Before-and-after

Before-and-after, in one image. At 11:54 p.m. It’s a one-frame day, photographically.

Earlier this year (February?), I wrenched my foot in a wheel well of my car (loading or unloading a rowing shell on the roof of my car). It hurt at the time and I was pretty sure “something” happened. In particular, I thought something happened to my toe that has a surgical screw in it from a 1998 arthritis surgery. (Originally there were two, but one had to be removed several months after the original “installation.”)

It wasn’t long before I noticed a “bump” on the inside of my right foot. About 2½ months ago, Roland’s office x-rayed the foot and sure enough: the remaining screw was working its way out.

Earlier this week, his office manager called and asked if I wanted to have it out on Friday. I had to coordinate with Clare as I would need a driver after the procedure, but it all worked out and the screw is out! The image is a July x-ray and the actual stainless steel screw. (The screw is 1 inch/25mm long.)

Roland did it with local anesthesia as an office procedure. It was interesting seeing all the preparations for a “surgery” (sterile field and all). Clare enjoyed watching him “close” with two stitches.

One year ago: “Sunglass selfie”

[Ellen E]

very interesting image. glad it all went well!

[Lisa Pouncy]

Wow, that's amazing. Glad it all went so well xx

[Rick Schies]

Oh yes, a very interesting procedure to watch. I was hoping I could stay awake for my hand surgery the other year, but the surgeon advised against it.

[Myrna O'Hara]

Unbelievable story. wow.

[Thom Mitchell]

@digitalrn Although I was not "under," there were several things I didn't watch: 3 injections to numb everything, cutting open the skin and backing out the screw. I've given more than 10 gallons of blood over the years: haven't looked once!

[Jill]

Yikes! That looks painful!! Cool image though :)

[Thom Mitchell]

@ellen @psychographer @sailingmusic @jillmstruss Took the bandages off last night (2 days after) and went to the gym today. Roland said the recuperation would be minimal (he mentioned staying out of lake water), noting that the bone would be happy the foreign object is gone. Anesthesia is a wondrous thing!

[Angelique]

Wow Thom, nice before and after! There is always something strange about hardware and the organic natural bone.

[MaryBeth Dailey]

COOL image! Not so cool to have "surgery" like that! Glad you are doing better!

[Thom Mitchell]

@angeliquenordal Thanks, Angelique! My surgeon-and-friend said there probably wouldn't be much post-procedure pain: the bone would simply be happy that the foreign body was gone.

[Angelique]

@rhoing ~~~Speedy recovery !