Monthly Progress Report for Marilyn JB

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This record is for Marilyn JB treated by a Orthopedic Surgeon. The surgery was on 9-3-2099.
Email: IAmSuprWmn@aol.com

First Entry: Date: 11/03/2000 . . . Pain Level: 10 . . . Activity Level: 3 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 1
Be sure you know what your surgeon is doing. If he wants to try "something new" (i.e., have you walking the same day of surgery with NO cast) -- go to another doctor. This is what happened to me, against my better judgement. I am now in far worse shape and facing surgery all over again on both feet. At this point, I am in so much pain, I'll just about do anything.

Date: 12/06/2000 . . . Pain Level: 10 . . . Activity Level: 3 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 1
My expenses have been paid for by Montana State L&I, so I have no idea what the total is up to this point. I would estimate it to be well over $20,000, as I have had 2 separate MRI's, 2 separate surgeries, months of PT, a cast, etc., etc., ..... all that have resulted in my feet being worse than ever. I have sought out a new orthopedic surgeon who states that, with my ongoing and progressive pain level, he needs to go in and "look around" to see what is causing all the pain. He also plans to cut the fascia all the way across, instead of just a partial release as was done the first surgery. I will be having surgery again on my right foot around the 1st of the year. Depending on the results of that operation, he may go and do the left foot as well. I believe that I have been extremely optimistic and had a very positive attitude throughout the 3+ years that I've had plantar fasciitis, however I am beginning to feel very worn down by dealing with it 24 hours a day/7 days a week. I am hoping for a miracle here -- that this additional surgery will somehow bring me some relief from this relentless pain. Incidently, my first two surgeries were in "1999" -- not "2099"!!

Date: 01/15/2001 . . . Pain Level: 6 . . . Activity Level: 1 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 5
I had a 2nd operation on my right foot 10 days ago -- this time with a different orthopod who did a "total" release (i.e., cut the damn thing in half) vs. a "partial" which was done the first time. I've been on crutches since then. I live in an apartment on the 3rd floor with no elevator, so have been exhausted from hauling my poor body around. My stitches come out in 2 days, I'm barely able to put weight on my toes, and I'm not supposed to put any weight on my heel for another 2 weeks. I am a dedicated runner and am beginning to feel the frustrations of not being able to run!!! (Am developing some nice biceps though!)

I'm not very optimistic -- I have had this for over 3 years; this is my 3rd surgery -- am beginning to believe this is the way I will be the rest of my life. We'll see!!

Date: 02/01/2001 . . . Pain Level: 6 . . . Activity Level: 1 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 5
It's been 4 weeks today since my last surgery; I went in for a checkup yesterday and am starting a very aggressive soaking/stretching/massaging/icing routine again. Right now, my foot feels pretty much the same way it did prior to surgery. The "pulling" on my plantar fascia is every bit as bad right now. The doc stated that I have a mass of scar tissue/fluid & blood buildup on the bottom of my foot that he believes is causing this sensation. I am still using one crutch, but am able to wear my walking shoes and custom orthotics on both feet.

Right now, I am feeling pretty hopeless but am trying to keep a positive attitude and hope that THIS time my foot will eventually be in less pain.

Date: 02/01/2001 . . . Pain Level: 6 . . . Activity Level: 1 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 5

Date: 03/12/2001 . . . Pain Level: 6 . . . Activity Level: 1 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 5
Hello marilyn. my name is Diana from omaha . I have had pf for about 8 mo now . going to 1st podiatrist then orthopedic and pt last 3 mo not much relief. wearing night braces does help alot in the A.M I am so frustrated w all the pain. my orthoped. didnt want me to have surg yet. from reading some of these reports I think that maybe he is right .i am a dental assistant so am on my feet all day. how many weeks recovery time is involved w surgery? I am at a loss as to this condition. i feel for you to have suffered for 3 YEARS. here i thought that 8 mo was a long time I guess that after reading your story I'm thankful for the wisdom of my DR.

Date: 03/22/2001 . . . Pain Level: 6 . . . Activity Level: 5 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 5
It has been 11 weeks since my last operation; I am walking fairly well now, but I can only wear walking shoes with my orthotics. The pulling sensation on my right foot is getting better as I soak it in hot water while stretching every day (try to do this twice a day), then roll under my foot with a rolling pin, and finish up with a deep tissue rub, mostly on my incision. The buildup of scar tissue and fluid under my foot is gone, but I still have scarring under my incision, which is normal considering how long it's been since my surgery. Unfortunately, both of my feet are still in constant pain, mostly with a burning sensation that will not go away. I went downhill skiing a couple of weeks ago and have been paying for it ever since (sure was fun though!!) So, I am still uncertain about whether any of the 3 surgeries I've had were worth it as I am still in the same amount of pain that I was before any of them. We're experiencing beautiful, sunny weather right now and I'm DYING from my desire to go running in it! I am determined to follow this surgeon's plan for me, though, and will hold off on the running until I get the okay from him -- hopefully in another month or two. Throughout this entire ordeal, the only thing that makes my feet quit hurting is when I wear elastic ankle supports (one piece). These wrap around my ankle and under my arch. I honestly feel pain-free when I have them on and am now thinking of ways to be able to wear them all day (can't wear them at night as they become too binding). If you buy them, get a fairly loose, but firm fit ... not too tight or you won't be able to keep them on for long.

Date: 06/13/2001 . . . Pain Level: 8 . . . Activity Level: 5 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 5
It is now June 12, more than 5 months after my 3rd surgery. I just completed 5 weeks of PT with zero results. My right foot is now in as much pain as it was prior to my last surgery, although I am only using it a moderate amount (no running ... walking for exercise a couple of times a week). I have been wearing night splints for the last 6 weeks or so with no improvement. I give up. Almost 4 years after I developed PF ... 3 operations, 2 MRI's, hundreds of hours of PT, 4 sets of orthotics. The orthopod and my physical therapist have both suggested possibly doing a "calf lengthening" procedure where the surgeon would go in and cut the tendon that runs up the back of my leg. I DON'T THINK SO!!! If anyone has been this desperate and has actually had this procedure done (with positive or negative results), please let me know how you're doing. Thanks ...

Date: 07/09/2003 . . . Pain Level: 8 . . . Activity Level: 6 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 2
Ah alas ... it's been awhile since I've given an update on my condition. In fact, I've had 2 more operations on my right foot and 1 more on my left since the last time I wrote anything. I had my last surgery (on both feet and both legs at the same time) on 2/25/03. I had gastroc slides on both calves, plus girdlestone procedure on 4 toes on each foot -- 12 incisions altogether. More than 4 months later, I still can't walk correctly and am in constant pain. It's been 6 years now since I first developed PF and my last surgeon told me there isn't anything else he can do for me. Surgery prior to this that I never wrote about was a right foot reconstruction in October 2001. Hey, altogether, I have 18 incisions in my feet and calves! What can I say? Nothing has worked for me; I take Neurontin 300mg. 3x day or I couldn't make it through the day. However!! Believe it or not (hard headed me), I finally said "to hell with it" and I've started running, pain or no pain. I refuse to let this control my life any longer. At least I can still walk ....

Date: 12/16/2003 . . . Pain Level: 8 . . . Activity Level: 6 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 1
Okay, still no improvement since the last time I wrote (in July). Actually, the pain in my right foot has intensified to the point that I am now scheduled to see a pain management physician who is considering placing a spinal cord stimulator in my spine (surgically inserting). This appears to be my last option for any relief at all. I'm scheduled to see her for the first time in January ... praying that this works or I don't know what I'll do. All I can say to anyone considering plantar fascial releases -- DON'T DO IT. I was in pain before all these operations, but my feet are now destroyed. The only operation I would ever recommend is a gastroc slide -- at least your heel isn't getting cut into, which is the source of all of my pain. I'll write again when I find out about the stimulator. Please say your prayers for me.