tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23206313998636051032024-03-06T12:03:20.620-08:00Alternative Bunion SurgeryTo describe my experience before and after non-bone breaking bunion surgery, and to offer insight to people who are considering bunion surgery. Each post represents my own opinion and interpretation on the topic. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-66463753417314609222016-11-19T13:51:00.000-08:002017-07-03T21:34:43.282-07:00One year Post-Op and Vist back to HK!<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I cannot believe it is now over one year since my surgery! Time does fly by and I am fortunate that everything seems to be progressing well. I apologize for the delay in writing this blog. I just came back from Hong Kong and China and now have time to settle in to provide an update.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For my one-year post-op, I decided to fly back to Hong Kong and have my check-up in person. I do not believe it is required to fly back to Hong Kong for the check-up, but I was able to find a very inexpensive airfare and I wanted to tour Guilin, China, so I said why not? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had my follow-up appointment with Dr. Wu on November 5th, 2016. This was a little past my one-year anniversary, which occurred around Oct 21st. During this check-up, Rachel took another set of X-Rays and she also took follow-up pictures for their records. They also performed the foot function test again, which normally is done at 6-months post-op. The foot function test requires me to wear special shoes that contain a sensor strip. I then walk on the following treadmill for a certain period of time, to determine how I am placing pressure on my feet. They extract various readings as I walk my normal gait, and also as I place specific pressure on my big toes, as I walk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, Dr. Wu explained that the scan showed my weight is now more in the middle of my feet instead of towards the outside. When I had my bunions, I would compensate by putting more pressure away from my bunions so that they did not hurt as much. This resulted in various callouses throughout my feet. I am happy to say that most all my callouses are gone with the exception of one, behind my fourth toe on my right foot. This eventually can go away too as I re-structure my gait over time. Below are pictures of the foot scan (F-scan results) and how my callouses looked before my surgery and 1 year later.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BEFORE surgery:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Per Dr. Wu, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pre-surgery
result showed the most weight-bearing part of your forefoot for pushing
off in walking was in red under your 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads, ie:
behind their 2nd and 3rd toes of your feet. Callouses are seen in those areas on my feet.</span> </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One-Year post surgery:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Per Dr. Wu, One-year
post-surgery result showed the most weight-bearing area has shifted to
under mostly your 1st metatarsal head where it should be of normal feet.
This was the reason why your metatarsal calluses have disappeared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Wu stated that I must continue to perform strength exercises on my big toes and eventually use my big toes more to walk. This should be the proper way to use my feet, but the progress will of course, depend on how diligent I am with my exercises and where I emphasize my gait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My X-Rays look good, with no significant changes since the last time. That is great news! My scars have also diminished quite a bit and are less noticeable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, I am still very pleased with the outcome of the operation. My feet are definitely not perfect, but they are much better than before. When I walk a lot in certain shoes, my feet do feel tired. I am hoping this will change over time as I continue to build my strength. The pain in the bunion areas have almost all disappeared, except for some minor irritation from time to time. It does not happen often, but I figure its to be expected since I had bunion pain for so long. That I also hope, will go away with time. The flexibility of my big toe can still be improved with my right foot, but so far, it has not limited me in any way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope many people are finding this blog helpful. I now plan to only update this blog once a year or unless I have some significant reason to provide an update. I will also do my best to respond to any comments or queries people have. Some people have been emailing me through google+. I leave you with some beautiful pictures from Guilin, China. I definitely recommend a visit there if people have a chance. Happy Holidays and wishing everyone peace and happiness! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-65207770739578440202016-07-08T19:53:00.000-07:002016-07-08T19:53:56.811-07:00Update - Roughly 8-9 months post-op<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been almost 9 months post-op and I wanted to provide a quick update on my status. I would say that I am about 95% back to normal. I felt a noticeable difference mid-June and felt more confident in my step around that time. I started exercising a few days a week, doing a 25 min cardio and strength training program. I modified any exercises that required a lot of pressure on my toes. I was glad that my feet were able to tolerate the exercise and its frequency. I also went on vacation for a week on a Disney cruise. Overall the trip went well and I had no major setbacks with my feet. I wore flip-flops and also heels on this trip. I couldn't wear them for a long time, but was glad to transition out of just sneakers. I did have to switch back to my sneakers, from time to time, as my feet felt tired from wearing the other shoes. That is where I am at currently, where my feet get tired if I wear shoes that have less cushion, for multiple days straight. Hopefully, I can build my tolerance by slowly introducing those shoes over various periods of time. My walking speed is back to normal. My flexibility is still not 100%, so I need to work on stretching everyday. Overall, everything seems to be going well. At times, I still worry about over-taxing my feet, but this may be more of a mental than physical concern. My guess is that my feet are sturdier than I think. I will continue to be careful and hope that I'll be 100% comfortable with my "new" feet soon. I have not gotten any X-Rays since the last time, so I cannot tell if my toes have shifted or not. They still look pretty similar to before, so I'm hoping everything has stabilized by now. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below are some current pictures of my feet (weight-bearing and non-weight bearing), and also some pictures from my cruise. I hope everyone enjoys their summer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-44861546490729899842016-04-26T21:03:00.000-07:002016-04-26T21:03:35.073-07:00Past 6 months Post-Op!<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is now past 6 months post-op! I can't believe how time flies. I apologize for the delay in posting. I was waiting to hear back from Dr. Wu about my last X-Ray and I've also been busy watching the exciting NBA basketball this season. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took my last X-Ray on April 14th and it looks like some more spacing has appeared since the last X-Ray. I cannot say how accurate <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Wu's </span></span>measurement<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s are</span> as in my opinion, the quality of the X-Ray image can slightly skew the measurements. When I compared the other X-Rays, I noticed that when some are more "zoomed in", <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it </span>can make the spacing look larger than it is. I have not noticed any major change in how my feet look, so I'm hoping the change in spacing is really very minor. Dr. Wu<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'s main focus is </span>that I am still within the normal range<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and has not commented much on the variations<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> in the measurements</span></span>. Below is my X-Ray from April 14th:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzd-W9pr53JVrvA4lduCLNinqmrSav8EB-5p_NlKJL3eIMWTAlcICJio0ioc6emEuttjzgR3pvpz9qgKLo2Bt0XRLI6UxHDL9QrdBI0U6dD9ywU2sflFGOgDY_eG7SFOiKJyX6SvAIYQ/s1600/4-14-16+X-Ray++Dr.+Wu+reviewed.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzd-W9pr53JVrvA4lduCLNinqmrSav8EB-5p_NlKJL3eIMWTAlcICJio0ioc6emEuttjzgR3pvpz9qgKLo2Bt0XRLI6UxHDL9QrdBI0U6dD9ywU2sflFGOgDY_eG7SFOiKJyX6SvAIYQ/s320/4-14-16+X-Ray++Dr.+Wu+reviewed.tiff" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As far as how my feet feel overall - my walking speed is practically back to normal, but the amount of pressure I can put on my feet can be sensitive at times. The sensitivity is not so much pain, but feels like the joints or tendons feel a little strained or tired. This could be associated with the type of sho<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e I'm weari<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ng and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">how much cushion is present. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At this point, I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> can wear any <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">type of shoe as long as <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he shoes can accommodate my inserts. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>So</span>, I wear <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sneakers<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and casual work shoes/flats. No heels <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">yet, as I want my f<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ee</span>t <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to be</span> 100% before I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">attempt to wear</span> heel<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s. But<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I noticed that when I wear <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">shoes wi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">th a harder base</span></span>, my feet feel more tired <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and/or strained at <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the end of the day. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I then transition to wearing sneakers the next day <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and that seems to help<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lessen the strain/t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">iredness.</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't done any strenuous exercise that involves high impact on my feet (ex. running, jumping jacks, etc) and will slowly build my tolerance before I attempt any<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">thing</span>. At the moment, I am trying yoga and more low impact exercises. I feel improvement every week and hope that in the coming months, my feet will soon feel 100% normal. They <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">are</span> at about 90% now, which is quite good and does not limit my activities much. I believe I'm also a bit hesitant to challenge my feet further, since I've spent so many months trying to stay off them.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>In terms <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of skin appearance, </span>I've <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">continued to use </span>scar-reducing strips, and can say that my scars have greatly diminished. My feet have not felt any swelling for quite some time<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">,<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> so <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that i<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s definitely a plus</span>.</span></span></span> Here is a picture of how my feet look today:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_leYNrZ5ZnIsF1WmZJpVPVgLB7V5rX6vDgGfO1ddoV2wXvBQDsOT2699NHSlJA6cmZi1Ne2h6BIc4Lyjlgu4i_NNOaBtvG05zJbUBAQxuAUuGa7jgjbauN8NekKjDeFFn3iBnH8lGOQ/s1600/thumb_IMG_6510_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_leYNrZ5ZnIsF1WmZJpVPVgLB7V5rX6vDgGfO1ddoV2wXvBQDsOT2699NHSlJA6cmZi1Ne2h6BIc4Lyjlgu4i_NNOaBtvG05zJbUBAQxuAUuGa7jgjbauN8NekKjDeFFn3iBnH8lGOQ/s320/thumb_IMG_6510_1024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Below is a summary of my Pre and Post X-Rays over time (with the exception of the December X-Ray as that X-Ray did not show both feet together). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEtHMlzaY2kwAojQ418VSAyHvsKNYKO6q34XoFmMRsSdTdtJKQu6ViB0KFDdJdElhtvdt5LspQQ0pFWPjnc_tECd6GZLcDkFdMV87UcwvN_UCFhQfzxOGGdg0J5h1dkEQQbFM1MkQu7s/s1600/pre-op.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEtHMlzaY2kwAojQ418VSAyHvsKNYKO6q34XoFmMRsSdTdtJKQu6ViB0KFDdJdElhtvdt5LspQQ0pFWPjnc_tECd6GZLcDkFdMV87UcwvN_UCFhQfzxOGGdg0J5h1dkEQQbFM1MkQu7s/s200/pre-op.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk_GoGrkbYIpSYkFikmPO0LWi6efy66tqqtweAd8iSLZSHlmB112Tj05fsImsfQsbO8F5wyKwSACB2iBLrzP8xbroVFNo-nKE_pc794dYF3243g7rqkaKLrtuCir_hJtcO7lX2el9EpA/s1600/29-10-2015+%252810+days+post-op%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk_GoGrkbYIpSYkFikmPO0LWi6efy66tqqtweAd8iSLZSHlmB112Tj05fsImsfQsbO8F5wyKwSACB2iBLrzP8xbroVFNo-nKE_pc794dYF3243g7rqkaKLrtuCir_hJtcO7lX2el9EpA/s200/29-10-2015+%252810+days+post-op%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OW-T9K-FBWKWvRBmoQ7ypu-jkgzvyizdt4IEEpZasUWg16BFkOcCAmqDFy2F6Fb4vAlky5JposQCL5_bUKjzE4lRN_dlJ1WfZzI2Emz-et2cb2pXkX4PP6V_QvaMshKAUgtplMfiTUs/s1600/post+1+mth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OW-T9K-FBWKWvRBmoQ7ypu-jkgzvyizdt4IEEpZasUWg16BFkOcCAmqDFy2F6Fb4vAlky5JposQCL5_bUKjzE4lRN_dlJ1WfZzI2Emz-et2cb2pXkX4PP6V_QvaMshKAUgtplMfiTUs/s200/post+1+mth.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGKGfhnBUvJQShTjnauFA_ePfw9YlRYdJfdgYLbwN2Z8u9Y1YH3CtO2_cLgQ0sDwxSDDKjJAWDkzM3ulOzNuIACfjcxyDPoBXYJPcKrQyr1HmyEsJZk-gOsAyAIxj7QBuvR-9NppJ4Hc/s1600/28-11-2015.%25281.5+month+post-op%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGKGfhnBUvJQShTjnauFA_ePfw9YlRYdJfdgYLbwN2Z8u9Y1YH3CtO2_cLgQ0sDwxSDDKjJAWDkzM3ulOzNuIACfjcxyDPoBXYJPcKrQyr1HmyEsJZk-gOsAyAIxj7QBuvR-9NppJ4Hc/s200/28-11-2015.%25281.5+month+post-op%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9yROUSyj0JJ6au6qJchCbPeVXyqR2xXFZbl8mMCCioSDE0QLVfVjQOLR158Na95aoRLeaqmdoBpesW5Hv6Wy1rhoVtmu4GVg56i0LisBmxxXmcSHMOHiXp4iHlpuIIDpZNCAfkxSIc4/s1600/Post+3+months+v2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9yROUSyj0JJ6au6qJchCbPeVXyqR2xXFZbl8mMCCioSDE0QLVfVjQOLR158Na95aoRLeaqmdoBpesW5Hv6Wy1rhoVtmu4GVg56i0LisBmxxXmcSHMOHiXp4iHlpuIIDpZNCAfkxSIc4/s200/Post+3+months+v2.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8md9nhP70Fl3lj00dLLUtr6UBHn57C72hv2jsM7vw4l3eAqCkTGpTzjev21SLgVQfyQLiwHsfulMbXeT5S_A9b9wCrw0MI2xFT2BtoeC5lIcVt4RdRRYFyZfCYppK2Cyw1fKkYF8vO0/s1600/2-9-16+X-Ray+Dr.+Wu+reviewed.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8md9nhP70Fl3lj00dLLUtr6UBHn57C72hv2jsM7vw4l3eAqCkTGpTzjev21SLgVQfyQLiwHsfulMbXeT5S_A9b9wCrw0MI2xFT2BtoeC5lIcVt4RdRRYFyZfCYppK2Cyw1fKkYF8vO0/s200/2-9-16+X-Ray+Dr.+Wu+reviewed.tiff" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-yQEwl3lJAtWYGS26teCtAcMhYKmWaMSXuezibkOg17ycavPjHqWMSxz4n1y2XA_cP6UKoadlR_rPgIrRJd_zmbON7jZqIftDLFdXyxAxIcYWdfV9VBk03qclxibbgwy0m4nxuUx3ao/s1600/3-9-16+X-Ray+Dr.+Wu+reviewed.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-yQEwl3lJAtWYGS26teCtAcMhYKmWaMSXuezibkOg17ycavPjHqWMSxz4n1y2XA_cP6UKoadlR_rPgIrRJd_zmbON7jZqIftDLFdXyxAxIcYWdfV9VBk03qclxibbgwy0m4nxuUx3ao/s200/3-9-16+X-Ray+Dr.+Wu+reviewed.tiff" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4tMWbhMVzz-Zz17U1Q306sjpjzheLXSVDCcv4MCMlGrfzjKiQ_MspGnSidW_Cwqe62Tmc9Y1i0bPlaxGppTjFPxJyvlk21l75DCk5eoVOWIaKDtbf9uO9nBI8mmcPjPuUhH6EmiwOpE/s1600/4-14-16+X-Ray++Dr.+Wu+reviewed.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4tMWbhMVzz-Zz17U1Q306sjpjzheLXSVDCcv4MCMlGrfzjKiQ_MspGnSidW_Cwqe62Tmc9Y1i0bPlaxGppTjFPxJyvlk21l75DCk5eoVOWIaKDtbf9uO9nBI8mmcPjPuUhH6EmiwOpE/s200/4-14-16+X-Ray++Dr.+Wu+reviewed.tiff" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf_UMwuWYuKmk4AVQM3-pCR0KKdEg2PdNM_sLAVcGYVtUvnaCMlleWdo85GwYxYgdQ5rm-5rLvB-1KPOaKeRdF_chE76wCKQ76KGXzlOB1uHxdOuGx8S8OGaHIZr-Qz5c5PTob4LaO7c/s1600/2-9-16+X-Ray+Dr.+Wu+reviewed.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now that my 6 months have passed, people may be wondering how I feel<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, overall,</span> about going through this surgery. I believe I made the right choice<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> in</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">undergoing</span> this non-bone breaking surgery over the bone-breaking one. The overall experience was not difficult and definitely not very painful. I had not needed to take any pain killers for my feet since the day of my surgery. The recovery process can be tedious, but as long as you know what to expect<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d have lots of patience</span></span>, the time flies by quickly. The only minor disappointment was that the toes cannot be completely straight. It is important to note that Dr. Wu never guaranteed the feet would be complete<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ly </span>straight, but when I first saw how straight my feet were right after my surgery, I became hopeful. But as this recovery involves soft tissue being re-built, there will be a natural shift of the bone over time, as we saw during my recovery. Still, my feet definitely look better than before my surgery and hopefully will stabilize very soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My next X-Ray is scheduled <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">around my</span> 1 year <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">anniversary</span>, which I hope to go back to Hong Kong to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">see Dr. Wu</span>. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will continue my blog (</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hopefully posting once <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">every 1-2 months)</span></span></span>, updating everyone on my progress. Thank you for following <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my experience so far and I hope you have found <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it helpful.</span></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">E</span>njoy the springtime and upcoming summer!</span> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-22855563906170286642016-03-15T20:28:00.001-07:002016-03-15T20:28:23.760-07:00Post-Op 21 weeks - The End is Near!<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm happy to say that it has been a little over 5 months since my surgery and I'm so happy my 6 months is almost over! Granted, it probably will take some more months to re-gain FULL strength in my feet (so no intense workouts just yet!). I will judge how I feel month by month, but for now, I am just happy to be getting back to my normal routine, pre-surgery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sent Dr. Wu another X-Ray on March 9th. He said there was indeed a slight increase in spacing again, but I am still less than the upper normal limit of 9 degrees. You can see the comparison Dr. Wu made, of my last two X-Rays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I am progressing well, Dr. Wu now says it is safe to get back to normal walking, as tolerated by my feet. It is very interesting how as each week passes, I can feel my feet getting stronger and walking comes back easier as well. My pace has increased and I have gone back to driving and taking the train. The one caution I have about taking public transportation is to make sure you give yourself enough time and to not rush. People cannot see that I had surgery and have pushed me around if I walked too slow. You have those few who are not considerate of others and are so focused on getting to where they need to, they don't see who they affect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am still instructed to continue my big toe ground-pressing exercises. I feel how important these exercises are to rebuild my strength. I am also continuing to place emphasis on my big toes as I walk. This will take months to fully adjust so that I learn to walk correctly. I haven't tried any running or intense exercise yet, and will probably wait until after 6 months to explore those options. I want to be able to walk my normal pace without any feeling of discomfort. Some of the discomfort I currently feel is a slight pulling sensation (periodic) and also inadequate strength at the bottom of the big toe area. My feet will also "tell me" if I've walked too much and need to rest, which now doesn't happen as often.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My next X-Ray will be mid-April which will be a little past 6-months! I cannot wait to see what other progress I've made and also, see my scars diminish over time. The end is near and looking forward to a vacation in the summer :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-27038427096596246372016-02-28T10:38:00.000-08:002016-02-28T10:38:53.956-08:00About 18 weeks Post-Op - Getting Stronger Day by Day<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">llo everyone, I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">took off my casts two weeks ago and things seem to be progressing well. I've taped my feet very tightly for the past <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">two weeks and I feel t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he strength coming <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">back slowly<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> each day. Below is another image of <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my feet taped. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'ve also started to put on scar-reducing strips to help decrease the redness of the sc<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ars<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'ve</span> had to put bandages <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">on</span> the side edge of my feet (underneath my pinky toe) to add a little more cushion. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wrapping my feet so tightly ha<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s caused the edges to bru<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ise a lit<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tle and be sensitive. It is quite <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">funny all the things I have to do in the morning. I do not wear the tape when I sleep so I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> wrap<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> my feet up early in the morning<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> before I get out of bed. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've now <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">almost<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fully re<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sorted to walkin<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">g without my cru<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tches. I br<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing them with me to work, but I barely use them. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wearing <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my sneakers with the inserts have made my feet feel very secure. </span></span>I've also stopped using the wheelc<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hair as I need to walk more steps to rebuild my tolerance of walking<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'ve noticed that when I walk quite a number of steps, my feet get tired and swell up a <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tiny bit<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still walk <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">slow, but </span>Dr. Wu says I can increase my pace gra<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dually each week. I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> am tempted to walk my normal speed, but <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my </span>f<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">eet tell<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> me </span>they're not ready yet. Below is a video I recorded of Dr. Wu explaining to me how I should be walking. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He is teach<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing me to over-emphasize walking with my big toe, to b<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">uil<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d strength and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">also to learn how to walk correctly. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Besides walking as described above, I'm also supposed to continue my <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">toe pressing exercises. T<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he toe bending exercises, I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">do periodically <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">when my toe<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s are not as flexibile<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. A little bit <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of stretching every day helps the feet <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">get back to normal. I am still concerned how much the bones may have shifted over this time. I will not know until my next X-Ray, which will be <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in about 2 weeks. Dr. Wu<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> says they will still shift slightly and I hope it is not to<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o much. This surgery <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">oes not gu<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">arantee that your <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">bunion area</span> will be completely straight after your recovery<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">warn</span> people <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">not to </span>expect th<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at. I even have to remind myself<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and I have to remember th<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at the ultimate goal of this surgery is not aesthetics, but better functionality and less to no pain. </span></span>What I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> believe this surgery will do is to help restore better overall foot fun<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ction and also get <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">your feet back to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">within normal degree ang<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">les. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let us hope this <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">proves true.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have tried out driving once, but not yet o<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n a regular basis.</span> I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> feel that I can drive short distances around to<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wn, but again need to build up my tolerance. This <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is especially so for me since I drive a <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">manual transmission. I use both feet quite ofte<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n when driving and shifting, so I don't want to over ti<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">re the<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">m. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That is <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">all I have to report for now. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Her<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e is a p<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">icture of my feet sans tape<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, strips, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and banda<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">id. I hope to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">post</span> again in another couple weeks.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuXCg-o_gYwZbXHKFYJyo7XiS_nNYAuSl3W8eU7yOXaYg0tMwH6R4yOBmc7GLrn6yaahnpzdt5JTxR5ShFr1Ftfv_444mcez9Mx6kiCayRt_hMprw9M5tZvexaT1wrISGCclY7jcKoCA/s1600/IMG_6303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuXCg-o_gYwZbXHKFYJyo7XiS_nNYAuSl3W8eU7yOXaYg0tMwH6R4yOBmc7GLrn6yaahnpzdt5JTxR5ShFr1Ftfv_444mcez9Mx6kiCayRt_hMprw9M5tZvexaT1wrISGCclY7jcKoCA/s320/IMG_6303.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-26319595281269677052016-02-13T12:32:00.001-08:002016-02-13T12:32:37.198-08:00Roughly 4 months Post-Op: Finally out of Casts but still cautious<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sorry for the delayed post, but with Chinese New Year <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">this past week, Dr. Wu's office was closed for the holidays so I was not able to hear from him until very rece<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ntly. I took another set of <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">X-Rays on 2/9/2016 as requested by Dr. Wu. Below are the last two X-Rays.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngP5KqrsOG7EfUwSbvVRcsPo7VJH_BodrtieDNVwZeAx5IXWflim3BTl6bx7yyvMpSs5e7jjdVAmtr04wwAWV6xBaAi-92s2RUuw6uZ7dftOgocxwgUF0SpD-SBLq8wpTVtiKYPZbGYI/s1600/N.+Cheng+X-Rays+1-25-16_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngP5KqrsOG7EfUwSbvVRcsPo7VJH_BodrtieDNVwZeAx5IXWflim3BTl6bx7yyvMpSs5e7jjdVAmtr04wwAWV6xBaAi-92s2RUuw6uZ7dftOgocxwgUF0SpD-SBLq8wpTVtiKYPZbGYI/s320/N.+Cheng+X-Rays+1-25-16_1.png" width="296" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp9Mm6RifX-alYGEE88N2bMZ1Clj2mmmXsZ0vv0mEFfqnTgdkbBKIa00Pn9H_BQv_0PGcTfi3HQ5Mu7lKqhoVQ8GAtntPd8hfDO3Oaj0dvjcdT7MqcRR8DusZBEekSVFoqZn_4LYPmzY/s1600/AP+Bilateral+view+NC+2-9-16_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp9Mm6RifX-alYGEE88N2bMZ1Clj2mmmXsZ0vv0mEFfqnTgdkbBKIa00Pn9H_BQv_0PGcTfi3HQ5Mu7lKqhoVQ8GAtntPd8hfDO3Oaj0dvjcdT7MqcRR8DusZBEekSVFoqZn_4LYPmzY/s320/AP+Bilateral+view+NC+2-9-16_1.png" width="264" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before I sent the X-Ray to D<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r. Wu, I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> noticed anot<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">her</span> slight change in th<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e ga<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">p, and I was disheartened to see that difference. One of <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> challenges about this <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">surgery is that I need a tremendous amount of patience for th<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e</span> process, and also<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span>not <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">have my expectations be<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> that</span> ev<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">erythi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ng will proceed perfectly as descr<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ibed. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My sister helped me re-shift my perspective when she said "it is still much better t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">han what is was." S<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">O</span> true! </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Wu reviewed my X-Ray and explained ever<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ything is still looking well despite <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">seeing</span> another slight change. He <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">once again said this change was normal and t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o be expected<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. M</span>y feet are still slightly over-corrected<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and will probably shift again over time, until the ligaments gain their full stre<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ngth. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been very <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">c</span>autious about not walking too much on m<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y feet, but this can also be a detriment <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">if I don't walk enough. </span>I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f I refrain from walking, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will not be able t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">build the<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> mus<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cles needed and can experience more bone loss. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So how <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">do</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I find the balance? I am not so sure<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, but will take it slowly and gradually to start<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Dr. Wu gave me the option to stay in my casts for anothe<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r week<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> if I wanted to be extra careful, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or I could </span>take <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the casts off now. I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> decided to go with the latter option and com<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pletel<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y removed my casts on a Friday night, so I could use the weekend to slowly adj<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ust back to walking<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Below is a picture o<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f my feet without the casts and I cannot t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ell you how nice it felt to<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">finally wet my feet! Obviously, it was not a pretty site when t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he casts came off an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d the skin w<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as sens<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">itive <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">after thoro<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ugh<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ly cleaning the feet to remove old skin<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> (very g<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ross!). But it definitely feels nice <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to not have that hard, pro<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tective <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cast</span> anymore.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7krplFe-_6TwIwn8dI2jL3PbOyiU0ZbE8RjKUVj3inS9tRBBgzRFv0bz1hIljNv89utxh4kwP_Rqdv-k7TfszcrTak386tipSf0ww8CJbFyHETy57u1B0ARAdu4kvV6jN2m54DeY784/s1600/thumb_IMG_6255_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7krplFe-_6TwIwn8dI2jL3PbOyiU0ZbE8RjKUVj3inS9tRBBgzRFv0bz1hIljNv89utxh4kwP_Rqdv-k7TfszcrTak386tipSf0ww8CJbFyHETy57u1B0ARAdu4kvV6jN2m54DeY784/s320/thumb_IMG_6255_1024.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right before I left Hong Kong, Dr. Wu explained t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hat it would be beneficial to tape my feet with surgical tape, initially right after I removed my casts. This is to provide add<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">itional support for the foot to prevent <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">stress fracture and also help prevent more loosening<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of the ligament<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The instruction sheet recommends to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">use this tape for at least 2 weeks<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, which </span></span></span></span></span></span>will also help me </span>slowly adjust back to normal walking<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. See below fo<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r a video that I took of Dr. Wu explaining how to apply the tape. I also included a picture of my first attempt at applying the a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">thletic</span> tape <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had</span>. I applied it in the evening and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">did so very tigh<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tly (as per<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> instructions)</span></span></span>, but found I could not sleep well with them as they cut off my circulation and made it painful. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oops!! </span>I probably shou<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ld apply them in the morning an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d </span></span>walk in them a little more t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o loosen them a bit before<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> going to sleep. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may also be that athletic tape is <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">too strong so <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">try both surgical and athletic tape to see what works best.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For outdoor walking, I can transition back into sneakers but I have to use the inserts that Dr. Wu provided. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The picture below shows my old black inser<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ts (left) and the new <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tan-colored inserts (right) pro<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">vided by Dr. Wu. Looks lik<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Wu's inserts are more sturdy and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hopefully more helpf<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ul for my f<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">eet.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Dr. Wu <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">had sized these inserts to my feet before I left Hong Kong<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span 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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I tried placing my feet <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in my sneakers, includ<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing these inserts, the fit felt tighter than normal. I imagine this is to be expected since my feet haven't been in normal shoes for quite some time<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span>I also don't know if the surgery<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> has caused my shoe size to change since the big t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">oe is<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> now straight<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I wil<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">l <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">check <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to see if more loose fitting shoes is better to start with ini<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tially. I will gradually retur<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n</span> to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">normal walking and definitely not speed up my pace, otherwise this can cause a stress fracture. I need </span>to also continue my big toe<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-pressing e<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xercises <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for the ne<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xt few months if not <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">more. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since I am now out of my casts, I won't need to use the book anymore for these toe exercises. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">W<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hen I asked Dr. Wu about driving, he said that the actual<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> driving is not so much a problem now. It is just ho<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">w comfortable <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my feet would feel if I needed to emergently slam on the brake<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. It's true in that right now<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, my feet feel weak to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">even pull my car in/out of my dri<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">veway<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I dr<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ive a manual transmission, so besides the br<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ake, I have to shift quite o<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ften. I rather not </span></span></span></span></span>risk driving for now, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and</span> see how thing<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s progress over time. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> next X-Ray<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is schedule<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d about <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 month from now<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and Dr. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">W<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">u said I should feel al<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">most back to normal <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">by then. </span></span></span></span>Let's hope <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">everythi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ng will continue to progress as expected. I will try to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">post another blog in a couple weeks.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-45706818508108093102016-01-27T19:01:00.000-08:002016-01-27T19:01:54.865-08:0014 weeks Post-Op: Minor Deviation from the Recovery<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm now 14 weeks post-op and I was eage<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r to hear the news that I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was finall<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y</span></span> able to take these casts off my feet. Unfortunately, this was no<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t the case. </span>I took my J<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">uary X-Rays and sent th<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">em to Dr. Wu. In my January X-Rays, I had noticed a slight widening of the spaces between the two metatarsal bones and this was confirmed by Dr. Wu. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He did re-assure me that I am still pr<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ogressing well and the slight widening is normal for mo<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">st patients and is due to the sut<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ures eroding the bo<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ne<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s. The sutures can erode the bone a little, </span>when I walk and put weight on <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my</span> feet. I believe th<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is could also be due to<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> the toe exercises I do as I would assume that can cause the sutures to "rub against" my bone as well. But <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I</span> cannot confirm<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> thi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s and it is my assumption.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Wu explained that I am <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">still within <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the normal range of 6-8 <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">degrees. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When he performs the surgery, he tends to over<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-correct the angle in<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> anticipation of changes in the angle during <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the healing process. </span></span></span></span>I have placed pictures of my Pre-op, early Post-Op, and January X-Rays below. You can see that the space between my metatarsal bones <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was 12.0<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">/12.8 pre-surgery, 3.5/2.1 early post surgery, and now 5.4<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">/3.5 degrees after 3 months. An ab<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">normal <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">level of spac<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">g is >9 degree<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s so lets hope I don't get there <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">again. As a patient, there is always a tiny fear that I am <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">part of the 1% where the surgery does not work for me. But if Dr. Wu says this is normal, I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> have to ignore that fear and trust in the process.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To be on the safe side, Dr. Wu<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> would like me to continue wearing these casts for another 10 days (so about a total of 3.5 months). <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since I am not in Hong Kong for him to see me in person, he is being mo<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">re cautious and would like to see another X-Ray in 10 days. He cannot determine whether the recent widening was due to suture loosening or slight delay in ligament formation. Hopefully, eve<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rything will look more stable in my next X-Ray. I have been dil<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">igently <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">walking slowly and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">walking as little steps as possible. I don't think I even walk 3,000 steps a day as my casts are still quite secure on my feet. The casts have <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">not loosened much and I have not needed t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o place a thin <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sock underneath to ensure the cast is still s<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ecure. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think I'm as compliant with the process as I can be, so <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am hoping that is enough</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For now, I will keep using tools to help me stay <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">off my f<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">eet and </span>get around safe<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ly and fairly quickly. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The picture of me below is when I went shopping at Costco. They have these huge electric chairs<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for disabled people to use. It was fun driving this around to do some much needed shopping. I haven't been grocery shopping or any shopping <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in a f<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ew months so this was nice.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One last note before I sign off, </span>Dr. Fellner's website now has a link to my blog<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">! :-)</span> He will be starting his operations some time in the middle of 2016. You don't need to travel all the way to Hong Kong to get this type of surgery performed. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The syndesmos<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is procedure</span></span> will finally be available here in the U.S.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Take a look at his website for more information. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bunioncenternyc.com/a-patients-story.html">http://www.bunioncenternyc.com/a-patients-story.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Up41TyeWiWzwwi5vqZAAvw7i7MgA0XVKiaC0Y9tZt0eu_fkiCAFJsNm_gh5pSpzHRZHKuUlleqyZlgcR4WJFufOKE4RldfsGkJnZbaP2Ldk6N3cTmk3iUtZbD7q7LH-Ot4QtbwxRwWU/s1600/Link+to+Dr.+Fellner+website.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Up41TyeWiWzwwi5vqZAAvw7i7MgA0XVKiaC0Y9tZt0eu_fkiCAFJsNm_gh5pSpzHRZHKuUlleqyZlgcR4WJFufOKE4RldfsGkJnZbaP2Ldk6N3cTmk3iUtZbD7q7LH-Ot4QtbwxRwWU/s400/Link+to+Dr.+Fellner+website.png" width="400" /> </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hope to update my blog again in a couple weeks, if not less. Happy Chinese New Year to all!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-59426099065964886742016-01-12T17:31:00.001-08:002016-01-12T17:31:56.586-08:003 Months Post-Op<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello again to everyone reading this blog!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As of today, I am technically 3 months post-op (woo-hoo)! I don't have to take X-Rays for another couple weeks, so I'm anxious to see the progress after those are taken. This post will be quite short as I don't have anything new to report. My feet are still doing well and my toe flexibility continues to improve over time. I am finding different ways to stretch my toes so as to test my flexibility. For example if I am on my knees, I place my toes perpendicular to the ground (as if I'm going into a plank position) and I gently bend the toes to see how far they can flex. Ideally, when everything is healed, my toes should be able to support my body weight, but for now, they are still not strong enough so I don't put much weight on them. Also, if I am sitting on a chair, I try to stretch my toes on top of the chair base/legs. I am hoping it somewhat helps with the flexibility.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do feel my feet are stronger as it is becoming much easier to walk. Not as many little muscle aches and ALMOST feels like my feet are back to normal. This is the time period Dr. Wu warned me about, though. People often make a mistake, assuming they can resume normal walking speed because the feet feel fine. But walking too fast can still cause problems so I have to keep telling, and forcing myself to walk slow. It is very hard to walk slow, but I think about the time and money I have already put into this surgery. I definitely want to make sure I heal well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I still cannot wet my feet, I continue to use wet wipes to clean them every night. That seems to be working very well. The shower covers are still very usable and should last until my casts can be removed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is all I have for now. Please feel free to ask me any questions through the "Comments" section, if people have any. I hope to post again in a couple weeks. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-22465135747704855742015-12-29T21:37:00.003-08:002015-12-29T21:38:34.977-08:0010 weeks post-op: New X-rays and New Toe exercise<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Holidays are here! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is now about 10 weeks post-op and everything is still going well. I got another set of X-rays on my feet and Dr. Wu has said all my bone positions are still looking good. Unfortunately, I was not able to get just one X-ray image with both feet (something to do with how they bill and code X-rays...sigh...), so I had to take two images, one of each foot. Cost more $$ but what can I do? See below for my current X-Rays.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEpOi42L3r_vEub-iFC62N_tU6-4LD1pjspiZmqYGTolVVLwj0wn-B767q8yi7LrRurhEPeiAkgMG9j9SLobVX8GG650BOeD0GS7161C01bRU4aKiswouFCZYfXISO5t38AM0-n1Fr7M/s1600/Left+Foot+12-24-15.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEpOi42L3r_vEub-iFC62N_tU6-4LD1pjspiZmqYGTolVVLwj0wn-B767q8yi7LrRurhEPeiAkgMG9j9SLobVX8GG650BOeD0GS7161C01bRU4aKiswouFCZYfXISO5t38AM0-n1Fr7M/s320/Left+Foot+12-24-15.tiff" width="242" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVAANa5DYwE6AwKNBd5TB0FElHYVK89Ne_V70cx5gZZAiQKtj6JL9iebDm9yhHANyXzNJBg8zI5IM05yNzW2UvZZUetWx9TjtmGXubUbiTnOiRWzSrhDpoOoE8hvnL9bISQGts8yJ5fo/s1600/Right+Foot+12-24-15.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVAANa5DYwE6AwKNBd5TB0FElHYVK89Ne_V70cx5gZZAiQKtj6JL9iebDm9yhHANyXzNJBg8zI5IM05yNzW2UvZZUetWx9TjtmGXubUbiTnOiRWzSrhDpoOoE8hvnL9bISQGts8yJ5fo/s320/Right+Foot+12-24-15.tiff" width="199" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My casts are still fairly secure so I have not been able to take them off, which of course means I still cannot wet my feet. Dr. Wu said I should not remove the casts until they slip off very easily. If I remove the casts too soon, then they will be difficult to put back on. My toe bending exercises are getting easier. I find that both my right and left foot are getting more flexible and it is easier to get them into the 90 degree positions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to also start a new big toe exercise, which Dr. Wu says is to help strengthen the big toe muscles and also help me learn to walk again in the correct way. As I mentioned before, I've been mainly using the front padded portion under my toes to walk, which helped alleviate the pain from the bunion. Now that I have better bone alignment, I can use my big toe for walking, which is apparently how proper walking should be. This new big toe exercise involves me placing the toes of both feet on top of a thin book. I then contract my toes as tight as possible, with emphasis on putting weight specifically on the big toes. I lean forward (or as Rachel says - the Michael Jackson defying gravity move) to add more weight to the big toes, and hold this position for 1-2 min. I'm supposed to do this exercise 10 times a day, but I haven't been able to accomplish that as of yet. Work has been quite busy and I've only been able to do the exercise about 4 times a day. Somehow my routine needs to change to increase the frequency of this exercise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other good news is that I'm starting to see some of my calluses disappear! I'm so excited about that as I've never thought they would go away. It is fascinating to see the changes that are happening. I look forward to all the different milestones that will be coming from this recovery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I have been staying off my feet so well, Dr. Wu has given me the okay to stop using my crutches or wheelchair while I'm walking around my office area - as long as I walk very slowly. This is to help increase the amount of weight bearing steps and hopefully will make it easier for me to transition out of the cast in another few weeks. Transitioning out of the casts will need to be done carefully as there is a risk of fracturing the 2nd metatarsal bone if I walk too quickly too soon. That is all the updates I have for now. Will do my best to check in again in a couple weeks. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-37032475080506932512015-12-15T21:19:00.004-08:002015-12-15T21:19:50.901-08:00Two months Post-Op: PCP visit and back to Work!<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is 2-months post-op as of today! Hooray! About 4 more months to go and I'm counting down the days. Of course, I still cannot drive as of yet which is very limiting but understandable. I had asked Dr. Wu when I could start driving and he did not give me a solid answer. He made a good point where if I got into a car accident, and people saw I was in crutches and foot casts, what would they say or think? I doubt my insurance would back me up in this case :-) So, no driving for X number of months.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day after arriving home, one of the first things we had to do was to pick up the wheelchair that I reserved about two months ago. I reserved a wheelchair where I can wheel myself around, if needed, so I didn't need to rely on people all the time. This wheelchair rental is setup for a monthly payment and costs about $64 per month ($60+taxes). Not too bad and luckily the medical supplies company was not far from where I lived. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next step was to go see my primary care physician (PCP) so she can check my progress and order my X-rays for the next month. Seeing the clinic at Stanford was a pleasant experience as when I got to the front entrance, we didn't even need to take out my rental wheelchair. They had many wheelchairs available for the patients to use, so the Stanford staff brought a wheelchair around and also wheeled me upstairs to my appointment. Once I was in my appointment, I explained to my PCP how my surgery went and she was quite impressed with the progress and material Dr. Wu and his team provided. My visit ended fairly quickly and again, the staff were courteous enough to roll me back downstairs to the car. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next day, I headed to the DMV to get a temporary handicap parking placard. I had asked my PCP to help me with this request and this placard is valid during the time I am healing. Definitely make an appointment with the DMV first so you don't have to wait 1.5hrs! They called me up to the window right on time and I was able to complete my task within 30min. This placard has been helpful when handicap spaces are available. It saves you from walking all the long distances just to get to your destin<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ati</span>on. Walking from one end of a parking lot to the front door can take quite a long time and lots of steps. Granted, you can also use the wheelchair, but having the placard is a plus<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As of today, I have been back to work a little over a week now. It has been an interesting experience, but I think I have now <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">developed</span> a <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">good</span> routine. I get dropped off as close to my office as possible. My rental wheelchair is taken out and I use it to wheel myself to my office. I have awesome co-workers so if any of them happen to see me in the hallway, they are always willing to help wheel me to my office. Having the option to wheel myself is better than not having any ability, but it still takes a long time. Wheeling myself long distances can be tiring so I empathize with those who are in a wheelchair <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">long-term</span>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I finally get to my office, I am able to park my wheelchair to the side so it does not take up too much hallway space<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> (wheelchair can fold u<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">p quite eas<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ily). </span></span></span>I use my crutches for short distances and walking into my department. The difficulties I have had is mainly if I need to get to meetings outside my department. This requires extra time and planning and I miss being able to walk/run quickly to a meeting. Today, I lost track of time and was late to a meeting because I had to open the wheelchair, then open the office door, then wheel myself to the other office, open the other office door, wheel myself in, park the wheelchair, and then go into the room for a meeting. Lots of steps to take just to go to a meeting!! I also still walk slow so i<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t </span>takes me longer to go into another area or another office. I try to consolidate my trips when I need to and again, my co-workers have been very helpful and supportive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As far as my PT exercises, I am not as diligent as I should be, but having my own office helps. When I need to, I can take off my surgical boots and perform my toe stretches. I need to set a schedule for myself to do these stretches, otherwise, they will never get done. I try to do them before I get into work, 1-2 times while I'm at work and then 2-3 times when I get home. I find it easier to control my stretching exercises when I am not at work, but this is probably not good enough. The good news is that I feel my toes are becoming more flexible, so hopefully I'll see more improvement later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for swelling, there is barely any swelling seen. I can keep my feet down for quite a long time without any discomfort. At times, there is some tightness around the cast on my left foot, but this tightness is probably from the cast being placed on a little too tight. The cast is slowly becoming more comfortable over time. The cast on my right foot has no issues. The <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cast a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lso gets a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> little tight after I shower, probably <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">due to the steam from<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> the shower caus<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my feet to ex<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pand (not sure how true this is)?? I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> also</span> notice that<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">when I try to do my toe exercises right after I shower, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">they are not as fle<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xible as during the day.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I experience </span></span>some minor pain</span> when stretching my left toes. My left toes are still tighter than my right toes<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s </span>they</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> are <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">not as flexible. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"st<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">retching pain" <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is definitely very tolerable though.</span></span></span></span></span> I still cannot shower without the foot covers, so the skin on my feet <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">are still quite dry</span>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Within the next week or two, I'll be taking another X-ray. I'll be sure to post another update afterwards. Happy Holidays to all! Cheers! </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-15670424525872454902015-12-01T19:12:00.000-08:002015-12-01T21:44:02.775-08:00Six Weeks Post Op: Visit with Dr. Wu and Going Home!<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been 6-weeks since my surgery and I'm going to be posting less frequently now (either every 2 weeks or every month), unless there is some major change. Since my last post, my cast still ha<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d</span> not loosened nor fallen off my<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> feet</span>. The cast is supposed to fall off when the swelling decreases, but I don't think I had much swelling to begin with when they placed the casts on my feet. Thus, I don't imagine the casts falling off on their own<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> as I also have not been walking much t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o change their form</span></span>. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We shall <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">see what happens when I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">vis<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it Dr. Wu one last time<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> before going home. </span></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One m<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ain</span></span> reason why I would like to remove the<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> casts</span> for a little bit i<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s</span> to change the surgical tape and also wet my feet. Right now, I've been cleaning<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> the exposed are<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as of my feet</span></span> with alcohol wipes, but no matter what, it <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">does </span>not feel the same. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">M</span>y feet get itchy because the skin has dried up <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and u</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sing lotion/vaseline only helps so far. Besides those issues</span>, everything else is going well. I can keep my feet down longer now without <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">much</span> swelling<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, but </span>I continue to elevate my feet when easily possible. I'm also con<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tinu<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing to do my toe exercises and find that <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the flexibility i<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s</span> improv<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing, but very slowly. My right toes are more flexible than my left to<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">es.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bI6FN0HOXWFrQ0WYp77QnLVDQL42mD58rWpwUA4XFGpr6T1Ocr2xMOKziMjfv5PBJ-x7RxeAF7IgGi-SAc8UdLk_KMTFvqPKVkpjya3Pzr677Q8m1mfOgvLAf5M8gudu9nhecGSj3wo/s1600/IMG_5633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bI6FN0HOXWFrQ0WYp77QnLVDQL42mD58rWpwUA4XFGpr6T1Ocr2xMOKziMjfv5PBJ-x7RxeAF7IgGi-SAc8UdLk_KMTFvqPKVkpjya3Pzr677Q8m1mfOgvLAf5M8gudu9nhecGSj3wo/s320/IMG_5633.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before I talk about my last visit with Dr. Wu, I have to throw in a food picture. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>C</span>heck out this picture from our Thanksgiving <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dinner</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- impressive version of "<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sweet and sour pork" over ice!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now</span> back to my visit with Dr. Wu. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This past Saturday was my last visit with Dr. Wu before I headed back hom<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e to the US. The visit started with Rachel taking me into the <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">X-ray room to perform another X-ray of my feet. The X-ray still look<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ed</span> good so I was happy! <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is</span> an electronic copy of the X-ray<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmDifMwUhH1_QGGRLz3_mTUOZ1Oyri4huxF6n5PAiM8kHy4-2hq2u5VXZe3utzZzFj1ultNaFVZYCs_u3_DboKocpRsIuezavqoWVPa6BptL_dJPJwyaRZEaFWwU6isaIXGbDF9BArvI/s1600/28-11-2015.%25281.5+month+post-op%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmDifMwUhH1_QGGRLz3_mTUOZ1Oyri4huxF6n5PAiM8kHy4-2hq2u5VXZe3utzZzFj1ultNaFVZYCs_u3_DboKocpRsIuezavqoWVPa6BptL_dJPJwyaRZEaFWwU6isaIXGbDF9BArvI/s320/28-11-2015.%25281.5+month+post-op%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wards, Rachel gave me instructions for what <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I should be<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> doing <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">now <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1-month post op. Dr. Wu<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'s office has it set up really nice where they provide printed instructions (in both English and Chinese) for you to take </span></span></span></span></span>with you after each visit. Since I won't be returning to HK until <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">almost a year later, Ra<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">chel gave me instructions for all the <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">remaining</span> months. 1-<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">month post op instructions include <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">still not walking too much, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">doing my toe exercises, and to keep my casts on<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> until they naturally fall off<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>(which unfortun<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tely me<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ans I still cannot wet my feet<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> :-( </span>). <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They</span> also <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">do not advise using crowded public transportation nor driving at this stage. It is best to have someone drive you to/from places, but I know this can be tough t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o find someone to help. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luckily my family<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is helping me with <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">this but I am sure we will run into some issues during the next few months. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After my visit <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">with Rachel, I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">went into Dr. Wu's office to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">be fitted for shoe inserts. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The inserts are in European sizes, so it is important to know wh<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at your size is. Unfortunately, I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">did not know my European size so I hope the inserts Dr. Wu gave me are okay. He <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sized them up to my feet, but I will double-check <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">with Rachel anyways. I was fortunate that Dr. Wu decided to take off my casts for a little bit<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">,<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> as he <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">decided</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to place new casts on my feet. I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was happy to finally <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">see <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">what my feet truly look like and also to be able to wipe <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">down my feet</span>. Below are <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">some </span>pictures.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGMmL9p-yfjA8MI_41AnlvOlRlWux7JDluUwsqLiGhSXNO-VxIqaOjxOfrCTOKsx8iSfs7o0e-ULMhmhqBOSPWiM5_3vgVh0GZ4j2NF_xkr4oxDvsHRN_u4dmRezlibdspnUINx647Gc/s1600/IMG_5198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGMmL9p-yfjA8MI_41AnlvOlRlWux7JDluUwsqLiGhSXNO-VxIqaOjxOfrCTOKsx8iSfs7o0e-ULMhmhqBOSPWiM5_3vgVh0GZ4j2NF_xkr4oxDvsHRN_u4dmRezlibdspnUINx647Gc/s320/IMG_5198.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before Surgery</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CHWk-9jUHlyUqdt85RRQHZVIpqlXHVo18K9U8ctxr-YkvSGUMIoCQA6cpdQvXLvN3AfNFGJwOH8kN8TMQFdjij8JNLKjt7QLRnmqKbW4C1-Of2ygA62KA1wKCxCmSYqrN3oJsifDKiI/s1600/IMG_5688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CHWk-9jUHlyUqdt85RRQHZVIpqlXHVo18K9U8ctxr-YkvSGUMIoCQA6cpdQvXLvN3AfNFGJwOH8kN8TMQFdjij8JNLKjt7QLRnmqKbW4C1-Of2ygA62KA1wKCxCmSYqrN3oJsifDKiI/s320/IMG_5688.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1.5 month post surgery</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We then went into the next room so Dr. Wu could place new casts on my feet. He also explained <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">how<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I should tape my feet when the casts come off an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d when the surgical tape needs to be replaced. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Below are some pictures of Dr. Wu plac<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing new casts on my feet<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, and then the fini<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">shed product.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BtDmNTBfXSwIF5JDTFRfgOoxxoX32EBGzVe2h4rj1TUG0H8tHHK20f6YCP93zp9z5K5EWdKJg9_NitLS04R4PYcVp4AK5_gcTrorCZywbEAi7WY26aWwKTAhB_3JpuMC1kzpHufLbG8/s1600/IMG_5707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BtDmNTBfXSwIF5JDTFRfgOoxxoX32EBGzVe2h4rj1TUG0H8tHHK20f6YCP93zp9z5K5EWdKJg9_NitLS04R4PYcVp4AK5_gcTrorCZywbEAi7WY26aWwKTAhB_3JpuMC1kzpHufLbG8/s320/IMG_5707.jpg" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCja-YS7GYs9WD5TbJYBjjQF5KXuJ6JsxLzBtjQ4WU2CfdmqKfJ_LBrPupupXu2dmDlyXbs5fHFKkfWzmoUI8CnI31zscDkJd7YPqrwkn0CW_mF5Z4qMx4c8oeLG5vlxhPocwtpzAaokI/s1600/IMG_5716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCja-YS7GYs9WD5TbJYBjjQF5KXuJ6JsxLzBtjQ4WU2CfdmqKfJ_LBrPupupXu2dmDlyXbs5fHFKkfWzmoUI8CnI31zscDkJd7YPqrwkn0CW_mF5Z4qMx4c8oeLG5vlxhPocwtpzAaokI/s320/IMG_5716.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Wu<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> also <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">discussed with me a new exercise I should start doing <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">beginning of</span> the 2nd month<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> Ra<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">chel cleverly called this the Michael Jackson<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>move, where MJ bends forward</span></span></span> and defies gravity. Basic<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ally, I need to st<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rengthen the muscles in my big toe and to do this, I lean forward, keep my body straight, and place <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my weight on my big toes. I'll explain more later when I need to start doing the exercises.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before I left<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I took a picture with <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ra<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">che<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">l and Dr. Wu. Thanked them so<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> much <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for all their help and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope to see them again for my 1-year appointment. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We took a flight on <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">November 30th and the e<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xperience was <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">perfectly planned and executed. My uncle drove us to the airport and we <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">used <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">his</span> wheelchair to tra<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nsport me to the <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">airline check-in counter. There, we confirmed that I had a wheelcha<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ir reserved under m<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y name (you can <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">reserve this easily by calling the airline disability line and having them place a note under your reservation). We then waited for <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">airport wheelchair to come pick me up. We said good-bye and many than<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ks to my uncle, who then left <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">with</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">his wheelcha<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ir.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The HK airport staff were very friendly and prompt<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. T</span>he <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">airport wheelchair arrived as expected an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">once they transferred me on<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> it, we were off to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">go</span> through security and immigration checks. The airport staff wheeled me the entire way <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">through and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also had a special <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">line I could go through (being <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">disabled</span>) so it made the whole process very quick. The airport staff also assisted me with my backpack and computer<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> as we were pas<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sing through security<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> (very help<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ful)!</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had to wait a little bit before our<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> flight so they had to transfer me<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to a seat for a bit, and then another wheelchair+<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">airport staff came later to wheel me directly to the gate. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once we got to the gate, they <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">had not yet started boarding, but what was great is that <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">we were wheeled past all the lines and got to be the first ones on the plane. Here are some pictures of me waiting to bo<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ard (and the line<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s I didn't have to w<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ait in :-P)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once I boarded, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">they also helped me put my backpack into the overhead storage bin a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nd I was seated without any issues. My cru<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tches, I asked them to place in the closet to be out o<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f people's way. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had selected a seat <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">very close t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o the bathroom so I did not need cr<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">utches to walk there. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just balanced my<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">self using the <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">airline seats or walls <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for</span> support. Again, I was fortunate<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to have a seat where I could elevate my legs <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">during th<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e flight. This made a huge difference as <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it felt like the altitude may have caused my feet to swell a little<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. A</span>t times, my feet felt <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">unc<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">omfortable as the ca<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">st b<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ecame very tigh<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Besides that minor discomfort, the flight w<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as very smooth.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the plane <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">parked at the gate, I let people next to me off the plane <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">first since I had to wait <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for the wheelchair. The flight attendant came over to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">re-confirm<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I needed the wheelchair and<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> shortly after informed me that the wheelchair was<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t the gate. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He brought me my crutches<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and </span></span>I was able to exi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t the plane with no issues (hooray, I was not the last one <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">off the plane<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> :-<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">D)<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. The airport staff </span>then wheeled <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">me off the ramp and</span> to the immigration area. Again, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my family an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d I were able to go through a special line <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and we passed <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the immigration checkpoint with no wait<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing in line. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our l<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">uggage took some time to arrive, but fortunately the airport staff stayed with us the entire time and helped us with all our luggage. They then <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wheeled me the rest of the way ou<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t until we were a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t the<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">airport exit. We still had to call a taxi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and the airport staff said th<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at we could continue to use th<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e wheelchair until the taxi p<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">icked us up. We <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">just</span> had to leave the w<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">heelchair at a c<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ertain location and the<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> airport staff</span> would<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> retrieve the chair later.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">all, a very ple<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sant trip home<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and</span> I'm very happy to be <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">home! Until next time....</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-46943789179345977202015-11-17T00:52:00.000-08:002015-11-17T00:52:49.867-08:00One Month Post-Op<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've reached my one month (post-op) today, and now only 5 more months to go! I believe these next 5 months should go by quicker since I'll be back to work in a couple more weeks. Time goes by faster when one is keeping busy. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My feet <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">are</span> still feeling much the same as last week. There is still a little soreness when doing my toe exercises and it is getting much easier to walk. Sometimes too easy and your body forgets to take each step slow. As not much has else has changed with my feet, I will talk about the little things that have made a big difference in this recovery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I am able to use a wheelchair when I am traveling outside, inside the house, I've been able to switch between my crutches and my "indoor wheelchair", which is just an office chair I use to roll around the place. This office chair has saved me time to get from one side of the house to the other (using my heels to move/steer), but it also importantly saves me from walking too many steps. Very helpful, especially during the first few months. Luckily I also have an office chair <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can</span> use<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> when I retu<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rn back to the US.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't think I've shown a close up picture of the boots that Dr. Wu provides, so here is a picture of them. They are very comfortable, easy to use, and protects the feet enough when you walk. The material is porous so it allows air to circulate well. During the warm weather days here in HK, the boots can make my feet warm, but it is not too bad. When I head back to the US, the weather is much colder, so I'm sure I'll be needing to wear socks with these boots. Luckily, the boots stretch well enough to allow for a "bulkier" foot (ex. with a cast and socks). These boots are not rain proof though, so I'll have to be careful when I'm going out in the rain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is also a picture of the "shower shoes" that were provided by the hospital. They have a rubber part on top, where you insert your foot and the rubber part is supposed to keep the water out. When you first use these shower shoes, these shoes are VERY good and no water comes in when you're showering. Now, after about a month, the rubber has stretched a little more so I'm just starting to see a little bit of water come into the shoe. But so far they are only drops of water, so the shoe still works well. Hopefully, after a few weeks, Dr. Wu will give me the green light to wet my feet, since by now, all the stitches on my feet would have he<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a</span>led my now. I will keep you all posted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That is all I have for now and I leave you with more pictures of some yummy food I've had here. I have my last appointment with Dr. Wu coming up in about a week and a half and I hope the prognosis will still be g<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ood.</span> </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-4211210564967026462015-11-10T02:55:00.002-08:002015-11-10T02:55:36.237-08:00Three Weeks Post-Op<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I'm at 3-weeks post-op but it definitely feels like I'm more than a month into my surgery. Time is passing by more quickly and I've gotten adjusted to walking in these casts. My feet s<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">eem to l</span>ook the same as last week so no major change. The casts are still on pretty tight so I confirmed with Rachel that I shouldn't take off my casts (or change my bandages) unless the casts <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">slip off o<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n their own. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuRQ9nhvt4DTY5d3yLBZVuyLeHmZIoOHwr_rFtMTWjLABc2MrOuTlyDQus_EjBUvbsjgb5DbvYiLBZVshJSe3j317Sci3sj-TExi_pEn21KmnJgviCIBtIq1cJRGLxcVCT0EmkDMgorg/s1600/IMG_5417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuRQ9nhvt4DTY5d3yLBZVuyLeHmZIoOHwr_rFtMTWjLABc2MrOuTlyDQus_EjBUvbsjgb5DbvYiLBZVshJSe3j317Sci3sj-TExi_pEn21KmnJgviCIBtIq1cJRGLxcVCT0EmkDMgorg/s320/IMG_5417.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is now less pain when I do the toe exercises, which is a good thing. I've now been able to go out a little more so it has bee<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n</span> fun, enjoying time with family and friends, eating more yummy food, and sightseeing. The only issue when I go out is that I don't have the opportunity to do my <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">toe</span> exercises in between since I don't want to do this in public, especially at a restaurant (gross!). I can see Dr. Wu's disapproving face (:-P) so I need to find ways to still do my <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">toe</span> exercises even while I'm out. Maybe put my jacket or towel over my feet while I'm doing the exercises<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">?</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This past weekend, my family took me to Sai Kung and Ocean Terminal to people watch and see the sights. One might worry about lots of people being around, but it is interesting that I actually walked less when I was out, than when I just stayed at home. This is my normal way of transport when I'm out. We're fortunate enough to have access to a wheelchair and my family take turns wheeling me about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprdToNqhS5QEH1bwIpbCVwCZHJ58ynaqqzSr6whf86bX-8zz7CQIZWITzFHDZz4axNz7pooct2h7Zw_2LIk1dx3wWFaCMWe8g16s1OONDDwvQrimViawAq51XLLORdgJL3RfrMmuFTHM/s1600/IMG_5390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprdToNqhS5QEH1bwIpbCVwCZHJ58ynaqqzSr6whf86bX-8zz7CQIZWITzFHDZz4axNz7pooct2h7Zw_2LIk1dx3wWFaCMWe8g16s1OONDDwvQrimViawAq51XLLORdgJL3RfrMmuFTHM/s320/IMG_5390.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being transported in a wheelchair gives me a different perspective on life. I always took simple things for granted - like being able to walk to/from the parking lots, being able to walk the stairs or take the escalator, going to the restroom, or catching a taxi on the streets. All of this has now been more difficult because of the recovery process. Wherever we go in HK, we have to make sure </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that the car we take can fit the chair in the trunk and </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">there is handicap access available wherever we go (ex. Handicap elevator, handicap drop off point, etc). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not all of HK ha<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s</span> this capability so going out needs some logistical planning. Back in the US, there is a requirement for handicap access to be available so I probably will not have to worry as much back home. Even being wheeled to a table inside a restaurant has it challenges and luckily most people have been accommodating. You might ask why not just walk to the table? Well its because it takes an eternity to walk even a short distance because of how slow you're supposed to walk. On the other note, some people are very oblivious to you being in a wheelchair and walk right into you or use the handicap bathroom/elevator. For the person in the wheelchair, it is annoying when people accidentally bump into your feet or use the handicap facilities. Because some people don't pay attention, you have to watch out for your feet and make sure they're protected. When I'm fully healed, I'll be sure to be more aware of my surroundings and not use handicap facilities. It makes such a difference to the person in the wheelchair and I'm fortunate my situation is only temporary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course being in a wheelchair too long is not always a good thing either because I'm not keeping my feet elevated, so there may be some minimal swelling and discomfort in my feet. The solution to that would be to find opportunities to keep your feet elevated when you can. At restaurants, coffee shops, etc, find ways to keep your feet <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">proppe<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d up</span></span>. Even better if you can keep your feet hidden underneath the table, but here were some ways I accomplished my goal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For my recovery, I had also purchased a basic FitBit pedometer to use to track my steps. The funny thing is that I walk so slowly and gently that the pedometer does not even register my steps. Lol! It's pretty much useless now, but I could try to use my iphone as well, which also tracks steps using GPS. Unfortunately, I don't always carry my iphone so I'm also not accurately tracking my steps using my phone. I have an idea of how much I walk when I'm at home because I counted my steps. Dr. Wu never gave me an exact number of how many steps I should/should not walk, but I'll try to keep it at a minimum for probably the first month or so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll finish this blog with more pictures from my trip to Sai Kung and the wonderful food we ate. Sai Kung has piers where you can buy fresh seafood from people in their boats. You call down to them and let you know what you want. Then the transactions all take place using a basket or net that is brought up/down. Pretty cool! We also got to try one of the famous pineapple buns at the bakery in Sai Kung. It came out fresh from the oven and was delicious. On the other days we were able to enjoy Thai food at Ocean Terminal and then Indian food in Kowloon City. I'm halfway through my stay here in Hong Kong so let's see what other adventures I can have before heading back home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sai Kung:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thai Food and Indian food:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-62886186532583076802015-11-03T03:26:00.003-08:002015-11-03T03:26:37.728-08:00Two Weeks Post Op<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's Tuesday and I can't believe I'm already 2-weeks post-op! I'm happy that time is going by faster than I'd expected. After my visit with Dr. Wu, I felt a little more comfortable getting outside the house. I went to lunch on Saturday at this delicious restaurant close by. They served Lamb curry and Lamb wraps that were so yummy. And of course, this place had my favorite - HK style milk tea which really does taste better in HK. Oh boy will I be gaining weight during this recovery period! :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We chose to go to this restaurant early so there was less people for me to walk around. We also sat in a booth so I could keep my feet up while eating. A great atmosphere and ideally, a great place to allow a slow (very slow) walker like me, to get around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay, now back to my recovery. Not much has changed since I last posted. I am getting better at my toe exercises, but still not yet at the 90 degree bend I'm supposed to be at. You can see here, I'm almost there. I just have to keep reminding myself to do these exercises frequently. Feet are still being elevated as much as possible<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">even when I'm sleeping. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">E</span>levating my feet higher than my sitting pos<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ition </span>(ex. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lay them on top of a pillow)<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> allows the blood to flow away from my fee<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t, which helps wi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">th the swelling and co<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">mfort. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In regards to pain, a majority of the time there is no pain when I'm resting my feet. Periodically, I do get some spasms of pain but so far it is mainly affecting my right foot. I am assuming this is part of the healing process and I have noticed that my right foot seems to bother me more than my left. This makes sense in that the pain I had before my surgery was primarily in my right foot, so I am thinking my right foot will take more time to heal?? Hopefully, the pain will eventually completely go away, but even now when the pain comes, it is very tolerable and I've had no need for medication. I have noticed that the brief moments of pain come after I've been walking on them a little more than usual, so this tells me to still take it easy and stay at home as much as possible during this first month. Walking with these casts can also lead to me shifting my weight oddly, which also adds to any discomfort I feel. The casts are a good reminder to not walk too much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only other minor compli<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cation I curren<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tl<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y have is a little numb<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ness on top of my right big toe. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">not very numb<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d it may be <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">due to some swelling that may still be present. Otherwise, I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> don't notice it un<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">less I run my fingers over my toe. Fun<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ctionality of the toe is <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">not affected <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">so far</span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">realized that</span> I haven't yet described the recommended recovery process for this SP surgery so I will list it now. This is what's recommended by Dr. Wu and his team, but as every patient heals differently, I am considering this to be the minimum guidelines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1-3 weeks - Use healing shoes and home rest as much as possible to keep feet elevated</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 month after surgery - stationary cycling is allowed, driving is possible</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">up to 3 months - Use healing shoes with cast-brace, limited outdoor walking </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4-6 months - Can wear regular, comfortable walking shoes with special in-soles provided </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 months onwards - No more shoe and activity limitation</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before I take any major leaps, I will always check with Dr. Wu first to make sure it's okay. Since I've invested so much of my time and money into this surgery, I want to be sure it's successful. Dr. Wu has done his part with the surgery, now it is my turn to do mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One last note before I sign off - I have been finding different ways to exercise as I believe this is important also for the healing process. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exercise allows the blood (with the vital cellular components) to circulate more throughout <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">one's</span> body and can help prevent atrophy in <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the</span> muscles. I have found exercises that don't involve using your feet, through the web, specifically You Tube. Just search "exercises without using your feet<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">" or something similar. </span>These exercises are good for the legs, back, and core! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time then...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Note: I am not a fitness professional so always do these exercises carefully after consulting with your doctor.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-16400397346479246322015-10-30T08:29:00.000-07:002015-10-30T18:50:16.832-07:00Day 4 through 10 Post-Op<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The days following my surgery were relatively uneventful. I adhered to Dr. Wu's advice and did not leave my uncle's house for over a week. One important item to keep in mind is to do core and back exercises during this time as well. This will help prevent your back from becoming strained due to sitting all the time. I also found that standing every now and then was also important for the leg (and back) muscles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Otherwise, I hobbled around the house okay, and spent most of my time keeping my feet elevated and continuing with my toe exercises. Keeping my feet elevated for the first week was important because it was uncomfortable when my feet were down and the blood was concentrating down to the bottom. With assistance, I was able to shower each day and we developed a good and efficient routine. Again, those foot covers are life savers! My pain level, at rest, was pretty much at zero after the 3rd day. I never had to take any pain medication after the 2nd day, which was great! The only time I experienced some pain was when I performed my toe exercises and was stretching the muscles/ligaments. This was to be expected and my right foot was a little more painful, whereas my left foot had no pain. The swelling also was not as significant as I thought it would be. The picture below is so far the worse I've seen, with some bruising around the big toe areas. I checked in with Rachel and Dr. Wu and they said it was to be expected. Rachel had provided me with some bruise ointment to use 2-3X a day, as needed. I used the ointment just a few times throughout the whole week. Also used ice packs when needed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Day 10 (October 29th), I was finally able to leave the house - hooray!! I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Wu. Getting out of the house was not too difficult. Again, I needed to walk slowly and luckily my uncle's place has an elevator. I felt bad taking so long to just even walk to the elevator, but I kept telling myself not to rush and that people can wait a little longer for me to get in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I got to Dr. Wu's office, I had to wait for a bit because we were early for our appointment. The secretary, Grace, was very courteous and led me to the sofa where she then placed a platform in front of me to help me elevate my feet. Once Rachel was ready for me, she called me into the room to take new X-rays. At the same time, she also gave me the X-rays that were taken intra-op (during surgery). I didn't have an electronic copy available of the intra-op X-rays, so I had to make do with taking a picture of them (sorry for the poor quality). The X-rays look great though! I've also put a picture of my feet "before surgery" to act as a little comparison.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the X-rays, Rachel checked both my feet to see how far back I could bend them. My feet were registered to be 80 degrees on my right and 75 degrees on my left. They were a little tight in the morning, but I know I needed to keep exercising so I could get to 90 degrees for both. Rachel then went ahead to take off my bandages. Luckily, I didn't quite know what to expect so there was no anxiety. But this part was somewhat painful. Even though the cuts had mostly healed, they still stung when the bandages were quickly removed and alcohol wipes were used to clean them. I was sucking in my stomach a bit to help me cope with the pain. It wasn't a sharp pain, but a very sensitive feeling that was uncomfortable. Rachel then went ahead to cut and remove some of the stitches. Again, it was not a pleasant feeling, but luckily she is so good at doing this, she removed everything quite quickly to minimize the pain. After she finished cleaning, she placed some clean surgical tape on my cuts, asked me to place my feet back into my surgical boots and then walk to a different room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Wu joined us not too long afterwards. He asked how I was doing and how the pain was. I told him I had no pain and had not used any pain medication since the 2nd day. He then proceeded with adding additional surgical tape to secure my feet. Then he started to create the synthetic forefoot cast around the mid-to-top section of my feet. It was fascinating how he created this cast and it was definitely different than the casts I was used to seeing. The picture below shows the finished product. The casts do eventually become a little tight over time, which can contribute to some additional swelling of the toes. But overall, the swelling is still not that bad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking in these casts has proven to be more interesting as it is a hard cast and now my feet are somewhat elevated. It kind of feels like I'm walking in cycling clip-on shoes as a comparison. This cast helps keep my feet secure and helps to ensure that the straight alignment of the feet are maintained. Again, doctor's orders are to stay at home with feet elevated as much as possible. Dr. Wu said I could go out to eat, but it is important that I don't walk too much and use my crutches. Eventually, after 1-2 months, Dr. Wu will suggest for me to stand a little more to start re-building the strength in my feet muscles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I completed my appointment, I went ahead to schedule my last appointment with Dr. Wu before I head back to the US on November 30th. At the next appointment, he will be providing me with additional instructions and exercises to use when I am back home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My uncle treated us to a nice lunch afterwards in Repulse Bay. He said that since I've been couped up in the house these past 10 days, we should eat a nice, stress free lunch. The staff at this restaurant were wonderful and very accommodating. It was the perfect setting as there were few people eating and I could take my time hobbling around the restaurant. The food was great too. Below are pictures of the restaurant and outside, plus me trying to tackle the front stairs. Slow, but I made it down to the bottom successfully!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-16517470159008845652015-10-30T03:41:00.000-07:002015-10-30T18:44:08.138-07:00Day 3 - Discharged from the Hospital<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My second evening at the hospital passed without incident. Again, I was fighting jetlag, but everything else was okay. I was being discharged from the hospital that morning, around 11am. I had eaten some of my leftovers in the morning so when my mom arrived, we went ahead to have me shower once more before I left the hospital. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Wu paid me one last visit in the morning. He checked again on my pain level and my progress with my toes exercises. I was able to get to about 70-80% bend after all my exercises the day prior. He seemed pleased with the progress and told me to continue with my exercises, but this time do them every hour instead of every 30 min.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I had very little pain during rest (probably a level 2) and had stopped taking pain medication the night prior. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the morning was spent wrapping up my hospital accounts, getting some last minute pain medication from the pharmacy (which I didn't need but took with me anyways), and making sure everything I brought was packed up. The discharge process was very smooth and they provided me with a nice summary of the surgery that was performed on my feet. I was also given some discharge instructions to follow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here I am being wheeled out of the hospital to my uncle's car. I was then taken back to my uncle's place to rest and recuperate. Dr. Wu's orders were to not go out of the house for at least this first week. It is better to keep my feet elevated and not walk too much. Also below is one last view from the peak, provided by my friend. :-)</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-15034973923937537642015-10-30T03:25:00.000-07:002015-10-30T18:42:53.131-07:00Day 2 After Surgery<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was Day 2 after surgery and as time passed, the pain was less and less. After about mid-day on day 2, I opted to not take anymore of the pain medication they provided. One, I didn't feel like I needed it and two, the codeine in the medication gave me nausea. I had brought some Advil with me so I felt that if I needed pain medication, I'd prefer to use Advil instead. Again, I was surprised that there was not very much pain. At rest, the pain had dropped to about a 4-5 level already by Day 2.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nurses came in, early in the morning, to change the dressings on my feet. I was briefly allowed to see my feet post-op, but was only able to snap a couple of quick pictures. Changing of the dressing was not bad and was not very painful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Wu then visited me soon after the bandages were changed. He took notes on my pain levels, how I was feeling, and re-wrapped some of the bandages around my feet. He also said that it was important to start my physical therapy exercises today. I was to do three exercises, three times in a row, every 30 min. You can say that I definitely kept myself busy on Day 2! The three exercises he taught involved bending the toes backward and the goal was to get them to 90 degrees over time. This was where it tended to be more painful - when I started doing these exercises. Dr. Wu acknowledged that I needed to work through the pain because as I did the exercises more often, the pain would eventually decrease. He was right of course and by evening time, the pain had lessened and I was more flexible than I was in the morning. He also advised that I wiggle my toes as much as possible to help with the swelling and tightness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other good news about Day 2 is that I could get off the bed and walk for the first time, post-surgery. Hooray! I could use a regular bathroom :-) My friend who did the surgery a year ago, paid me a visit in the hospital. She showed me some good ways to use my crutches to help me get up and down. Walking for the first time was not difficult and I mainly needed to be careful to take things very slowly. My feet were a little tight when I walked, but overall the surgical boot helped mask a lot of the "impact" from walking. I was able to walk to the bathroom and back to my bed without much problem. I ended up doing that, on my own, during the rest of the night too. We were allowed to take a shower on Day 2, which was a nice treat. The hospital provided me with these two plastic covers to wrap over my feet and ensure that no water gets in. These were professional grade foot covers and they were very good. I'm so happy I have these and know I will be using these for sometime throughout my recovery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was fortunate to have more visitors throughout the day and evening. Family and friends brought me lots of food to eat, including dessert. I definitely was not going to go hungry :-) I had to spend one more evening in the hospital and then I was okay to go home the following day. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-27395544071438742612015-10-30T02:44:00.000-07:002015-10-30T18:40:03.605-07:00Day 1 after Surgery<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once in my room, they placed ice packs on my feet immediately. There was
no real pain at all. My voice was a little croaky from being intubated,
but not bad. I was not allowed to eat for about 3 hours and I had a
little nausea from the anesthesia medication. My feet look enormous in
the picture, but it really was not bad at all. The ice packs made them
look very swollen, but the swelling was very minimal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During the first day, we were advised to not get off the bed at all. This was okay except that it made going to the bathroom an interesting experience. Using a bedpan is never a pleasant thing, but I guess it is better than other options. Luckily, it was only for one night. My pain level was tolerable. I think overall, the pain may have gotten to a 7-8 at one point, but never enough to ask for an extra shot of pain medication. I just continued to take the pain pills they provided every few hours, which was panadeine. This and the anti-inflammatory medication they provided was more than enough. Several hours later, I was finally wanting to eat something. I could have eaten earlier, but I was not very hungry - probably from all the medication I was given. Here I am trying to eat some fried rice from the hospital. It was not very good, but did serve its purpose to put something in my stomach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My mom was such a trooper as she stayed with me throughout the entire day and into the evening. I don't know what I would have done without her and am truly grateful for her love and support. My relatives were also so nice to visit me that first evening and it was great to see them. Once everyone left for dinner, I was left to the care of the nursing and medical staff. They were very attentive, responsive, and helpful. My first evening in the hospital was very pleasant, except for the jetlag I was still fighting. :-)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-27720400953652987402015-10-30T02:23:00.000-07:002015-10-30T18:37:31.695-07:00October 20th (Surgery Day) has arrived!<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was October 20th, 2015 and the day of my bunion surgery! I was surprised to say that I was not very nervous about the surgery. More anxious to get it over with, but I believe I prepared well enough that I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. My surgery was not scheduled until 9:30am, but we went to the hospital early to avoid traffic. Dr. Wu currently operates out of Matilda International Hospital up on the Peak. This was a beautiful hospital and had an intimate atmosphere. The front entrance alone had a spectacular view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once inside, the lobby and registration desk mirrored that of a fancy hotel. Marble walls and floors, it really gave us patients a pleasant feel of the hospital. Again, it is a very intimate hospital so each time an employee spoke to you, they were not rushed and were very courteous. After checking into the registration desk, I was escorted to the 2nd floor, which was where my hospital room was. All the nursing and clinical staff were very professional and efficient. After confirming my identity multiple times (a big plus for me since this is SO important), I was given a wristband and brought back to my room. They completed the check-in process, which included taking my baseline blood pressure and temperature readings. They explained to me the schedule of the day and how I could store my belongings. I had my own locker to store my items and also a small bedside compartment to also store other items. Dr. Wu and the anesthesiologist, Dr, Chan, both came by to talk with me beforehand. They had to ask some additional questions, including my current pain level (1-10), and whether or not I had any allergies to medications. I was told to change into the hospital gown and about an hour before surgery, to perform the betadine wash on my feet. Dr. Wu's patients were provided with a betadine wash solution and sponge to soak one's feet into and to clean the feet prior to surgery. They would sterilize my feet again while I'm in surgery, but it was important for me to do this initial cleaning. They provided me with directions as they felt that patients would clean their own feet more thoroughly. Once I completed my betadine wash, I used the clean slippers they provided me and waited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once they were ready for me, the nurse escorted me down to the first floor where the operating room (OR) suites were. Again, I was thankful that I was not very nervous as I've been inside ORs before, for my work. I knew generally what to expect. The surgery was supposed to last about 2.5 hrs (1hr 15min per foot), and I would then be rolled into the recovery room to wait until I woke up from the anesthesia. So overall, probably about 3 hrs before I'm back in my room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They walked me to the OR waiting area where another nurse perform some final pre-op checks (very impressed again). She re-confirmed my identity and asked about my allergies, whether I had any jewelry, loose teeth, etc. Dr. Wu was also sitting there and we briefly chatted about work before I walked into the OR room. Once I was inside the OR room, they asked me to lay on the bed and they immediately covered me with a nice warm blanket which had a hose pumping warm air inside. They definitely did not want me to be cold. :-) On my right arm, they were taking blood pressure readings and on my left, Dr. Chan was explaining that he was going to insert a small needle into my left hand. He said it would sting a little bit, but not too bad. Only at this point, did my nerves get to me a little and I was having jitters. But everyone was very nice and did their best to calm the situation. I chatted with Dr. Chan as well to help me calm my nerves. Once he successfully got the needle in, he then explained that I would feel a slight stinging sensation in my left hand. That was from the medication he was administering to me. I acknowledged that I felt the stinging sensation, and then I don't recall anything after that. That was probably when I blacked out/fell asleep. Haha! Next thing I know, Dr, Chan is waking me up and saying, "Nathalie, we're done now." When I heard that the first thought I had was, "Already? Really? That was fast." I literally only remember falling asleep and then waking up. The whole surgery felt like it lasted only 2 min to me! Below is a picture of them wheeling me out of surgery and everyone was surprised to see how alert I was. I guess it didn't take me too long to wake up, which was great! I think I got back to my room around 12:30pm, so 3 hours was a good estimate.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-13715170113343256792015-10-30T01:36:00.002-07:002015-10-30T18:31:06.061-07:00Pre-Op visit the day before surgery<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the day before surgery and I was excited! I couldn't believe it was happening after months and months of planning. Besides planning for the surgery, I also had to get things settled at work and for when I returned home. I would not be very mobile when I returned home so I needed to be sure to have a wheelchair rented and other items ready. Taking medical leave from work was a complicated process and luckily everyone at work was very encouraging and helpful. I worked as close to the day of surgery as I could so I didn't have to take too much time off work beforehand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My pre-op appointment with Dr. Wu was scheduled for the afternoon of October 19th. During this time, Rachel took some additional X-rays to use as baseline for their files. I was provided with pre and post surgery instructions, and it was explained how checking into the hospital would work. She showed me how to do physical therapy exercises on my feet, which I was to do after the surgery was completed. I was also given the surgical boots and crutches to use post-op, and Rachel showed me how to use them. She had me demonstrate to her how slow I should be walking with the boots and crutches. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking very slow and light on my feet were the main items emphasized. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was interesting adjusting to the shorter crutches, but it was not too bad. I then had one last meeting with Dr. Wu and we discussed my anesthesia options and again what the pros/cons were to the surgery. I decided to go with general anesthesia (versus spinal anesthesia), where I would be given medication and then intubated. He asked if I had any additional questions and when I was finished, I was ready to go for surgery the next day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next stop was to eat as much yummy Hong Kong food before surgery! Since I had to fast for several hours beforehand, it was best to eat as much as I could and while I could still walk too! :-) I had Hong Kong Thai food and it was delicious! Curry crab with roti.....yum.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-59104574440686728772015-10-30T00:53:00.001-07:002015-10-30T18:26:31.359-07:00Whirlwind Visit to Hong Kong<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am very fortunate to have family who can travel with me to Hong Kong and family who lives in Hong Kong. I am very blessed and eternally grateful for this. So, during September 2015 (Labor Day weekend to be exact), I flew to Hong Kong for my first in-person visit with Dr. Wu! Luckily, Dr. Wu had appointments on Saturday mornings, so I did not have to take too much time off work. Even though I was only in Hong Kong for 1.5 days, the purpose of this trip was to connect with Dr. Wu and his staff. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My family and I arrived at Dr. Wu's office a little early for our Saturday appointment. Dr. Wu's office is located in Leighton Center near Times Square in Hong Kong. His office is part of a medical floor and is very clean and spacious.</span><br />
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When we arrived, I was greeted by Dr. Wu's nurse, Rachel, who had been very helpful and informative during this whole process. She gave me registration forms to complete and brought me into a room to take pictures of my feet. She took pictures from various angles and also took pictures of the callouses that I had. From there, we were brought into Dr. Wu's office to have a face-to-face consultation with him. Upon meeting with Dr. Wu, I was reassured by his helpful and open nature. He was very courteous and answered whatever questions we had. He listed the pros and cons to the surgery and what to expect. He also clearly stated that the success of this surgery was also very much dependent on the patient and how well they follow the post-surgery instructions. If the patient walks too much after surgery, this will not help the fibrous bridge to form successfully. </div>
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After we met with Dr. Wu, I was then brought to another room to perform a foot function test, that was specifically designed for Dr. Wu's office. I was placed in these tennis shoes that had sensors in them. I was then asked to walk on a treadmill, using my normal walking gait and speed. Next I was asked to put as much pressure from my heel to my toes, as I walked - to overemphasize my gait. This allowed the software to see exactly what parts of my foot were being used when I walked. The function test showed that I didn't use any of my toes for support, and that I was compensating my gait to avoid pain in my bunion. It was very interesting to see and I'd be curious to see what this test looks like after I have fully recovered. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After my appointment with Dr. Wu, I met up with my friend who had the surgery performed a year prior. This was also very helpful as it allowed us to see that everything was okay and she was happy with the result. I had always thought to have surgery done on both feet at the same time, since the surgery was in Hong Kong. I rather get through the whole process once instead of having to worry about coming back a second time to have the other foot fixed. Luckily, Dr. Wu's technique is less invasive which makes operating on both feet more feasible. The few patients I connected with also had both feet operated on at the same time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, the decision was made to move forward with the operation! I was happy the visit was such a success. Now, I had about a month to prepare everything in California, before I fly back to Hong Kong for the surgery.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-91300331086167213772015-10-29T23:36:00.000-07:002015-10-30T18:23:22.592-07:00Second Opinions and more...<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though I was excited about this "new" alternative technique, I still had my doubts because the technique wasn't heavily used yet for bunion surgery. Was this truly a technique just waiting for people to discover (ex. like with Lasik surgery)? Or was this technique not reliable and that was why surgeons don't perform it? I did not and still do not know the answer. What I did know is that Hong Kong is very advanced in a lot of what they do and I trusted their healthcare system to be reliable. Just because the US was not yet using this technique, did not mean it was not worth pursuing. Looking outside of the US can often help open our eyes to other ideas. Plus, I also had first hand communication from a few of Dr. Wu's patients and this was extremely helpful to me when researching my decision. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the first steps I did was to obtain current X-rays of my feet and have them evaluated by the specialists. See below for a copy of my original pre-surgery X-rays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMucXCCqblaWcFsRoz_OCBfnmPD4Zs8ax1l7wGo2INWydKkBNs_miO6ZQ9MjTLlVdPUsSn4h9sYHxPJGS-oMJ7I4SAAIfpw22cVAblaMQXzpBPoSkXmv2cTn25cMOToydi3OV2schsj2w/s1600/Pre-surgery+Right+foot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpKmmR-Vpyw7pIr5LdHSo5M0muUKLfJR3e7TMtj3SmYiSoEyupTbjWwp8OOWYlAr9UffTd6y6FzEbTBtLUn02aRTCSSdpkDdWrTB3-l8Z0w5SBwrL6oruWkgRtf3_NzIksXYdyobYu6Q/s320/Pre-surgery+Left+Foot.png" width="191" /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMucXCCqblaWcFsRoz_OCBfnmPD4Zs8ax1l7wGo2INWydKkBNs_miO6ZQ9MjTLlVdPUsSn4h9sYHxPJGS-oMJ7I4SAAIfpw22cVAblaMQXzpBPoSkXmv2cTn25cMOToydi3OV2schsj2w/s320/Pre-surgery+Right+foot.png" width="174" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The deformity was not minor and I was a candidate for surgery should I choose to have it. I ended up asking opinions from a few orthopaedic surgeons/podiatrists that I knew. I can tell you this was both a good and a bad thing to do. It was good to get different opinions from different specialists, but unfortunately, almost all their opinions were different. A couple stated that the Syndesmosis Procedure (SP) would be worth trying, while others were adamantly against it, saying it would not work. The interesting part was that all the specialists I queried, had over 20 years+ experience under their belt, and all believed they were right. As a patient, it was very confusing and eventually I stopped asking different specialist's opinions because it was overwhelming. At one point, I was told that the decision was ultimately between the patient and the surgeon, and there must be an equal amount of trust between both parties in order for the surgery to be a success. The patient had to trust the surgeon and the surgeon had to trust the patient would follow their instructions during the healing process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, I cannot explain why this technique is not yet practiced in the US, but I am hoping Dr. Fellner and his group can start a successful trend to make this procedure more well-known. In my opinion, the concept proposed by the SP makes sense. There is less trauma than with conventional surgery and a successful surgery can also lead to better foot function overall. Besides correcting my bunion deformity, the surgery may also help raise my arch a little more which can improve the way I walk. My decision to have or not have this surgery was based on my communication with Dr. Wu and his team, my communication with Dr. Fellner on the SP, my communication with other surgeons/podiatrists, and also on the testimonials I was able to retrieve from Dr. Wu's patients. Some of the patient testimonials that I heard, were from patients who underwent the surgery several years ago. There were also patients who had undergone the SP surgery over 10 years ago, but I did not query them for information. All the patients I queried were happy with the surgery performed by Dr. Wu and so far, have not seen any re-occurrence of the bunion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By August 2015 and after multiple (after multiple) communications, I was 90% sure I would proceed with the non-bone breaking surgery performed by Dr. Wu. My next step was to meet with Dr. Wu himself to have him evaluate me in person, and for me to also get a sense of who my doctor was. Since March 2015, I had not met nor spoken to Dr. Wu and felt this was an important step before I made my final decision. I would be performing this surgery out of the country (I live in California), and a decision like this would need lots of coordination. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320631399863605103.post-25224168883607156342015-10-29T22:37:00.002-07:002015-10-30T18:16:58.342-07:00First Introduction to Syndesmosis<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So I was having brunch with two girlfriends, back in March 2015, and the topic of wearing heels came up. I was asked why they didn't see me wearing heels much and I gave them that face - the ugh, I've got bunions face - and told them that its too painful to wear heels. Up to then, the life involving my feet (aka "feet life") have been around which shoe I should wear that day that won't cause me pain. Or if I were to wear a shoe that causes pain, how much pain will it be and can I wear them for more than one day? I think most everyone that has bunions will understand what I'm talking about. We are so limited by the shoes we wear and even if we are good, and wear flat, comfortable shoes, these "comfy" shoes may or may not help with the pain. I've worn custom orthodics the majority of my life and although it may have slowed the progress of the bunion, it definitely did not improve the overall condition. The bunion (and possibly the pain) would only get worse over time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A couple years ago, a podiatrist saw my feet, and told me right away that I needed surgery. I was disappointed to hear the news, but knew that it would eventually come down to me making a decision on what to do with my feet. He of course, proposed to me the traditional osteotomy that is practiced all over the US and the world. This involves breaking the bone and shifting it to the correct position. He also told me that if the bone is not perfectly aligned, the bone may shift back. I have always been familiar with this type of surgery and my thoughts have always been very negative about it. I've heard so many stories where this traditional surgery failed, and the patient ends up having the same bunions come back. Why on earth would I want to do a surgery where the probability of failure was "high" in my opinion?? I was very reluctant to even pursue researching the surgery, but thought I had no other option.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then, during that same brunch I was having with my girlfriends, a new option was suddenly presented to me! One of my friends had a friend who just recently underwent bunion surgery. She was gracious enough to reach out to this friend for more information. The information that was sent to me was about a different technique used for bunion surgery, which does not involve breaking the bone. The non-bone breaking surgery was performed using the Syndesmosis procedure (SP). More information can be found on Dr. Wu's website (http://www.bunioncenter.com/), as I won't be able to do it any justice describing the SP here. I quickly jumped onto this website and researched as much as I could about the SP. I got quite excited and felt like I may have found a surgical option worth looking into.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From what I understood, only Dr. Wu has been performing bunion surgery using the SP. There does not yet seem to be another surgeon who has looked into this type of procedure except Dr. Fellner, who will open up a practice in New York. Dr. Fellner had visited Dr. Wu in Hong Kong and observed his technique. His view about the SP can be found on his website here http://www.bunioncenternyc.com/. I was happy to have found this option and this referral led me to do quite a bit of research over the next few months. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879414676083430110noreply@blogger.com0