Second Week Follow-up

First set of post-op x-rays.  Beautiful joint space!  Seems the fixator is doing what its supposed to do.  Disappointing, but developed slight infection.  Seems more of a skin irritation to me.  Not unusual with all these pins, but still disappointing.  Had my first joint injection of Synovisc.  I expected it to be painful.  I didn't expect it to be the worst pain I've ever experienced.  Poor nurse.  Was standing too close to my good leg and he'll be speaking in soprano the rest of today.  It's going to be difficult to prepare for the next two visits, knowing I'll be getting another injection each time.  But I actually had to fight to get these administered, as the VA here does not approve, even though they were ordered by the Phoenix VA.  I reminded myself that I had begged for this as I was turning purple and swearing like a sailor.  My hope is that since the joint has been so collapsed for so long, as it adjusts to having space and some fluid, perhaps the pain won't be as bad next time.  The trial results on injections in the ankle vary greatly.  So, it's not a necessary part of the treatment.  But my doctor in Phoenix does believe they help, and after fighting so hard for so long to get this procedure, I want to cooperate and do everything possible to assist in a successful outcome.

I'm feeling well enough to want to go out and about, like have dinner with friends.  But I find it impossible to get comfortable anywhere but my recliner or bed.  My recliner and my butt are becoming much too friendly, I'm afraid.  The foot doesn't hurt, but there's just nowhere to put this hamster cage without putting pressure on the knee, or the hip, or the back.  Riding in a car any distance is the same issue.  The foot isn't happy on the floor for very long at a time.  You cross your legs, your foot falls asleep.  You put it on the dashboard, your hip falls asleep. 

I traded in the speed racer knee scooter I had rented for a little old lady model furnished by the VA.  At first it was disappointing.  Can't get nearly the speed with the new model.  But it has the advantage of folding up completely, is lighter weight, and turns in a much shorter radius.  It's much more practical for a small living space, like my house, and I think my husband would be relieved if I quit taking off the baseboard molding every time I ventured to a different room.  The knee scooter is an absolute must, I believe.  Crutches would severely restrict my activities and my independence, not to mention my arms would have fallen off by now.

I tackle the issue of clothing this week.  If I want to return to my job, even on a limited basis, next week, I need something to wear other than shorts or side snap sweats.  So I'm using the sweats as a pattern for side snap pants.  And of course, I'll need matching T-shirt footbags.