Almost Time

Two days and counting. I am starting to get a little excited as I always do before surgery even though this is minor in comparison to my past ones. So it should be a walk in the park. Should be.


My appointment is for 1pm, so I will leave my home in the morning. Traffic is hit or miss. But I always give myself some cushion, time wise. You just never know, especially in the Baltimore area.


I called the doctors office today to go over what I may need for my upcoming procedure. As expected I got their voice mail. I did leave a message and was pleased to hear back from them in a reasonable amount of time. Usually they take days. I was told that for the procedure I would not have to be put under. They would give me local anesthesia. So I could “drive home” afterward. Personally I don’t know how I can drive home after something like this since my drive is about 3 hours but I guess time will tell. Mom is coming with me so that will be a comfort. Well, to a point as she does not drive at night.


Guess there is always the Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Really, it’s a nice hotel and I highly recommend it.

In one week, back to Hopkins

Next Thursday I will go back to Hopkins to replace the one implant that they took out in the last surgery. I finally feel that things are moving forward, which is good. But for some odd reason, I feel worried.


I think I feel this way as it has been such a crazy process. From the infections, to the implants being taken out, to the doctor leaving, every step forward seems to be a few steps back. I hope nothing will go wrong and I am thinking positive, but …


The good thing is that I did find Dr. S, (HAZZAH), who will do my prosthetics. He recommended going back to Hopkins to get the implant replacement done and then we would take it from there. I will have to wait 2 -3 months for my mouth to heal and then we can proceed with putting “caps” on top of the implants. Then I would have to wait another few months before they can do the cast of my mouth and then….. TEETH! So, I will not get my teeth for Christmas as I hoped but if all goes well I will get my teeth for July.


Whether the insurance company will pay for it I have no idea, but I will deal with that when it comes up. Thankfully, to date they have paid everything. I could not visualize going through this process without some sort of insurance to help. I really feel for the people who do not have insurance. I am luck in the respect.


So here is hoping all goes according to plan. Fingers crossed.

I did it!

Today, I ran my first 5k. I ran it at 35.07. Not bad for a girl with one fibula. This is such an accomplishment for me. A year and a half ago I could not walk. I was very happy that my ankle did not hurt. I was worried about that as I would get pain every now and then. Guess my mind was focusing on the race and just finishing it. At least that is what I told myself. So for anyone who had a Fibular Free Flap Reconstruction and think that they will never be able to run again (or in my case, start) rest assured you can. It just takes time.


I don't know if I will continue to run races, but I must say after I was, I felt great. Tired, but great. At the very least I can run two miles to keep up the endurance. Maybe I will try biking next.

Baltimore and hope

I just had my 6 month check-up with my doctors at Hopkins. I meet with Dr B who did the reconstruction part. He was very pleased to see me, mainly because I had no issues. He did notice that my scar was still red. He said to give it 6 months and after that if it is still red he can do microdermabrasion treatment on it. My insurance will not pay of course. (What else is new)

He also said that my right side is a little thinner then my left. This he can correct with three different treatments.

1> fat injections from my hips or thighs. This would be permanent and note very invasive.
2> Fillers. Also non invasive but not permanent. I would have to get it done every year.
3> Surgery.

Well you know which one I will take. Number 1 please. He states I can have this done at any time and do not have to wait. I think I will do ahead with it sometime next year after the holidays.

I later meet Dr K, who did an examination. He was not too please with scar that was left from my last surgery but said other then that thins seem fine. I will have to see him again in 6 months as a follow up.


So all seems to be going well. Have my little happy face on now.