Expectations for Post-op

I finally decided to call my doctor and get some answers to my questions. Since I've never had surgery before I had SO many questions. Here's a recap of some of them.

Q: Will I be able to take care of myself after my peroneal tendon repair surgery? 

A: Have someone stay with you for at least the first few days. It will be very difficult to get around and you will be on some heavy duty pain killers. Mom is taking care of me day after, Aunt Ginny the following. Could probably use a babysitter on Friday too.

Q: How will I shower?

A: Cover your bandages in a plastic bag so they don't get wet. I'm going to order some of these Duro-Med Clear Protectors

Q: But how will I stand in the shower if I only have one good leg?

A: Get a chair you can keep in the shower so you don't have to worry about falling over and hurting yourself. Betsy says Ikea has a $10 stool that works well - on the list.

Q: Will I be in a cast after peroneal tendon surgery? 

A: It will be bandaged up - a lot. Put your two legs together. That's how wide your injured leg will be with all the bandages around it (no joke!). At first follow-up appointment (2 weeks after surgery), you'll get a boot that goes up to your knee. I still have mine from when I had tendonitis - SCORE!

Q: I have a wedding to go to two and a half weeks after surgery, will I be able to get around OK? 

A: Yes, you should be able to get around, using your crutches. They make a knee walker you can buy, where you put your weight (bad leg) knee and push yourself around with your other leg. I don't think I'll be spending hundreds of dollars on one of these things - aside from the fact that I'd be pushing myself all over the place like a little kid (or me) on a shopping cart. Probably not a good idea.But nice to know there are other options for mobility.

Q: Will I have to keep my leg elevated after surgery?

A: Yes, you will want to keep your leg elevated as much as possible to prevent swelling.

Q: My post-op follow-up appointment is 2 more than hours drive from where I'm living. Will I be OK to drive that far just under 2 weeks from the date of surgery? 

A: You'll have to play it by ear. You might want to have someone lined up to take you. You should be able to get by with just tylenol by that point. If not, you won't be able to drive. In addition, you may not be able to keep your foot in the same position for that long a period of time. By then, you should have a sense of whether or not you will be able to tolerate it. Fingers crossed! Otherwise, I'll have to leave REALLY early and make lots of stops to elevate my foot. It's not like I'm driving an SUV, it's a little sports car, wondering how I'll even get my leg in the car if it's going to be wrapped up that big...!

Q: Will I be able to fly after my peroneal tendon surgery?

A: Yes, not immediately following surgery, but after a few weeks, you should be fine to fly. YAY! May be able to get in a trip in December after all!

Q: How long will I be on crutches? 

A: Atleast 6 weeks. You will start going through physical therapy and will start gradually putting weight back on that foot. We'll want to let the tendon heal up really well. 6 weeks is December 28th, maybe by New Year's I'll be able to put weight back on my foot! Have to keep reminding myself to do everything the best I can, following their directions 100% so I don't prolong the rehab. I really want to be mobile again!!

I'm anxious to get my surgery done. I'm not too nervous, but not I'm not looking forward to the post-op pain and overall discomfort. I remember when I had lasik done, I couldn't rub my eyes or get them wet in the shower. It was for like a week or something, but it sucked. All I wanted to do was let the shower water run down my face and give those eyes a good rub! But I didn't. 

I just want my foot not to hurt everyday (and ultimately would be sooo happy to be able to run again and wear my heels - but those are aspirational at this point!). Right now, I'm sitting (have been sitting most of the day) and it is really tender just touching the skin over my ankle where the tendon runs. Sucks. But that's why I'm getting my surgery. Won't be much longer. 10 more days!