Hey,
So I started writing this blog and then stopped feeling like no one would read it, until I saw someone had posted a comment and lead me to a page of numerous people just like me sharing their experience.
I am undergoing the external fixation method, rather than the one stage lengthening process. This means that for approximately 10-15 weeks I will have an external fixation device sticking out of my foot, and it is non-weight bearing.
Below is a picture of my left foot the day after the operation.
It has been 35 weeks since my left foot was operated on and 20 weeks since the external fixation was removed. I was made to wear a boot for 2 weeks and then runners for approximately 5 weeks. after that time I was allowed to walk bare foot or wear other shoes, however, after a couple of hours my foot was in quite a bit of bearable pain. I still experience pain when wearing certain shoes, or when my foot gets cold.
The first photo is the day before my 2nd operation. I had my 2nd and 3rd toe shortened on my right foot, and my 2nd toe shortened and 4th extended on my right foot.
It has been 13 weeks since my right foots operation and the external fixator is still attached. I was supposed to have to off 2 weeks ago but sadly there was a fracture in the new bone and I was told to keep it on for an extra 4 weeks. These past 2 weeks have been hard, I think mainly because I had been soo excited about getting it off that the news was devastating.
Below is an updated photo of my left foot, the shorted toes are still recovering, however I am so happy with the result and cannot wait to show my feet off in summer!
My right foot kind of looks like a corpse (as my sister called it) but will get there in the end. I stopped turning it approximately 6 weeks ago, and even though it still looks short, should stretch out like the left foot and become normal.
Despite knowing how great I will feel after the recovery is over, spending close the 4 months on crutches, being unable to do simple daily tasks takes a massive toll on your emotions. At first you are always tired due to the medication, but after that wears off, boredom and agitation can take over. And the fact that I had to have both feet done, totalling 9 months in my room, depression can come too. I have tried hard not to take it out on others, but I have always been a person who tries to do everything by myself, and with that not always being an option now, I have found my mood swings are quite bad. If you consider this operation, know that the days will not all be easy, and you definitely need to find a hobby to keep you going, instead of just watching movies and tv series like I did the first 4 months. In saying this, I know I will not regret my decision to have the surgery and I am so grateful for both my parents for supporting me during this time.
I hope whoever is reading this is doing well and I would love to hear your stories!
