Re: What are good questions to ask surgeons ?

October 17, 2003

Alan,

I emailed you before on my experience, message post # 23916 (this is why

we have archives!)

Anyway, I was about 10 or 11 when I had tendon surgery on both feet. And

it worked. OK so now I am 51, all I need are orthotic inserts inside my

shoes, but never had AFOs. I would ask if this surgery on your daughter

will be soft tissue (as in tendons) or will it also involve bones?

(Longer recovery might be on both)

I haven't needed any bone work done, although I do have hammertoes - but

straightening them now isn't required. When I had my foot surgery I was

in plaster casts for 8 weeks or so one summer (the summer before Jr.

high) I thought once the casts came off all would be well. Well, OUCH!

It took a while to get used to walking - and wearing shoes again! But it

did help my feet.

Are the doctors working on a full plan of recovery - physical therapy,

shoes, etc. Also ask the docs if your daughter's leg muscles are strong

enough that after surgery and recovery, would she be able to forgo the

AFOs. It was after my surgery my docs told me to swim alot and walk in

the sand (beach was closeby) because both activities strengthened legs.

Have the docs explained the surgeries fully to you/AND her? Like drawn

diagrams or shown you models of the foot? Have any of the docs said " No "

to surgery for now? And have you asked about serial casting now, instead

of surgery? Just some thoughts. I really feel for you and your daughter.

~ Gretchen

October 17, 2003

Hi! I am a 38 year old female, I just had my right ankle and tendon

done plus bone fusion in my toes.I go the 28th of this month to have the left

foot done . It is not bad, little rough getting around the first few days. I

told the Dr. to cast it because I could get around better. I am now in a foot

brace I can take off to bath and sleep. My pain has been mild, love the

results. I now have 1 straight unclawed foot, can't wait to do the other

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