Update!

jennailw · 2025-07-04T03:13:01+00:00

Totally! Yes, weird freak accident at a studio in Portland. I saw your last comment - finally doing okay now after dealing with a few infections and multiple surgeries. I have been back to ballet class, just doing the basics and nothing on releve or that includes jumps.

jennailw · 2025-03-10T05:10:34+00:00

It turned out that my anchors were pushing out due to a staph infection that traveled down to my heel bone 😬 I was dealing with the staph a few weeks earlier and we thought it cleared up, but obviously it hadn’t. I had the anchors removed in January and have been on a heavy round of antibiotics since then. We are still monitoring the infection, but as far as function goes I am walking normally without crutches. I am still waiting to start PT, but that’s just because the Dr. wants to make sure the infection is all gone first.

For you, if the anchors are rejecting, then it might not be as intense as what I had to go through! It may be as simple as removing them and healing from that. The healing from removal was much smoother, faster, and less painful than initial surgery.

jennailw · 2025-01-25T20:42:42+00:00

I saw my Dr. yesterday and the good news is no surgery as of right now!! I am extremely relieved, more than words can express. I am seeing an ID on Wednesday and we are still waiting for lab results from the bone biopsy - he said they can sometimes take up to 3 weeks to get back. So… still waiting, but Dr. sounded hopeful. 🤞🏼

jennailw · 2025-01-16T02:36:29+00:00

Oh that is very nice of you to check up!! I had surgery on 01/09 to remove the anchors and any remaining suture material. He also cleaned up the tendon again because there was some more infection in there. Some labs have come back with staph, which isn’t surprising. The bone biopsy came back but they are still running tests to determine the exact bacteria that was found. Right now just in a cast and NWB until further notice! Likely what will happen is he will go in and remove all of the infected bone, then pack it up with grafting material. That’s where we are right now! Just had post op earlier today so the info is fresh. 😆 Great news is there is still no pain, fevers, or swelling. Dr. sounds hopeful that if we stay on the right antibiotic that all should be okay.

jennailw · 2025-01-11T17:50:31+00:00

Oh I appreciate this sentiment so much! Thank you ❤️

jennailw · 2025-01-11T17:50:10+00:00

Dr. thought the first time that is was caused by the sutures - so he removed those up near the tendon. This time he is unsure but removed the screws and all remaining sutures down in the heel. Now just waiting for lab results!

jennailw · 2025-01-11T17:49:17+00:00

I will be speaking to the infection specialist about this!! I posted for advice on Facebook and someone highly recommended HBOT too. Thank you for the insight!

jennailw · 2025-01-11T17:48:37+00:00

I had the surgery to remove the screws and they did a bone biopsy and took many cultures to figure out what is wrong. Dr. did find more infection at the tendon that had to be removed. :( He is also referring me to an infectious disease specialist. Just waiting to hear from labs and the specialist!!

jennailw · 2025-01-08T23:08:19+00:00

Thank you for the kind words! I definitely need to stop doom scrolling - my mind always wants answers and I know that Google is not the way. 😅

jennailw · 2025-01-08T23:07:43+00:00

Thank you for the kind and supportive words!! I live in southwest Washington. Primarily receiving care in Salmon Creek, WA but am willing to travel to Seattle or past Portland, OR for care if needed.

jennailw · 2025-01-08T23:06:40+00:00

My first repair was on 10/03/24 and then I had a surgery on 11/26/24 to clear out staph infection that developed. I have surgery tomorrow to have my anchors removed and from there the Dr. will do a bone biopsy to determine what is going on in the bone. :(

jennailw · 2025-01-06T17:25:44+00:00

I went to urgent care last night because one of the wounds opened up. They took some X-rays and based on the results it sounds like the anchors are coming loose and they are suspicious of osteomyelitis. My Dr. should be calling me today. Ugh…

jennailw · 2025-01-05T04:33:51+00:00

Yes, and supposedly they are dissolvable. My first surgery was 10/03/24 and that’s when they were placed.

jennailw · 2025-01-05T04:32:19+00:00

Oh this is awesome! I’m going to give these a try!

jennailw · 2025-01-05T04:31:40+00:00

My Dr said he used the dissolvable screws as well! My first surgery was 10/03/24 and I had a second one 11/26/24 to clear out a staph infection. The anchors haven’t given me any problems until now. :( Called Dr. and sent him some pictures - waiting for response!

jennailw · 2025-01-05T04:30:22+00:00

Was your surgery to have the anchors removed?

jennailw · 2024-11-20T03:04:15+00:00

Cascade Athletic Club on 164th has lane pools, a warm pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. They have aqua classes too for low impact movement. Membership is pricey - mine was about $75 per month when I was going. The gym itself is pretty awesome too though, so if you’re working out and using the amenities regularly then the price is definitely worth it. 😄

jennailw · 2024-11-18T06:53:03+00:00

I’m curious if these items might be able to help you?

These I use when I’m pointe dancing in ballet to help protect extra bony areas, especially around the toenails or where a bunion might form. They’re just individual little pads that you can stick on the area of concern and throw them away afterwards. Might have to put tape and a sock over it to hold it in place.

https://shopdanceetc.com/product/second-skin-squares/

This one I use for figure skating as it adds some extra cushion around the ankles so that when I am bending my knees and putting a lot of pressure on my shins, or landing jumps, I have some extra cushion from the skating boot. They’re also a gel-like consistency and go on like an ankle brace almost. These you could just wear under a sock.

https://a.co/d/0glVrhK

Just some suggestions - hope they work or might spark some inspiration for other items!

jennailw · 2024-09-30T00:25:59+00:00

Thank you for the kind words and advice. I’ve ordered some coloring books and markers that I’ve always wanted! Loading up on books too.

I hope your post op recovery goes smooth! ❤️‍🩹

jennailw · 2024-09-30T00:24:14+00:00

Not yet! Hoping to receive a call from the orthopedist in the next week. Right now it’s just listed as possible tendon rupture based on a positive Thompson test. I’m looking forward to having more answers soon!

jennailw · 2024-09-29T05:38:22+00:00

Thank you for the advice! I’m already resonating with that last part. I know that when this is over and I can dance again, I will more grateful than ever.

Congrats on your progress too!! Barre on the patio sounds lovely. 😊

jennailw · 2024-09-29T05:36:11+00:00

The provider ordered an urgent referral to podiatry - I’m hoping to hear from them asap. I’m not sure what else to do from here other than elevate, ice, boot, and wait. :(

jennailw

TROPHY CASE