16 Days Down!

So this begins my 16th day after surgery on my peroneal tendons.  I am doing much better and able to get around the house more.  Tylenol has been sufficient for my pain, and I have become a pro on crutches.  Tomorrow I go in for my first post op appointment.  I will have my staples removed and a new cast put on. I am really looking forward to seeing my incision wound and getting a new cast put on.  This splint it hot and heavy!

I waited until summer to have this surgery done.  It was kind of my only option.  It really sucks though :).  I live in Maine and it has been unseasonably warm.  Perfect weather to go to the beach or go swimming.  But I am stuck indoors which is hot!  So if you can choose when you want to have your surgery, I would do it during a season where you don't mind being inside.

My biggest complaint with my ankle is the swelling.  You really have to keep it elevated or it swells right up.  It feels like it is going to explode sometimes.  If I am on my feet for 5 minutes, it becomes extremely uncomfortable.  I am looking forward to that going away.

One other struggle with this surgery is how you lose your independence.  You really need someone around to help you get a bowl of cereal, or do certain things for you.  Luckily my husband is on break and he is around and very helpful.  But its nice to be able to do a few things by yourself, so here are my newest tips...

-Make sure you have a Nalgene water bottle.  These are easy to fill and you can hold it by the loop with you crutch back to bed or the couch.

-Have popsicles around!  I read this in someone else's blog and it has been a huge help!  It is a sweet treat that you can grab yourself and take with you.  Plus they just taste good.  I recently got Edy's Blueberry with Acai.  They taste really good and have antioxidants, which is important while you heal!

-Use a little backpack or shoulder strap bag.  This way you can take things with you around the house.  It is extremely helpful.

- Here is a picture of my splint.  Really looking forward to a cast.  You can see the foam pillow the hospital gave me.  It has been a lifesaver.  During the day I put another pillow on top to get more elevation.  If you doctor doesn't give you one of these, I recommend going out and finding something similar.  My leg never falls out while I am sleeping and I get more elevation than using a stack of bed pillows!