2 Week Post Op follow-up

I had my two week post op appointment with my Orthopedic Doc this morning to see the way forward. 

 Well, we are moving forward but must take a step back before I completely heal.

I will need a second operation in order to reconstruct my right ankle deltoid ligament that connects my leg to the foot. Apparently it was " fried" according to Dr. Corbett, which basically means it was totally destroyed. She said as soon as she cut me open the ankle literally fell off. At that point her priorities were to repair the bones and prevent infection as it was an open fracture. Xray pictures will follow.

I feel horrible as this is adding undue stress to Liz and the kids. I know the best thing I can do is help out around the house as much as possible, and maintain a positive outlook. Maybe I can learn to drive with my left foot. 😜 

Dr. Corbett considered the first operation, repairing of the fibula (open and shattered into 8 pieces, or comminuted in med speak) and dislocated ankle with destroyed cartilage, a success as the bones are secured, healing and absent infection.  They are secured with a titanium plate and 6-8 screws. 

The Doc said it could be worse and that some other doctors would say I'm good to go but this is her speciality, and she will fix it up. Whether this is to make me feel good I don't know, and don't really care. If she does her part I will do everything I can to get the ankle back to its best possible condition.

She will use a cadaver ligament to connect my tibia to by foot by weaving it in and out of my bone. The Doc may have to put a cage like device that protrudes from my lower leg in order to keep everything in place for a few weeks during initial recovery. We shall see.

I am not going to google anything about this surgery or recovery as I don't want to get anything in my head that could make me think too much. I have a good doctor that only works on ankles and below the knee operations and I am taking her word.

I can expect arthritis in that ankle in the future and that is okay,,I was expecting arthritis due to genetics anyway. I now know what joint will be impacted first and I can take precautions to mitigate any future pain or loss of utility. Gotta stay positive.