Joan's Posts

I think you should get your lower spine x-rayed. It could be pressure on the nerves in the lumbar spine that supply the tibialis anterior nerve which dorsiflexes the foot. Without dorsiflexion you can't lift the foot. It's possible that you had a pre-existing low back issue that was aggravated by being immobile during the surgery and then recovery. It's worth checking into.

hi, Joan...I am so glad you have a response from Cathleen....I question why you have suffered for weeks with this with no relief or answers from your medical team...these are the things that concern me as a reluctant aortic valve replacement surgery-in-waiting patient for 4/24/17...I wish you the best and answers to the foot issue so you can move, recover and keep your mental health...💟

Thanks Cathleen DeWitt and Terrie Hodges. When I was in the hospital they did an x-ray and then an MRI. Did not find anything there that related to the spine or brain causing it. I am getting more feeling and movement in the foot and toes and am thankful for that but it has been an odd and lonely journey I am on. Good luck Terrie Hodges. I am sure things will all go well for you and nothing like this will happen.

We don't want you to feel odd or lonely💟...I went through a serious depression that had those features and others...may be good to explore treatment for cardiac depression...also if your ability to move and walk is impaired by the foot issue ...lack of movement will contribute to depression...you are not alone....We are in your corner🤗

I wonder if your leg was in an odd position that put pressure on the nerve during the surgery. Recommend seeing a Neurologist as they can test and determine if the problem is in the spinal cord or in the nerve in the leg. Glad that you are getting some feeling and movement back, that bodes well!

Thanks Terrie Hodges. I know that cardiac depression is common and like many, I have my up and down days. Ellen Leng- That is what I was told even though they claim it was not an odd position. I did and had an MRI that showed it was not in the cord but in the pereneal leg nerve.

You and I will have something in common as we are starting a big journey about the same time. I am in Oregon and across the many miles, I pray for every success with you and your surgical team. I am having trouble sleeping tonight so I am up for a little while on our community site. There are always wonderful insights into the smallest of details whenever I log in. Blessings and wishes for a speedy recovery for YOU!

Hi Joan, it'll show up, and we'll be praying. Actually seeing it there gave me a golf ball in my throat I couldn't swallow! It shocked me, even though I was waiting for it to show up! Best, best best for Wednesday. Praying you'll be on the road to recovery fully, soon. ❤🎀❤

Thanks everyone! I misplaced my card with this website info. It has been three weeks since my surgery. I am doing pretty well except for the surgery causing foot drop. That was an awful and unexpected thing I have had to deal with. Lots of PT at home and trying to walk as much as I can to catch up on recovery. Hope all of you that also had surgery are doing well. My incisions seemed pretty good although the bottom of the sternum still has a scab and is rather red around it now. I am seeing the surgeon on Monday so he can tell me if there is an infection.