Re: topaz surgery
Hi,
I had the Topaz surgery done in December (it's now April) and I couldn't be happier.
For me, I had plantar fasciitis for almost two years. I went through all the steps to be qualified for the surgery. Stretching, iceing, NSAIDs, rest, PT, shots (four of them), a air cast, a hard cast, custom made and over the counter orthodics, ultrasounds, ... everything, and nothing worked. I called a doctor who did the ESWT to see if this would work. He told me I needed a MRI first and then we would see, well not only did I have plantar fasciitis but I also had a fractured heel because the pulling of the fascia caused it to fracture. So, after the MRI he told me that I would be better off with the Topaz, it sounded crazy but I was willing to try anything, even cutting off my foot. The surgery was easy. I went in at 5am, they knocked me out, and 14 minutes later I was waking up in recovery.
What he did was take a long needle and poked 36 holes in my heel, then turned the machine on and pushed the needle through the holes and through the fascia. By using this needle/wand, it makes holes in the fascia while breaking down and dissolving the scar tissue. The holes are to release tension and to make the fascia grow all over again. I had this done on a Friday and by Sunday I could put pressure on it, by Monday I was walking. The recovery for me was 14 weeks. The key is to stretch your calf before bed and waking up, wearing a night splint to keep the fascia stretched, ice it all day, and elevate it. I was a big time runner but now I walk because I would rather be able to walk than run and risk it coming back. I also purchased the Zcoil shoes, google it. They have helped with my recovery because I was not able to stand for very long and the extra comfort and spring in the heel took off a lot of pressure and pain.
The surgery I was not awake for thank God, he recovery was not so bad. I am a huge baby with pain and I would do this all over again if it came back. Everyone is different but I would tell you to do it. The 14 weeks went by fast and you will see how amazing it works. I would say the first 3 -4 weeks were the worst not pain wise but trying to figure out how to slow down because now you can walk without pain. You will flex ur foot slightly and feel tiny needle like tears in your fascia ouch! But as time goes on you will see how you will be able to flex farther and farther without pain. Do not take anything for pain other than what your doc says, mine said nothing but Tylenol with codine. Do not take a anti-imflammatry, you want it to be inflammed so it can repaire.
Good luck, I hope your surgery is as successful as mine.
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Re: topaz surgery
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