The 12 Week Marker and the Results

I hit 12 week anniversary of going to the ER on Tuesday, Jan 5, 2010. 12 weeks of hobbling, walking like I am 60-70 years older than I am, battling New Yorkers during rush hour, hauling myself up stairs. 12 weeks of trying to keep my spirits up and figuring out the best way and finding the best doctors to help me figure out exactly what was happening and help me heal.

A few weeks earlier, my legs had started to cramp and twinge with the combination of the sudden lack of motion, and the added strain and muscular push needed to hobble and climb stairs...not to mention the added strain on my hips and knees. I began to work at home modifying floor barre, pilates and basic stretches for a short time every few days. The stretches and bit of exercise made a tremendous difference in how my legs and hips felt.

I was already doing chin-ups before my foot started complaining and have continued to do them. My chin up bar is not far from the ground, so I don't drop. I can let myself down my putting the right foot on the ground first. Being able to keep up some fitness has helped my emotional outlook as well. In order to sustain a sesamoid injury, one is usually very active. These usually occur to athletes and dancers, (plumbers also tend to get them as well) so to suddenly stop being active is a big blow. I myself am also incredibly independent and like being useful, and suddenly switching to a level of dependency is disheartening.

Anyhow, to the results. I spoke to Dr. Ellis on the phone. He told me he had to consult with the radioligist because what they saw was so unusual and unexpected. They were expecting to see a fractured fibular sesamoid. Instead what they saw was a complete lack of cartilage-bone on bone arthritis-between the tibular sesamoid and the metatarsal joint.

Cartilage can not be re-grown or replaced.

The only long-term solution that would allow me to walk unaided is the sesamoidectomy. The very surgery I had been hoping to avoid.

Well the tables have turned, now it isn't about me getting back to normal, doing the things I used to be able to do, being able to dance again. Now it is about whether I will be able to walk at all.

I did start crying, but managed to hold back the waterworks on the phone.

The only non-surgical option is to control the pain with a cortisone shot. They would use a sonogram to make sure the cortisone was delivered exactly where it was needed. We could try that first and see if it helps. He told me to call his office in an hour and set up an appointment.

I called my family and friends in my support network.

I missed calling his office in time for closing that day to set up the appointment.

I decided to leave work early.