Been pretty busy lately and haven't been able to keep the blog updated on my healing. Part of the reason I am so busy is because I have been out taking photos again! I ditched the last crutch (the Smart Crutches are awesome!) and am walking great! I carry a cane with me for occasional balance, but I can go without it for the most part. It makes it possible for me to do more hiking, although a walking stick would be better.
My leg swells yet but I had fluid retention issues before surgery. Since surgery my left leg barely swells anymore, all the fluid seems to collect in the one operated on. I am guessing the trauma and swelling from surgery makes that leg an easier place for fluid to collect than the left one or something. I wear a compression stocking and that keeps it from swelling as bad. I didn't realize there were different compression stocking strengths and bought lighter ones. If I had ones with stronger compression my leg might not swell at all. The stockings I have keep it under better control than having none though, so I am happy enough with them at this point.
Now that I am healed it is easier to walk around than it was before surgery. With a straighter leg I don't have to labor so much to take a step. My husband can't stop telling me how amazing it looks to see me walking with a straight leg. Strangely though, I find I feel a certain degree of sadness about the loss of my "crooked leg". I don't want it back; I am surprised at these pangs of grief over something I hated so much, for so long. I almost, almost miss it sometimes. Isn't that strange? I definitely don't want it back! I can't express enough how much I absolutely LOVE my new, straight(er) leg. I am glad I took that before-surgery photo, it is easy to forget just how different it used to be.
Since I ditched the last crutch a couple of weeks ago I have really been getting out and taking photos like I have never been able to before. I am not completely pain free, not by a long shot. I still have problem tumors in my wrist, ankles and my hips just to mention the most severe. My knee joints are wearing out as a part of natural wear and tear, speed-ed along by MHE issues. I have more balance and don't wear out as quickly, making hikes possible again. It make such a difference in my emotional outlook to be able to get out of my tiny, dark, depressing little room and into nature somewhere. :-) I will get some photos or a video soon to show how well I am walking now.
I am finally healed enough that I feel able to discuss wrist surgery with the doctor who would be doing that. I have a lot going on and feel like surgery keeps interrupting my life, but at the same time I am incredibly grateful to have medical coverage to take care of these things. I think it feels overwhelming partly because I did go so long without medical care. Once I got coverage I had a whole laundry list to start with. Right after I got a bone doctor things like my knee suddenly got worse, overtaking the top of the list. The knee pain that led to my osteotomy started after I got insurance, while I was still trying to get through my starting line-up.
Another new thing has cropped up now too- the ankle of my newly straightened leg. The doctor says my ankle joint is finally level, like it is supposed to be, but it is bothering me now. I have some tumor growth in my ankle, making it deformed so being level might be a problem there. I am sure they will send me to an ankle specialist for that. Every area has its own specialist. Wrist is another doctor yet again. It is probably for the best that they all specialize, but it makes it difficult to have fluid care. I saw 4 or 5 different doctors before a decision was made to do the osteotomy and who would do it. It got really confusing and made it seem to take longer. Each appointment ended with me being sent to the next doctor, until I ended back up with one of them for the surgery.
It was worth the little extra wait to make sure it got done by the right person. I am so glad I had this surgery. I had some rough days, went a little stir crazy on bed rest near the end. This surgery was one of the most amazing things to ever happen to me. It was worth the rough days, the pain and the mind-numbing boredom. My only regret is that I couldn't have it done years and years ago.
