- May 7, 2008 I broke my left ankle trying to slide into home base while at a staff retreat
- May 8 - had surgery to repair a tri-malleolar fracture (9 screws and a steel plate)
- May 16 - I had my staples removed
- May 23 - incision on outside of ankle not healing, had surgery to remove infected tissue and clear out incision
- June 17 - incision not healing at base of outside ankle; referred to wound care specialist
- July 9 - saw wound care specialist and started debriding treatment (took this long to get in after finding a doc who took Worker's Comp)
Another important reason for this post is because TODAY is week 10 since the initial surgery, which is the *magic number* when the doc said I could start bearing weight on my ankle. The first 6 weeks were the absolute worst! I got around primarily using a wheelchair and was still in alot of pain (the first 3 weeks were the worst for pain management). The next few weeks I started using crutches and the few days I've ditched the crutches and just use the walking cast. The doc is happy with the progress I've made with flexing my foot (It used to be frozen in a pointed position), it's just that darn wound that won't heal! I think the plan of action right now is to continue the debriding treatment for the next few weeks, and then schedule another surgery to remove the hardware since the bone should be healed by then. Here's a picture I took this morning before I changed my dressing - you can see a screw and part of the plate. The good news is, before I started the treatment is was covered by a scab and lots of dead tissue, and now there's obviously alot of new tissue growth and stimulation going on. I've also updated other photos of the process on my Flickr account for those of you who are curious. Hopefully none of you will ever have to experience this, but it certainly has been an experience. God used this to teach me patience and dependence on Him and not on myself.
4 comments:
if you put some lights on that screw it will be like a Darth Vader ankle...
Glad to see new growth. We're still praying for you. It's conflicting though, praying for a foot that will be used to kick you in the butt...
no kicking the butt, but maybe a boot to the head!
wow. thats nice. and the flickr pics are a great documentary. Your non healing wound reminds me of the time my thumb met the table saw. unfortunately I did not get good pictures.
Wow, Sonya! That is pretty brutal for someone with a weak stomach! :) I wanted to go there with you though! :) I am praying that your healing will continue and I am so thankful that God has used this in your life. Keep us updated on the foster care situation too. Love ya lots. Desiree'
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