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princess
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| Joined: | Tue May 23rd, 2006 |
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Posted: Tue May 23rd, 2006 06:05 pm |
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Well, this is my first time finding out that there are others out there with this condition. Every since grammer school I have suffered with this condition. Whats sad is I am now living with my boyfriend and he is starting to ask me why don't I show him my feet. I've tried several times to attept to show him my feet , but I don't like to look at my toe myself. I have brachy on my left foot, 4th toe. I always said to myself that I would find away to correct this problem, now that I've discovered Dr. Lee can help with surgery I suddenly got scared. Nobody haven't really seen my toe so if I decide to have surgery what would I tell my boyfreind.
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gina
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| Joined: | Wed Jun 21st, 2006 |
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Posted: Thu Jun 22nd, 2006 02:23 am |
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Hi Everyone, I am new to this forum but not new to Brachy. I am 45 years old and have been dealing with this horror since I was a kid. I feel better reading all your posts because I know I'm not alone.
The sumer is here again and although this is my favorite time of year, I also hate it because of my feet. I have to turn down pool parties, going to the beach with friends, going on vacation with friends (and even my family) and it really heartbreaking at times.
I went on a cruise with my cousins a couple of years ago. I faked having my period for the whole week so I would have an excuse not to go in the pool or the ocean. One day it was blazing hot and everyone was having fun in the pool. There I was in my shorts and sneakers, sweating do death reading my book watching everyone in the pool. I wanted to cry. I always do.
I also hate going into shoe stores this time of year. There are sandals as far as the eye can see. There are no nice summer style shoes with closed toes unless you want to wear sneakers. Not to mention that even closed-toed shoes have to be chosen carefully because my 4th toe (on both feet - lucky me) sit higher than the rest of my toes and it can hurt.
This has caused so much anguish and embarassment in my life. I think all of us should have a "Brachy Beach party" where only people with brachymetatarsia are invited and we can walk around bare feet and not feel humiliated (well not as much anyway).
It's funny that so many of you are on the forum and Dr. Lee says that it's farily common but I have NEVER met anyone with this problem in person.
I am very happy for this forum and I hope one day I get to have my surgery. Thanks for listening!
Gina
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leepodiatry
Administrator
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Posted: Thu Jun 22nd, 2006 04:57 am |
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Welcome to the forum. Hope this helps you .
Dr. Lee
Last edited on Thu Jun 22nd, 2006 04:58 am by leepodiatry |
seahorn53
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| Joined: | Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 |
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Posted: Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 03:00 pm |
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I think a brachy beach party would make my summer! Thanks for posting. Firstly, I want to say how not alone you are. I wish I could get the surgery, but I'm scared. It's costly and I can't stay off my feet for that long. I have to come to work, and I have to live my life, too...
The pain I feel having this deformity is unbearable sometimes. I suffer from major insecurity. I just revealed it to my current boyfriend of 2 months, and I'm so afraid to be around him barefoot. He knows I'm insecure about it, and it's turning him off. I think he doesn't like it, just like I don't like it....to top it all off, going to the beach and swim parties are nearly impossible activities, which he enjoys doing. I'm afraid to lose him.
The psychological pain is so great, and I'm so tired of having to deal with this deformity. I don't know what to do, or how I will be able to continue living this way. I am 27 years old, and the insecurity is killing my sense of self-respect, and self-value.
I live in North Florida, and don't know what to do. I wish I could get the surgery and continue to work. I wish someone would help me, but I'm on my own in this...
Good luck with dealing with this. I will need it...
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Shiner
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| Joined: | Wed Feb 21st, 2007 |
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Posted: Wed Feb 21st, 2007 05:58 pm |
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Hi everyone - just discovered this forum, and just discovered the condition too. Like so many of you, I just knew I had "weird toes" and I was ashamed, self-conscious, and unhappy with my feet for years. But my sister also has the condition, so we basically just both thought we were freaks for years. I just told her what I found out yesterday during an unrelated podiatrist appointment. I can't believe I didn't know all these years that this was an actual condition, and that there might be surgical hope to correct it. When I read someone else's post, I realized that I also have the condition in my right hand. Again - I noticed years ago that one of my fingers is shorter than the other and it looks like I have no knuckle, but I never realized that this actually had a name. Both my third and fourth toes on both feet are affected - I understand that it's not usual to have bilateral symmetry.
It's almost chilling to read some of your accounts - I had a diving board incident too when I was a child - a girl was looking at my feet with a disgusted face and kept staring and giving me dirty looks until I got upset and pushed her off the high dive platform. I was kicked out from that pool and banned from returning and I never even told my family because it seemed like such a silly reason. I know well about burying my feet in the sand while walking on the beach, being in a long term relationship with someone who was disgusted with my feet and didn't even like them to touch him, and the feeling of being left out from wearing sandals and flip flops. I just recently bought my first pair of flip flops and decided I didn't care what people thought - although I did spend considerable time finding a style that had beading and straps that hid the worst of it. I practice yoga - I even went through some yoga teacher training last year - and I struggle at every class I attend to keep my mind off my toes. I wonder if it affects my balance, making some poses more difficult for me, I obsess about what the other students and the teachers think when they see my feet, and I do not fully get to enjoy the clarity and freedom that I am supposed to enjoy in my yoga practice. I have only recently started being a little more comfortable with my feet - before I would never allow friends to see me without shoes or socks - now that I'm 30 I don't care as much as I used to, but I still care. I curl my feet up when they're bare and there are others around. I'm tired of feeling embarrassed every time I go for a pedicure, or even when I see a new doctor or massage therapist or similar. I always feel I have to warn people first - "just so you know, I have funny toes" - I'm sick of apologizing for what I never had any control over.
The only positive thing that I can say about it is it has made wearing pretty pointy-toed shoes easier, since I have only two toes to fit into the toes! But I think I will be a-ok with wearing a larger shoe size if it meant that I could also indulge in feeling pretty in strappy sandals or barefoot.
I live in Calgary, Canada, and I am about to start researching my options in Western Canada for surgery. I am very frightened of having it done and concerned about the pain and recovery time, but I think the outcome would be worth it.
I'm so glad to discover others like me. I'm sorry that you all have had to suffer the same things I have, but it's good to no longer feel alone and even better to know there is hope.
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leepodiatry
Administrator
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Posted: Thu Feb 22nd, 2007 04:00 am |
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Welcome to the forum. Please let me know how I can help you.
Dr. Lee
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Shiner
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| Joined: | Wed Feb 21st, 2007 |
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Posted: Thu Feb 22nd, 2007 03:05 pm |
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Hi Dr. Lee,
I emailed you yesterday as well. I included more details in my email.
Kristen
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mid77
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| Joined: | Fri May 25th, 2007 |
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Posted: Fri May 25th, 2007 11:04 pm |
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I just found out 2 days ago that this toe deformity I have has an actual name and it is nice to know there are other people out there with this same problem.
I am 30 years old and have lived with this for about 20 years since the time I remember it being noticable. This has been haunting me for years and every time summer rolls around I just get depressed and look forward to cooler weather where boots and socks are more acceptable.
I would absolutely love to be able to show my feet and go to the beach and not hide them from anyone. My husband just found out about it 2 years ago and for about 10 years I have somehow managed to hid it from him and everybody else around me except for my parents. I want to enjoy the rest of my life without this and to know there is a surgery out there that would make my foot normal gives me so much hope. I have brachymet on my left foot (fourth toe) so I consider myself lucky to at least not have it on both feet but the effort and emotional drain it takes to hide my feet all the time is just getting worse and affecting my life more.
I have emailed Dr.Lee a coulpe of days ago to obtain more information and hope to hear back from him soon because I am ready to do this as soon as possible no matter what it takes. The cost concerns me as I do not know if my insurance will cover it but if anyone out there has done the one stage surgery recently and could answer some questions I would really appreciate to know more information.
1). Is it possible to function the first 2 weeks on your own if you have to drive. I have it on my left foot so I can use my right to drive still I hope. I live on the east coast so I would definitely have to stay in AZ for about 14 days it looks like.
2). Has anyone found a good hotel or place to stay where the rates are reasonable for a longer stay?
3). What is the cost of the surgery for one foot and one toe if insurance does not cover it?
4). I understand that you are in a cast for about 12 weeks but during that time would I be able to work at all if I was able to keep my foot up at least at work? I have an office job so I would think this could be accomodated.
5). Are there any huge risks with the one stage surgery where after you are not able to run or hike or do other activities you used to be able to do? I experience more and more pain now that I am getting older and maybe from the pressure on the rest of my toes so I hope the surgery would take care of the pain as well as the appearance.
I am so happy I came across this website and forum and really hope to get this done in the near future because I hate thinking about going through the rest of my life and being so afraid of showing my feet. Like many other people have written your family and friends say it's not a big deal but they are not the ones with this deformity and do not have to think about other people staring at them. I am not a vain person and I am not looking to win the prettiest feet award. All I want is for my two feet to look the same and look normal and be able to enjoy being barefoot.
Thanks everyone for your replies and I can relate to all the comments I have read!
MD
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ninabobina
Member
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Posted: Sat May 26th, 2007 03:09 am |
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Hi mid77,
I just had the surgery a week ago, and came all the way from Florida. Not only did I have to fly here, I currently live in Tallahassee for college, so I drove down to my home town of Ft. Lauderdale to fly out, and when I get back am going to have to drive the 6 hours back. To answer some of your questions...
I had my mom and boyfriend come for the first few days. I had the surgery Thurs. the 17th, and my boyfriend and mom left Sunday. I am staying at a vacation condo that I found on the web and for my entire stay (i am leaving the 30th) it cost me around $800....much cheaper then a hotel, and way more comfortable). The place is very close to the surgery center and the airport...but what I didnt know was that it was on the 2nd floor!!!! so watch out for that. I have no insurance, and am paying for everything myself, including plane tickets, food, rent, and pain pills!! the surgery, anesthesia, and doctor's fees added up to about $5,500. I was also amazed the the prescriptions (there were 4) only came out to about $90.
Like I said before, everyone left on Sunday, and it is now Friday. My aunt and her friend are now in town to check up on me. I was able to function on my own after Sunday, and could drive if I had to. The stairs are a bit much, but like I said, if I knew I wouldn't have stayed in this exact condo. I made it to my first post-op appointment by myself, but it wasn't easy. Laying around and not getting much food down isn't good on energy so it took a lot out of me. But it is all worth it. If you have anymore questions just post!
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cg
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| Joined: | Sat May 26th, 2007 |
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Posted: Sun May 27th, 2007 12:02 am |
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| Thanks to everyone for sharing. At 54 I am so relieved to finally find out that this condition has a name and that something might actually be done to correct it. I live in Charlotte, NC. Can anyone recommend a specialist in this area? Dr. Al Kline suggested Dr. Cicchinelli in Greenville, NC. Does anyone know anything about him or anyone closer to Charlotte? Thanks.
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ledesmat
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| Joined: | Sun May 27th, 2007 |
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Posted: Sun May 27th, 2007 01:38 pm |
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Wow, I just found this site and cannot believe how many others are like myself. I currently live in Japan, but am moving back to the states in 2 months. I'm trying to get as much info as I can so that maybe...I can get this done when I get back. So...if anyone could answer these ?s for me.
Quick questions: did you have just one or both done. Basically, did the $5500 cover one or both. I have the condition on both feet and have been looking everywhere for a place that does the corrective surgery. Also, how long were you informed you would be off your feet? How far in advance did you have to schedule the surgery?
Sorry for the shotgun questions, but, like I mentioned, I'm excited to know there are others like me and that there is hope. (Try living on a beautiful tropical island for 7 years and never going to a beach or pool because of this).
Thanks in advance.
Last edited on Sun May 27th, 2007 01:52 pm by ledesmat |
cg
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| Joined: | Sat May 26th, 2007 |
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Posted: Sun May 27th, 2007 02:08 pm |
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| Check out Dr. Al Kline's "The Foot Blog" for additional information.
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ninabobina
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Posted: Tue May 29th, 2007 02:29 am |
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ledesmat,
I only had the surgery on one foot, so the $5500 was only covering the one...although it included the anesthesia, so if you did both at the same time it might be different. I didnt find out the exact amount until i had already sent dr. lee my photos and xrays and all my paperwork, and made my appointments. it was actually cheaper then i expected. i started planning the trip a little less then a year in advance because i had to get the xrays done with a local doctor, and send a package to dr. lee's office. then i had to wait for them to call me and set up a phone appointment with dr. lee. then i had to make all of the appointments for the surgery and start with the plane flights and somewhere to stay.
Dr. Lee told me that a girl that was 18 (i am 19), had the surgery and didn't use a bone stimulator (which i wasn't informed about until i got to his office), and she healed in 10 weeks. After the first week or 2 you get a regular cast on your leg, and then after a while when you are ready to walk on it, you will get a walking boot.
Hope this helps! I know how u feel. When I found this website all I could think about for months was getting the surgery done...and now Im here in AZ and my dreams have come true!! I can't wait to heal up and hit the beach and buy tons of cute shoes!!!! good luck!
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Chloe
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| Joined: | Sun Jun 3rd, 2007 |
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Posted: Sun Jun 3rd, 2007 08:31 pm |
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FLAPATSFAN,
I don't know if you still visit the site, but if so, I live in Southern Florida and would love to get your doctor's information, so that I can correct my condition. I am 33 and I just had a daughter. I came across this site and I definitely want to have surgery and get this fixed so I can teach her to swim and play with her in the sand at the beach without being embarrassed! If anyone else knows of a doctor in Florida or the South Easy who can perform this procedure, please contact me! Thank you for this wonderful site, Dr. Lee!
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brachygrrl
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| Joined: | Tue Jun 19th, 2007 |
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Posted: Wed Jun 20th, 2007 04:25 am |
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I'm 32, and the last pictures I have of myself where my feet looked normal where when I was around 4 years old. When I was a kid, people would always ask me "What happened to your feet???!!!"
My mom was so cool. She taught me a bunch of things to say that made me more comfortable. Like, "What? Oh my gosh! Where'd my toes go???" Or if I was in a really snarky mood, I'd tell them I was born as a siamese twin, and we were connected at the toes. When they separated us, I got the shorter end of the toe.
Most of the people who asked -- then and now, actually -- are kids. So they don't mean any harm. I worked with kids, many times taking them to the pool, when I was in college. As I got older, I just told them what I thought was the truth. I told them that I was missing a growth plate on my 4th metatarsal, and that although the rest of my foot grew, it didn't. (Is this the reason for brachy or is it something else? It's what I thought at the time.) Now I have a name for it that I tell them.
I don't know of ANYONE in my entire family with feet like mine. I have four brothers and sisters, my dad has two siblings, and my mom has four siblings. I'm actually a bit annoyed, because if it's hereditary, that means whomever had it/has it probably has hidden it from everyone, and they could have really helped me feel normal if they shared it with me.
Now, this is making me sad. I thought this condition was extremely rare, but the wonders of the internet make it so that we can all talk to each other. The idea that I might not have to live this way forever, even though I've come to accept it, really shakes my foundation.
Glad I found my way here.
ETA: I'm so sorry that so many of you won't go to the beach or pool. I know it's hard, but people have all sorts of differences in the way they look. My husband tells me that most people have ugly feet, and that mine aren't a big deal. So whether you have the surgery or not, please take your kids to the beach and the pool. And come up with a snappy retort for anyone who asks about your feet.Last edited on Wed Jun 20th, 2007 04:27 am by brachygrrl |
numnine60637
Member
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Posted: Fri Jun 22nd, 2007 03:00 am |
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Hi Brachygrrl,
I absolutely love your attitude towards your feet, and I enoyed laughing at the Siamese twin comment. I have to use that in the future. I recently got my first professional pedicure (2weeks ago), I wasn't scared or anything. I just think cosmetically these toes look odd, and that's why the majority of us hide them.
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canadianduckie
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| Joined: | Tue Jul 31st, 2007 |
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Posted: Tue Jul 31st, 2007 06:05 pm |
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| Hi! I'm 23 too. I was born with not only the brachmet, but diplopia, dystonia, hemiparesis, scoliosis and a torticolis. I consider this minor to what other things I have but I still would love the surgery. I want to be able to take my daughter to the beach without embarrassment. Also, some sneakers rub on my toe and it hurts!! I have it on the fourth little toe on each foot. I live in Canada and I have no clue how to get the procedure done. I heard Mount Sinai Hospital in Maryland is good! Do you have email? Mine is sarahemmanuelle @ sympatico . ca so feel free, anyone who has suggestions, to email me!! Thanks!!
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Happytoes
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| Joined: | Sun Aug 19th, 2007 |
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Posted: Sun Aug 19th, 2007 09:18 pm |
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I agree with you bracygrrl!!! its not that bad!! but now I know it can be fixed my ideas have changed alittle on how I feel about my "happy toe" as I call it... I learned to accept my toes when I was 13, I figured "its my feet not my face"... My brother is mentally retarded so that might be another reason I am not horrified by my toe cause I know life can get worse I guess!!! I dunno... whatever the reason since I was 13 (Im 24 now) I have learned to live with it and I wear flip flops all summer and I have 3 tattoos on my feet.... BUT NOW I know I can have it fixed and not just amputated as all the other Doctors I have come across suggested, my ideas of my "happy toe" has really changed!!!! it just makes me think twice of how I LOVE my toes SO much...!!!
Recently my sister in law told me that my brother in law (her husband) "warned" her about my "funny toe" and told her not to stare at it... and I know he didn't want my feelings hurt, but since I have learned to accept it for so long I didn't realize that people DO notice it and that hurt me alittle!!! then I came across this sight and realized that it could help me and that my toes are called something other than HAPPY TOES!!!
Last edited on Sun Aug 19th, 2007 09:19 pm by Happytoes |
liz
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| Joined: | Thu Nov 8th, 2007 |
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Posted: Thu Nov 8th, 2007 08:10 pm |
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| Hello, I am 17 years old and I really embaressed about my deformity. I hate not being able to wearpretty shoes that show your toes or going swimming with friends. Ilive in Chicago Illinois and I would like to know if there are any places in Illinois that I can go to, to get this procedure done, I would also like to know about how much i costs.
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Sharkbite
Member
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Posted: Fri Dec 7th, 2007 04:43 am |
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Wow! Just found this site tonight. I saw an add for "bunion" correction and started thinking about my latest visit to a foot doctor (about 2 years ago) for a little fungus issue on a couple of toenails (yes too much info, sorry) and to see if there were any new procedures for lengthening the 4th metatarsal on both feet. Needless to say, I didn't get the answers I wanted to hear.
When I turned 40, I said I wanted to have my toes fixed. That came and went. When I turned 41, I decided I had more confidence in myself. I have a family that loves me and I am blessed in so many ways. So I bought my first pair of flip flops. Today I have 3 pairs.
These days I'm around young children and they can be brutally honest and curious. I wore a pair of those cute little stappy sandles to church and my preschool class asked me if my toes hurt. I said no and followed up with those are my "Special toes" (thank you Nemo).
Today I joke about them with children. When I catch a child staring, I tell them it was a shark bite and that I was able to retrieve the toe and had it reattached. Then they ask about the other foot. I reply that one was a result of walking bare foot in the Nile; piranha bite. It makes them and me laugh. When they get older the joking will probably end, but for now I'm happy.
Today, my daughter is 7 and I'm afraid she might have the same condition on both feet. My husband thinks I'm over reacting (I think that's why I fell in love with him. He never batted an eye at my toes). No one else in our families have this condition. I think I have come to except my condition but I don't want her to be insecure or have the feelings that I had/have so I try to keep a positive attitude and not be ashamed of them. However, if she does have the condition and it bothers her like it did me growing up, we will research our options.
Sorry this is so long. I'm a talker and after putting this in writing (and reading every entry), I feel so much better about myself.
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denilou52
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| Joined: | Tue Jan 8th, 2008 |
| Location: | Michigan USA |
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 04:10 am |
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| I just came upon this site and would like to talk with someone who has recently had the surgery or is planning on having it done.
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Tember22
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 09:21 pm |
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Hey there,
I just found this site as well and am interested in speaking with others about brachymet. I have it on my 4th metatarsal, left foot. It has affected me greatly in day to day activities and I am so excited to know about procedures used to correct this deformity. When I was 14 I went to a Dr that told me the only option was amputation. Obviously I didn't want to go that route, so now I am 27 and am scheduled for the metatarsal osteotomy along with external fixation to correct my toe. I began having some pain and finally had the courage to go see someone and get more information about it. I live in Texas and have found a very good surgeon with specialty in limb lengthening so I feel confident with him. I am really nervous as my operation is set for January 28, 2008. The before and after pics that I have seen online are truly amazing and give hope to those of use with this deformity. Any and all comments and suggestions are most appreciated. I will certainly keep everyone posted with updates as my surgery is quickly approaching.....
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denilou52
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| Joined: | Tue Jan 8th, 2008 |
| Location: | Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 9 |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 12:57 pm |
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| I am planning on seeing Dr. Lee next month. I have 4th bracy toes since around 9 years old. I remember the first time someone noticed, it was at our local swimming pool and I never forgot the pain of feeling different and wanting to never show my feet again. I have had surgery performed from a foot surgery group in Ohio twice but not happy with the lengthening results. I have now found that they can use the external device which I hope can still be performed on my feet. I am in my fifties but still feel the embarrassment if I show my feet. Different doctors as a child and adulthood gave me their opinions which ranged from: "she needs to be tested for being mentally impaired with toes like this", "if it were me, I would have them amputated", to, "if you can walk with toes like that, I would leave them alone---once you have surgery, you'll never be able to walk again". The list goes on with comments and embarrassing remarks which many of you know already. Some people can accept it, bravo! For me, it is still a struggle to accept and would love to have the surgery. Good luck to you on your surgery on the 28! Keep me informed on your progress and healing time. Are you planning on driving or flying? I am curious on how the cast is placed on your foot with the external fixater.
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crhall
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Posted: Thu Jan 24th, 2008 10:47 pm |
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Hi Tember22,
I am also from Texas and have brachymet on my left 4th toe. What area of TX are you from and what Dr are you going to? I'm in the Ft Worth area. I had visited a Dr in Frisco, who was also experienced with brachymet. He was great and I have considered having the procedure done by him. I would like to see other docotors though before I decide. I'm 26 and when I was younger was also told that an option was to amputate the toe...that or sew it to my fifth toe! No thank you!! Anyway, it's nice to meet a fellow Texan with this condition. Hope to talk to you soon.
Courtney
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Tember22
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| Joined: | Mon Jan 14th, 2008 |
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Posted: Thu Feb 14th, 2008 07:22 pm |
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Hi Courtney,
I just had the surgery done on Jan 28th and am now back home recovering. I started turning the fixator on Monday so I am excited to see some results, althougth I know it will take some time. It is very painful at times, but it will all be worth it in the end. The first 3 days after surgery were quite painful, but I slept most of the time so that was helpful. Now the pain comes and goes, but it is most painful about 20minutes after each turn on the fixator. My metatarsal was very short so the place at which the osteotomy was performed has caused a bit more pain than usual, but I visit the doctor once a week to check progress and make sure no issue occur. So far I have been very lucky and my foot looks great, just a little swollen and bruised, but nothing major. Are you planning on having the surgery soon? I'd be happy to share more about the experience as it was very helpful for me to read everyone's posting on this site prior to having the surgery. It is just a rare procedure and it helps to know as much as possible. Also, it helps when asking questions and all. I had no idea what an external fixator could really do until I read postings on this site and started researching and visiting with several doctors. Take care, and keep in touch!
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stupid foot
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| Joined: | Tue Feb 19th, 2008 |
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Posted: Tue Feb 19th, 2008 05:33 pm |
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I know exactly what u mean, it sux
I just had a procedure to fix it and it looks fairly normal, but now I walk with a possibly permanent limp
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veryshymom
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| Joined: | Mon Jun 18th, 2007 |
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Posted: Tue Feb 19th, 2008 07:27 pm |
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| Denilou 52, please update us on your surgery and progress.
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Tember22
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Posted: Thu Feb 21st, 2008 04:57 pm |
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Stupid foot,
How long have you been turning the fixator? I am on my second week and it hurts pretty bad and I have to constantly elevate to relieve the throbbing after being up for any time. Did you experience the same? How many millimeters are you having to extend? I am 18mm so it is supposed to take a total of 35 days with the fixator. I just can't believe the skin can stretch that much! I can tell me foot is weaker and when I try bending my toes back and forth they shake since the tendons are not being worked at all right now. I am very anxious to get this fixator off and start walking on both feet again! Please let me know if you are experiencing any of the same issues I've mentioned. It's so great to be able to write to people that have had the same procedure so we can discuss the process and healing time.
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jns
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| Joined: | Sun Feb 24th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 13 |
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Posted: Mon Feb 25th, 2008 01:25 pm |
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HI TEMBER22,
Im new 2 this, found out bout the whole surgery thing, this discussion forum and Dr Lee ofcourse about 1 week ago and I was over the moon because Iv lived my whole life hurting because of my foot....... DEPRESSED is the word!
I never thought that my toe could be fixed too... like you I also went to a doctor when I was bout 14 or 15 that told me the same thing. I was devestated. I wished I was dead when I found that out. My best friend came with me that day and I remember I cried so much in the bathroom just before we left and told her that Id rather be dead rather than 2 have 2 live with it. She was also very sad 4 me and also cried because it hurt her 2 see me like that. she kept saying hun dont worry bout it, that doctor doesnt know anything and that I should see other doctors that may be able 2 help me. she made me feel abit better..I love her.
I also have metatarsia on my 4th toe, left foot just like you and I really wanted 2 chat with you in particular because you kinda went through the same thing as me n have it on the same place as mine and I like the fact that you have already had the surgery because chatting with you will really help me 2 know what I should be prepared for when I decide 2 have it corrected.
Well I hope 2 hear from you soon and Im so happy for you...I hope all is going well.
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Tember22
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| Joined: | Mon Jan 14th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 31 |
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Posted: Mon Feb 25th, 2008 10:53 pm |
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Hi jns,
I can completely understand what you've been going through and am so happy to be able to help in any way with questions, etc. I just went to the Dr. today for my 4th week appt. I go every week for quite a while for follow up, etc. Everything is looking great so far! I am so excited to see the toe is actually extending out to a more "normal" look on my foot. Each day there is a little something different and I've been distracting on the fixator now for 2 weeks, so it became pretty painful (nerve pain mainly) over the last couple of days, but that is resolving. I've never been on crutches before, so that is more of a challenge at this point! It's going to be a bit of a long road until I am back to walking and wearing my regular shoes again, but it is completely worth it in the end! I still can't believe that I will have a normal looking toes when this is all done. Take care and let me know if I can help with any questions, etc.
Tember22
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