Hello, friends & family! Just wanted to leave a little note for anyone who is interested that I had a great 6-month ankle check-up last week with local orthopedist Dr. Eric Horton. I am deliberately providing his name, as he is one of probably two doctors in the San Diego area that work with ankle replacements right now. The other one is Dr. Bertil Smith at UCSD Hospital. The other two I know about have unfortunately moved their very desirable talents to other states.
Anyway, long story short, Dr. Horton took new X-rays and had nothing but praise for Dr. P.’s work. The device is working as intended and I am using it as intended (shopping & dog walking, under 3 miles a day). He was easy to talk to and took his time with me. Evidently there is a new generation of my Wright In-Bone implant that is even more successful; however, to forewarn anyone who may decide to ask him for a replacement surgery evaluation, Dr. Horton prefers the STAR (Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement).
As for what/how I am feeling these days, the permanent pain level seems to have established itself at a manageable level overall and mostly just makes my calf ache a bit at night. The neuropathy on the inside of my left foot has faded and sensation feels fairly normal now; there is still a small stripe of skin that has little feeling, but it is not especially noticeable unless I am actively poking my foot with my fingers checking for numbness. I am occasionally able to wear flat (non-tennis) shoes now, although an entire evening in heels still seems like a hopeful goal for the future. I have gotten new orthotics and continue with monthly acupuncture therapy to help re-align my Qi with my new balance inclinations. I am just beginning to get interested in exercising at home and will need to start slowly; Dr. Horton encourages non-impact exercise including bicycling and swimming. I will reach a year of successful replacement at the end of June, which is when I am told the healing should be as complete as it’s going to get. After 16 years of wondering how this would turn out, life is returning to normal and I am able to function as most other people with minimal discomfort. Not wanting to hog all the cosmic gratitude, my boyfriend and my dog are also very thankful for the ultimate and long-term success of this procedure J
Huxley sez: "Yay for the Mama!"
