Some photos in this post may put some of you off your dinner, so beware if you have a weak stomach. Some have told me this warning should have given when the hospital gown photos were posted. :-)
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| Cutting the old cast is very ticklish |
I can now get to the bathroom and back in more comfort. It's not a lot less awkward, but I've figured out where to perform the required five point turn in order to back in. Every little bit helps, and finding milestones in the little things creates an emotional boost.
I had my first follow-up appointment at the fracture clinic today. They removed the blue cast and extracted the staples. No x-ray yet. This visit was just to remove staples and get a first look at how the incisions are healing. The surgery was only eleven days ago, instead of three weeks like last time. The schedule had to be compressed because of the surgeon's availability. The next appointment is in four weeks.
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| Swollen but bunion-less |
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| Four pins are visible |
The left foot needed more work than the right did, and the incision artifacts bear that out. The inside incision is quite a bit longer than it was on the right foot, and there is another incision where the bunion used to be. After removing the staples and cleaning up some wound weeping, the technician called for Dr Stevens to have his review.
There was still some metal poking out so I asked about it. Apparently those are the pins holding the bones straight so they can heal sans bunion. I hadn't pictured the pins as longer staples - I guess I had thought it would be similar to the big bolt in the heel. I was wrong. Anyway, the pins stay in for another four weeks - unless there is an infection. (touch wood)
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| Outside incision |
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| Preparing for the new cast |
The big toe is bandaged to help hold it straight while the healing continues. It doesn't feel like it's pulling as much as it did with the first cast.
The rest of the experience was similar to last time. I still got a lot of attention with the knee scooter. I really think there is a business opportunity for someone. I guess we didn't take any photos of it this time.
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| Red this time |
We got home just after five and I was exhausted. A two hour nap made me feel better and so here I am pretending I've got something to say. Perhaps that's my cue to stop.
