One Foot, Two Feet Complete

Well, here I am, 8 weeks later and the final external fixator removed. The removal of the cage was two weeks earlier than the left foot at 10 weeks. These lovely fixtures have been on my legs just under 5 months.  I took off my bandages today and put on a compression sock.  The image is of both feet in compression socks; to keep the swelling down (below).  The ankles are still very sore where long screws now reside.  These screws are securing my ankles, so they won't collapse when I walk or stand (this has happened on more than one occasion).  But the ankles aren't entirely fixed in one position; they still have side to side movement.  I've included a picture of the x-ray to indicate where the screws are placed.  At the moment, after all the equipment has been removed, I'm relieved to not have it on and looking forward to recovery. I feel strangely calm.

For those that have followed this procedure, Phase 1 is complete.  There's no question that Ankle Arthorodesis is an invasive procedure; and mine was no walk in the park either (this activity I look forward to doing one day soon).  But, the external fixators allowed me to place weight on the opposite foot while the other healed.  In fact, last Tuesday when I got x-rays to confirm surgery for the following day, Dr. Bernard looked at my x-rays and the first words out of his mouth were, "You are kicking ass and taking names!"  I said, "Medically speaking, right?"  I just love it when a physician removes all the medical jargon out of the conversation.  Of course, the questions flooded my mind--the "what next" was like a neon light in my head.  "Listen, no one has known what the heck was going on with you.  This is Phase 1 and we will take it one step at a time with your rehabilitation," Dr. Bernard tells me. By Wednesday morning, I was mentally ready for its removal and ready for the next phase of my recovery. 

I have recast my recovery with a sense of heightened optimism.  Much of this attributed to the way my physician has supplanted feelings of hopelessness with trust and confidence in his care.  By releasing my old thoughts and emotions that no longer serve me, I lean on God to help pave the path for a new found freedom and prepare for new conditions.

Everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!--Corinthians 5:17