day 45

The first day I could bear weight, I was really careful and everything was fine. Yesterday I probably went 1/2 mile total - two trips outside with the dogs and then just puttering around the house. By evening, my foot was more swollen than it has ever been. The docs had given me some compression socks (and boy, are they ever attractive) and my forefoot was so swollen that there were "fat" rolls where the swelling was pushing out the elastic. I iced, elevated... and finally just gave up and went back to the old standby of lying on my left side with the foot elevated on a body pillow. By this morning it was down about 90%. I planned on taking it easy today only to have the day start off with my dog taking off with a neighbor dog who pretty much just runs all day. I spent an hour out looking for him all the while knowing he could hear me calling and was on ignore. I tried not to put too much weight on the foot. Out of total panic, I finally got in the car and was headed out to look for him - driving with the left foot - when a neighbor signalled that he was returning. I've dug out a long lead line and from now on he's going out on that. I can't be out chasing him all over the neighborhood. So now the foot is swollen again and I'm icing and just keeping it elevated. The dog is happily passed out on the floor as I send him knife-like glances.

All in all, I guess I'm justy glad I am able to have a bit more freedom. It's easier to crutch out in the pastures when I can support part of my weight on my foot. I can go farther. Yes, there is more pain. The plate in my upper foot hurt last night as did the right outside part. The toes are still the worst part, but the pain has definitely been eclipsed by the swelling. That is probably the main issue now - trying to find a balance between pushing things enough to have improvement and keeping the swelling to a manageable level. I can't immerse the foot in water until tomorrow because of the wire holes, but tomorrow I'll try a contrast bath. I'm also hoping to get the hubby to take me to the gym tomorrow as I can now do a stationary bike - I'll also try to get in some weights. Whoo Hoo!

Pain 1 to 3, swelling last night, 5 - this AM, 2 - now, 4.