Stitches are out!

I added more pictures here. Definitely uncomfortable to have the stitches out. She said they "grew into my skin" and she thinks there may still be a piece in there that "will work it's way out". Gross.

I can wean into wearing shoes as long as the pain and stiffness will allow it. I came home and tried to put on my tennis shoes and my toe just wouldn't bend enough to get it on, even with all the laces pulled out. Soooo, well see. Next appointment is in 4 weeks. I'm supposed to make a gradual progression to walking in regular shoes and maybe walking on the treadmill as pain & stiffness allow, taking 2 aleve a day to help with the inflammation in the joint. So far, so good.