6 weeks Post-op

So I saw the doctor today for my six-week post-op visit.

X-rays show that it's not quite healed yet. The left side (outside of foot) of the joint is solid but the right side (nearer the other toes) still has a gap where the two bones are trying to become one. If I remember correctly, the first time the entire joint was filled in but not hardened off yet at this point. So this is puzzling (if I'm remembering correctly).

Redness is due to the foot being very cold!

No walking yet (which I was going to fight if she had said to walk on it). I go back in 2 weeks for another set of x-rays and potentially to start weight-bearing in the boot. Then she said two weeks after that I was to bring in my shoe and we'd start tweaking the orthotic inserts that I bought the first time around. Don't know what the plan is if the joint hasn't completely fused by then! But let's not borrow trouble.

Swelling is very minimal

She wanted to start PT next week but I cannot afford to do it. I've lost over 4 months of work in the last seven. But since I've been thru this before (several times) I know what exercises we'd be starting with and I can do them myself here. Doctor is good with that. If we need to do ultrasound therapy then I can go in once a week or so and get that done. But the actual PT - I'm an old hand at that!

I won't over do it. I'll be a bit more conservative than they would be actually. But I will get it done without injuring myself. Just can't afford to pay that much out of pocket.

But the good thing is that she let me stand (briefly) on the foot - twice! Once in just my sock. It felt SO good to let those toes and bones lay flat and spread as they took my weight. It's hard to explain unless you've been off your feet for an extended period, but damn! it felt great. Then she had me put the boot on and stand again. Wonderful!!! Then she had me sit right down and said that that was the last time I could do that for two weeks. But no pain or anything.

Most of the swelling is in the ball of the foot

I am going stir crazy but there is light at the end of the tunnel (I hope). Perhaps in two weeks I'll be able to bear weight on it in my ortho boot. Awesome.

I also mentioned March 19th as a goal for my first obedience trial. She seemed to think that it was do-able since it is eight weeks away. Definitely in the boot but potentially in my shoe. Keeping my fingers crossed. Would do the toes but don't want to hurt myself!

So overall, still optimistic with a conservative bent.