I went back to the Orthopedic Surgeon today. And, he thinks surgery is the only option. There is fluid build up(not swelling) around the tendon. And, the tendon is definitely inflammed. He is not sure if there is a tear or not because of all the fluid. He feels going in and draining the fluid, is the only option. If he only has to do this, I will only be off my feet for 2 weeks. If the tendon ends up being torn he would have to stitch it, and I will be on crutches for at least 6 weeks!! I have decided to get a second opinion. I am lucky that my neighbor is an ER surgeon, so I am going to ask him for a recommendation from my list of eligable doctors.

One thing that my Ortho doctor said that irritated me was, "Only you can decide if the pain is worth having surgery" This just rubbed me the wrong way. The fluid won't go away without the surgery, so he says, and I am in daily pain....can't exercise, can't stand or walk for extended periods of time, so I am not sure why he would think no surgery(if this is the only way to fix it) would be an option. Also, he said if I don't have it the tendon can rupture, and my arch would collapse

So, needless to say, I am hoping to get in asap to another doctor for a 2nd opinion.

By Nicki on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 09:32 pm:

I would be bothered by that comment as well Debbie. He seems to be giving you a mixed message.
I'm glad you're getting another opinion, and I'm so sorry you are going through this. Let us know what you find out, okay?
((Hugs))

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 11:27 pm:

Sounds like a 2nd opinion is in order. Good luck. Keeping you in my prayers.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 07:06 am:

Ditto - second opinion, good thinking. Can you find a foot and ankle specialist in orthopedic medicine?

By Karen~admin on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 08:07 am:

Definitely get a 2nd opinion. I agree with Ginny, try to find a specialist. I have actually been told something similar about having the hand surgeries I will be having, but it wasn't said in such a way as to offend or irritate me - it was more that I balked at the idea of surgery, even after a 2nd opinion, and my hand surgeon was sort of giving me the choice - stay in pain, or get if fixed. LOL

I can tell you this though, tendon injuries are more complicated than breaks or fractures, and if your tendon *is* torn, you definitely want to get that repaired.

Let us know what you find out!

By Vicki on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 08:37 am:

I agree that especially with surgery, a second opinion is always the right things to do. I also agree with karen that I am not so sure his comments were meant to be confusing. If the pain is so bad you can't take it, surgery is the only option (in his opinion) If you would rather tolerate the pain and it isn't too bad, don't have the surgery. Only you know the answer to that.

By Debbie on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 09:21 am:

I guess why his comment bothered me is because there is a lot of fluid build up that he says can't be removed unless I have the surgery. It is so much that it makes wearing some of my shoes uncomfortable. So, it would seem to me that I don't have an option. I wouldn't think I could just leave all that fluid in there?? So, if it was just about the pain, I can see his comment.

But, I am definitely getting a 2nd opinion. My neighbor was on call at the hospital last night, but he is coming over this afternoon, so we can talk.