My apologies for posting this so late!
The weekend of our Season Opener performances (in early October) Michelle wrote what will essentially be her final “diary entry”. We wanted to include pictures of her performing and of her still healing scar.
A big thanks to Michelle for letting me post her story on The Winger. Surgery and recovery is such an emotional experience, and everyone’s road is different. You surely haven’t seen the last of Michelle on The Winger, because I doubt I’ll be able to keep myself from sharing in her future successes. Now for Michelle’s Diary Entry!
“This is my scar now after almost 6 months. Looks so much better, but I don’t want any of you out there to be alarmed about the thickness and redness of my scar. My body naturally creates Keloid scars. If you don’t have a natural tendency to form Keloid scars, your surgery scar will probably be much smaller, lighter, and smother. Keloids usually run in your genes or happen more frequently in certain ethnic groups. Keloids happen when the skin is injured in some way, and the body creates a a rubbery, red, thick, abnormal scar that grows beyond the boundary of the original site. They can be tricky little guys to tame, but I want my scar to be a smooth as possible not because I care about the way it looks but because I want maximum mobility in my ankle. If the scar won’t budge because it is so thick, then my ankle will have less mobility. I have been using Curad Scar Therapy clear pads which have been proven to help reduce raised, colored, and Keloid scars. My swelling, scar, and scar tissue will also continue to improve up to a year after my surgery date. Wish me luck!”
Michelle's Surgery Scar
“So, it has been almost 6 months since my surgery and I performed on stage at the Long Center with Ballet Austin this past weekend. Very exciting. This was not just any show either, the show included a great deal of pointe work, petite allegro, bourées, and standing on one leg for a very long time. The performance included the second act of Swan Lake (I was one of the 4 little swans) and a new production of the Firebird (I was one of the princesses in the corps). I would say I performed without limitations and felt very strong. There were definitely times during the process where my ankle would be swollen and stiff, but I kept up with my icing, exercises, and anti-inflammatory ibuprofen. It will continue to improve and I must continue with all the recommended exercises and icing. It was very emotional when I saw Shannon, one of my physical therapists, on opening night. She hugged me and we both began to cry. It was a fight to get strong again and all of my therapists were right behind me supporting me all the way. Being on stage this weekend really solidified my status as a healthy and strong dancer once again. I look forward to many more performances to come.
Thanks for your support,
Michelle”
Some images of Michelle in action this past October. Images courtesy of Tony Spielberg.
Little Swans from Left to Right: Michelle Thompson, Jaime Lynn Witts, Chelsea Renner, and Beth Terwilleger
Little Swans from Left to Right: Michelle Thompson, Jaime Lynn Witts, Chelsea Renner, and Beth Terwilleger
Little Swans from Left to Right: Michelle Thompson, Jaime Lynn Witts, Chelsea Renner, and Beth Terwilleger
bill
Thanks Anne Marie and Michelle. Congratulations on your performance, Michelle. The keloid looks a bit wicked but time and attention will tame it. We were on about the same schedule for ankles - I tore my Achilles tendon last March and finished physical therapy in October. My scar is less vivid than yours but the doc and the PT both said to expect (decreasing) swelling and tenderness for a year after the surgery. I’m glad to be recovering and I’m glad that you’re recovering well too!
Nov 09, 2009 @ 20:49
Lori
Hello Michelle,
Like you, my skin tends to keloid. After an unexpected C-section I was left with a very thick, raised and discolored scar. I tried Curad pads and a cream too, but months later, still no improvement. I went to my doctor about possible scar revision and she recommended Scaraway silicone strips. It has Silon technology which is a professional grade silicone that was only available from doctors until recently. The way my scar softened, receeded and faded was nothing short of amazing. My keloid was also uncomfortably itchy…using scaraway eliminated that sensation in about three days. I also liked that scar away patches are very thin fabric that concealed my scar as well. I have subsequently used scaraway on a small sugical incision right after it healed up…and I did not develop a keloid at all! Now that was a first for me! After coming upon your story..I couldn’t help but share how I got rid of my scars. Good luck in all of your endeavors…Lori
Nov 11, 2009 @ 15:28
Michelle
Thank you so much everyone. I appreciate the advice and encouragement and thank you so much for the tip about the Scaraway. I keloid no matter what because it runs in my family, so I will definitely check that out.
Thank you so much!
Michelle
Nov 16, 2009 @ 16:11
Debra Chapman
Hi, Michelle,
It is so wonderful and inspirational to see that you have recovered. I took class with you in May right after your surgery I guess. That was my last class. I danced all last year while dealing with a hip problem. The hip issue went away when I quit dancing but went into a bad knee problem. I have struggled to walk the last 6 months and doctors have ruled things out but never could diagnose anything other than patella femoral pain syndrome and Plica syndrome. I’ve done many things to get better and there is probably more for me to do. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated, especially the name of a good doctor.
I can say that my leg is stronger. I’m hoping to at least be able to do Pilates and maybe yoga in the future even if my dancing days are over.
I have children in the Academy and it is kind of sad to watch all the activities down there and still be going thru this knee thing. I am always amazed at how quickly professional dancer’s recover.
Congratulations on your recovery,
Debra Chapman
Dec 05, 2009 @ 23:46
loni
i rcecently had surgery on my abdomin. ended up with 42 staples. i’ve noticed that the scar is getting alot softer. daily soak with bath salts and bath oil in very warm water. applying vicks rub after drying off. hope i’ve said something usefull. ps before you stretch apply some bag balm to you’re ankle. i say this for after breaking my wrist several yrs back it did wonders for my rehabilitation. anyway GOOD LUCK and allways smile. it’s good execise for the soul. LONI
Dec 06, 2009 @ 08:33
Michelle
Thank you so much for all your wonderful advice. I really appreciate it.
Debra,
I would recommend Dr. Dehne (he usually works in pediatrics, but he does adults too). I saw 3 doctors and went with Dr. Dehne. I just had a really good feeling about him. This is the office number (512) 478-8116.
Dr. Dalton is also great. His office number is (512) 225-6335. He is extremely well known and sought out by people.
Finally, Dr. Spears is fantastic and has an amazing facility for recovery. I just loved him too. Many of the dancers see him. (512) 708-8834.
I hope this helps. Also Reavis Rehab (512-310-7665) is where I did all my PT and they are amazing. Great facility and wonderful people. I did a lot of work in the pool, which really helped in my recovery.
I teach Yoga in the community school and I would love to help you with anything you needed regarding your knee or hip.
Best of luck with everything and I hope to see you soon.
Michelle
Dec 13, 2009 @ 23:11
Curtis
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I am a dancer as well, and actually had to put college plans on hold because of my ankle pain. I recently got this surgery (December 10th was the date) in addition to getting a cyst removed in my ankle as well. It’s been quite an experience to say the least, and it’s so relieving to read your experiences with the surgery as well.
Thanks again.
Curtis
Jan 14, 2010 @ 19:08
Michelle
Curtis,
Hope recovery is going well!
Jan 22, 2010 @ 03:24
Berna
Michelle:
(i wish you read this, though it’s been a while since this post)
Because of those things that sometimes happen in life and one does not understand, I just found and read your whole surgery story, exactly the day before I’m going back to company class for the first time after I went through the same surgery.
My Os trigonum Syndrome bothered for a year, and after many doctors, acupuncture, and lots of pain, i decided to get the surgery done (not an easy choice you know).
It’s been 9 weeks since I got that little bone removed, and though my progress has been great and I feel ready and confident about going back to work, reading you just gave me that extra push to confirm that I have the courage to be a better, painless dancer!
I have been blogging about my experience, which I considered has been a learning process as much for my body as for my spirit. (you could pass by my blog, but it’s in spanish! sorry)
I would like to know how you’ve danced throughout this year, how’s your keloid (I also did keloid) and how it is to go back to dance with no pain but all the art!
Thank you so much for your words.
Berna, from Caracas, Venezuela.
(if you pass by the blog, leave a comment, I could translate it for you hehe)
http://www.siluetasenpuntas.blogspot.com
Apr 28, 2010 @ 01:11
Michelle
hey Berna,
I loved reading your post. This year has been really great. I had my one year anniversary on April 15th and it was really fun calling my doctor to tell him I was a happy and healthy dancer. My Keloid is getting better, but still fairly thick. I continue to massage the scar and even place scar reducers over it hoping to soften it. When we are doing heavy pointe work I make sure to ice it and keep up all my exercises. Keep me posted on your progress. I will try to read your blog with the little spanish I know. My brother could probably help me.
Thank you,
Michelle
Apr 28, 2010 @ 01:51
Heather
Michelle,
I have come by your blog several times in researching this surgery. I have a 10 year old gymnast who had suffered for some time with OS trigonum, she had the surgery in Feb. and the road to recovery has not been an easy one. We are 4 1/2 months removed from surgery and she still has significant pain at times and has been unable to resume all activities as of yet. Gymnastics aside I would love for her to be able to run and walk without pain. She is now in her 2nd month of physical therapy and they are trying to break up scar tissue that seems to have developed. My question for you is when do you feel you were finally pain free. She says the pain is different but not gone. To say the least this has been a very frustrating process.
Thanks and so happy to hear this was successful for you.
Heather
Jul 10, 2010 @ 15:08
Michelle
Hello Heather,
I am so sorry about her difficulty with the surgery. The scar tissue can be really difficult. How long was she in a cast or walking boot before they started PT? Sometimes if you wait too long the scar tissue can really get tough. Is she doing massage in the area? I remember some times when my PT would get in that area and it almost made me sick because it felt so weird and painful, but the next day I had more mobility.
After 4 months I was back to work and feeling good. We were working on Swan Lake which is very difficult on the feet and ankles, so I remember having a little bit of difficulty with the scar tissue during that time, but I was back to all my other activity.
I would love to talk with you more. my email is michelle.ulerich@gmail.com. I would also love for you to get in touch with the PT people I worked with, because maybe they can offer up some advice. Email me and then maybe we can chat over the phone.
michelle
Jul 11, 2010 @ 15:02