Complications
I had a first look at my ankle repair on Monday when they opened up my original splint, it looks like Frankenstein’s neck, neatly stitched on both sides, no bolts sticking out but more screws than I thought., 9 in all, plus the plate on the outside of the ankle.
It felt very weird, but I am starting to move it a little. They outfitted me with an Aircast, a cast that can be removed to wash the foot and ice it down. Next Monday they will take out the sutures and I can get started with Physical therapy.
I was shocked to see the muscle loss on that calf. I’ve got my work cut out for me.
Complicating everything, my surgery has evidently been the trigger point for a urological issue. I have always had an enlarged prostate but the problem of urine retention has now become something that must be addressed surgically. I will have a Laser Prostate Reduction on March 9th, it’s an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia., with a few days recovery time. Wish me well. The interesting part of all this is I had to learn Intermittent Male Self Catheterization, not for the faint of heart.
Tim, looking at your poor foot makes me wince. We’ve missed you (a band of friends who always listen and post together during the show), even though we think Mark has done a good job. It’s just that, without your voice, way too much of the show is off-kilter.
I sprained my ankle last year. It was painful for weeks and weeks, still acts up, especially during my tap-dancing class. But I cannot imagine enduring what your ankle looks like. The only good to come of this experience is the clear lesson to the rest of us: garbage can pile up till the first robins appear. There is never a good reason to walk down a slippery driveway.
I didn’t know about the 3-week hiatus and am most displeased to learn of it, although it will give you some welcome time to recuperate. Please work hard on your physical therapy so you can come back fit and feisty.