The full story of what happened with the foot is quite extensive.  When M and I got married, I had a problem with the foot that was putting my walking down the aisle in jeopardy.  I did NOT want to be on crutches for my wedding, so my doctor allowed me to walk unassisted during the wedding and also on our honeymoon in T&C.  After this, though, the stuff hit the fan, and surgery was scheduled.

Major surgery was performed in August of 2022, Left Foot Triple Arthrodesis.  Fusing of the talonavicular, subtalar, and calcaneocuboid bones, to prevent the foot from turning even further inside, resulting, if not fixed, in a club foot.

I was placed in an external fixator for what was supposed to be ninety days.  That ended up being 168 days.  What is an external fixator?   An external fixation device may be used to keep fractured bones stabilized and in alignment. The device can be adjusted externally to ensure the bones remain in an optimal position during the healing process. This device is commonly used in children and when the skin over the fracture has been damaged.  Think an enormous erector set on an extremity.

After this, there was removal of the EF, placement in a hard cast for four weeks, proceeding to a lace up brace, which then led to dehiscence of the surgical site.  Back to square 1B.  Back in a cast, back to surgery once BONE SPURS developed.  Infections, debridements, and five Breg Conformer boots later, we are STILL fighting.  

Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome 

(Charcot/CMT) is a degenerative syndrome that affects the architecture of the foot in those who have two prerequisite conditions: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Neuropathy.  Once those two exist, the hereditarily passed syndrome is able to make itself known. 

 Researchers have identified mutations in more than 100 different genes that cause CMT, but the vast majority of people with CMT (90%) have one of 4 types 

 CMT affects the Peripheral Nervous System.  It is a progressive nerve disease.  Nerves weaken over time, causing progressive disability starting in the toes and fingers and working toward the center of the body. 

There's no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. But the disease generally progresses slowly, and it doesn't affect expected life span. There are some treatments to help you manage Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The specific type of Charcot that I have is CMT2D,.  CMT2D is one of more than 31 recognized subtypes of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) and is diagnosed when both motor and sensory deficits are present 

Charcot is also a hereditary passing. 

The pattern of inheritance varies with the type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. CMT1, most cases of CMT2, and most intermediate forms are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This pattern of inheritance means that one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. In most cases, an affected person has one affected parent. Each of the children of an affected parent has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disorder.

CMT4, a few CMT2 subtypes, and some intermediate forms are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. Most often, the parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. Children of affected individuals are not affected unless the other parent also passes down a mutation in the same gene.

Wound Vacs promote what's called negatrive pressure wound therapy.

 Negative-pressure wound therapy, also known as a vacuum assisted closure, is a therapeutic technique using a suction pump, tubing, and a dressing to remove excess wound exudate and to promote healing in acute or chronic wounds and second- and third-degree burns. 

The continued vacuum draws out fluid from the wound and increases blood flow to the area.[1] The vacuum may be applied continuously or intermittently, depending on the type of wound being treated and the clinical objectives. Typically, the dressing is changed two to three times per week.[3] The dressings used for the technique include foam dressings, sealed with an occlusive dressing intended to contain the vacuum at the wound site.

I could've done more to not be in this situation now.  If you don't know, I CAN be a bit hardheaded....

Staying off of the foot and off-loading as much as possible is a key factor in healing and healing correctly.  This includes use of the knee roller and walker, elevating when sitting down, and not putting undue pressure.

I also am prescribed a high protein low carb diet, but dadgumit, carbs are TASTY!  Mallory does a pretty dang good job of keeping me honest with my diet.  Blood sugar numbers are typically 130-170. Huzzah!

The doctors are always impressed that even though I am a big guy, I tend to heal quite well when the wound involved is NOT on the bottom of my foot.  

This most recent round of surgery comes with some quizzical findings.  There is no raging infection within my body.  However, out of caution, I am on 400mL of Vancomycin (3 times) and 10mL of Cefepime (2 times) daily.  These are administered through my PICC Line in my right arm.  I also have been prescribed the WoundVac, as well as have been told to use my knee roller and keep off of the foot.  Feel free to call me out on that if you see me without it!

If I adhere to the doctor's instructions, healing should be full in 5-6 weeks.  I have to keep my blood sugar down (sub-160) and my protein consumption up!

No, not who has Country Music Television.  There are some names you would recognize who have CMTSyndrome, and who have been impacted by it. 

ALAN JACKSON STOPPED TOURING BECAUSE OF IT 

It's one of the most common inherited neurological disorders and affects about 126,000 Americans and 2.6 million people worldwide. As in Alan Jackson's case, nearly all cases are inherited. CMT can affect the nerves that control your muscles

The Original CatWoman

JULIE NEWMAR

I know that God is in control of all of this.  I know that He brought me to meet Mallory, who has been incredibly supportive and courageous in this fight, even when I know she wanted to stab me in my sleep haha!  She has been a terrific helper, and I hope to repay her kindnesses someday.  

Pray I have the ability to stay the course.

Pray that the medicine does what it is supposed to do.

Pray that my wound(s) heal as they are supposed to.  

Pray that through all of this, I remember who is in control, and that things COULD be so much worse.  Pray for my attitude to stay positive, as mobility can bring so much angst and anger.

The power of prayer is always on display if we only look for it, even in the worst of situations.