IN Mt. Lebanon Fall 2019 | Page 8

After bone surgery, Joan is walking pretty Joan Murdick had lived with a painful, arthritic big toe (hallus rigidus) on her right foot for three years. She couldn’t wear shoes, only fl ip fl ops. “If a shoe touched the top of my toe — any pressure at all — it increased the pain,” she said. When it began to throb and ache — even when she was lying down — she went to Jeff erson Hospital for surgery. Dr. Ryan McMillen fused the big toe joint, eliminating the problem. “He is the greatest surgeon. It was a piece of cake,” she said. “After surgery, I went home the same day. And now I can wear shoes!” For six weeks, Joan followed Dr. McMillen’s instructions precisely. She kept weight off her foot and then progressed to walking with a boot. Five months after surgery, she took a European cruise. She walked 47 miles in three weeks, wearing sandals, with no trouble at all. * “It was fantastic. I wondered why I waited so long.” * * JOAN MURDICK - PODIATRY PATIENT *NOS.org