Cage Free!

Frame came off yesterday.  Very quick, simple procedure, which I slept through.  Foot pretty achey, with some sharp pains in the inside heel area where the heel pins were.  They have it compression wrapped for air travel, so I can't do much with it until I get home.  Then walking boot for two weeks, and whatever feels good thereafter.  I haven't tried walking on it yet.  With the compression wrapping, the boot is pretty tight and uncomfortable, and puts stress on the bones if I wear it while using the knee walker.  I decided to stay off it another couple of days and get as much swelling down as possible before travelling home.  Then I can experiment in the comfort of my own home.  Sleeping is really nice without the frame.  I don't wake up to readjust pillows and props every time I change positions.

Counting Down

Yes, I'm counting days.  8 and a wake up to be exact.  Past few days pins have been hurting all the time.  I sneezed yesterday and nearly cried at the pain.  Strange since its all been fairly pain free.  But others have told me its like this when the end is near.  The pins are ready to come out.  I skipped ROM and weight bearing yesterday.  Just tried to keep the foot really still and iced.  Even hitting small irregularities on my scooter was painful.  Today a bit better, but still stinging pretty good.  And I'm tired again.  Suddenly sitting with the foot up and taking naps again isn't such a bad idea.  Very interesting the phases this process goes through.  Looking forward to joining those of my on-line chat buddies who've recently had their hamster cages removed.  Really looking forward to moving the body again, in whatever capacity.  Feeling confident this part of the process has been successful and will work.  Anxious to hear what kind of physical therapy is in store.

Cinco de Mayo

Not sure what that has to do with ankle distraction - I just like saying Happy Cinco de Mayo.

Not much new to report this week.  Didn't have to go to the doctor, which was a nice relief.  Doing my own pin care since my nurse neighbor went on vacation.  Need longer arms for those outside heel pins.  But everything looking good.  Talked with Phoenix doctor and he only plans to remove frame while I'm there.  Leaving permanent pins and spurs alone for now.  Was able to call and arrange a knee scooter for the week I'm there.  So, now just continue ROM and weight bearing for a couple of weeks and then we'll see what's in store during Phase II of this project.  Had a chiropractic adjustment yesterday.  Seems to have done wonders for the attitude. :)  Also fell yesterday.  Just stood up, lost my balance, and realized I was going down and had to hold up caged foot and not fall on dog in the process.  "Good" knee hit pretty hard, but it still works so I guess we're OK.  Like I said, the going slow thing has gotten old by now and it's hard to be patient with myself.  Guess this was a sign I need to pay more attention.