Medical Updates

Two medical updates to share.

The first is a minor issue. I had been having an achy feeling, and a tiny bit of swelling, in my left foot for a couple weeks. Suspecting a stress fracture, I finally went to see my doctor, and X-rays confirmed my self-diagnosis.

"Age-indeterminate suspected avulsion fracture along the base of the lateral fifth metatarsal, recommend correlation with point tenderness."

My wonderful doctor said she thought wearing a post-op shoe would be sufficient to remind me to take it easy on the foot. Rowing, biking, walking are all okay. Running, jumping, dancing, not so much.

I'll go back after October 22nd for a follow-up x-ray to see if it has healed. I'm trying to be smart about it, but as any CrossFitter can tell you, the line between being tough and being stupid is very thin. I'm trying to be smart, strong, and tough.

The second, much bigger, much more important update, is that Monkey is having surgery on this Friday. She has had back, neck, and shoulder pain for years, and after extensive research, she has decided to have a reduction mammoplasty, or breast reduction surgery. Her doctor recommended a local surgeon that she has sent many patients to. Monkey met with him and his team, liked them, and decided to move ahead with the procedure.

Those of you that knew she was having this done have reached out to share your stories or the stories of friends who have had the procedure, and the positive support is clear. People feel an immediate sense of relief and less pain. We know there will be discomfort and pain post-surgery, but Monkey is so excited to have this procedure.

It is done out-patient, at the same surgical center where I had appointments for my wrist surgery. Unlike with reconstructive surgery, she will not have any drains, just steri-strips, causing much less anxiety for both of us.

There have been several visits with the surgeon and his staff, and there was one hilarious moment when Monkey was asked what size breasts she would like to have and she pointed at me.

I took that as a compliment.

For insurance purposes, at least 410 grams must be removed from each breast to qualify for medical necessity, and the surgeon said it would be closer to 500 grams in this case.

I recognize our society has a difficult time talking about breasts with any common sense or without embarrassment. Luckily, Monkey is a very self-possessed young woman who would rather have people get good information and know that she is a safe person to talk with if anyone has any questions.

She's so looking forward to being able to move with more comfort, finding clothes that feel and fit better, and feeling like all the parts of her body suit her petite height.

I'll update on Friday, and your healing good thoughts and prayers are very appreciated.