Hurray! The healing went to plan so I am cast-free.
The first port of call was the plaster room where they removed the cast and then strapped it on to protect the leg on the way to Xray. I did a bit of PR work for the iWalk there so that everyone could see how well it worked.
The next stop was X-ray and the revealing of the foot. It didn't look like my foot. The manoeuvring for X-rays was a bit of a pain. Since my foot has been in the same position for six weeks it was somewhat reluctant to bend at the ankle. It just felt wrong. I just had to trust that it was OK and insist it bent for the X-rays. Turning it inwards was a bit sore because of the stretching of the skin across the tendon resection site. It was actually more uncomfortable than resting directly on the site. The toes were also reluctant to flattern down to meet the board. The X-Ray showed my screws in their full glory and they are a bit bigger than I expected.
Then it was the last stop on the journey through Ortho outpatients. I was seen by the Registrar who was very impressed with my iWalk and tried it out. He was happy with my progress and got me to stand up and show off my skills. That was nerve wracking. The ankle had swollen a bit and there was a lot of swelling under my heel so it felt strange to stand on. It also hurt a little. He was happy that my foot line up was much improved. I am used to looking down and seeing my heel stick out on the inside edge of my foot and now I don't see it. My foot looks skinnier because of it but is actual the same as the left foot now.
I was then seen by the ortho doctor who was very happy and said that I can be seen again in six weeks. I am to use a moon boot until I get sick of it. I also have to see how the orthotics in my right shoe feel. They were originally made to adjust the foot and that is no longer necessary so they might be uncomfortable. If they are I have a prescription for a new one from the orthotic centre.
So now I'm using a moon boot and two crutches. The moon boot is nice and supportive but not enough so to let me go straight into walking crutch free.
The leg is highly unattractive.
It is scaly and hairy and covered in bumps. I have also lost 5cm of muscle mass in the calf. So I have some hard work ahead of me to get it back to looking attractive. First step will be a bath tonight. Bliss! No balancing or plastic bags!
I'm really looking forward to being able to roll over in bed without the risk of whacking my other leg with a hefty cast. It's the little things!
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