Topic: The Joys and Dangers...

[Skhilled]

Wow! Yeah, surgery was definitely needed! I'm surprised you were able to walk at all!

[Ken (OP)]

Wow! Yeah, surgery was definitely needed! I'm surprised you were able to walk at all!

That comes from my diabetic nephropathy and how it makes my feet numb.

[Ken (OP)]

Went to our local ER yesterday and stayed about 5 1/5 hours trying to find out why my left foot and ankle are so swollen, red, and painful, so much so that I can hardly walk even with a walker. Kay posted this on FB recounting her part of the experience.

Yesterday was a awful day.Ken's left leg has been bruising and swelling since two weeks ago. His Foot surgeon saw it before surgery and said we needed to watch it and for him to keep the Ted hose on, so we have. When I changed his Ted hose yesterday, his ankle was swollen and the back of his ankle was bright red and very hot to touch and very painfull. I had him email our Dr., who wasn't in and someone else was supposed to get it touch with us, but didn't so we went to Forsyth Hosp. ER. Never again. I could not go in with him.I sat in the car and waited for him for 5 1/2 hours.I guess they were really busy with heart attacks and they came first. We were so afraid of a blood clot.It was 97 degrees out and I sat with the air conditioner on and then turned the car off.I sat there turning the car on and off for 5 1/2 hours.They took Ken for blood work and for Xray and Ultrasound. He would call me when he could, but it was nerve wracking.He called and said he was finally ready and would call me when they released him. That took at least 45 minutes.I wasn't able to pee even as they would not let you in the hospital.We made it home by 10:20 PM. No diagnosis given.He is to make an apt with our regular Dr.If anyone had seen the changes his left leg has gone through in the last two weeks, you would have been very suspicious also.

[Ken (OP)]

Went in for my one-week post-op checkup today and the foot is looking good, most of the swelling is gone and the little toe is recovering really well. Dr. Goecker knows his craft, he sewed up the top of my foot with about a dozen stitches that were very small and closely packed, so any scar is likely to be practically invisible.

[Skhilled]

Cool! Great to hear! But no more racing for you!!!

[Ken (OP)]

Cool! Great to hear! But no more racing for you!!!

Ummm... well, I'm glad that you said that. hahahah 

[Ken (OP)]

Wow!
It feels strange to open up this topic again!

Me getting ready to go under the knife again! 
It's just a minor out patience surgery on my toes on the right foot to correct an issue with the way they work together. (they sometimes cause injuries to each other.) It will be on Friday the 9th.

After doing a bit of research this article seems to best describe whats going on:
... disregard this link and quote, with further research I found another article with better information. It's in my next post after this one.
Hammer toe Surgery: What to Expect

Joint resection

In joint resection, an incision is made on the top part of the toe to reach the ligaments and tendons underneath. The ligaments and tendons may be cut to help straighten the toe. The end of one bone is taken off so that the toe can be fully extended. Small metal pins or rods are often used to keep the toe straight during healing. The pins are usually removed a month or so after surgery.

[Ken (OP)]

... this article more closely described the procedure.

What is Tendon Release Used to Treat?

Tendon release, also known as tenotomy, is a surgical procedure that involves cutting through or disconnecting a tendon to allow for a greater range of movement.

The procedure is used to relieve tight or shortened muscles. In some cases, the tendon is re-routed to maintain muscle function.

This procedure is usually reserved for conditions that don’t respond well to conservative nonsurgical treatments. Tendon release surgery is ideal for infants with clubfoot, or for older patients who develop tightened or shortened muscles due to cerebral palsy or other neuromuscular disorders. It is also used for a number of other common conditions including hammer toe, tennis elbow and injuries to the Achilles tendon.

... I don't have hammer toe, but it's kind of like the opposite of that condition.

[Ken (OP)]

This image is rather gross, but it's what got this latest adventure started.

Had the operation yesterday and it all went well. Now I just have to sit in my recliner all day for the next 2 weeks.

[Skhilled]

Or have Kay carry you around. LOL

[Ken (OP)]

Well, yesterday was the day! 
Got the foot cast removed and my doctor was well pleased with the results and said that I can return to full duty again. No restrictions on standing or walking and that makes me a happy boy! 

Of course there always has too be the obligatory gross pix showing the new stitching.

[Skhilled]

LOL