Suggestions for Pre & Post Surgery

This will be updated as necessary....

1.  Do not get a calcaneal osteotomy unless it is absolutely necessary.  Best case scenario (highly unlikely), you will able to return to work after 3 weeks.  It takes most people 10 - 12 weeks.

2.  Get a nerve block.  I can't imagine the pain without one.

3.  Request to stay at least one night in the hospital (until the nerve block wears off).  For some people, the pain after the nerve block wears off can not be controlled with pills.  You absolutely must stay ahead of the pain.

4.  Keep a medication list where you track when you take your meds.  You do not want to risk over dose and probably will not be able to remember when you took each dose.

5.  For guys, get a urinal to pee in for the first week or two after surgery.  The pain when standing is miserable.

6.  Have multiple water bottles by your bed side.  The drugs dehydrate you pretty bad.  Also keep some bread or something so you don't have to take pills on an empty stomach.

7.  Baby your foot/ankle.  If you can keep it elevated, it will be much less painful and will heal faster. You absolutely do not want to risk putting weight on it until cast is off (6-8 weeks).      

8.  Everyone that has the procedure goes through a different experience.  The Healthboards forum is good to get others perspective but keep in mind that most of the people that post have had bad experiences. So take what they say with a grain of salt.  My experience was horrible but yours may be much better.