How Fortunate I Am

While having to remain in the great indoors during this unrelenting Blizzard, I happened across the story of Ty Swensen from St. Anthony, ID.  Ty is a sufferer of CMT and was recently forced to have both of his legs amputated due to a previous bone injury that left his foot seriously infected.  I was deeply touched by the ordeal that Ty has experienced . . . I can't help but think how fortunate I am; I immediately made a donation to the family fundraiser that was recently held at their church community to help pay for his rehabilitation.

White Drifted History In The Making . . .

It's snowing . . . it's been snowing for more than 24 hours already. . . it's going to continue snowing for 18 more hours . . . and, coupled with the other two storms we've already had in the last few weeks, it's the most snow NYC has ever seen in a single month! And, with a cast still on my foot, I think this may be the longest I have had to remain locked up in my apartment since I've lived here!

Let me out! Let me out! Let me out!

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty . . .

Today marked the 6 week post-op mark and I am feeling divine (well, considering the current circumstances)! My body continues to heal nicely and I am anxiously awaiting this final week before we remove the cast and I can take my first steps . . . everyone (including me) has been so consumed with the progress on my foot/ankle that I've neglected to report on the other half of my surgery--the thyroidectomy.

Well, it's gorgeous people! Gorgeously perfect! The incision is approximately 2 inches and Dr. Genden (I like to call him Michaelangelo) cut it directly along the natural crease of my neck to make it eventually fade into oblivion. It has felt a little tender to the touch over the last few weeks as it heals internally, but overall, the thyroidectomy has been an extremely easy and gentle healing process with little to no discomfort. In fact, I haven't felt better in months with more energy and the absence of that awful "swollen gland" feeling . . .

Details, Schmetails

I've been finding it a bit of a challenge explaining to ordinary folks what it means to live with CMT Syndrome, why I had to have such an extensive surgery on my foot, and what this virtually unknown disease is doing to my body. . . So, I was doing a little online research today and found this article about CMT Syndrome. I've known all along that what my surgeon has been telling me is the right thing to do for maximum longevity, but it was really enlightening to read an article (complete with images) that demonstrates how and why he did it. . .

We all know that I have insanely high arches, but what the surgeon explained to me is that my heel was also beginning to turn inward (just like the photo demonstrates). He turned it back out and anchored it with a bolt.

Also, we knew the peroneal ligament had completely torn and needed to be repaired, but none of the doctors I saw before the surgeon could explain why . . . the article totally explains how the ligament finally wore down and why. . .

In total, this is the list of what we did to my foot (you can click on the links in the article to get more details):

* Release of the tight plantar fascia
* Lengthening of the Achilles Tendon
* Repositioning the 1st metatarsal bone (dorsiflexing 1st metatarsal osteotomy)
* Cutting the heel bone and shifting it out (Lateralizing calcaneal osteotomy)
* Peroneal tendon debridement or repair

Very interesting! I feel so much calmer knowing that I made the right decision to have the surgery! And, soon enough, it will be on to the right foot in the hopes of a better life! ;)

Hi Ho, Hi Ho . . .

it's back to work, I go! After a very quick three weeks recuperating at home, I made it back to work "all by myself!" today (seriously, where's my piece of candy or Atta Boy?!). Luckily, the insurance company approved a "scooter" for me to use to get around in replacement of crutches.

It doesn't have the luxury of power steering, it doesn't stop on a dime, and it doesn't have any measurable horsepower; but, I can get a good downhill speed if the conditions are right! Nonetheless, it's a lot easier on my body and much more steady than crutches any day . . . I can actually reach my office on the 42nd floor without getting out of breath (too much).

I can only sit comfortably in my office for about 6 hours before my foot begins to throb, but it's rewarding to be part of the outside world again!