fifty days (on ankle surgery prep)
In 6 weeks or so (50 days when I wrote this), I’ll be having surgery on my right ankle and foot that’s both a long time coming and, at the same time, kind of a disaster.
For the friends of Dr. Google (or with medical knowledge haha), I’m having a lateral ligament reconstruction, LDCO, and dorsiflexion 1st metatarsal osteotomy. For those who like to protect their peace (#goals), basically they’re going to tighten/clean up the ligaments on the outside of my ankle. At the same time, to address my overly high arch and standing on my foot incorrectly, they’re going to adjust my heel bone to the outside to improve alignment.
It’s a lot. It’s not driving for 8+ weeks. It’s being non-weight bearing for at least 6 weeks. It’s learning how to walk again. It’s 6 months of recovery.
It’s also the rest of my life. It’s better balance and mobility. It’s walks in the woods and hikes. It’s being able to workout. It’s being the older me I want to be and not crumbling into what I’m afraid generics have in store for me.
It’s truly an investment in Future Lindsay.
To get ready, I have a “things I’d like to do before…” list that’s taking the place of my 25 in 25 that will hopefully help me feel as ready for this as I can.
Eat more veggies and protein
I need to get my immune system ready to recover!
Try collagen (yay strong tendons!)
This may be a placebo, but it can’t hurt
Don’t doomscroll Dr. Google
Scaring myself or psyching myself out won’t help
Strengthen legs, core, and arms
I need to get as strong as I can to help with standing up using only my left leg, to use crutches, etc.
Get as bendy as I can
My lower back and hips are so tight. I’ll have to sleep on my back (which is not something I can do right now), so I need to loosen them up and work on mobility for when I’m stuck laying down so much, etc.
Get stuff done
Finish cleaning out my aunt’s house
Fix up my office
Declutter the downstairs (tripping hazards, yikes)
Buy a recliner I can sleep in
Repot my plants
Get my head in the right place
This is a marathon, not a sprint
It’s going to get worse before it gets better
This is a moment in life
So, that’s my plan for this time to keep myself from spiraling into all the worries (Lil Momma’s dance competitions, work, not driving, etc.).
Would you rather know and have time to prepare about something like this or just have it happen?
Honestly, I’m mixed. Anticipation anxiety ruins me - but I also really appreciate this time to prepare haha!
Yes, I would rather know so that I can get my "stuff" in order, sneak some fun stuff in beforehand, and be able to adjust my expectations for recovery.
ReplyDeleteFuture you will be very happy that you did this! But for the next 50 days and then 6 months, life will be a little different than planned.
Oh, definitely it's better to have time to prepare. Emergency surgery for things like this is not fun.
ReplyDeleteThis is encouraging me to have someone look at my reconstructed leg. I am STRUGGLING with even putting weight on it in the morning and I'm worried that even though I exercise regularly, I'm actually doing more damage to it. I've always believed "motion is lotion" and just kept at it because otherwise the arthritis will just take over, but it's getting too painful. *sigh* I should really book a doctor's appointment.
I'm sorry you have to go through this, but I think it's helpful you have time to prepare and I think your recovery will be better because of it!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those "short-term pain" for "long-term gain." I know 6 months does not feel short, but in the grand scheme of life, Future Lindsay will be so, so happy Today Lindsay had the courage to move forward. Gold stars!
Eek. I think I might want to just have it happen so I didn't have to stress about it beforehand! But realistically- you need time to get things ready. Yes, it's a marathon, not a sprint. When you look back on it, the six months of recovery will seem like a blip on the radar. Well- maybe that's too cheery. Six months is a long time, but you'll get through it. And- maybe this really is getting too cheery, but I'm going to say it anyway- at least you'll be recovering from a surgery that's not life-threatening and is going to greatly improve your life. As opposed to, having cancer surgery and chemo for example. Anyway, I know there are some challenging days ahead, but you can do it. Feel free to vent to us whenever you need to!
ReplyDeleteHope the surgery goes well. Thinking on you friend!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have time to prepare for this surgery! I think you have a great list of goals for this pre-surgery phase and then it'll be all about recovery and being kind to yourself! My friend Bri went through ankle surgery and the recovery process can be a LOT but you WILL get on the other side of it. Just keep thinking about Future Lindsay here. <3
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