Autumn
has always been my favourite time of year. The colours, the smell, the way the
air feels and the change in the atmosphere. I like the way the autumn drizzle glistens in the
yellow light from the street lamps, splashing rhythmically on the hard, grey pavements
as I walk, the air cold and crisp round me. Autumn is the colours of the
leaves, the way they crunch underfoot, and the way they create a multicoloured
carpet on the ground.
Sadly
this year I have missed most of autumn. On the 14th of September I
had an operation on both my feet. I had a bilateral scarf osteotomy with
lateral release. In other words they cut out bits of bones, removed my bunions,
stuck pins in my feet and made them a little narrower.
I
was very lucky to have a fabulous surgeon, a very unpretentious man who told me
straight what operation I needed, the probable outcome, the recovery times and
possible risks etc. I was also very lucky that the NHS had some clinics and
operations at a local private hospital, the care given was fantastic. As well
as being impressed with the surgeon’s manner, I also believe he is a brilliant
surgeon as the pain was minimal, the scars are neat and the mobility in my feet
is excellent.
Despite
my family and friends being lovely and helpful, I found it incredibly hard not
to be able to do things for myself after the operation. I am a very independent
person and not happy being immobile and unable to do things. I missed walking
incredibly and am grumpy when trapped at home. Don’t get me wrong, I love my
flat, but I also love my freedom. The first time I walked outside alone, after nearly
seven weeks, I could feel myself morphing into Mel Gibson in Braveheart. “They
can take my bunions but they cannot take my FREEDOM!!!”
I
had the first 10 days off work sick and then worked from home from another
couple of weeks. I was only allowed to walk round my flat in the special
medical shoes and had to sit with my feet up as much as possible. I had to use
crutches in the flat too as the shoes did not make for good balance. To
be honest the pain was not great and was definitely more comfortable than the
constant pain I had been in with the bunions and osteoarthritis.
My
family and friends helped by looking after me, doing the things that I couldn’t
for the first few weeks, cooking, cleaning, shopping etc. I had lots of visits
and messages from people and was very grateful to all my family and friends who
helped me. I also realised which of my “friends” were not that fussed. The 30 seconds that it takes to send a what’s
app message, Facebook post or text, can make a difference when you are feeling
down.
I
went back to work after 3 and a half weeks but was lucky because my boss
collected me and took me home every day and I didn’t have to walk much in the
office due to the kindness of my colleagues.
My
two trips to town in a wheelchair with one of my lovely friends, were hilarious,
much laughter and messing about occurred. Though I was surprised at how much people
can be rude, stare or just be generally unhelpful and obstructive. On the other
hand, there were other people who were lovely. Apparently when in a wheelchair
you should not say you are “going to get your crutch out”...... I meant crutches so I
could walk!!!! J
Rationally
the longest until I get back to normal is 6 months. At the moment I am walking short distances in
boots that are 2 sizes too big. (Due to the swelling) and I have a slightly odd
gait. Apart from that I am not in a lot of pain and I have lovely straight
feet.
I
know there is nothing to be done about the osteoarthritis, but the pressure has
been taken off and I am only dealing with one problem. Having 50% of the
problem removed has been amazing. I hope to be able to buy normal shoes or shop
bought wide fit shoes instead of EEE extra wide fit shoes online. I will admit
that, in desperation, I even considered buying shoes from Cosyfeet. I am 47 years old FFS!. I think that was the point at which
I knew I had to beg for medical intervention.
Today
is 9 weeks since my operation and my goal right now is to be able to get back
in normal footwear and to walk as far as I like. I would like to be able to
dance on New Year’s Eve, but I can’t see that happening realistically.
I
will be honest, that the best thing about this amazing operation is that I can
now drive. Now I haven’t tested this theory
because I haven’t got a car, but my surgeon definitely said I would be able to
drive after 8 weeks. Astonishing, because I couldn’t drive before the
operation. J J J
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| "Want that one" 😃 |
A big thank you again to all my family and friends who have helped me, and continue to help me while I have been less mobile.
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