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.

I am going to run a 5K

There it is. The girl with only one fibula bone will run her very first 5k in September. I never thought I would do this, EVER. Even before the surgery I thought people were crazy to do this. Walking I could handle, but running?

For the last 2 years I have been working with a trainer at my local gym just to build up strength and be more active and fit. Shame it had to take me getting amelo to wake up to the importance of getting more active. I told my trainer when I started that my goal was to run well enough that I could get away from a robber. My leg was very weak after the surgery where I could not run 5 steps let alone 5k. But now thankfully the strength in my left leg is much better. It's still not 100% nor do I think it will ever be. At least I can run 3 miles, not on a track but on a treadmill. It's a little different when you are out in the open.

Tomorrow I will be heading out to the 5k course and run it for the first time for practice. I don't expect to finish the run in any record time. I am sure it will take me 1 hour or more. But I will take my time and at least finish it. To me after all of this, that will be such a great accomplishment. I just hope I don't pass out. :)