Surgery and Post-Op

July was quite an eventful month for David and me.  I was working full-time and it was taking up most of my weekdays, on into the evenings.  On July 26, I went to see Dr. Deorio at TOC, since I had still been struggling with pain and weakness in my foot.  He was highly recommended and I had heard nothing except great reviews about him.

X-rays were first, then Dr. Deorio came into the room to discuss what had happened since that surgery back in April 2011.  He proceeded to inform me the hardware originally inserted had broken, most likely within 6 months of the surgery and that was where most of the pain stemmed from.  I was in utter shock! I could not believe that Dr. Haller (who performed the first surgery) or anyone else for that matter failed to schedule any type of check-up to see that everything was still in working order.

Dr. Deorio suggested removing the hardware and fusing a bone wedge from a cadaver to my calcaneus, which would lift my foot back into the position it is supposed to be in.  It took me a few minutes to comprehend what I was being told.  As many of you know, I struggled with an open wound/wound care for 6 straight months with the first surgery.  I promised myself I would NEVER allow any more surgeries, unless it was life or death.  I asked him if I elected to not have the surgery, what would the consequences be and Dr. Deorio informed me that I would most likely be in a wheelchair by the time I was 45 or so.  He explained how the surgery would benefit me, besides the obvious advantages.  I will be able to run again! That was probably the best news I could've ever heard, in regards to my foot.  My one concern was the wound care could once again be a major issue, however, he Dr. Deorio assured me otherwise.  I finally decided that Dr. Haller just doesn't have the experience that Dr. Deorio does, since his specialty is feet.  He told me that by the post-op appointment, it would be healing nicely.

I elected for the surgery and scheduled it within 2 weeks of that appointment, since David's active duty orders end in September and we will no longer have Tricare Prime.  That is the best plan Tricare offers, but only for active duty military members.  I knew that most of the procedure would be paid for and we wouldn't have these huge, outstanding medical bills.

After my appointment, I called Mom and told her about what I was told and she told me I MUST have the surgery.  Once I returned to work, I had to inform my boss of the news.  That afternoon, I was fired as a result of having to schedule a surgery.  I am still waiting on my unemployment from them...

Well, surgery day came and went and David has done a great job taking care of me.  He even carries me up and down the stairs everyday! I have my post-op appointment on Friday and hopefully, will no longer have to sit around with my foot propped up. 

I also began school last week, amongst all of this madness, I am graduating in December, thank the Good Lord!!! It's going to be tough, but luckily, I only have one class on campus.  That makes this much easier.  I have been ordered stay off my feet for 10 weeks and I am only at the 2 1/2 week mark.  I am ready to be finished and begin walking and running!!!

Below are two pictures, one of my foot after the initial surgery and the other is from the visit I had at TOC.  The difference in how the hardware appears is quite noticeable.

Thank you for all of the prayers so far, I ask for continued prayers, as I continue down this road of recovery.  :)

Summer 2013

Well, it has been a few months since I last blogged and since I am stuck at home, with my foot popped up, I figured now is as good a time as any.

The wedding was wonderful, even though it poured down rain and was a whopping 50 degrees! It was at Lake Guntersville State Park and we were still able to have it outside, since the lower terrace is partially covered.  The ceremony was a quick 10 - 15 minutes, but very memorable for David and me.  I am very thankful and blessed to have such an amazing family and friends that were willing to help with everything and try their best to be upbeat, despite the weather. 

Aaron Johnson was sweet enough to drive all the way from Atlanta just for the wedding, in the pouring down rain.  I will always be thankful for him and hope one day, I can repay his kindness.  My Uncle Scotty played the music, of course and some of David's friends and co-workers were sweet enough to participate in the traditional military segment of the ceremony.   Thank you to everyone that braved the rain and came out to share with us in our special day. :)

The reception was also memorable in that we danced, we visited, and David and I played the newlyweds game that my cousin, Andrew hosted.  We had the best time and all of our guests seemed to enjoy it as well.

After the reception, we headed to Lake Martin for the night.  David braved the rain and drove for us, of course.  The next day, it was still raining, but once we made it to Florida, it was clear and beautiful.  Disney World was great, but I wish I would've put a little more planning into the honeymoon.  Don't get me wrong, I loved it, we just weren't alone very much.

After the honeymoon, my parents reserved a house in Carillon Beach, close to Panama City Beach, FL.  The whole family went on the trip and we had a great time! I am always the single one, sleeping in the kids' room with the nieces.  It was nice to finally have my husband there to enjoy and spend time with my family. 

David and I had a great summer, even though I was working full-time at chiropractor's office.  So far, it has been the best summer of my life! :) Married life is better than I ever imagined!!

I will post pictures another time of events over the last few months.