Post-Surgery Challenges

The last few days have been challenging! My plan was to walk this week with 50% of my weight allowed on the left foot. If you're just joining this journey, I'm learning to walk after a surgery to replace my Talus bone with a 3D printed model.

Not my feet....lol

I can't complain about pain in the surgical area. When I'm up with the walker, I usually just. feel the nerve damage (the foot tingles a lot and there is also a good bit of numbness on top of the ankle and foot.

The doctor said that is normal and it will hopefully go away. It won't be quick to resolve. When I put weight on that foot I have to remind myself that the tingling is not pain.

Today, when I tried walking with my walker, I had the normal tingling. After about three steps I began to feel some mild pain in the arch. I didn't walk as far as yesterday. When I removed the boot I saw more swelling than yesterday.

I'll try to walk later in the day and take it one step at a time. I love the progress and know that next week I can put 75% of my weight on the foot that's recovering. There is also physical therapy starting in a couple of weeks.

We're moving back to our hometown, as we had planned when we moved out to the midwest. There is so much logistical work. I'm now in the annoying work of finding doctors and sending medical records and getting appointments.

I remember the last time we moved that it was exhausting trying to find doctors in the fields of: rheumatology, vision, dental, dermatology, sleep apnea, general practitioner, and endocrinology.

I also have to select a new health insurance. I thought I could just switch from BCBS in my state to the new state. The problem is that the new state doesn't have the same plans. There are only a few to chose from and they aren't as good.

Since most of our money has been going to my premiums and deductibles, I really need to get plan that will cover all the doctor's and treatments that I'll need.

I wish there were better dental plans to purchase. My dentist is trying to get me back in, because he knows that I have a crown to do and a cavity. Since I was last there I've had a tooth that just broke off.

There is a little bit of tooth sticking out, so they can probably do a crown. My insurance only covers one crown a year. They don't make policies for people with Sjogren's. I'm going to keep patching them as long as I can. I'm not a good candidate for implants. My bones are soft *as the surgeon said. I also have Ostopenia, so my bones are also not strong.

With all the Avascular Necrosis in my body, more will probably be discovered in coming years. It's not common, but I did read about a girl that had numerous joints affected. I can't imagine the pain (physically and mentally). The costs of all the surgeries is ridiculous.

AVN surgeries can often fail. If that happens, following surgeries are more drastic. Doctors might have to do a joint fusion, or potentially, an amputation. I'm praying that this surgery will work well and for a long time.

He is risen, Indeed!

I'm thankful on this Good Friday that I can have a savior who died for me. Because He paid for my sin, I can live everyday following Jesus.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

I hope that you have a lovely Easter with family. Easter Sunday is a joyous day, as I'm celebrating the risen Christ. All my grandchildren will enjoy Sunday School and will have many Easter egg hunts after lunch. I just won't be able to be there with them.

There are so many things in my future and I pray that God will give me many more days. I need to spend a great many days with my grandchildren.

@2025, copyright Lisa Ehrman

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical expert. This post contains my experiences and opinions and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physician.