After 10 Weeks - Put on Tennis Shoe for First Time... - Page 2

SusyQ22a · ‎05-25-2010

I know how you feel. My mom has had psoriasis on both feet and yesterday she was able to finally wear a closed shoe. The swelling has gone down enough finally and the pain has subsided enough to be able to do it.

WideOpen · ‎06-06-2010

This thread is very timely for me. Broke both ankles 10 days ago. Surgery on 1 with plate and scr*ws. Other should heal fine no surgery but I am not very mobil. I am taking inspiration from you that have been through it already. I know its temporary but I did take a lot for granted. Also, I have help (DH has really stepped up and dear MIL helps with laundry. I cannot even imagine going through thiz alone. Thanks for the thread. I needed it today!

krissie622 · ‎04-21-2014

MJ Fan 4 Ever, first of all, I love your name because I have loved MJ since I was a child. ${#emotions_dlg.tt1}$

I went through something similar several years ago, except my injury was to my ankle. I had to wear a boot as well. At the time my job was driving all day and making pickups and deliveries, and I drove a stick shift no less. I also had no help, and had to deal with stairs and stay on schedule. My whole body hurt because of the adjustments it had to make to favor that leg and deal with the boot. It was very depressing.

I know the relief of getting back to real shoes, and I wish you good luck in your continuing healing.

Black Cat Back · ‎03-21-2010

Hi Krissie622...

So glad to know of a fellow MJ fan here!! Me too, I have been a fan of Michael's for so many years. Sometimes, I'm afraid my name turns some people off, but as fans, we're used to those who don't know the man the way we do. June 25 was hard this year, being 5 years since his untimely passing. There will never be another MJ no matter how many try to be like him.

I can't imagine having to do all you did with your injury! It's true, your body goes nuts trying to compensate for the injury. It was weird looking at my good foot and leg and seeing how toned it was and then my other leg and foot were so weak and looked like I had not done exercises for years. I'm just so glad to be in PT and seeing some progress. Today I went out and got a wider tennis shoe and it's a dream to wear. It really gives me confidence that "this too shall pass." I did back exercises while in the boot that helped keep my back strong. I found that my knee took the brunt of it wearing that boot, but it's better now.

Thanks for the message and taking the time to write.

Black Cat Back · ‎03-21-2010

WideOpen,

I'm so glad you read the thread and it's been helpful. I know I looked for others while I was going through this on here who might understand how it felt. Hang in there, I had good and bad days and felt so frustrated most of the time. It was even hard believing others who said it will get better and in a few weeks I'd have a different perspective. It's hard to believe that when you're so upset and your life has been turned around.

Can't imagine your double injury! I'm glad you have your husband there for support and help. I have learned a lot being alone and surviving this. I had more strength than I ever knew.

Be well, and come to the thread if you need to vent or need a shoulder! Smile

Black Cat Back · ‎03-21-2010

On 7/4/2014 Still Raining said:
I broke mine with my shoes on, so barefoot is not the only option.

I was in a cast and crutches for weeks and then, when they found it was not healing well, I got switched to a walking cast while I waited for the surgery. Then they went in and re-broke and fused various bones, so I was back with crutches and a cast.

With a 2 story house and living alone I found out I was better off crawling and I got really good at it. The dogs were somewhat confused, but licked my face in encouragement.

I was surprised how painful the walking and therapy were at the end of the process. You are right that limping seems safer for a while.

Oh my... you really had it awful Still Raining. I bet the dogs were confused! Just the thought of having to have yours rebroken gives me shivers. I believe it, even with shoes anything can happen, that's why you have to pay attention all the time. We are so busy these days and rushing, we just are prone to accidents. I can't imagine a 2 story house with an injury. I won't even look for a place that is 2 stories because of that fear.

They say that PT is painful but it means it's working. So stay strong and keep up the fight. We're all going to move forward soon and share our success stories!

Black Cat Back · ‎03-21-2010

On 7/4/2014 SusyQ22a said:
I know how you feel. My mom has had psoriasis on both feet and yesterday she was able to finally wear a closed shoe. The swelling has gone down enough finally and the pain has subsided enough to be able to do it.

SusyQ...Even a skin condition can be awful. That boot gave me a terrible dermatitis rash and I'm on steriod cream to help it heal. It actually was more painful than the break when the weeks went by. Swelling is scary. It has so much to do with nerve endings and you just can't walk normal when you have inflammation. I wasn't able to take any ibuprofin the whole time because they say now it can impede healing of a fracture. I only took Tylenol, which doesn't help at all. Now, I can take Advil and it does help with the swelling. Mine swells after being on my feet for just a short time. But, it's the toe area more now than the whole foot as before. I bet your Mom was thrilled as ever to wear that closed shoe.

Give her my best!!! Thanks for writing!!

MargieRJ · ‎01-08-2014

Been there myself. A few years ago I fell and badly injured my ankle (again) and had a fracture. I was also placed in a walking boot. That was followed by months of PT to strengthen up the ankle.

I also enjoyed walking before the injury. The only things that got me through the latest injury was that it was winter (I don't like cold and ice) and the PT sessions gave me plenty of exercise. In PT, besides the stretching, I used an exercise bike, treadmill, did balance exercises, etc. I really looked forward to the PT sessions. By the time they were over it was spring and I was ready and able to go about my previous exercise sessions.

The ankle I injured had been sprained four times before. Once each recovery was over I didn't let it stop me from my walking or even playing tennis. During sports I wear a brace though for added support.

Black Cat Back · ‎03-21-2010

MargieRJ...

I appreciate your response. I am feeling better reading all these success stories!

I also love PT. To me, it's like a spa! I can't wait to go. I think it's because it works and they know what they are doing so well. I love the bike and there's a piece of equipment I use where I push the wall with both legs and then one. What a nice muscle stretch! I get to do the treadmill on Tuesday! I've never been on one. I always walk outdoors and never had use for a treadmill. But, I am looking forward to it to get my gait back and the whole sensation and form of walking again. I was always a fast walker, too. I did a 7 min. mile.

I even enjoy the balancing exercises and leg exercises. It all feels good and I know I'm doing a good thing for my body.

Keep walking and playing tennis! I admire you for being injured so many times to keep having the resiliency to not give up!

floss 84 · ‎06-06-2010

MJ,congrats on advancing to a tennis shoe and trying to walk. I feel your pain as well as everyone who has dealt with fractures of the foot. It had been 3 years for me when I feel taking out the trash and fractured both ankles foot and toes. So every small step is a victory. I was non weight bearing and went from a wheel chair to a walker than a cane. ! I just want to wish you a speedy recovery and getting back to your everyday activities. P.S keep a bag of frozen peas handy for the swelling lol!!!