Moving Forward

I had determined after therapy, cortisone and research that surgery was the only option. I live in NH and there are many good options for orthopedic care but I didn’t want to just choose another doctor who may not have done a number of these surgery’s. I discovered that Mass General has a ankle center with cutting edge care. During my research I wasn’t sure if I might need a complete ankle replacement so I decided to go with the most experienced for all things ankle and foot. My RA doctor scheduled more tests and an MRI so when I started the surgery path testing would be complete. I made my appointment at the Mass General Waltham Center for a month away with the Surgeon’s assistant. My appointment went very well and I received a better explanation and my actual ankle was okay and it was my Talo-Navicular joint that was the only issue. They did additional x-rays and I made another appointment for the surgeon and had them put me on the surgery list. The soonest date they had was July which was 6 months away but I was also put on the cancelation list. Fortunately I was moved to May 20th and I had to go to Boston for the next appointment. I will tell you I was completely devastated with the news that foot fusion was the only option and I definitely had a pity party for myself that day. I was delusional thinking that something else could be done. Fortunately as fate would have it, I met a women at the hair salon that had the same surgery 10 years earlier. She overheard me talking and thankfully interrupted and I had a great conversation with her. She was a dancer in her younger years and after years of wear and tear she had no choice and had been in the boot for months before her surgery. She admitted it was an extremely long ordeal but she walks all the time and travels with no problems. No more high heals though. This was a huge relief and her orthopedic doctor refused to do the surgery and found a doctor at Dartmouth in Hanover NH that did the surgery regularly. That was great to hear as well so I felt much better about making the decision to travel 1.5 hrs for the best care. This surgery isn’t common. After meeting the surgeon who was very down to earth and knew how to communicate with a human being I was even more comfortable. While waiting for surgery I continued to take really good care of myself with supplements and making sure that I did nothing to prevent the surgery such as a cut or bug bite on my foot. Also avoid sick people at all costs.