Anita,
Yes,I had trach with both the original surgery and the reconstruction. I would ask your doctors exactly what to expect as we all heal differently. I happened to have done very well with the trach and healed quickly. The one part that I did not like was the surgical boot. I was very uncomfortable with it and my back hurt when I used the walker until the physical therapist who came to the house ordered a juvenile walker because I am 5' tall and the regular one was too high. Once the dr. told me that I didn't need the boot 24/7 I began using a plastic ankle brace and crocs with thick socks. After my first followup visit the dr agreed that was OK for me.

The swelling in my foot lasted for many months. It has finally gone down. I had the surgery in January and in May I bought a pair of good pumps for dress and they seemed Ok in the store. When I tried to wear them, I could not get through dinner. THat same week I briefly wore loafer type shoes for a few hours a couple of times but found the crocs and thick socks I have been wearing for the past few years did better (lace-ups probably would have worked as well). I did not have the possible nerve damage which causes the big toe to droop.