Hello, World

After my last bummer of a blog post, I’m happy to say I have been feeling much better the last few days. This weekend, I continued to dial back my medication dosages and get more confident walking on two feet while still using both crutches. I also rejoined the world by going outside on Saturday for the first time since surgery (in the morning, before the temps hit triple digits…) and going to the grocery store with my mom yesterday! Yes, this deserves an exclamation point. I know it’s ridiculous, but I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time. While it was nice to spend a few days napping, reading books, and watching movies at home, I much prefer being active and social, so it didn’t take long for me to become a little stir-crazy.

Today, six days post-op, was my first follow-up appointment and PT session in Indianapolis. I was equal parts horrified and intrigued to see what was underneath the bandages from surgery. Without further ado…ta-da!

Behold, Franken-Ankle!

While I was sitting in the exam room waiting for Dr. Porter, I got a bit sad and freaked out looking at my ankle — even though it was a mess inside before surgery, it’s hard to see one of my dancing feet so visibly mangled! All of the exam rooms at Methodist Sports Medicine are decorated with framed pictures and thank-you notes from patients, and looking at those strong, confident athletes, I feel so far from that point right now. However, I know that a huge part of recovery is mental: I need to tell myself to take things day by day, but remember why I’m going through this and imagine myself on those walls — not to mention back in the studio and on stage!

Dr. Porter told me that my bruising, swelling, and stiffness are normal and will continue to go down. He also asked, “How did you get so tough?” when I told him the pain hadn’t been too bad the first week. My reply: “Dancing on a torn tendon and a broken bone…”

Over the next 3-5 days, I’m supposed to wean myself off crutches, using just one first and then walking in my boot. My incision is now covered by two big Band-Aids, which I can remove to shower. (Yes, true confession, I haven’t showered in a week. Two words: doctor’s orders…and, baby wipes. At least my nurse mom helped me wash my hair in the kitchen sink!) I also was cleared to sleep without my boot, which will be a glorious break from wearing it 24/7 like I have since surgery.

Today’s PT session was pretty brief and mostly involved measuring the range of motion of both ankles, as well as learning a series of exercises to do on my own several times a day. The therapist also manually pointed and flexed my foot back and forth for a while. Needless to say, it’s quite stiff, so I asked the PT if I should be concerned. (Such a dancer question…) He said no and reminded me that I’m only six days post-op and have been in a boot the whole time…breathe, Kristen!

At my next appointment in Indy, a week from today, I’ll get my stitches out and build on the PT exercises I do at home. (At four weeks, once I'm ready to return to ballet, I’ll start seeing a dance specialist PT.) Assuming the incision continues to heal well, I should be able to start swimming for cardio and also should be driving by my next appointment. I’m looking forward to seeing more progress and, as always, grateful for those who are supporting and encouraging me on this journey!