Monthly Progress Report for KellyD

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This record is for KellyD treated by a Podiatrist. The surgery was on 9-25-2000.
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First Entry: Date: 10/02/2000 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 1 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10
One week post-op from EPF - which, after trying every available conservative treatment, I put off for at least 2 months because of the negative comments posted. But I'm relieved to have finally taken a positive step to getting back to my normal activities. Procedure itself is a breeze. Currently in a walking cast ("boot") doing lots of stretching, but minimal walking/standing. Agree with THurst, no PF pain evident - and hoping for as positive a recovery.

Date: 10/10/2000 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 3 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10
2 weeks post op. Still in the boot doing lots of stretching, stitches were removed last week. Increasing standing/walking time gradually. Actually got the go ahead to ride my stationary bike for 10 mins - provided it didn't hurt - which it didn't. Also lifting weights (well, no squats!) Only pain is in the arch which my dr says is the muscle under the fascia taking the impact of walking. Advil knocks it out completely.

Date: 10/17/2000 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 4 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10
3 weeks post op. Bruising on the bottom of my foot is almost completely gone, really no pain at all to speak of. Still in the boot, but put on an ortho shoe to ride lifecycle (doing 15 minutes this week) and lift weights. Can tell the fascia is growing back - never really used to feel anything when stretching - but now I'm actually stretching something!

Date: 10/23/2000 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 5 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10
4 weeks post op. Everything feels great - ready to be out of this boot!! Bruising is gone, incisions are healed, no pain at all. Realize that we won't really know the success of the surgery until I'm wearing shoes again - but those first steps in the morning are heavenly!

Date: 11/14/2000 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 6 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10
7 weeks post-op. Got out of the boot last week and dr. advised to resume normal daily activity - i.e., walking/standing associated with going to work, shopping, walking dog, etc. for the first 2 weeks. I was a bit unsteady for the first few days after being in the boot for so long (almost 4 months total counting time before surgery, and then 6 weeks after), but I feel stronger every day. Dr. also encouraged me not to increase duration and intensity at the same time. So I'm working to build up my distance before I speed it up. I think this surgery was a miracle - but I think too many people try to push the recovery too quickly and end up with other issues. OR their doctors aren't experienced enough (or conscientious enough) to give comprehensive post-op care. I'm still savoring those first few painfree morning steps every single day!

Date: 12/12/2000 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 7 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10
11 weeks post-op - and this will be my last post! My foot seems to be completely normal - the holidays and all the standing were a little difficult, but my endurance has steadily increased. I'm now working on building up to higher intensity physical activity - I'm doing 10 minutes on a stepper, 20 minutes on the life cycle and walking about a mile. So all who read this please know: EPF DOES work and it only took me 3 months to feel like my old self again. Good Luck!!

Date: 01/07/2004 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 10 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10
A friend with PF spurred me to check out the site and thought I'd post a 3+ year follow up! I did really well with this surgery - until I encountered columnar destabilization in my ankle. I researched it, posted on the boards, etc. and it didn't seem to be a very common result - but I was one of the unlucky ones. However, I'm happy to report that there is also life after this condition, and I've been free of the ankle pain for about a year. You can have surgery to help relieve the pain, but I'm glad we took the conservative route and just gave it time.