Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – After Surgery (Days 0 – 4)

I told some of my clients and personal training students that I would share my tarsal tunnel syndrome surgery experience and recovery on my blog since it can serve as a great learning tool for those going through something similar. To read how I got here, check out My Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Story.

Surgery Day (Day 0)

I checked in at 12:00 pm and was in the OR about 1:00 pm for my tarsal tunnel release surgery. Not to mention I haven’t had any drink or food since 9:30 pm yesterday, let me tell you I miss food and water. When I checked in they brought me back and prepped me, such as getting an IV put in and a hospital gown on. The Doctor came in drew on my foot that he was operating on. Shortly after I met with the anesthesiologist who explained that I will be given twilight anesthesia. That means I go night night. Speaking of that – I had a nice nap. After the surgery was over I woke up in the recovery room. Looking down at my leg my foot was bandaged up pretty good with a drain on it. Let me tell you – I definitely woke up in some pain. They administered more pain medication. Thankfully, after 10 minutes the pain went down. They try to keep you there until you are fully awake and can eat and drink something, but you know what they forgot to give me the crackers and cookie that they promised. I will have to add that to my review. Just kidding. The staff there were all so good and respectful. They answered any questions I had. Finally around 5:00 pm, they put me in a wheel chair and rolled me out to the car. On the way home I was really nauseous and sleepy.  When I got home my wife set me up on the couch and I didn’t move from there. The only thing now that is a pain in the ass is if you need to go to the bathroom. Getting around on crutches is a pain but you have do it. My scooter won’t really work in the house, plus my kids would be flying up and down the halls with it. So not a great idea. Tune in on day 2.

Day 1

Hey guys! Here is my first day after surgery. I started the day in bed watching Netflix with my cat pretty early. My fellow personal trainers (and parents/caretakers!) can relate that as early risers it’s hard to sleep in. I knew I had to go to see my Doctor at 1:30 pm so I took it easy until then. As that time comes, my wife drove me to the Doctors because I still feel a little loopy. However, I am feeling a lot better than yesterday. The nausea went down a lot. However, my pain level is still pretty high. The Doctor came in and he was telling me that my nerve was pretty trapped in there. This made me a little more optimistic about this whole situation on why I had this done. He took out the drain, which was a little weird feeling coming out, felt like a shock going up my leg. I think my wife, Nurse Liz, is happy that she doesn’t have to drain and clean that thing anymore. He changed all the bandages so now they’re nice and fresh. Now it’s time to sit around more and rest the leg and eat lots of bad food. I have a follow up appointment in a week. Stay tuned!

Day 2

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Alright guys! It’s been 48 hours since surgery and I feel great. I still feel pain in my foot but nowhere near what it did. If you know me, it’s hard to keep me in one place. My wife is always saying to go lay in bed and I say to her “let’s do something”.  So today’s adventure was going to Best Buy on my hot new scooter to buy a TV because one of our others broke. I’m rolling around in Best Buy cruising for a new TV and once I find one, I throw it on my scooter and went to check out. This checkout guy thinks I’m nuts.  So my wife thinks maybe we can hang it next week. Ha! As soon as we get home guess what I’m doing –  taking down the old TV off the wall and pulling wires through the wall. I did need help putting up the new one.  All said – who the hell puts up a TV right after having surgery. Being in fitness, I find it hard to bring my energy level down and just do nothing. Other fitness coaches can relate. Remember I’m still smart about it and I know my limits. I’m getting pretty good balancing on my right leg. Therefore, I try to throw in a few hours of me just sitting around and catching up on Narcos and Ballers.  Shortly after,  I wanted to go driving, go get a coffee. I just want to know if I can drive. It’s definitely hard to get around, closing doors, getting in a truck etc.  But I enjoy the challenge. My pain level is somewhat high. However, manageable. I’m trying not to take my pain medication if I don’t have to. It’s getting to the end of the day, so it does call for me to rest my foot, because you do feel the day at the end. I’ll let you know what Thanksgiving day brings!

Day 3

What’s up guys! Happy Thanksgiving everyone. First off – let’s talk about taking a bath. It was more difficult than I thought. Trying to get in with one leg and have my other leg hanging out because you cannot get bandages or stitches wet. But what did come in handy was a waterproof cast protector that I purchased on Amazon. Then you really don’t have to worry so much. I can’t wait to take a shower! I didn’t realize I would miss taking a shower so much. Today was the first day I made breakfast for everyone which was a great step. I am still hopping around like a bunny and using crutches. I will be like this for at least another week the Doctor said. Absolutely no weight bearing.

Today my pain level is moderate. Enough not to take a pain pill. I felt so good that I even got a small workout in at home. I know I’m crazy. But that’s how well I’m feeling. Something little is better than nothing. But if you do decide to workout after something like this, do it smart. If you’re reading this and wondering how to do it, contact me! I sat the whole time on a bench. I did have to stand for one of the exercises which is why having good balance on my other foot has been helpful.

It is still hard to stand for long periods of time. I do find myself having to sit down more. You definitely feel it after awhile. I am telling myself what I tell my clients every day – listen to your body, if it tells you to sit, you sit. Don’t push it. You will be sorry. Trust me. If you have help around use it, don’t be hard headed. I try to be but it’s a good thing I have an awesome wife and 4yr old to help me while my 18 month old trying to stomp on me and knock me over. So if you have it use it. Tune in for day 4.

Day 4

All I have to say is wow! My recovery is going awesome. I never thought I would be like this. I think if you go in strong and have your mind right you can surpass yourself in anything. From what I’ve read online and what doctors are saying, you will be out for at least 2 weeks. Doing nothing really. I’m on day 4 going to the grocery store on my scooter, Home Depot, changing baby gates and doing things around the house. I plan on going to the gym tomorrow! Yes, you heard that right. But again, train smart. I will be doing things sitting down and nothing lower body for a while for now. When I do go to the gym, I will explain what I did and how I did it for you guys that are interested in learning. Yes, I still cannot put weight on my foot. For another week or so. If your mindset is right you can do anything. I was telling myself the whole time that this will not put me down and slow me down in anyway. My wife still thinks I’m crazy for doing the things I’m doing, but that’s me. Can’t wait till what next week brings. Tune in to hear about my gym experience!