Monthly Progress Report for Marilee M.S.

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This record is for Marilee M.S. treated by a Podiatrist. The surgery was on 08-26-2003.
Email: cliffdwlr@charter.net

First Entry: Date: 09/23/2003 . . . Pain Level: 7 . . . Activity Level: 3 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 2
I had the 5 point tarsel tunnel release for compressed nerves.
I had burining in the arch by the heel and heel pain.
Worse in the morning or after resting and stepping down. Didn't hurt so much after walking around a minute and/or stretching.
Had the surgery 5 weeks ago, but expected less pain. I see no significant change. I was told things will improve with time. I am afraid to return to work due to I walk and stand on concrete alot.
My doctor wants me to have the other foot done but I am nervous.
I am having a slow recovery. Does anyone have an insight for me.
Does the pain go away? And when?

Date: 09/25/2003 . . . Pain Level: 2 . . . Activity Level: 3 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 8
I have discoverd that staying off my foot for a whole day or two has GREATLY improved the results. I rotate my foot in a complete circle to stretch the incision to avoid scar tissue. I stretch it until it hurts and feels like it is going to tear a little, then hold that position for 5-10 seconds and repeat. This has help as well at stretching the calf muscle.
I think I was walking on that foot too much and decided to take it easy the next week (6th week) it really made a difference.
I may have my other foot done now.
I will return to my concrete floor enviroment for the true test next week. Try to stay off your foot!!!!! BUt keep it moving!!

Date: 10/03/2003 . . . Pain Level: 7 . . . Activity Level: 9 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 5
I have been released by my doctor to return to work for two weeks...then I am suppose to have my other foot operated on. This foot to be operated on hurts less than my other foot did.
I still have pain. My foot feels good inside a shoe and as long as I have it "on". When I take the shoe off...the pain is really noticeable.Same symptoms I had before the surgery. My doctor did a nerve entrapment release in 5 areas....I don't know if maybe I should have had The plantar fascitiis done instead.
I read online where it can take 3-18 months for a pain free recovery.
in those months ahead. I hope that is all is needed is time. I would hate the thought of this being a mistake.

Date: 10/18/2003 . . . Pain Level: 3 . . . Activity Level: 9 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 8
I am now 8weeks post-op and my foot feels pretty good. I still have to take an anti-inflamitory called Bextra. Without it...I have moderate pain. With the Bextra I have very little if any.
I have my other foot operated on in 3 days.
For those who are having second thoughts on their success.
Give it time. I am a slow healer and was worried I had made a mistake.
But things are slowly getting better. Gently massaging my foot a couple times a day...really helps the crampy feeling.
I still get occasional over all ache in the whole foot.
Resting it works too.

Date: 10/28/2003 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 10 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10
I am one week post op from having my other foot (right) done.
The stitches haven't even come out yet.
I have ZERO pain. I can walk normally on my foot and do not need crutches. It is amazing compared to all the pain and problems I had with the other (left) foot
I am stumped...so is the dotor!! I have little if no bruising...no swelling. NO PAIN!!
I was so nervous about having it done because the other foot was not as successful. I am glad I had it done!!
I am going to start physical thereapy on my 1st foot next week.
My surgery is called a 5 point release tarsal tunnel procedure.
1)Tars. Tunnel Release--Post. Tib Nervd. Decomp.
2) Neurolysis of Plantar Nerve,Medial and Lateral
3)Deep Peroneal Nerve Decompression
4)Common Peroneal Nerve Decompression

3 incisions. 4inch long one on side of ankle (instep) one on the top of foot about 2 inches long and one on the outside of my knee about 2 inches long.

Date: 01/30/2004 . . . Pain Level: 8 . . . Activity Level: 10 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 4
My heel pain remains, it is just in a different area now.
The inside of my heel hurts and directly in the back of my heel up on the bone. It even hurts to rest it on the bed. Just the pressure from the weight of my foot hurts my heels. I am going to go to another doctor for a 2nd opinion...my faith is not good.