In four days our solicitor will hopefully complete our purchase of 1 Lilac Cottages. Finally after over 10 years of living on my own in rented accommodation I will actually own bricks, mortar & all of the home that I'll be living in. It almost feels surreal right now, although I am packing up belongings in boxes it's almost like I'm doing it for someone else.......
In April 2011 when I fractured my foot & was diagnosed with the Lisfranc I felt like my life had been put on hold, like I was in pause mode whilst the world carried on. 2011 was to be one of the toughest years of my life as it turned out. But sitting here now, writing this latest post I'm glad to say it is firmly in the past & the emotions have now subsided into an almost melancholy memory. I finally feel like I'm back, life is progressing, I'm ticking the boxes on my bucket list (not that I intend to go anywhere soon), doing things that I enjoy & I've learnt to live with the foot.
I saw Bruce Springsteen play live last weekend in Cork, Ireland. I managed to stand for the whole 3 1/2 hours that he was on stage, I then managed a 1 1/2 mile walk to get back to the town. The foot was sore, as it often is these days but it doesn't inhibit me anymore. I manage with anti inflammatory medication when I need it, rest & regular exercise. I still hope to recover further, cycling is by far one of the best methods of exercise for the foot & my health that I have taken up since the foot. I strongly recommend it if like me your consultant advises you against high impact exercise like running or racket sports.
I have found an insole that is really working for me, they take some getting used to but the cushioning they provide definitely reduces the soreness in my foot. Particularly in the 4th metatarsal area where I still have the pin & plate. You can machine wash them, use them in almost any shoe & they are a lot cheaper than an orthotic. What are they you ask ? HAPPY FEET !
Take a look at their web site; http://www.happyfeet.net/ a work colleague recommended them to me & well all I can say is give them a try........
It's been a long hard journey for me, but I fought back & I've learnt a few things along the way. Without wanting to sound too philosophical my Lisfranc has been a life changing challenge, not all negative.
In April 2011 when I fractured my foot & was diagnosed with the Lisfranc I felt like my life had been put on hold, like I was in pause mode whilst the world carried on. 2011 was to be one of the toughest years of my life as it turned out. But sitting here now, writing this latest post I'm glad to say it is firmly in the past & the emotions have now subsided into an almost melancholy memory. I finally feel like I'm back, life is progressing, I'm ticking the boxes on my bucket list (not that I intend to go anywhere soon), doing things that I enjoy & I've learnt to live with the foot.
I saw Bruce Springsteen play live last weekend in Cork, Ireland. I managed to stand for the whole 3 1/2 hours that he was on stage, I then managed a 1 1/2 mile walk to get back to the town. The foot was sore, as it often is these days but it doesn't inhibit me anymore. I manage with anti inflammatory medication when I need it, rest & regular exercise. I still hope to recover further, cycling is by far one of the best methods of exercise for the foot & my health that I have taken up since the foot. I strongly recommend it if like me your consultant advises you against high impact exercise like running or racket sports.
I have found an insole that is really working for me, they take some getting used to but the cushioning they provide definitely reduces the soreness in my foot. Particularly in the 4th metatarsal area where I still have the pin & plate. You can machine wash them, use them in almost any shoe & they are a lot cheaper than an orthotic. What are they you ask ? HAPPY FEET !
Take a look at their web site; http://www.happyfeet.net/ a work colleague recommended them to me & well all I can say is give them a try........
It's been a long hard journey for me, but I fought back & I've learnt a few things along the way. Without wanting to sound too philosophical my Lisfranc has been a life changing challenge, not all negative.
congratulations Emma
ReplyDeletea big step forward in your life ;-}
thanks for 'coming aboard' at the Lisfranc Fracture Club on Facebook
I'm sure you'll be a great help in providing the mutual help and support the Club has been set up to provide
I'm going to settle myself in this evening and read all about your 'journey'
Very best regards, Heather
Hi Emma. I have been following your blog. It has been 2+ years for you now. I know exactly what you mean of feeling like your life have been on paused while the world carried on. It has been 7 months for me since 2.9.13. Dislocation of 2nd met/fractured of third cuboid or cunieform with 2 plates and screws inserted on 2.28.13. 4 weeks of nwb. Started pwb on 3.27.13. Removal of hardware on 6.28.13 after 4 months.
ReplyDeleteI experienced ALL the pain that comes with this injury while I cried day in and day out. Last seen my ortho on 8.29.13 and released me from his care with no promises from my ortho. I have moved to another state closer to family. Haven't worked since 2.9.13 and no insurance. My only insurance now is GOD.
I started going back to the gym on 8.8.13. Felt really good but careful on the weight I lift because of the pressure. Doc said no restrictions but I decided not to jog/run.
My most vain concerns the most is not able to wear heels again. Doc said I can try a small heel after a year which is on Feb 2014 which is fine by me. He said I can walk barefoot and wear flip flops. He recommended superfeet which I bought the half instead of full only that able to get in my tennis shoes. Able to stuck them in my ballerina flats as well.
Talking able the ballerina flats. My foot is uncomfortable and swells that throbs. I dont have much pain but knowing my right injured foot feels different and pretty stiff. With all that being said, I had an ingrown toenail on my big toe (injured foot) so there I go again, had a small excruciating local anesthesia surgery which set me back in my lisfranc recovery for a week. Had pain in my calf to walking funny because of the ingrown surgery. Went back to PT to help me walk again.
I know its only been 7 months but seems like years. It has been a long road and unknown ahead of me.
I feel good wearing heels especially with dresses, skirts and jeans. I used to wear heels 7 days a week before this injury.
My question to you is, are you able to wear high heels, wedges, strappy and flip flops now? If so, how often and for how long in a day? I am very short and I just dont look good in flats. I lost my confidence since this injury. I was in sales before this injury and now I have to look for desk jobs to elevate my foot when I can. This definitely affected my life, part of it because I let it affected my life. It was hard dealing with this all by myself.
Thanks!
- high heels
Hey good to hear from you, I'm sorry to hear that you've had a couple of setbacks don't let them get you down ! To answer your questions; on reflection I learnt the hard way & did try to push myself to soon. The important thing is that it's not only the big obvious muscles & tendons that need to get in shape again following this type of injury. Your mid foot is so complex & has so many tendons that help it to flex & support your arch. If you try to wear heels etc too soon then you may experience swelling, cramps & bruising, I know that I did. There are exercises that you can do which will build up the weight bearing ability, focus on balancing exercises which will work your mid foot region & core really well. I understand completely how you feel, although I'd beat myself up & tell myself to be grateful etc, I did feel rotten, unfit, un sexy & lost a lot of self confidence. So these days after a lot of work & adjustment yes I can now wear flip flops & heels. The trick is to vary your footwear & train your foot gradually. No more cheap shoes I'm afraid but the good news is you will continue to recover I'm sure of it & as you do your ability to be comfortable in heels etc will improve. If I wear heels, I look for good support in the arch area of the shoe when choosing them. Wedges are brilliant & rubber type soles are much better for cushioning the impact. Try to build up the length of time that you wear them for gradually. I still need insoles in my ballerina flats & if I'm going to be out & on my feet for a long time I'll often pop a pair of flats in my bag if I'm wearing heels. I am so much better now, but it really is a long job & tests your stamina for sure. Good luck & stay in touch xx
DeleteI meant I started going back to the gym on 9.8.13 recently.
ReplyDeleteI experience aches around my toes, under the arch and mostly my ankle still but with the good rub, stretching, rolling my foot on tennis ball, and picking up marbles tremendously helps.
Congrats on your new home!
How's the foot these days?
- high heels