Perspective

When I first injured my foot back in July, I scoured the internet looking for similar experiences so that I can self-diagnose and get a sense of what I was dealing with. I managed to figure out based on my symptoms and lack of movement in my big toe that I had severed the EHL Tendon on my right foot.

Medically there wasn’t much out there with the exception of Wikipedia’s definition. I did find a stupendous personal account from a woman who documented her experience in a medical journal. My intent was not to document the medical process of what I was going through, rather the physiological and psychological aspects of this event on my life. I wanted to share these experiences with some of my close friends, family, colleagues and whoever happens to come across my journal. It would also help me keep my sanity as I sit here day after day confined at home.

Some of the conversations I had previous to my surgery were in relation to how lucky I was going to be to stay home and chill, watch television, movies etc. These were never really my sentiments; I rarely watch television and I’m not the stay home type. I prefer to be out and about-yes even at work. I enjoy my work and the environment I work in. I miss my time and association with my colleagues.  I am lucky that I have a wonderful support unit at home; otherwise this journey would have been much more cruel and depressing than it already is.

I will continue to give the grim and glamorous details on my foot and all the emotions involved with it. I by no means take pleasure in displaying my feet on the internet. I don’t really want to end up on any freaky foot fetish websites. LOL! However for all intensive purposes the photographs will be displayed from time to time. I will include some of the interactions I’ve had with people and how I’m affected by them and all that is around me.

I want to say Thank you to those who have been reading and I hope you’re getting a feel for my humour, as dry as it may be…

Perspective, it’s all about perspective.

The Spectacle: Severed EHL Tendon- 2 week Post-Op

There was a bit of anticipation leading up to this day, partly because I was going to the hospital to see Dr. S and have him remove the cast to see what lay underneath and partly because this was the first time I was leaving my home in about 2 weeks. We arrived at the hospital at 9:15 for my appointment, dealt with the usual hospital administrivia and then was immediately called into another waiting room within the fracture clinic. I waited for about an hour and was starting to get a bit antsy when Dr. S popped in, we exchanged pleasantries and he called in the fracture guru Domenic (Orthopaedic Technologist) to remove the cast.

…And so this is when the spectacle began (did I mention that regrettably I had refrained from taking any pain medication prior to my hospital venture this morning?). Domenic who is a stone cold veteran at casting and removal popped out his trusty scissors from his back pocket and started snipping away at the soft part of my cast. Image 1.

 I was squirming and begging him to please be careful as the top side of my foot is stitched up (I mention I had a severed EHL tendon repair) and is extremely tender to the touch.  As the soft cast began to loosen there was a sudden surge of pain in my foot.  The protection and stability of the cast were no longer there. My foot was bruised and red-it looked hideous...Zipper foot, Freakfoot you name it. I couldn't move it. Dr S paid me a visit again once the cast had been removed. He had me put the tiniest bit of pressure with his thumb against my big toe. The tears were flowing by now. The only positive thing at this very moment was my ability to gain a visual of my scar; I was pleased that it was much smaller than originally anticipated. Dr. S had successfully found my original tendon and was able to braid it together. Albeit my toe is still severely dorsiflexed forward; with time and plenty of rehabilitation it will stretch out naturally and even out with the rest of its mates. Image 2.

The new cast would have to be a full "hard" cast, which meant they had to set my foot at a 90 degree angle. My foot was stiff and extremely sore, so with the help of Domenic and my hubby, they both took turns at flexing my foot upwards.

Now let me preface this by saying I have 2 glorious children, each of which put me through an average of 32 hours of labour without a peep from me. I will now chalk this up to being a labour of love. By the usual standards I have a very high tolerance for pain.

However, I am embarrassed to say that my behavior today during this ordeal shocked even me. No matter how much I tried to think of the Greater Good, Peace on Earth etc, or even the old Nut Up or Shut Up I could not help but scream out all the profanities that were in my repertoire. I apologized after each filthy cluster to those around me and to those listening in the halls. It was murder. It was still imperative that my foot is cast at 90 degrees-- no exceptions!

After much pain and sweat by all parties, he finally expertly casts it in the colour of my choice; black of course. He kindly gives me his card and says that if I find it too uncomfortable after a few days I should return and he will recast. This saddens me as it makes me think he was unable to really do it right the first time because of drama that just unfolded. He reassures me that he has witnessed much worse, and that the level of pain associated in the feet is almost unmatched by any other.
I'm at a full 10 out of 10 for pain now and my foot is screaming for my Oxycodone. The outing which I was really looking forward to was trumped by a whole new "style" of pain as I turned another corner on this journey.

 It's time to go home and submit my mind, body and soul down the rabbit hole once again.... Which retrospectively is when I write this….

Broken Record

Tomorrow is a big day- I finally get to discuss with Dr. S what his opinions were on the surgery and what potentially is the rate of success at this point. He will remove my sutures and recast my foot once again, likely for another 6-8 weeks.

In the meantime I’ve been reducing the dosages of my medication (Oxycodone) for the past few days. I can safely say that I am by no means an addict by the true definition; however I have identified the sneaky wayward style that this medication can creep into your life and your mind. I can spend days sleeping feeling extreme lethargy to the point that I won’t even eat. I will then bounce back and have a tremendous appetite with a rejuvenated spirit.

 I’ve also been feeling dazed, forgetful and have had a few sleepless nights. Every time I close my eyes; my body experiences a jerking feeling or weird tremors especially in my affected leg. I have really bad headaches and feelings of nausea. My body aches constantly, although I haven’t figured out if this is  due to the effects of the medication or because I’m sitting on my butt all the time! Lather, rinse, repeat.

I find myself a bit irritable and short tempered (haha more than usual!)  I will discuss these issues with the Specialist tomorrow.

One slip and it's over...

To no surprise I had a sore restless night. I wanted to do something for myself today.

 My hubby has been assisting me in the last week or so with my bathing missions. They are exactly that- missions. All fantasy and frolic aside, it tends to be an arduous task with plenty of accelerated tempers and lots and lots of splashing. Prior to any water activity the cast must be wrapped and sealed in a bag.  It doesn’t help that we have a full (and deep) soaker tub in our master ensuite with one of those shower heads attached to a hose which is too high for me to reach. Imagine climbing Mount Everest with a cast on and no underpants. Being the Queen of impulse and independence I decide this morning that I want to bathe by myself.

I brainstormed with all good intent the supplies required and set the stage. Roll a towel on the ledge of the tub; this will be used to rest my casted leg onto. Prep all my bathing accoutrements; bubbles, salts, scrubs etc. I sit on the ledge and swing my good leg into the tub, I gently lower myself down, while my casted leg is propped on the ledge. I’m in. With my good foot I turn the tap on and set the temperature, I literally have one shot at this. It’s a bit lukewarm but tolerable .With my toe I gently inch the tap’s water temperature a little bit higher. Got it.

I didn’t take into accountant how slippery the tub would become once I started adding all the bath water additives. With some careful navigating and patience I was able to stabilize my body from slithering around. Hubby came in to check on the situation- make sure I wasn’t drowning. He really wanted to film this mocumentary. I cannot comment on the dialogue that transpired back and forth at this time. Moving on...

I soaked and soaked some more. This is one of my favorite past times and I didn’t want to give it up just yet. It took such a tremendous effort to get to this point, I wanted to savour every second. However all good things must come to an end. I pull the drain in the tub and wait for all the water to drain out. There was no point in attempting an exit while there was water in the tub. Futile.

 I calculated the trajectory of hoisting myself up on to the ledge in one swoop with my arms. {I must mention that I refrained from taking my Oxycodone this morning in order to perform these tasks}. Prior to this I dry my hands thoroughly and the area where I will be placing my hands. One wrong move in this plan could prove to be very costly. Imagine a male gymnast performing on a pommel horse-same idea. The arms are doing all the work. One, two, three.. Success--this time. I mentally give myself a small pat on the back. I celebrate my success by applying some mascara to my eyelashes!

 I feel good, small and insignificant but good.

Daydream in Blue

Daydream in Blue
http://youtu.be/_HsLv4VQvUI

Love does not consist of gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction. (A. Melious)

I woke up to the sound of French Music coming from my living room.  My hubby peaks his head into the bedroom and says he’s got a surprise for me. I lazily drag my butt to the commode, brush my teeth, pull my hair back into a fresh ponytail and pray there isn’t an audience waiting for me in my living room. In my pj’s I open the bedroom door into a mini French Oasis for breakfast. It is our wedding anniversary today.

My eyes are nearly popping out of my head to the savoury greetings on the coffee table. I assume my usual position on my sofa and plant long and sweet kisses all over my hubby’s face in gratitude. He wanted to recreate a small scene that was ours years ago in the streets of Paris. He hit the jackpot! It transported me to that time and place and the beauty that is us; best friends and partners in adventure.

I met him when I was a junior in high school, he was a senior; Mr. Popular, I was Ms. Nerd. We lost touch after high school.  We met up again at a watering hole on Bloor and Bathurst years later. My friends noticed the tall handsome and chiseled gentleman across the bar with a young lady. That hottie gentleman was Anthony. I was in combat boots, a homemade skirt and had raccoon eyes. I was head deep in Grand Marnier on the rocks and cigarettes. I called out his name regardless; he came over and after a few quick transpositions of “how are you’s” and “Oh my God’s”, we exchanged phone numbers. 2 weeks later we both broke up with our SO’s and the rest is history…

We are definitely the classic case of opposites attract…So here we are 20 years later celebrating our 16^th anniversary. New age math. He is always there to pick me up when I’ve fallen down. If I fall off my pedestal, he will hoist me up even higher than before.  Unconditional Love. He is a wonderful father and an amazing husband. I’m grateful that he never gives up on me.

The road is sometimes rocky in marriage and relationships, but the journey is always the most important part of the adventure.

Happy Anniversary.

Severed EHL Tendon-1 week Post-Op

I’ve been trying to wean myself off the OxyCodone’s. The list of side effects is mounting and I’m really not feeling that great. Headaches,dizziness, dry throat, my voice is sometimes hoarse and the weirdest bouts of the hiccups aligned with the lethargy and fatigue; I feel like I’m being drained. My moods are becoming a bit more agitated, and I feel like a volcano that needs to erupt.  I took another tumble today, most likely because of the constant imbalance I feel when I stand up (albeit on one leg). My left leg is taking the brunt of my weight and exertion.  I’m a disaster on crutches.

I was a bit curious on the success of my surgery; I attempted today to wiggle my big toe on my right foot. (Flashback to Kill Bill, Volume 1-The Bride: ”Wiggle your big toe”. My own meek and painful attempt at trying to be funny.)  I managed to wiggle it a smidge forward, however of course the pain was pulsing through my foot like a house on fire. No pain-no gain? Not in this case.

The itchiness within the cast is sometimes intolerable. I’ve been tempted to slide a chopstick down the cast and just giving myself a good scratch. I’ve decided against that; most likely because I don’t really know how high up the stitches go and I shudder to think the impact if I rip them open.  I just fantasize that I am giving my foot a good scratch and that seems to help. I put that aside to my list of “…Adding to my agitation”.

This endeavour is being handled one day at a time and I want to keep up my positive thinking. I have 7 more weeks with a no weight bearing cast on, then months to rehabilitate and learn how to walk again. 


Focus and Come Back

Movie and Book Review

I’ve decided to acquiesce one of my followers, who wants to know what I’m reading and watching, so here it goes:
There may be spoilers in the content..LOL!!!

Rio (x7): Yes that 7 times I have watched this flick. It’s an animated film about a Blue Macaw who is raised in Minnesota in a white suburban lifestyle as Tyler Blu Gunderson.  He is set in his ways and is not willing to change his lifestyle for anyone; he is socially awkward.  He can’t fly, never needed to learn in his comfy confines of a bookstore in Minnesota. He is the last living blue Macaw and must mate with a fiery and spirited bird named Jewel (also a Blue Macaw) in Rio de Janeiro. Throughout the film they are chained together by would be poachers who plan to sell them.  His inability to fly hampers most of their attempted escapes. They make bird friends along the way who aspire to assist them in their escapes; meanwhile these friends try to make Blu understand that Jewel is the “one” for him. In the big finale her wing is broken and she is unable to fly out of a pilotless plane that is about to crash. Blu finally understands that his life would have no meaning without her and he must get over his inhibitions quickly in order to save her life. He flexes his wings and takes a huge leap; of faith and rescues her. Classic tale of- guy should know a good thing when he has it.

District 9: I’m a sucker for Sci-fi.  Aliens land on earth; specifically Johannesburg, South Africa, they become stranded because their mother ship needs repair. They live on earth for about 20 years and of course multiply. They are segregated by the humans in their own alien slum community. The main human character Wikus becomes infected by one of their concentrated liquid enzymes and begins to transform into one of the aliens. He eventually turns into a full form alien which humans call “prawns”.  Poor Wikus.

Moon:  A psychological trip for the protagonist Sam. He works on a space station on the moon which harvests Helium-3. The Helium-3 is sent back to earth as an energy source.  Sam is led to believe that he has a 3 year tenor with the company Lunar Industries and that once his contract expires he will go back to earth. In truth there are hundreds of (Sam) clones buried within the space station in stasis. Once the 3 year contract is up, each Sam clone has a psychological meltdown and begins to die. In this case a new Sam is awakened prematurely.  Both Sams discover Lunar Industries clone plot and that they will never really return to earth. Gerty the artificial intelligence assistant aids in one of the Sam’s escape back to earth to expose this conspiracy.

Jackie Brown: starring Pam Grier, need I say more. Hot mama outsmarts a two bit gun dealer who is smuggling cash in from his shady dealings in Mexico. She gets the last laugh in the end- and the money.

Stephen King’s, Full Dark, No Stars: 1922, The Driver, Fair Extension & A Good Marriage.
 This is a short story collection with the usual Stephen King signature; people whose ego makes them do futile things. They pay for their misjudgements in the end.

The Walking Dead graphic novels.
Volume 1-Days Gone By: We are introduced to Rick the main character that has awoken from a coma only to realize life as he knew has ceased to exist. His family has disappeared and the world has been infected by Zombie like beings.  He begins his quest to find his family and meets survivors along the way.

Volume 2-Miles Behind Us: Rick is reunited with his family, they have gathered in a small RV with some other survivors. Rick takes on the leadership role within the group and we start to witness the perils the group must endure for survival. They occasionally lose members of their group to the Zombies. However as they roam they discover there are other survivors.  There is a constant struggle for leadership and a dismal testament that people will not always band together but selfishly risk the lives of others for their own gain.

Karma can be a 5 letter word

Karma teaches responsibility for unskillful actions born to the person who commits them.

One of my last night’s out recently was to attend a small gathering with a few close friends and meet new be friends. We were at the Thomson Hotels’ rooftop Lounge.  As the dusk turned to night the Toronto Panorama became alive.  I love my city, I could stand on that rooftop all night if required taking it all in. I never want to miss a thing.

I had a lot of engaging conversations with some spectacular people, however as I recanted with a particular individual what my upcoming week had planned she was quite empathetic.  I had discerned what a rotten year I’ve had ‘physically’. Starting off in April with a severely bruised ankle after my first Spring season soccer game, to dislocating my jaw in the last game in June. I couple that with my inability to go running because of all these issues and of course the surgery scheduled to repair my severed EHL.
She stated that certainly my Karma repayment should be complete after this. I let this thought linger in my mind. I chalked it up to bad luck, aging bones etc. Although I’m not an evil person, I know Karma has a way of sneaking up on you and reminding you to repay the offense.

I was always trying to cheat time. Squeeze every second out of every day. I wasn’t really enjoying all that was around me. I was just doing it. Commuting, working, lunching, dining, attending activities with my children, attending sporting events, participating in events. It was a sonic overload of my time. I wasn’t really enjoying anything, however I was doing everything.  

So really, me sitting here static, sans movement is Karma saying give back some time.  Time to heal, time to enjoy life; and feel the breath within the soul. Close my eyes and absorb tranquility. I know I’m not missing much out there anyway. What I require is all in here…

Finding the Right Mantra

My sister in law suggested I find a Mantra (an instrument of the mind) to get me through the next few weeks. Something I can chant or repeat that will help deal with pain, stress, the psychological aspects of going from a purely active lifestyle to sitting propped up on the sofa in a semi-dazed state.  So I did some research and did “The Dosha Quiz”. Enter the multi-million dollar world of make yourself feel good revolution by Deepak Chopra et al.
It’s a short quiz designed to identify which of the 3 doshas is your dominant. A dosha is one of the 3 categories of the mind/body humors. They are:
Vata- controller of the nervous system, Vata dosha usually have a thin, light frame and excellent agility. Their energy comes in bursts, and they are likely to experience sudden bouts of fatigue.

Pitta- these people are ruled by their tempers, heat is the main instigator. They tend to have a fiery nature that manifests in both body and mind.

Kapha-are physically strong, large and lackadaisical. Kapha types have a strong build and excellent stamina. Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin.

 Once your dosha is identified you may find the mantra that will fit your purpose.

I’m a Vata/Pitta cross. Oh dear. So basically I have a fiery temper that will flare up but taper off because I run out of energy anyway….that’s exactly how I’m feeling.

So about that Mantra… Shreem Rham, Scream, Shreem Rham, Scream, Shreem Rham, Scream... I think I could get the hang of this.

Keeping it together: Part 2

Cereal, this is what I’ve been craving. 70’s style cereal.  Froot Loops, Frankenberry, Count Chocula, HoneyComb, Cocoa Puffs, Corn Pops, Lucky Charms, Frosted Flakes, Alphabits etc. The cereals I grew up on.  Bring on the full sugar coma. They're still sold in the small individual boxes at the supermarket. I want to eat bowls full of these cereals. I know it will make me feel so much better. I will be able to bound and rebound, no weight bearing necessary on my cast. Promise.
I’ve been greeted in the mornings with beautiful and hearty breakfasts built to feed the body and entice the spirit. I fiddle with these offerings because I am truly grateful, however there is no appetite hidden away in this body. I will take sustenance based on principal, because I have to.
I am finally finding sleep at any given time; painful and restless, but sleep none the less.

Keeping it together

72 hours post-surgery. I have to fight the overwhelming feeling of panic-- panic that I will and have to be immobile and in pain for a long time.  My back is already aching from being in a static position.  I try and shift slightly; a little bit to the left and then a little bit to the right. I try and prop myself up with more pillows; not really helping at all. I catch myself dozing off and experiencing “hypnagogic jerks”. As a result the damaged tendon in my leg flinches and causes extreme pain that shoots up from my big toe to my inner knee.  No rest, even in sleep.

By nature I’m very active, I haven’t truly grasped the prospect of being locked up at home for 2 months. The type of surgery I had is rare but not entirely uncommon. Serena Williams had a similar accident last   summer (2010). The range of complications she experienced through her whole ordeal is not enviable in the least. She is presently playing tennis and looking fantastic, albeit she’s had many hiccups along the way; one of which was life threatening due to blood clots in her lungs. I must admit I am a bit concerned about the potential of blood clots forming due to inactivity. However it is good to know there is information about warning signs out there that I can refer to and discuss with my Doctor and my family.

I want to keep a positive post-surgery mindset.

I’ve received so many notes and calls from friends, family and well-wishers. My hubby is keeping the home base together and doing a great job.  I’m very appreciative and I’m fortunate that I am surrounded by so many good people who are willing to assist me through my recovery.  It’s the little things that count.  Thank You.

Oxycodone and all its glory?

Opioids –they have been long known for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.  I came home with Oxycodone, OxyContin’s mom. The pain reduction/absorption  rate in Oxycodone is 10-15 minutes by oral intake compared to one hour release rate of OxyContin.  The Oxycodone “hit” is instant.  Nurse Lori had stated this is one of the most painful Orthopedic procedures (EHL Severed Tendon Repair), and pain relief is of the utmost importance until pain becomes manageable. I document each dose I take into my Blackberry Calendar; I list the time and severity of pain. I want to keep track. Last night I took a double dose and was able to drift off for 4 hours to sleep. The most sleep I’ve gotten so far.

 I’m not much of a pill popper or narcotics user of any kind-Ever! I feel loopy and drowsy, but it no way shape or form do I feel like I’m floating down the river of tranquility without a care in the world.  My pain is chronic and the OxyCodone just manages to relieve the pain briefly.  4 hours later the pain is back with severe vengeance, forcing me to take another dose.

 In the meantime I’m also taking anti-biotics to fight infection. My foot is swelling inside my cast and making it extremely uncomfortable. I opted for a bag of frozen peas earlier to chill it a bit. The cast is huge and cumbersome.  I’m trying to avoid purple swollen toes, and tightness around the ankle within the cast which are all danger signs.

 Learning how to walk around with crutches is also proving to be a commandeering event.  To keep my foot constantly elevated and to ensure my dorsiflexed big toe does not brush against the ground; any attempt I make on crutches must have my whole right leg leaning straight forward.  A straight leg march if you will. The weight of the cast makes trolling around like this practically unbearable. The whole point is not to walk-at all.

I took a tumble yesterday; I lost balance through my lethargy. My brain is thinking I can do it; my body is laughing and saying otherwise. I bruised three toes on my left foot as I took the impact on my left side to protect my right foot. I’m definitely grounded to the sofa now. I have an arsenal of snacks, water and drugs to assist me. My foot is propped up on two pillows as high as I can elevate it. I’m tired.

EHL Tendon Surgery and Dressings.

August 18, 2011

Yesterday I arrived at the hospital at 10:30am and was immediately processed through Pre-Op. Nurse Beth you're amazing. Thank you! Dr. S stopped by to give me a hearty prep talk which I appreciated since I was feeling really anxious and just preferred to get it over with. (Truthfully I was terrified though and I wanted to disappear). He recapped briefly the procedure and where he would be making the incisions to repair my EHL tendon.  8 miserable inches.
Eric and Russell the Anesthesiologists came by and explained the procedure of how I would "go under". I would be fully anesthetized and would require breathing tubes in my throat to pump oxygen into my lungs. In other words I would be unable to breathe for myself.
A kiss and a goodbye from hubby and I was on my way. I walked with them down the concrete and stainless steel halls to my OR room where a small team of nurses and Dr. S were waiting. I was a bit overwhelmed as I stared into this cold sterile environment. I took a deep breath as they assisted me onto the table.
I assume the Jesus Christ pose as the team proceed to plug me into all the tubes, monitors and wires necessary. They are idly chatting with me in the background as they place the Oxygen mask over my face. I feel the cold fluid entering my veins through the intravenous. Noel (one of the nurses) is squeezing my hand for support and wiped away the tears streaming down my face. He reminded me I was in good hands. I went to sleep.

I awaken to the sound of my own weeping in the Post-Operative Care Unit (POCU). Russell the Anesthesiologist is right alongside me and holds my hand for support, a quick flick into my intravenous bag and the pain begins to subside. Nurse Christine is asking me on a scale of 1 to 10 how much pain am I in; a full robust 10. A couple of Percocet’s and within a few minutes we’ve knocked it back to 6 and I start to doze off once again. I take a quick look at my foot; it is heavily wrapped in a cast and soft gauze. I see my toes peeking out; my big toe is dorsiflexed forward. I don’t know at this point the success or failure of the procedure. I most likely won’t find out until my 2 week Post-Op appointment with Dr. S.

Russell bids his goodbye and good luck. Nurse Christine takes over. She sits beside me taking notes and softly chatting with me.  She wipes away my tears.

I’m then wheeled to Day Surgery Outpatient Recovery Area; I see my hubby in the distance as I approach on my glamorous gurney.  I must have looked like I was knocking on deaths door. He looked so sad. I asked him to crack some jokes about my appearance and take some pictures so I can have a good laugh later.

They find me a neat corner of the recovery room. Nurse Pinky is having a bad day- she flicks my foot to see if I can feel my toes and I nearly jump right off the bed.  More pain relief is required-Oxycodone is the new choice, this is the one that’s going home with me. Nurse Lori, the Pain Relief Nurse is the best! She knows her stuff and gives me the speech on Oxycodone. Basically she says take every last one; don’t let the pain take over. They boost me with some quick fix pain relief intravenously once again alongside the pills. I have been out of OR now for about 3 hours. I want to go home.

I lay awake most of the night, drifting in and out of painful sleep. Pain, Pain and more Pain. My foot is fully elevated on pillows but throbbing incredulously. I gently doze off sitting up on my sofa, then I attempt going to bed, either way it’s restless and painful. I feel like scratching the walls.

Focus and come back.

Let's do this..EHL Surgery Repair Day

August 17, 2011:

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day of surgery. I’m starving.  My surgery is scheduled for 12:30pm today. Of course I’m super anxious.  The procedure itself should take about 2 hours.  General anesthesia please.

The Extensor Hallucis Longus muscle/tendon extends to the big toe and assists in dorsiflexion of the foot at the ankle.  Try putting on a shoe without being able to wiggle your big toe.

Scenario 1: Fuse the EHL with EDL to ensure dorsiflexion of the toes is adequate. My toes won’t wiggle separately, however I will have movement in my big toe.
Scenario 2: Search for the ends of the severed tendons up towards the fibula and braid them back together for full EHL recovery (this option is pie in the sky).
[Severed tendons are like guitar strings, they shred and curl back as they stretch]
Scenario 3: Utilize cadaver tendon to fuse severed ends together.

The main focus for the next few weeks is pain relief. I will be casted with no weight bearing on my right foot for 8-10 weeks.

Focus and come back.

T minus One Day to Surgery

August 16, 2011: Almost 4 weeks to the day after severing my EHL (Extensor hallucis longus) Tendon on my right foot, it is finally getting repaired. Ok maybe not repaired the chances of it ever being fully functioning and flexible is very slim. It will be internally analysed through a major surgical procedure. Yes that’s it.

July 16, 2011: Making sandwiches can be dangerous.  I like to pack a picnic lunch before taking off to the beach with the family.  I had my children gathered around the kitchen island at the cottage, whilst they were chatting away about all things snorkelling, I was prepping the area to make the focaccia and grilled portabella mushroom sandwiches for our beach fare. Enter Henkels International Fine Edge Pro 8 inch Stainless Steel Bread Knife. The knife was quietly on the counter with a sliver of the handle over the edge, I nicked the knife with my elbow. It fell onto the floor; reflex had me pull my foot back. I avoided the knife handle; the blade however was merciless as it guillotined the top side of my right foot.

Blood was spraying out from my foot; I screamed at my children to stay back and not look. I reached quickly for the paper towel roll and applied pressure. There was an intense pain (it felt like my leg was on fire). The pain began to resonate from my big toe to my ankle area. I was sure I had severed a vein, my thought was this is going to be bad. I lifted the paper towel to take a peek and saw a blue gaping slit; the train whistle was blowing in the distance. I knew what was about to happen as the world began to spin. I tried to prevent it; however I knew I was leaving the land of consciousness…

Running through the wheat fields with a beautifully new painted barn in the foreground, my fingertips gently tickling the tops of the wheat buds.  Running, running, running not away from something – to something.. the great big barn all freshly painted… back to reality..

My hubby was telling me to “focus” and “come back”, the whistle blowing was out in the distance once again, but it had passed. I was overwhelmed with nausea.  I saw the damage all around and I was reeling with pain all through the lower half of my leg.  He carried me to the couch and wrapped my foot in gauze.  Surprisingly the bleeding had fully stopped, however I could not move my big toe without sheering and splintering pain. Against my husband’s wishes I forgo a trip to the emergency.  I was still in the land of the living. My foot was expertly wrapped and as long as my toe was secure the pain was not as severe. I was also putting on my game face or my children.

Fast forward through all our Canadian medical red tape-I had an urgent appointment with a Specialist in Orthopedics at one of the UHN affiliate hospitals.  A quick poke around my foot and it was pretty obvious the droopy big toe had a grim prognosis.  An MRI would identify exactly where the damage was.  The results were more than dismal.  The incision would be from the middle of my big toe up to 4 inches above my ankle. It will be quite the scar. Within the 4 weeks of urgently going back and forth trying to see an Orthopedic Specialist the severed tendon had curled back up into my shin and fused on its own.  

  So this is T minus one day. Tomorrow is a new day. I will be Zipperfoot…