Plantar Fasciotomy

24 Responses to “Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Recovery Day 12”

1. Donna Soffen
   August 25th, 2008 at 6:37 am

   

   Hey Christina — way to go girl … glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery & feeling better! good thing you only have 2 feet huh?? could you imagine having to do this 4 times or 100 times — LOL keep healing, keep postive, keep updating!! God Bless

2. Christina
   August 26th, 2008 at 10:25 am

   

   Thanks, Donna! Yes, it IS a good thing I only have two feet and NO I absolutely could not imagine having to go through this more than twice.

   I can see why someone would opt to have both feet operated on at once, but then again they would need a whole LOT of help recovering. Still need help with just having one foot done.

   The first week was really hard because unlike most people I don’t sleep that well taking pain medication. On top of that laying in bed with my leg propped up got to be uncomfortable. When I began to have “I can’t take this” thoughts I immediately shut them down. I knew I had to go through this again and just needed to deal with it because the end results are SO going to be worth it!!

   Keeping positive,
   Christina

3. val
   August 27th, 2008 at 2:11 am

   

   LOL, pain medication makes me stay up all night. After the second day when I got my wisdom teeth out. I quite taking them for a little bit cause I’d never taken pain meds before, EVER, figured I didn’t need then anymore. OH BOY, big mistake, sure did. But then after that I didn’t sleep!

   Now if I take vicadin, one pill in like 2 doses, then I am up for over 24 hours. My dishes and kitchen look awesome and my laundry is done. But, I don’t do down well either. Mine have been insides so easy to pretend to others that I’m ok. If you can’t put pressure on your foot, then you have no say.

   I’m amazed that pain pills knock anyone out. My hubby gets no relief from them and my other friend stays up all night when she takes them too. WEIRD! Of course, it may have to do with the fact that some of us take no drugs at all. Barely any advil? lol

4. Dana Grindle
   August 28th, 2008 at 7:45 pm

   

   Hi Christina,
   I too had the surgery. still quite painful. You too? I am on day 11 today. Gosh, I hope this works.

5. Jill
   August 29th, 2008 at 8:11 pm

   

   I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. I am 14 days into my recovery from surgery on my left foot. I had my stitches taken out this past Wednesday. My surgeon said I can start wearing regular shoes as soon as my foot allows it. I haven’t had to wear a boot either. After 3 days I was allowed to remove the dressings and wrap it on my own. I only had to use crutches for 1 week. My recovery has gone much smoother than I had ever anticipated! I haven’t had to take pain medicine since 3 days after surgery! I went back to work 5 days after surgery (I teach). Good luck with your 2nd surgery. I’ll most likely be having my 2nd surgery next summer.

6. Christina
   August 31st, 2008 at 2:22 pm

   

   Val: Okay, so I guess it’s not just me. I’m not a medication taker either. Thanks, Val!

   Dana: I’m so sorry that you’ve had to have this surgery as well. I hope it helps to know that you’re not alone. I hope you’ll stop by often during your recovery. We can hang in there together. I hope your pain is subsiding. I’m glad you found my blog!! I’m with you there, I hope it works too – for all of us.

   Jill: Aaah, so we’re both doing the left foot first. Okay, WOW! I can’t believe you were able to go back to work after 5 days. That’s incredible. Especially back to teaching. What type of surgery did you have? I know there are a couple of different ways it can be done. I had the one done that has a longer recovery time due to the larger incision – I wanted to make sure my doctor could see well enough what he was doing. It made me feel better. Good luck to you too, Jill. I hope your second surgery goes as well as your first one. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience. I hope you’ll stop by again.

7. Jill
   September 1st, 2008 at 4:27 pm

   

   I had the type of surgery that you did. My incision ran in a diagonal line instead of a straight line like yours. I had 3 large stitches also. I agree with you on the fact that I wanted my surgeon to be able to see what he was doing! So far, I’m very pleased with my surgery and recovery. It’s so strange to get up from sitting/sleeping and not have that terrible pain in my left foot like I’ve been dealing with for the past few years. Some evenings my heel gets a little sore, but I then I remember what my surgeon did to it! The nurse at my surgeon’s office said to use cocoa butter on the scar once the scab has dropped off. Good luck with your recovery and prepartion for your second surgery!

8. marie
   September 3rd, 2008 at 12:24 pm

   

   Hi Christina, I’m not very computer savvy and only just found
   this section. I appreciate your blog so much, and everyone’s
   feedback, as I’ve been contemplateing the same thing…but I think I need to loose a bunch of weight first…
   I have a question: What 2nd surgery…the other foot, or something else on the same foot? Either way, yikes! marie

9. Christina
   September 6th, 2008 at 3:30 pm

   

   Jill – thank you. I am really amazed at your quick recovery. It would seem that you had a recovery more like an endoscopic surgery than the open surgery and that’s awesome.

   Hi Marie – I’m glad you found this section. The second surgery is for my other foot. We did the left foot first and I’m scheduled for surgery on my right foot on September 23rd – six weeks after the first surgery (on my right foot). I have bilateral plantar fasciitis – so both of my feet got “lucky”. LOL Losing weight would probably help overall, but have you talked with your doctor about it? Does s/he recommend waiting? By the way, you can go here – free natural weight loss – to get a free sample if you’d like. It’s helped me especially with cravings. It’s been very helpful during my recovery. I had several days where I was craving sweets so I started taking that and it knocks ‘em right out. I did NOT want to gain 20 pounds while I’m not able to get around well. If you have any questions about the surgery, feel free to ask, Marie.

10. Tracy Sumpter
    September 13th, 2008 at 10:08 am

    

    I have read your blog. It has been so much help to me. I too was told that I need to have the surgery. I am very afraid of it since I am a dental assistant. I have been receiving the shots but the right foot still hurts. I am currently going to have a second opionion. I am not sure what to do. Did you have to have a x-ray to determine that you need the surgery? My doctor said no he could tell I need it. I know he doesn’t have xray eyes. He also told me I would be in a hard cast for three weeks. I thought that was too long. If you have any suggestion I would truly appreciate it. Since I have read so much about the surgery.

11. Christina
    September 13th, 2008 at 8:37 pm

    

    Hi Tracy – I’m sorry that you have plantar fasciits, but I’m glad you find my blog helpful. That’s what it’s for.

    X-rays don’t really show plantar fasciitis from what I understand. They may show if there is a fracture or something else going on. I know that when I had x-rays years ago it was to rule out other causes of the pain I was experiencing. I had a bone scan and that told more information and showed the plantar fasciitis in both feet.

    Being in a hard cast for 3 weeks is possible. I wore a boot for the first 2-3 weeks to keep my foot flexed. The boot is similar to a cast in that it keeps your foot stable. The purpose is to keep the plantar fascia in a lengthened position so that it doesn’t quickly reattach to the heel bone. Perhaps you can ask about wearing a boot instead of an actual cast so that you can remove it to ice your foot – which helps the healing process.

    It’s been one month and two days since the surgery on my left foot and yesterday was the first day I could really walk around without the assistance of crutches. It’s been wonderful! I am scheduled for surgery on my right foot in 10 days.

    Tracy, it took me years to make the decision to have surgery. At first I was adamantly opposed to doing it. I was scared. In May I decided that I was tired of my inactive lifestyle and the limitations to what I could do so I decided to go for it. I believe it was the right decision for me.

    I would recommend that you have a physician/surgeon you are very confident in. Confidence in your medical providers is very important to your peace of mind and the recovery process.

    How long have you had plantar fasciitis, Tracy? What treatments have you gone through?

    I am by no means a doctor or licensed professional. I can only share what I’ve gone through in hopes that it will help you ask good questions to your medical providers and know that you aren’t alone going through this.

    If I can be of further help, let me know.

12. tracysumpter
    September 15th, 2008 at 5:37 am

    

    Thank you so much for the information. I have had plantar f for it seems forever. I have gotton shots numerous times. I also received inserts for my sneaker in which I wear. I am constantly on my feet since I am a dental assistant. I will be having a second doctor look at my left foot. If they both say the same thing I will plan accordingly. Did you have to take off work for a long time? Any and all information has been so helpful thank you so much.

13. Christina
    September 20th, 2008 at 10:59 am

    

    Hi Tracy,

    I apologize for the lateness of my reply. I work from home so taking off work wasn’t an issue for me. It took a lot of preparation, but since I’m my own boss it’s easier than taking off from a job.

    The amount of time you need to take off work depends on the type of surgery you have. The recovery time is shorter for an endoscopic surgery than for an open surgery. I had an open surgery. From what I can tell the biggest difference in the length of the incision. I had the open surgery because even though the recovery time was longer I wanted my doc to have more room to work with.

    Maybe you could speak with your doctor about the two surgery options verifying his experience with them as well.

14. Karen
    September 25th, 2008 at 8:22 am

    

    Hi Christine I have been been looking at sights and I came across yours and it was so helpfull . I have been fighting the pain in my foot for nine months I have had the night splints the shots so now i will have the surgury the 10 of October. I was fighting it so much because I have factor five blood and i get blood clots so easy. Doctor said he would put me on blood thiner shots right after. He said it would take about 3 months to heel first 3 weeks no walking on it then a walking boot after that. I did get a second apinon and they both said the same thing they did a MRI on my foot and that is how they found mine. I will keep in touch and think you for your web sight. it is wonderful. Karen

15. Karen
    September 25th, 2008 at 8:26 am

    

    Hi Christine I have been been looking at sights and I came across yours and it was so helpfull . I have been fighting the pain in my foot for nine months I have had the night splints shots I had a MRI on my foot and that is how they found mine. I have surgury 10 of October I will keep in touch and think you for your web sight. it is wonderful. Karen

16. Paul
    September 27th, 2008 at 1:49 am

    

    Im sorry to hear about your condition,I too had plantar fasciitis surgery.I had both feet done at the same time and im about 4 and half weeks into my recovery. My inscision is about 2 inches long located in the arch of my foot.Im walking ok but have alot of pain after about an hour on my feet.How far along are you into your recovery and how do you feel after walking or standing?Im really doing my best to stay positive but my Dr seems to think I should be feeling better so Im starting to get a little stressed.Im really anxious to hear how you’re recovery is going so we can compare.It sounds like our procedures are similar and were only a couple of weeks apart.I want to thank you for listing to me, I really need the support,this whole thing has been pretty stressful and as you know,painful.I’ll pray for us.Paul

17. Christina
    September 27th, 2008 at 1:03 pm

    

    Thank you for sharing, Karen. I’m glad you’ve found my blog helpful. That makes my day! I hope you will keep in touch and I wish you well in your surgery.

18. Christina
    September 27th, 2008 at 1:16 pm

    

    Hi Paul, I’m sorry to hear that you have plantar fasciitis and had a need for surgery as well. Thank you also for your prayers! You will be in mine too. It makes a difference.

    I can’t imagine what you’re going through having both feet done at once. How do you get around?? I’m not surprised you have pain since it’s only been 4 weeks. I had my surgery (left foot) on August 12th so it’s been a little over 6 weeks. I had a fall which I’d say set me back about a week.

    How do I feel after walking or standing? It’s almost like it was when my plantar fasciitis was at its worst. Just showering and getting ready in the morning (hair, makeup, etc.) takes a toll. I try to break up the time… shower and then rest for a bit. Do hair then rest for a bit. If I have to do it all at once it’s painful. So I sure try not to get ready and then go out the door to an appointment.

    Are you in physical therapy or doing any stretches/exercises? That could help your progress too.

    I know what you mean about feeling stressed that you aren’t doing better than you are. I’ve had the same feelings. It is even more stressful when you hear or read about someone who is doing MUCH better than you earlier in recovery. It can be a bummer. What I do is shake it off so to speak and tell myself that every person is different and every body is different. The surgical procedures aren’t exactly the same and every person’s physical condition certainly isn’t the same. I’m doing my part in healing and recovery and that’s all I can do. I hope that helps you, Paul. I’m sure you’re doing all you can to get better as well.

    Just a note of help – to see my most current info click on the “Home” link at the very top left-hand area of this page. It will take you to the home page which shows my most recent posts. The post on this page is from August so it’s not the most current.

    I hope that helps, Paul. Any time you need to chat I hope you’ll stop by and post. Please keep in touch and let me know how you’re recovering.

    Christina

19. Paul
    September 27th, 2008 at 4:01 pm

    

    Hi Christina,
    Thank you so much for the quick reply!You’ve eased my mind a great deal. I hate to hear you’re in so much pain but it helps to hear that our recovery time and symptoms are similar.
    How do I get around?Well, I can walk fine but after an hour or so I too feel like when my plantar fasciitis was at its worse,sometimes its even worse than that.
    I am curently in physical therapy,Im starting my third week.I do all streches and exercises my Dr. and therapist tells me and my therapist tells me I’ve made alot of progress.I would probably stand on my head if they told me it would help!HA HA!
    So are you still taking pain medication?I cut way back on the Vicodin mainly because I’m a recovering drug addict and I can’t risk a relapse.Now my Dr. has me on Neurontin,its for nerve pain.I think its helping a little but I hate the way it makes me feel as well as some of the other side affects.I’m gonna give it a few more days and if it continues to bother me I’m gonna tell my Dr. I can’t do it.Maybe there’s an alternative or I’ll just deal with it or go back to taking the Vicodin.I hope all that wasn’t too personal for you.
    So have you heard of or talk to anyone who has had similar recovery time and symtoms as us and made a full recovery?
    I could be wrong but it sounds like our surgery as well as our recovery have alot in common.
    I want to thank you again for you’re help and support.I hope I’ve been of some help to you.I’ll talk to you soon.
    Paul

20. Christina
    October 2nd, 2008 at 4:47 pm

    

    You’re welcome Paul. You definitely have my support.

    That’s amazing that you went into physical therapy just a week after surgery. That could be why you still experience a level of pain that requires pain meds. No, I’m not still on pain meds. I haven’t been for several weeks.

    I completely understand what you mean about not liking how you feel. (No, what you shared wasn’t too personal at all.) It’s been several days since you posted. How are you doing now? I hope better.

    I did hear from a woman who had the surgery several years ago and she had both feet done at once – couldn’t walk for a month and she is doing very well now. She really helped to put me at ease before I had the surgery in the first place.

    There was another woman who had the surgery on one foot and was walking very quickly. It just shows me that there isn’t just one way to recover and every person has their own unique experience. It also makes a difference where the incision is, how long it is, etc. I personally believe a person’s weight can affect healing as well – more weight means more pressure during recovery.

    I hope you are feeling better and are having a great week, Paul!

21. Amy
    October 14th, 2008 at 10:27 am

    

    Tomorrow will be week 3 since I had surgery on both of my feet at the same time. I had surgery on a Wednesday and then went back to work the following Monday because I have a desk job. Today I got my stiches out and my feet are hurting even more than before. The first week after surgery I was able to get around with a walker only, but as of the second week I could get around without the walker for a limited time. Now that it’s week three, I didn’t even bring my walker to work.
    The only shoes that I can wear are my Crocs with arch supports in them. I’m getting around okay but I’m slow.
    My Dr. didn’t say anything about physical therapy (I wonder why) anywho, I think that having a 2 year old has helped me heel fast because I have to keep up with her.

    Please let me know how you both are doing!
    –Amy

22. Christina
    October 17th, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    

    Hi Amy,

    Wow, you really went back to work quickly. Did you have an endoscopic procedure? It really amazes me the differences in recovery with different people. Everyone’s body truly is different.

    I am doing pretty good. I am doing a nutritional cleansing program so it has really helped give me energy and am feeling better than I have in years. Because I was feeling so energetic I was walking around more, but I’m still recovering so it wasn’t a wise thing to do. Now my feet are hurting. With the type of procedure I had there is about a 3-month recovery period and I’m at two months. I am scheduled to have the surgery in my other foot in November.

    Do you have anyone who can help with your 2-year old so your feet can get a little more rest? I hope so. Please do stay in touch, Amy. May you have wonderful success and complete recovery!!

23. Ajay
    October 18th, 2008 at 6:18 am

    

    Hi Christina

    Nice to know you are recovering well. Did you ever find out what caused your plantar faciitis. I am heel pain for last 5 years. Recently i had physio therapy and i an now tols i have very tight calf muscles which have caused my problems. It looks like i will have to have surgery at some point.

24. Christina
    October 18th, 2008 at 11:40 am

    

    Hi Ajay, nice to meet you too. My PF started when I was in the police academy. It started from a sudden increase in physical activity – LOTS of running, marching, standing and physical training in the academy. It just got increasingly worse while I was on patrol.

    I’m sorry to hear that you may need surgery. With time are you able to stretch and relax your calf muscles? I don’t know if you are using any kind of nutritional system for support, but that may help you significantly along with a regular stretching routine. Yesterday I posted about a tool I’m using called the Foot Trainer. You may find it a useful tool as well.

    Please stay in touch, Ajay and let me know how you’re doing. If I can be of any help, let me know.