Surgery Time Again!

Waiting to board the plane

I'm out west. The trip was good all things considered. (If I could have, I would have taken some ibuprofen to have been more comfortable.) 

I'm going in for surgery in 3 hrs, but wanted to make this post in connection to my last one.

I spoke with Dr. West about the Bunnionette. He said he didn't do what I asked because it's part of the joint and shaving it down is just not good. (the joint has cartilage. I would imagine this would affect it's range of motion considerably.) (update: But even with this, he DID DO IT for my right foot. I was in more pain, but he managed it and I lost no range of motion in my pinkie toe. So now it's done on my right and not my left. ;o/ )

Also, he acknowledged how low my 4th toe sits. He mentioned that there is still time for healing and things to improve. I have to continue the toe exercises, and that there is surgery he could perform that would loosen up the [tendon?] there, but then the toe may not grip the floor at all. So I guess I will continue to do the toe exercises, cuz after today... no more surgery for me!

I did actually show him the images in my last post of how the stem of that toe touches the floor and is uncomfortable. I showed him the xray image of how low my 4th metatarsal bones are compared to the others. He said that is absolutely normal. That all feet are like that. Hmmm.


I also got to meet Eddie, the insurance & scheduling guy at Dr. West's office. We have emailed but never met. I had mentioned that I would like to meet him this time around. So he actually took the time to come around to meet me in person yesterday when I was having my pre-op appointment. That was so sweet! ;o) It really made me happy to meet the person who was putting up with all my emailing. ;o)

I also got to see Barbara again, Dr. West's assistant. She welcomed me back with a smile. The entire office personnel there are just really nice people. It was great seeing them all again.

Ok, I gotta go. See you all later!

Traveling Back Home... (Travel Tips)

God is awesome! (even when things don't go our way) But he was faithful and sent me help every time I was in need. I only brought a backpack so I could carry it on my back while on crutches. But I never had to carry my bag.

My aunt gave me some advice when I left. She said, "Don't wait until you fly back to do this... on your way out west get your boarding pass from a human being NOT a kiosk [even though you booked online and have an e-ticket]. Tell them when you return you will need a wheelchair for travel."

I did just that. And furthermore, I made sure that on my way back I got my boarding pass and repeated the request again because it's a different airport than the first one I spoke to.... so always cover yourself. It all worked out. And I mentioned the wheelchair again when I had a layover. Again, a different airport.

I found that they always knew because I had already requested it before heading to my destination.

FYI, usually when you need a wheelchair, you are boarded first, and let off last. (Don't be silent, make sure the person working the desk at the gate knows you need help boarding. They will most likely already know because you'll be in a wheelchair already— so be friendly. Smile. Be polite and give plenty of thank yous. Kindness goes a long way.)

(I had an amazing experience with several workers who went waaaaaay out of their way for me. It even made me cry. Their kindness made me emotional. Way to go DELTA!)

Oh and you should probably have some singles and 5 dollar bills easily in reach. While the workers at the gate itself don't need to be tipped, the person who wheels you up to the gate should get a little something. (and those wheeling you off the plane to where you need to go) ;o) It's just nice to do.

The other thing I did when booking my flight online, is choose an isle seat that would allow my left foot to be in the isle (for stretching). BUT each time I got my boarding pass from a human being I asked if I could be changed to sit by the BULKHEAD. The bulkhead is the first economy row after first class. It has the wall in front of you. I used the wall to prop my leg up during the flight. 

ALSO, I made sure my trip back home was NOT a nonstop flight. I knew I would need the layover rest, to be able to prop up my leg properly off the plane for a while. I also made sure that the layover was a few hours so I could do this at my own pace. It worked out well. I found that I was accommodated each time without a problem. PRAYER and thinking ahead WORKS! 

It was a long day though and I needed some serious rest. My foot was quite swollen.

2nd Post-Op with Surgeon before Flying Home!

This is my second and last Post-Op visit with Dr. West before flying back home. This visit has to go well for me to be able to fly out tomorrow. Of course I already have a booked flight, but I know there is no infection so I'm not worried.

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Ok, I'm back. I'm good to go! (and was not charged a co-pay this time.) I'm traveling back alone, but I know God's got me covered!

Here's how things are looking: 

 

All the sutchers are dessolvable except the external ones
on my 5th metatarsal (pinkie toe).