2 Week follow up - 4 weeks to go
Still dealing with the tail end of this flu. Typically, I’d get the seasonal flu shot + Covid booster but I didn’t this year as you’re not to get vaccinated pre-op and there was initial plans to book my surgery right around the time the flu shots become available. Hell, I haven’t been on my arthritis drug since Christmas, as you have to stop those meds (infection risk) pre/post op, til cleared to resume by doctor.
Surgery when you’ve got a crummy immune system is all encompassing. Plus, you work full time and part time. Plus, you’re a mother of two young kids. Plus, you’re in a domestic partnership where you've now become a third dependant! This is not me complaining, though in text form it might come off that way. This is me stating the ‘side b.s.’ that accompanies the main event: surgery!
The surgery went very well and I continue to sing the Ottawa Hospital’s praises. Ortho team FTW! This morning I attended my first post-op follow up. No x-rays at this apt. as it was just to check in and have my stitches removed.
I had two procedures done on January 9th. One to correct a toe deformity (plate and anchors in place) and the other to remove a bony growth from my ankle that was compressing some tendons and making walking very difficult.
Before the stitches were removed, I was very quickly visited by a resident who answered all of my Qs in a very warm, friendly and informed manner.
Physio? - To start pending progress report in 4 wks.
What causes extra bone growth and can I do anything to inhibit recurrence? - Nothing causes it directly, just the nature of my disease. Nothing can be done to prohibit recurrence, though it takes many years to form and become an issue.
When is it ok to resume normal activity; x-c ski, skate, jog; be MORE active than just walking? - Will discuss pending progress report in 4 wks. Focus on weight bearing for now in aircast.
Resume arthritis meds? - Hold off as long as possible as bone is still healing.
My 6 week follow up is scheduled for Valentine’s Day. I hope to hear that that plate is embedded. The form has been locked in. And I can get on with life! I also hope to have no f—-ing viral infections further impeding my ability to heal and function… it’s been very rough with my energy being non-existent as internal resources are being dedicated to healing this new hardware and incision sites. I don’t have any extra energy or cells to fight off infection, or contribute to a healthy and functioning immune system.
I have had to cancel last weekend’s part time work shift and my full time work hasn’t been 100% and I know that. I’ve been relying very heavily on my husband and kids to essentially do everything for me and cater to my bedridden ass. I’ve left my house three times in two weeks resulting in lengthy naps and zero energy… There’s never a good time to catch the flu but this, I can assure you, is one of the WORST times!
Getting healthy is going to be the BEST. Thanks for putting up with me & for your kind messages of support.
