Just an update as I’m not going to be able to post a run for quite a while. I may post something in Active 10 when/if I can, but I’m not feeling optimistic at the moment. In fact the exact opposite.
My new prosthetic leg is functionally promising. When it works I walk faster and straighter than before and I run a lot more easily. Unfortunately a lot of the time it’s not comfortable and doesn’t feel secure enough to run. Major faffage needed daily just to start walking. It’s the first socket I’ve had made using computer measurement rather than a plaster cast. I think it needs to be refitted. So that’s one issue.
Meanwhile, I’ve been offered an appointment in two weeks’ time for bunion and hammer toe surgery (which I’ve needed for quite a while). As my husband is well enough at the moment to look after me during convalescence I feel I have to go for it. No idea whether I will be able to use crutches, or need a wheelchair for a bit, but it will mean at least a couple of weeks with no weight bearing and six weeks with no driving.
My GP convinced me to have the surgery by saying that as it is the only foot I have, it should be the best it can be. So that’s what I’m hoping for. So much that could go wrong though.. infection, blood clots, trapped nerves, etc.. at least they can’t operate on the wrong foot..😂
I know I’m being irrational, as it should be a relatively routine procedure for a competent surgeon. But I’m frankly terrified of ending up with no functioning feet at all.
Written by
PeggySusi
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Gosh.... such a dilemma and no matter how we try to rationalise... it is still such a worry!
Glad the prosthetic leg is performing well ...!
Just a weird question for you,,, the operation for the bunion and toes, which of course has been recommended by the experts... was it/ is it causing major problems for you now... ? Do you feel it needs to be done?
Not a weird question at all..in 2019 my podiatrist said he thought I should have surgery and referred me.. the surgeon said if he was in my situation he wouldn’t have the surgery because I was coping.. so I didn’t go ahead. That particular surgeon was very unfit and didn’t appear to consider that exercise was valuable.. I said I enjoyed long walks in the countryside and he actually replied “Why?!” Since then it has got much worse, to the extent that it is essentially deformed, with the big toe and second toe crossing and often painful, and I can only wear certain trainers, or slippers.. no ordinary shoes. My GP again advised surgery as it seems to be getting worse all the time. The new surgeon in a different hospital thinks I should have had it done much sooner..
It seems like exactly the right choice and exactly what is needed and all you can try do do is hold onto that thought, stay positive and think how much comfier you are going to be when it is done and dusted!
A non farting leg.... And a foot that will be as good as new... ( with a few miles on the clock)
It is going to be a few weeks of inconvenience,,, but loads of exercises to be done from a seated position, planning more routes and letting us know how it is going!
Bionic woman or what... but seriously... the outcome is going to be a good on... know it and believe it!
Yes I have to believe it.. our NHS is still amazing.. just had a phone call from prosthetics and they are fitting me in on a cancellation tomorrow morning! Everyone I have dealt with so far tries so hard, in spite of all the problems and short staffing.. I just wish they were better paid.
Wishing you all the best. I hope your surgery goes really well. I'm glad the new surgeon is doing the 'op, as the previous one sounded "underwhelming" to say the least. 🙄 do keep us updated . 💐
Oh Sue, I feel for you, it's bad enough having to faff with one leg at a time,but two, I will be praying for you, big hugs 🤗 to you. Just do whatever exercises you can, because at our time of life fitness really drops off fast when inactive, I'm thinking things like leg raises which can be done on the floor or seated. So once again big hugs to you and kind regards to your OH.
Thanks Pete, my thoughts exactly.. I know I lose fitness, but even more importantly I can become very downhearted if I don’t keep moving every day.. I’ve been saving links to seated exercises on YouTube and so on..
Sending masses of good wishes your way! Really hope it’s as quick and seamless a process as it possibly can be. We’ll really miss you while you’re not around. ❤️
Sounds like it will be the right outcome but a bit of an ordeal to get to it. You are brave and wise. You are thinking of how to be prepared and how to rebuild your strength after the op. My very warmest and best wishes to you-do let us know how it all goes.
That is all totally understandable, I am new at all this running malarkey but am amazed at your determination… you made me laugh too! All the best with the op and keep us posted. X
Oh my, Susi, that's a lot to deal with. I completely get the fear of something going wrong, but I know you know that having it done now is the right decision. Deep breath, and onwards!
(I wimped out of having the septum in my nose straightened for several years because of that form that lists the possible outcomes - in the end nothing went wrong, my breathing is improved and so is my balance). I haven't had to commit to an operation on my only remaining foot, but I've had several surgeries, and it's the ones with an element of choice that give me the collywobbles. When it's "Do this or you're in serious trouble," you just do it.
Oh and don't get me started on older women being written off/ignored/patronised by certain members of the medical profession!
Anyway, hugs and positive thoughts being sent your way🤗
Thank you.. and you’re absolutely right, G-o-girl.. it’s the fact that it’s my decision here.. I don’t have a life threatening condition. You could say I’m gambling in the hope of winning an improvement, so I have to accept there’s an element of risk involved. And my past experience of surgeries is very good, in the main.. I’m pretty much alive, held together and still functional thanks to the NHS. I should be grateful that I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity of this surgery, and look forward to embracing it with both hands.
I do know what you mean about some “mansplaining” and patronising medics, but all those I’ve seen recently have been just the opposite.. maybe some things are improving 😊
To be fair, my recent experiences have also been good. Which is a minor miracle what with everything they have had to deal with. But anyway, you are allowed to feel how you feel, there's no "should". 😘
Sorry to hear about your situation. Sending you a big virtual hug 🤗.
I hope your surgery goes well for you and that it won’t be long before you are up and running out the door……but not just yet eh? Gently does it for a while.🥰
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Doing so well - got to wk7 run2 - but now I’m ill & not sure where to start back when I’m better
FROM 6” HIGH HEELS TO RUNNING SHOES
W9R3 Graduation Day - Couldn’t be more fed-up ☹️😠😩
First failed run- Wk6 Run 3
I’ve done it! 
