stress fracture of metatarsal - how long before back in the saddle? - literally.

[broken rider]

I was diagnosed with a stress frac of 2nd met two days before thanksgiving. Not quite sure how it happened, but I had surgery for hemi-toe replacement on 1st toe in Feb and still working on getting proper orthotics for good support of high arches and long mets.
I ride horses for fun and competition, but hadn't been doing as much this year since I sold my horse in April - maybe once or twice a week. Would occasionally bring horses in on trial and ride maybe 3-4 days in a row with no problems except maybe some chronic back pain that I'm working through.
Early November found a wonderful horse to bring home on trial. Rode every day for 5 days. He's 'green' and I needed to be totally off his back and in my stirrups when cantering or jumping. It was during this time that my foot started hurting more. Coincidence - maybe. Even prior to this time I was having some difficulty walking in the arena sand and doing "fitness" walking.
Been in a cam-walker for 5 weeks now. Going for eval tomorrow. Hoping for good news.
My question is - any thoughts on what I'll need to do to get ready to get back in the saddle and how long it might take? BTW - I bought the horse. He's a real cutie and I'm really looking forward to riding him again and showing.
I'm 55 years old and up to this past spring had been riding regularly (except for 6 mos off due to a double leg fracture 2 years ago).
Somebody please give me some encouraging words. . .

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[DR.YAHYA]

Do not worry .. You will return to the personal hobby .. But it is important to adhere to the period of treatment sessions required and the work of Physical Therapy .. I think you will return soon .. Never mind

[Judith Mollet]

Dedicated riders will prety well always get back in the saddle whatever. So I hae no fear for you there. But too much or wrong pressure from the stirrups does make some feet hurt, with or without stress fractures and operations. I found special inner soles helped alot to improve the area under metatarsals. My chiropodist is a rider and could explain and advise the person who made them accordingly. I'm not sure if it's an answer for you but I started using Ariat boots that have a stiff plate in to reduce strain for longdistance riders, they don't give way when you are out of the saddle. Or not until they are old. I always use special inner soles in them and in winter thick socks and the feet are happy. I have no problems working and walking around the stables. In elegant boots in summer I still have the inner support but maybe not enough padding. I think expertise in orthotic production plus careful search for the right riding boots will help. What might be a problem is being 55! My female riding friends who also spent alot of time in the saddle and are 50 plus all seem to have aches and pains...and more so when we ride young fit horses, but we aint giving up yet! Have fun!

[broken rider]

Thanks for your encouragement. I agree - Ariat boots are the best! When I needed new high boots a few years ago, the Ariat zip backs were the only ones that fit me right and they were so comfy in the feet, I went out at bought the paddock boots. I use the second level of support up and usually find they give good support. Probably look into stirrup pads that will distribute the weight a little better too. Currently working on getting good orthotics made - think I'm close to the goal. Mostly walking without pain now - 7 wks out fm DX - yeah! Hopefully doc will agree to my getting back in saddle for light work next week.
All the kids are having a great time keeping him going for me. They'll be disappointed when I'm back in gear.
And you're right - 55 is a problem. But not insurmountable. We riders do manage to find ways to keep going, and going, and going. . . .