one until I blended into the brown panelling walls at the bottom of the stairs. I danced, slushed, and hustled with the best of them. At the tender age of 7, I was a disco dancing prodigy.

At any opportunity through my adolescence and adulthood I was dancing at clubs, sometimes 5 to 6 nights a week. On stage or off stage I would sweat it out from the moment I walked in until the music shut down.  In the 80’s it was dancing to all things Mod, from Depeche Mode to The Cult to mosh pit slam dancing. In the 90’s it was pure Grunge and the amazing House with its deep techno beats and all night raves.  With clubs like the Boom Boom Room, The Night Gallery and Catch22 I never skipped a beat.

Fast forward to the here and now, I am Phylishia Rashad to my younger sister’s Debbie Allen. Or better yet she’s Spink and I’m Forcible. My sister is a choreographer and owns her own dance school.  I’m more a pony version of Riverdance to her Fosse Fosse Fosse. She is a trained dancer, I am her trainee; constantly. We’ve spent many times hysterically laughing at the dance studio until we couldn’t laugh anymore; stitches at our sides at her attempts to choreograph a fluid number for me. We end up imitating hoochie dancers at nightclubs, falling over again with laughter.

Fondly I do remember though, years ago as I’d be getting ready for a night out; in my room with Nine Inch Nails blasting on my ‘ghetto blaster’(gay!)  and us screaming into hair brushes (our faux microphones), my sister the observer/protégé taking it all in. She would dance alongside me. We are the Dancing Queens.

So sweet sister, will you teach me how to dance again?

Severed EHL Tendon- 3 Weeks Post-Op

For the most part I’ve been off the pain killers. I’ve resorted to Tylenol Extra Strength for now. I do have a sneaking suspicion that I will be going back to the medications once my second cast is removed and the rehabilitation begins. I'm also FINALLY finished my anti-botic pills which were the size of almonds (4X a day)! If my foot didn't kill me, one of those pills surely would...

I’ve been doing small bursts of exercise on a daily basis. I’ve been gently putting my casted foot down on the floor as I take baby steps (with crutches support). I’m careful as I apply pressure on my foot in my attempt to gauge how much is acceptable, also making sure my toes do not brush against the floor.  Unfortunately an accidental loss of balance and recovery reminds me not to be so bold in my endeavours, resulting in the usual splintering pain shooting up from my big toe to just under my knee cap.

Daily I’ve tried to gently flex my big toe forward; my brain is sending the signals ever so cautiously as I wait for a response. I manage a small squeak of movement; my reward is pain. I imagine this is a good thing. There is contact.

The upside to actually getting up and moving around is; mobility. Sweet mobility. Even for a few moments.  A 5 metre walk is like a marathon, with me triumphant and sweaty at the finish line.

The downside is that this mini marathon causes swelling in my toes and pain from within the cast. For every bit of walking I do I must elevate my foot to stop the throbbing and the swelling.

My husband, being all intuitive to my every whim had booked my masseuse to do a house call for me today. It was a lovely surprise and extremely appreciated. I was nervous and apprehensive at first however within minutes Lorna was working her magic. Engaging in Spiritual conversation, massage and filling with me a feeling of serenity and acceptance. I was revived once again to the power of Yoga and the Mind and how simple breathing can assist in recovery of mind, body and spirit. I feel good and somewhat awakened on this cloudy Thursday.

Focus and Come Back.