Monthly Progress Report for Annie N

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This record is for Annie N treated by a Orthopedic Surgeon. The surgery was on 01262001.
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First Entry: Date: 01/28/2001 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: . . . Satisfaction with surgery:
So far, so good. Pain prior to surgery not all that bad, but it was constant and nothing conservative (i.e. injections, PT, Cam walking boot, cessation of activities for two months) had worked. Activity level for doing what I love to do, aerobics and walking was down to practically zero unless I wanted the pain. Surgery was Friday, it is now Sunday and I'm convinced the surgeon did a "placebo surgery" because I have NO pain at all, nor have I had any since I woke up.
Getting around on crutches has been the worst part of it all. I'll keep you posted on the progress as I look forward to walking again SOON.

Date: 02/12/2001 . . . Pain Level: 4 . . . Activity Level: 3 . . . Satisfaction with surgery:
Into week three, stitches out, beginning weight bearing which isn't fun. Here the pain has begun! But different than presurgery pain; it's more of a pulling and tugging and not in the heel, but in the bottom of the foot. Walking very slow, very painful. Lots of paresthesias in the foot. Still on crutches, and beginning activities very slowly. Still think this was the best route, and every day gets a tad better.

Date: 03/14/2001 . . . Pain Level: 3 . . . Activity Level: 5 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 5
I'm very impatient which is typical of this problem. Not recovering as well as I'd hoped. Heel pain is still gone. The "pain" is more still in the arch of the foot where the fascia was cut. Always stiff in the am still, but up and about is better. Still can't do much walking for extended period of time without it aching a lot. Tires very easily. Still not back to my aerobics or walking which is a disappointment, but I've taken up biking for a while. Overall, I'm no worse off than before surgery. I can go a whole day with no discomfort whatsoever, but only if I don't stress the foot. I'm still hopeful. Would I do it again? Most definitely. It was the only option left

Date: 03/28/2001 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 9 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10
Well, I'm now back doing pretty much what I want to. Aerobics this week for the first time since pre surgery. Doing it at a lower level, but I'm BACK! Also walked this morning and although the foot still tires more easily, I am very very happy! The light at the end of the tunnel is here. I feel like I have my life back. There was no zero for pain level, so I had to put a 1. Having no pain at all.
This is my last entry. I encourage everyone to just be very patient. It takes a very long time and discouragement comes easily. I have been out of aerobics for almost 7 mos now and gave up walking three months ago. Next time I will pay attention to my body and not push it.
good luck to everyone out there with the problem. It's a difficult one and I'm amazed at the people I talk to that have it. PATIENCE is the key.

Date: 07/18/2003 . . . Pain Level: 1 . . . Activity Level: 9 . . . Satisfaction with surgery: 10