Blood, broken bones, and bruising…and 8 weeks off running. A physician & runners perspective on foot surgery.

The following is a post for my friends, followers, and any runner who is having/is debating about having much needed foot surgery. If you made it here, enjoy!

Well, I finally did it. I had surgery. I had been meaning to have foot surgery for some time, but it was always something I dreaded. I knew it would be a long ardous recovery. And that I’d have to stop running. Which was, perhaps, even worse.

I needed both feet and 4 toes broken, cut, pinned and sutured.  I would need bilateral post op shoes, and would not be able to drive or work for 2 weeks. And worse, no running for 6-8 weeks. I know, impossible, for a guy who has ran for over 3 decades several times per week. It had to be timed perfectly. For work. For my patients. For my vacation. For the holidays. And for my running routine. It had to be winter, so I wouldnt be jealous of the outdoor runners who passed my home and blazed the trails nearby. Snow and ice are great deterrents.

Post op shoe, the original zero drop shoe. Oh happy day.

It has been an interesting and humbling experience in many ways. I had a great surgeon at SummaHealth. I would not trust my running routine to anyone else. Side note: strong recommend for an orthopedic foot specialist over a podiatrist. Long story there, but trust me. We runners are a different breed.

I had surgery in mid Dec. I arrived and was quickly whisked into the same day surgery area. I was told among other things, from nursing that I would need crutches *which was a first to me*. My surgeon had not told me that little nugget, although later he retracted it. (Still had to get the crutches tho. :)) – Doctors orders. And, once again set off the bradycardia alarm in the surgery pavilion as many long distance runners do, so kudos there. After what seemed like forever, answering medical questions and sitting in a hospital gown, before I knew it I hit the cold dark doors of the OR suites. A quick glance at the master eraserboard schedule to see if I was the only fool to have surgery for the holidays…apparently not. A few turns and a bed transfer later, I was below the glowing round surgical lights. A smile from an anesthesia resident  sorry Dr. Cohen, you’re the man, and nurse anesthetist, and a few jokes later.

Soon enough it was 3.2.1..deep breath and lights out….Anesthesia is like time travel.

And awake. Poof. 2 hours went by. Minimal pain, and no feeling all that bad. Feet kinda feel like a stubbed toe on both feet.  Im not much one for pain meds. I took ibuprofen three times in three days, for reducing inflammation. But for the most part it was a dull ache not painful during the day.

I decided not to post any pictures of post op. They are intense and gruesome. Some much so that other physicians cannot tolerate looking at them, and refer to them as “zombie toes.”  So a wrapped, PG version will have to do for you guys. For the record, didnt bother me to look at them.

Bilateral foot surgery

I had some sharp shooting pains for 2-3 seconds at night, several dozen times per night. Also cannot lay prone, as it seemed to increase pain. Not sure why, but you heard it here first. Taking meds at night may be helpful to some. Both odd symptoms relented after 3 days.  During this time, I had no interest in running. Actually for the first ten days it didnt bother me much.  It was during the holidays, and my body said “I dont want to run like this.” Always listen to your body. If youre counting, 6 weeks – 10 days= 32 more days of not running. Patience, my child.

I used those crutches too…for about 30 seconds to get in the car in front of the hospital entrance. All for show. But walking with the wooden post op shoes isnt too bad. Its more awkward than anything. You have rate limited speed, say approx 2MPH with them. You do not get to enjoy the cushiony softness of running or walking shoes, nor will you earn any style points. Socks and sandals, anyone? After a while your heel starts to ache.  This is expected, because you are not to be striking with your toes after surgery. Backwards right? As runners we are told NOT to strike with our heel, especially minimalist runners with barely there shoes, so this goes against all running dogma. You know why when your heel starts to hurt. TIP: Wear thick wool socks. Just sayin.

Negotiating society in post op shoes.

After about a week, I felt more comfortable in my post op shoes. I still had to be dropped off at entrances and storefronts. It takes so long to get places when you are forced to walk slow. I had an old man pass me walking with a cane. Irony. Now I know how it feels when others eat my dirt out on the trail. 7 minute miles cut down to 30 minute miles. Damn.

You will want to be dropped off close to stores, and you shouldnt be driving yet. There are also lots of hazards to watch out for. New ones that you never appreciated before.  I can sense movement within my 10 foot area like a hawk. I dont want to be stepped on. New found fears for grocery carts, children running in stores, pets, door edges, floor heaters, heavy steel restaurant bathroom doors that close fast and hard; they will all make you cringe. Put your arms out and bump someone if they get to close with a dangerous object or foot. Your toes will hurt like hell and may get damaged in this early phase. You will understand someday. I have newfound respect for frail, older patients, and those with walkers and post op boots. It warmed my heart to hear someone say kind words about surgery, recovery, or hold a door open for me. I vow to remember this and try much harder to do so when I am recovered. I made some passerby friends in malls and stores who also had surgery during the holidays. We are quick to recognize one another struggling with post op orthopedic devices. An unspoken kinship.

Finding hobbies to do when you cant run.

And now here I sit. Dec 28, 2013. Two weeks off of work (sorry patients). I do miss them dearly, as I do my staff, and my BUNN coffee brewer, but fortunately I can read sleep studies from home :).  Soon it will be January and I will be cleared for a) driving b) not wearing post op shoes and c) going back to work where I belong.

Typically I have an hour per day of running and cooldown. This is now absent. I have lots of free time, not to mention not working frees up a tremendous amount of time. The world at my feet, um, except I can drive or run anywhere…so housebound.  Make plans in advance for your recovery period. Find some good shows on Netflix for your post op enjoyment. You’ll find daytime television nauseating and pointless [read as I cut the cable 3 years ago, and now barely bother to watch tv at all, at least I dont pay for it]. I bought a Playstation Vita (strong recommend) and some gadgets to review this month. I also got a Milk stout kit, thanks Santa!(More on that later, but the wort has been made and undergoing primary fermentation).

Milk Stout Wort

You will however spend more time wrapping and rewrapping your toes when your gauze gets old. You will also spend more time getting in and out of the tub. Its also very hard to bathe without getting your feet wet for two weeks. You have to plan your entry into the tub carefully, and may have to deal with brief cold water as it warms. If you are agile and have strong arms you can get in the tub in a trickier fashion without getting your feet wet. However, water is always a danger, and risk of slipping is very high. Take extra time. Secure your footing slowly, no sense going back for neurosurgery. Comprende?

Its been 10 days since surgery. I sigh. Its gonna be a while before I can run again. Will I be able to run again?  Will I be able to keep my weight stable? Will I be able to run the same speed again? The same distance? Will I be extremely winded the next time I run?  Will my neighbors laugh? Will my shoe size go up? Will I be able to wear running shoes collecting dust or street shoes in the closet? Will I be ready for a 1/2 marathon this summer?

More to come on this adventure, but without a doubt, the worst is over. Soon the bandages and stitches will come off…back to work and driving again. Until then. Happy New Year.

-Merican Dreamer