True to my internet upbringing, I dutifully plowed through other's blogs on recovery from peroneal tendon surgery (with a ligament repair tossed in for good measure). Much of what I read were horror stories of other's experiences. For what it's worth, it hasn't been THAT bad, although being in a non-weight bearing cast for 8 weeks is NOT my idea of a good time.
My surgery occurred on 1/11/2010. I had been referred to a foot/ankle specialist who had the reputation of being the best in this region (northern New England). I knew going in that I had a pretty severe tear of the peroneus brevis tendon and that the ligament that was meant to keep both the brevis and longus tendons tucked up under the ankle bone was verklempt. If you remember the 2004 World Series and Curt Schilling, you know the ligament I mean (although I didn't have a bloody sock to enter me into the halls of baseball martyrdom).
Surgery was outpatient and I was able to be return home that afternoon via a foam wedge to keep the surgical splint elevated while I sat sideways in the back seat of our car. Friends were waiting at home to help get me up the steps of my front porch and my pain meds were ready for the next few days. The pain wasn't that bad as long as I stayed on top of it. By the end of the week, I stopped needing anything and haven't looked back.
I guess the main reason for posting is to pass on what I learned to the next person who may need this surgery. It is possible to survive peroneal tendon surgery comfortably.
1. Get yourself a pair of GOOD crutches and make sure you know how to use them. I found Millenium crutches took it easy on the armpits and made life much easier.
2. Check out knee walkers/scooters. If you live in a single floor house, the knee walker is a godsend and really helps with the frustration of being non-weight bearing.
3. Get a toilet seat riser.
4. Forget about your dignity for the next 8 weeks. If you need to climb stairs on your knees or scoot down on your butt, that's part of the game. I was told under NO circumstances to get into a shower for fear of getting the cast wet. It's soooooo much fun washing up in the kitchen sink...NOT.
5. Research surgeons and get a specialist. This procedure isn't for a general podiatrist or orthopedist. Both my docs knew enough to refer me to a reputable foot and ankle guy. Do your homework and ask questions about the procedure.
6. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You'll need it, especially during the first week or two of recovery. Everything you used to be able to do for yourself without thinking will take you at least three times as long. Be patient with yourself and your care givers.
7. STAY ON TOP OF POST SURGERY PAIN with your meds. Don't be a hero....it's not worth it!
8. Non-weight bearing means exactly that. The tendons/ligament need the time to heal. It's not a small incision site. It's not catastrophic if you happen to lose your balance and step on that foot, but it doesn't feel too great, either!
Ok, that's all I can think of for right now. Final cast comes off next Tuesday and I hope to walk out of the doc's office unassisted. I'll keep you posted....good luck!
