one-year-post-partial-release-plantar-fasciotomy-right-foot

Okay so it has been one year and two weeks since I had surgery on my right foot for plantar fasciitis. What a year it has been too! I’m going to write some Q & A for this update to make it easier to read as well as better convey how I’m doing since I had my surgery – both of them (one on the right foot and one on the left). It’s been just over a year since I had surgery on both feet.

Are you glad you had the surgery?

Yes, I am. It was NOT an easy decision to make. Even after suffering with bilateral (in both feet) plantar fasciitis for more than three years I refused to have the surgery. I hadn’t heard of it helping anyone long term and in researching online I couldn’t find anyone’s success with the surgery. That’s why I started this blog – to document my journey with the surgeries and recovery.

Are you completely healed now?

No, I’m not. I was told recovery would take a year, but in reality I am still recovering. I still have pain – daily in fact. I have instances of intense flareups. Thankfully they only last a short time – anywhere from an hour to a day. Those are the bad days. :)

What’s the biggest difference in your life now from before the surgeries?

The fact that I can actually walk two miles, come home, sit down, get up and still walk around the house without limping. I can’t do that every day yet, but it’s a GREAT start!

How has your life been affected by plantar fasciitis?

Pretty much every part of my life has been affected. I gained weight. I went from an active lifestyle to an inactive lifestyle. My social life was just about nonexistent except for going to church. I started having problems with my lower back as a result as well. I lived every day in pain and that’s just no fun at all.

Have those affects minimized or gone away?

I’m happy to say that I am losing weight and that feels pretty good! My life is becoming more active now that I can walk longer. Standing is still hard and shopping still isn’t fun because stores have those awfully hard cement floors (they just kill my feet and back!). My social life has improved because 90% of the time it doesn’t hurt to drive like it did before and I’m much more reliable – I actually show up when I say I’m going to whereas before I’d have a flareup and have to back out.

What are you looking forward to in the next 12 months?

Regaining the strength I’ve lost in my body. Being inactive makes every muscle weak so I’m looking to start a strength training program. I just have to remember that I’m not at the same level I was when I graduated from the police academy and start slow! :) I’m also looking forward to running again. What an accomplishment that will be! I very much took for granted that I could run before. Now I will cherish that time of breathing hard and sweating! lol

I am very thankful for my family and friends who supported me and encouraged me over that last six years. I am also incredibly thankful that the Lord kept joy in my heart even while I lived each day in pain. I’m SO glad He gave me the wisdom to have these surgeries! I’ve been on an emotional and physical roller coaster and I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am without Him. I especially want to thank my mom and dad for taking care of me through all of the procedures and being there with me for both surgeries. I love you both from the depth of my heart!

My journey isn’t over, but I know it’s about to get a whole lot more exciting! I will continue to update this blog periodically on my progress and victories. I met a woman today, the owner of Fleet Feet here in Vacaville. She had this same surgery 14 years ago and she is doing very well – she’s running! I expect to be able to say the same thing. :)

If I don’t post again before Christmas, have a very, very merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year!!

Christina