I am throwing in my hat first....

[cathidaw]

Welcome Cathidaw, sorry to hear about the failed ankle op. If it is any consolation, I had a failed Carpel Tunnel op that made it worse than before surgery. I was hence very reluctant to let any surgeon try again but eventually did and thankfully, this time it was a success. Just make sure you get the credentials of the surgeon and he or she is actually the best. My first op was through a NHS contracted company which after the event were investigated. I was not the only problem but one of several failed ones. The 2nd op was through the NHS surgeon who was appointed to investigate these failures and she is a real specialist. Check out who did yours , who is going to do the next if you agree to it and if they are OK.

Here I am8 weeks after having an ankle and foot reconstruction,Quite a shock as I thought I'd be having a new replacement ankle.but the heel had disintegrated.I saw the x ray last week .My goodness it looks like one of Emetts jobs.-remember him-or Heath Robinson. I trust my consultant so it'll be fine.
It feels ok but having the plaster off and a pneumatic boot fitted, he just said-now walk! After sitting for 8 weeks I felt a real stiff old crock.Even now it is difficult to walk but I know it'll be ok by Summer if I take my time
I thought to myself - I'll get someone to take me swimming at the new baths in the Bell Green area, now that my favourite Livingstone Road one is closed.
Firstly it's behind the A T 7 centre,with a grimly industrial look about it .Then there's the ramp- very steep for a wheelchair,the steps look lethal too. We laboured up the ramp and were shown around.Very nice -a bit small, but all those corridors and lifts put me off. Obviously whoever designed it had never been wheelchair bound.
I mourn Livingstone Road--and last week it was demolished.
I haven't felt much like writing but always look at WOL now hopefully I'm back again.
My garden's a mess- the latest gaggle of gardeners haven't helped but there's hope- I have new one who seems to know what he's doing.The last one cut the grass and left all the grass and weeds on the paths and was so surprised when I asked him to sweep up.He said,"Won't do it now buroll bring me blower next time"
Even more surprised when I said 'there won't be a next time.' He'd just had a large mower given to him--which made him a gardener.The lawns looked as tho' he'd cut it with aknife and fork-and he hadn't even noticed the edges.Think I'll write a gardening book on gardeners
My 3 wrens are back, the pigeons are back, and the squirrels are desperately looking for food even chunks of pizza.

[Margaret]

Hi Cathi, you have been through the wars, I hope it will be better for you soon. You must have the patience of Job.
Is the problem with your ankles due to the years of wear & tear treading up and down wards when you were nursing?

[cathidaw]

Hallo Margaret,
Could be, also I had a business for years, often on my feet-and-I did circle dance for 12 years, which was wonderful,mostly bare foot.So it's anyone's guess. However I am so lucky- the best surgeon,and best family --apart from my mechanical problems am well. All I needed was patience- I didn't think I had any but we don't know ourselves do we?.
All I have to do now, which is difficult, is to get walking again. I'm getting there, and by Summer -fingers crossed.
Luckily My hobbies keep me sane- well sane-ish. I do photography, and write.sometimes paint. And I love to talk!!!...too much sometimes.
Yesterday I was in my garden-first time for 9 weeks. That was a good feeling.
A few years ago I bought a very low office chair-no arms- for £3.00 from the tip in Stratford, and I scoot myself along the paths weeding and tiffling.
It's a lovely day today and my fish are basking-do fish bask? Just under the surface in the sun.

[Lex]

Glad to hear you're on the mend Cathi! We seem to have a few new birds this year - an extra pair of Wood Pigeons, and a pair of Jays seem to have appeared from nowhere!