I didn't think I would post any more updates to this blog. It served its purpose for me, it got me through my tough journey, and gave me something to look back on, to see how far I had come. What I didn't realize, while creating this, was that it would serve as such a helpful tool for others, also going through a surgery like this. So not only am I leaving it up for the world to see, but I think I'll come back and post every once in a while. :)I've gotten several emails over the last 17 months from people who've stumbled across my blog, and have had questions about surgery, or who have thanked me for the information I was able to provide. Online, you can find copious amounts of information on the procedures, but they are all extremely difficult to understand to those of us without an MD. So although you will be able to read how the procedure works, now you can find information and testimonials from REAL people, who have real feelings and emotions, and have gone through these procedures themselves. There's no information like the truth, to help you weigh the pros and cons of a surgery like this.
That said, this leads me to Dave's blog. Dave is going to have a similar procedure, and is posting about his journey as well. You go, Dave. :) I encourage you all to check his blog for information, as well as to wish him luck in his journey.
And me? I'm doing just great! After about 7 months of teaching Athletic Training at 24 Hour Fitness' Valley Ranch Location, I have over 50+ members attending, several of which have lost over 10 lbs in my class. They are extremely inspiring and motivating to me. Teaching has given me a new purpose in life, one that I wasn't able to see with soccer in the way. I have yet to really play soccer, and to be honest, I'm not sure I'll ever play again. I still can't say that without tears, but I've found there are more important things in life. If I were to play soccer and blow out my ankle (high probability of this, if I play), I would never forgive myself. Everything I've worked so hard for, to throw it away would be moronic. I have a responsibility to my members now, and that motivates me more than playing soccer for myself ever could. I'm helping people. Inspiring them. It's amazing. I've also been offered a second class which starts tomorrow, at the Preston Center location. I never thought this would be me, but now, I could never go back. I am so grateful!
Another thing I couldn't have done without this surgery? 22 hours of boot camp in 2 days. That's right. I was one of the models/trainers/boot-campers featured in a DVD that was shot over two 11-hour days (see picture above). It was grueling! But my ankle was fine, it was amazing! The DVD as well as the web site should launch soon, right now you can visit the facebook page and become a fan, Doug Rice's Bridalicious Boot Camp.
I see the doc next month for what should be my very last appointment, ever! A year and a half. Wow. I never thought I'd see the day! I can't wait to see him. I've never been so excited to go see a Doctor. This is what you have to look forward to, Dave. A wonderful life ahead of you.
Cheers!
"Whether you think you can, or can't,— you're right" - Unknown
16 comments:
I can't say how grateful I am to you for sharing your inspirational journey with the world. I "stumbled" upon your documentary about week three of my ordeal and it was immensely helpful. Thank you! Thank you for all the posts!
Just wanted to say "Thanks" for sharing your story. I had a Calcaneal Osteotomy with repair of the Longus and Brevis tendons, as well as a lengthening of my Achilles tendon. I am at day 141 and enjoy comparing where I am with my recovery as compared to you. Hope all is going well!
Absolutely! It makes me feel so good knowing I could provide some sort of information to anyone having to endure this. I know I was dying for something like this prior to my surgery. You guys hang in there!!! :) There's a light at the end of this very long tunnel!
Wow well its great to see that you are so active now!
I am about to have my 4th ankle surgery in about two weeks. The doctors say that I need to have the same surgery you had but they may need to use my hamstring tendon and replace my old ankle ligaments. I used to be very active and loved to run and go to the gym everyday... but my severe ankle pain has kept me away.
I am actually going to get my third opinion by visiting an ankle specialist in Alabama who has worked on Brett Farve, Michael Jordan and many other all-stars. Based on what he says, I will probably have the surgery in Alabama and will have to have my mom drive me back to Dallas.
On a side note, I also live in Dallas and do freelance graphic design and photography! I looked at your website and your Etsy page and love your style of work!!
I say thanks, too. After dealing with high arch/cavus feet all my life, the right one has finally become too unstable to be functional any more. I will get the surgery in June (hope I can wait that long) and can't wait to "stand on one foot" as you can now do.
@NikonFlash—If you decide to have your surgery in Dallas, my surgeon was absolutely amazing and would love to pass on his info!
@kta—good luck!!!
we've got a facebook group going, please feel free to check it out — http://tinyurl.com/2fr52o3
hey im 17 and going to get an ankle reconstruction, because i've torn and stretched the ligaments. im in school doing year 11 do u think get it now or later i cant afford to miss school or sport im in a lot of teams but i have to tape my ankle and wear a ankle brace everywhere and i still injure it what do u think i should do
hey im 17 and going to get an ankle reconstruction, because i've torn and stretched the ligaments. im in school doing year 11 do u think get it now or later i cant afford to miss school or sport im in a lot of teams but i have to tape my ankle and wear a ankle brace everywhere and i still injure it what do u think i should do
Hi anonymous....
It's a tough call b/c you're so young. Do you have a muscle activation therapist in your area you could see? I would also get at least two different orthopedic doctor's opinions. I don't regret getting my surgery, but just keep in mind that when you alter your body's biomechanics, other things are going to happen as well. I have some knee issues now because my heel is in a different place than I was born with. For me, the pros outweigh the cons, but everyone's case is different. Just make sure you weigh the pros and cons. Also keep in mind that when they go in and tighten your ligaments, as soon as you roll it again, it's possible that you'll be back to square one. But then again, if your ligaments are as bad as mine, that wouldn't stop me from having the soft tissue repair. I would just think long and hard about the osteotomy and re-arranging your body's "parts." :) Hope this helps, let me know if you have more questions. We also have a facebook group if you'd like to join, where you can get lots of different opinions from people who have had it. Just search "calcaneal osteotomy". Although being an athlete as well, I understand your concerns probably the best! Hehe. Good luck!
hey thanks i've seen 3 different physio for 6 months and only went backwards in my recovery and 1 surgeon and they all tell me to go and get the surgery. but the pain that u went through i dont know if i could stand that while going and doing VCE. I've lost movement in my foot and i play netball a lot which is not helping the situation but reading your blog has given me an idea of what to expect so thanks
Well hang in there, whatever decision you decide to make, it will be the right one b/c you will have put lots of thought into it! For me, my quality of life has improved dramatically, so it was worth it. And although the pain was bad, my mind has truly blocked it out, I don't remember it at all! I have to rely on my family to remind me that it wasn't so much fun! Just like anything else in life, you'll get through it. It could be worse! Good luck, keep me posted! :)
hey so im going in the surgery in 3 months enough time to finish up all my sports, and its also a 3 month break time for school so it give me time to recover were u felling better at 3 months were u back at sport, cause im really bad at taking it slowly when coming back from injuries i normally go back to 100 percent straight away
You sound just like me! Well, if you're having an osteotomy, you will not be ready to play in 3 months. If you're only having soft tissue repair, you might be able to. But just remember that this is a serious surgery, and although this is hard to understand right now (I Know, I've been there, hehe), it's more important to take ALL the time you need right after surgery. If you go back too soon, you will definitely screw yourself over and will end up being out WAY longer and you'll have pain for years and years and years. And although it doesn't matter when you're young, it will when you turn 30. :) Because I am still a kid at heart and want to do all the things I used to, but am now limited. :) Be careful! Good luck and keep us posted. What is your name?
hey my name is Grace lol yea i got told not to run Cross country but i won lol, but my ankle did not hurt till like half an hour after the race did that happen to you. and also if im not ready to play by 3 months my coaches will put me back on the court, they do not care if i screw my knees and ankles up lol they just want me to play lol
Hehe. Yes, Grace, that's exactly what happened to me, in all instances! Your body will get you through anything you put it through... your adrenaline is pumping and you can numb the pain, then when the race/game/event is over, your body says "okay i'm allowed to hurt now" and there you go.
I shattered bones in my other ankle in a practice in college, and my trainers told me it was just sprained and i played on it. i knew something was wrong, so i flew home to have my doc look at it, turns out i had to have the shattered bone removed (os trigonum bone). You're right, they do not care about you, they just want you to play, so you have to make sure that SOMEBODY looks out for you, and most of the time that's going to be you. :) Hang in there Grace!
haha the think is i have been bought up with coaches telling me what to do so i hardly stop. i went back to the physio cause i could not walk on my foot he was not happy i pulled the ligaments even with a brace and strapping he told me not to play sport so i went out and played netball and hockey and i cant walk on my foot now but it did not hurt when i was playing Grace
Post a Comment