I've Done It This Time

[Miss Philicia]

She needs to netflix this: http://youtu.be/IkKdzYw0eGs

[BT65]

Ah, a bunch of comedians lol.  I actually do put some weight on the leg, but got clearance from the nurse practitioner to do that.  I'm being very careful not to stress the leg.  The worst physical issue has really been the blisters.  Around where the bunion, it's red and inflamed and several (of the blisters) have ruptured.  So I put antibiotic ointment and band aids on after my shower, then take them off prior to the shower.

Other than that, the biggest bitch is not being able to drive.  If my insurance approves my wheelchair, there are a couple public buses I believe drive people in wheelchairs to various locations.  I'm going to call the medical supply store tomorrow to see if they have heard anything about it.

I continue to be grateful for everyone's support. It's invaluable. Love to everyone.

[Theyer]

How can you possibly use a walker without putting weight on both feet?  I couldn't master it but perhaps you have.

Hope your saga ends soon and your bones finally heal.  Stay put and heal damn it. 

Hopping , those taunts from the big boys coz I liked skipping games ----- Ha bet you all got divorces now and yer kids hate yer.

take care and hugs

[BT65]

Ok, first some good news.  The outside kitty returned. I was told today I needed to let everyone know.

Second, I was out on my porch smoking this morning when a UPS truck pulled up.  The box was addressed to me.  I was thinking "holy crap, am I ordering stuff in my sleep?"  No, I wasn't thank heavens.  It was a lovely box from our very own Mitch. Full of lovely gifts.  Then I had the pleasure of talking to him.  Seriously, that made my day. 

Now for some not so good news.  I was having severe pain under my cast so I cut it back again.  I now have a black crater type sore on the top of my foot.  I finally, this evening, got a call from the nurse practitioner at the bone doctors office, and she's calling in some Keflex.  So I am hoping my housemate will get it for me on her way home from work tomorrow.  In the meantime I am putting antibiotic ointment on it.  No, I do not have transport to go to the doctor. 

It isn't looking good right now, which is concerning due to the diabetes.  I pauses I am asking for good energy, thoughts, prayers, vibes.  I don't want to lose my foot, I.really don't.

This has been an awful year starting with my hip fracture.  It just gets worse.  Ok, I am done whining.  But, since I don't have anything good to say I am going to get off.  Thanks for letting me vent.

[Jeff G]

Betty … the last thing you need right now is this fear and extra burden so my heart and my prayers goes out to you . I love you, never forget that .

[aztecan]

Betty, prayers and healing energy heading your way.

HUGS,

Mark

[Buckmark]

Betty Betty Betty… this additional complication is indeed the last thing you needed.  I wish I were there to take you to the doctor.  I hope the Keflex does the trick.  You need to get that wheelchair so you can access public transportation.  Have you checked out your transit agency's paratransit service?

Wishing you better days ahead...

Henry

[BT65]

Thanks guys.  I just wanted to answer Henry, my doctors are over the stateline in Indiana and I live about 20 minutes over the stateline in Michigan.  Anyway, I called about the wheelchair last week and was told that it was submitted to the insurance company on the 17th; I thought it had gone in earlier.  So I was told it would take 2-3 weeks.  Thanks for your concern Henry, I know you certainly understand medical situations.

Mark, thanks for your positive thoughts.

Jeff, I love you too. I'll be in touch.

[Wade]

Hi Betty,
Do you have VNA or any thing close in your area,
sounds like your foot needs tending to.
Hope you get the care you need.
All my best, and good energy sent your way,
Wade

[wolfter]

Betty, wish I would have seen this sooner.  You should consider contacting different veterans organizations.  Most VFW's and AmVets stock pile equipment that is donated and regularly loan them out within the community.

You don't have to be a member and usually someone will even deliver them.  I've delivered quite a few beds and wheelchairs over the years because of insurance hassles.  I'm an officer at our local post and can assist with contacting the closest post to your location.

wishing you well darlin and am continuing to send lots of positive energy.

[BT65]

Betty, wish I would have seen this sooner.  You should consider contacting different veterans organizations.  Most VFW's and AmVets stock pile equipment that is donated and regularly loan them out within the community.

You don't have to be a member and usually someone will even deliver them.  I've delivered quite a few beds and wheelchairs over the years because of insurance hassles.  I'm an officer at our local post and can assist with contacting the closest post to your location.

wishing you well darlin and am continuing to send lots of positive energy.

Thanks Greg, I'll have to check that out soon.  Today I made a cat house with a cardboard box.  I was able to get up and down the garage steps without any problem.  So happy about that.

I'm Continuing the Epsom salt soaks 3 times a day, antibiotic ointment, and will start Keflex tomorrow.  I also got a call from the nurse practitioner and tomorrow am going to be fitted for a brace.  She said it will hold the leg in place just as well as the cast but I can take it off and it won't rub my foot.  Of course the first thing I wonder is "can I drive?" Lol.  No, I didn't ask that.

Wade, thanks for the well wishes, it's appreciated.

The ulcer looks like raw meat, red and white.  Still indented into my foot.  Hopefully things will improve.  I hate this, I really do.  But, so far I've been able to keep going, so I am blessed.  My housemate is such an angel getting me everything from the store I need.  One of my bosses is taking me tomorrow to get fitted for my brace.

I don't ever forget how fortunate I am with the support I have.  I am extremely grateful and owe people big time.  And special thanks to you all here.  You guy's support means more than you know.

[mitch777]

Betty,

I've been so busy this week with doc appointments and getting ready for Thanksgiving so have been slow in catching up here.

I hope the Keflex does the trick. Please continue to be good to yourself.

And btw... you made my day too talking the other day!

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love you sweetie.

[BT65]

So I now have a brace.  I didn't know I would be getting it today.  My bone is much weaker than I thought it was.  I guess the cast really did provide good support.  So, I cannot put as much weight on it as I did with the cast.  When I walk it hurts like it did when my leg snapped.

There are two parts to this, the part that wraps all around my leg, and the part that goes around the back, which also has a "foot" part to it.  Now, when I walk, I cannot wear the part that goes around the back part of the leg because it is way too tight and hurts like hell.  So, I don't know if the doctor will want me to continue wearing this.  The guy who made this said there is a custom one he can make but it involves me getting measured, and it would take awhile to make.  We may have to end up doing it anyway.

However, the big plus is that it doesn't rub my foot!  So I am hoping the foot will start healing. I do feel like I may have broken a rib but I am not saying anything for fear they would put me in a body cast lol. 

I wanted to update everyone since I have the brace.  M, it was good talking to you as well.  We should do it again soon.  Oh, and happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

[mitch777]

Sorry your new brace is giving you pain Betty but on the other hand it probably gives you a better idea of how careful you need to be to mend. I can imagine how frustrating this whole ordeal has been. Hip, leg, ankle, leg. Brake, brake, brake, brake. I still can't remember the order.

And yes, we should talk again soon if only to discuss our current woes of the day.

Can't wait for good news about your foot. Man, I sound like an old lady! lol.

[BT65]

Now I understand why I am in so much pain.  This brace does not cover the break.  The break is up higher than where the brace ends.  I can't walk more than from the couch to the bathroom.  So, tomorrow I will be staying home.  By myself.  So I just wanted to update. I'm n going to stay on here because I keep crying and I'm tired of crying.  Thanks for letting me vent.

[Jeff G]

OH No …. Betty … you are so due for some good luck . I wish I was there or at least near to see after you . I will call on the way home tomorrow if you are up to it . Love ya .

[mitch777]

Ugh!!! Didn't they know that? Maybe if you call an ambulance to get yourself to the ER they will do better than your current doctors. Not a fun holiday, not a fun day.

If i can be of any help please call. Hate to know you are crying in pain.

[GoForIt]

So I now have a brace.  I didn't know I would be getting it today.  My bone is much weaker than I thought it was.  I guess the cast really did provide good support.  So, I cannot put as much weight on it as I did with the cast.  When I walk it hurts like it did when my leg snapped.

There are two parts to this, the part that wraps all around my leg, and the part that goes around the back, which also has a "foot" part to it.  Now, when I walk, I cannot wear the part that goes around the back part of the leg because it is way too tight and hurts like hell.  So, I don't know if the doctor will want me to continue wearing this.  The guy who made this said there is a custom one he can make but it involves me getting measured, and it would take awhile to make.  We may have to end up doing it anyway.

However, the big plus is that it doesn't rub my foot!  So I am hoping the foot will start healing. I do feel like I may have broken a rib but I am not saying anything for fear they would put me in a body cast lol. 

I wanted to update everyone since I have the brace.  M, it was good talking to you as well.  We should do it again soon.  Oh, and happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving.  Hope you get better and get some pain meds or something ;(

Sounds like you could really use them.

[BT65]

Just want everyon to know I am still here.  Foot is not any worse, leg looks like my bone is going to pop through the skin.

I want to thank everyone again.  Thi is by no means over, wish it were.  Will keep everyone updated.

[AlanBama]

honey, I've been so caught up in my own health issues I was not fully aware that this happened ( thanks Hydrocodone and Morphine !). You have really had a time this year.  What can I say, except I love you , you're in my prayers every day, and I admire you so much for accepting your health issues and dealing with them with so much grace and humility .

MUCH LOVE, Alan

[BT65]

Alan, with everything you've been going through, I'm humbled by your words.  I pray for you every day also.  You're going through so much, I follow very closely on care bridge. 

I went to the doctor today.  The brace I was given last week was not the one the nurse practitioner ordered.  The doctor couldn't believe I was given a brace that didn't cover my fracture.  He put some cushioning on my leg, put plaster on both sides, of the outsides, and wrapped an Ace bandage around it.  It is still very sore, but is much better supported.  The doctor said there is callous formation, evidenced by x-Ray, which means it's healing, but slowly.

So, I go back in 3 weeks.  This is such a drawn out mess.  Thanks for continuing to let me vent.  I've been pretty depressed lately, feeling so helpless, like a burden.  And so many things that get taken for granted until they get taken away.

Guess I have to keep going, thanks again.

[Jeff G]

Hang in there Betty … we got to get you well so we can meet someday .

[BT65]

We will meet someday, Jeff.  We just live too close.  Maybe Alan could join us, and the Wolf?  We all kind of live "close" to each other.

[mitch777]

We will meet someday, Jeff.  We just live too close.  Maybe Alan could join us, and the Wolf?  We all kind of live "close" to each other.

Hey,what am I, chopped liver?

I'm not a praying kinda guy but you and Alan never leave my mind.

It's good to hear that your cast/brace has improved and there are signs of healing. Geez, I'm frustrated for you!!

And Alan, I can't imagine what you are going through but just know we are here. I know, wrong thread. Sorry but I'm tired.

hugs to you both.

[BT65]

Oh M, of course you're invited, that goes without saying.  You've been an angel through my breaks and it's so appreciated.  And you're going through stress also, it seems to be an ongoing problem with us long termers.  You hang in! 

[BT65]

Just a small update..yesterday when I was getting in the shower, I noticed my ace Banda the doctor had wrapped around the plaster, was a bit loose.  So, I got out a wrap I have, and used the wrap the doctor put on to wrap around the bottom of the plaster, and the wrap I have on the top half.  I wrapped it tightly. 

I got my wheelchair yesterday.  It's not an electric one, but it's nice-brand new. In the afternoon yesterday I rolled down the driveway and got the mail, and that about wore me out.  The end of the drive goes uphill and it was difficult to roll to the top without going backwards. But, I made it.

My housemate and her son went to get take out for supper and I got a crazy idea-why not try to get downstairs to get a few candles, some clean clothes, and see my kitty?  So, I decided that since no one was around to make me nervous, I would try it. 

So I went down, standing up and using my walker.  I changed my cat's litter, fed her and washed out her water dish, and spent some time giving her some attention.  She has been coming upstairs at night to sleep by me, then stays upstairs when I get up, until my housemate and her dog get up.  So, she was happy to see me last night.

I also wanted to bring up some Christmas candles (Yankee of course, my favorite), so I tied a cloth bag to my walker and put four candles in.  There are still more that I will get later.  I also put some clothes in a bag and carried it all up, standing using my walker.  But, the handrail stops about 3 steps before the top.  Well, I had put a chair at the top in case
I needed it.  So I sat down, lifted myself to the top, and used my arms to lift myself up.  Which isn't easy with a bum leg. My arms have gotten quite strong,having to use the walker for such a long period of time.

I'm not going to start doing this every day, not quite yet.  But I would like to go downstairs sometime soon and sleep in my own bed.

So that's the update for now. Hopefully I will continue to heal.  Albeit very, very slowly.

[Jeff G]

That's a good update Betty ... we can go with that . Judging from your tone you seem a bit more upbeat .

[mitch777]

Pretty soon you will have the biceps of Hulk Hogan. 

[BT65]

I forgot to update on my foot, and I wouldn't do it except I know it bugs me when someone posts about an issue then never updates what happened.

So, my sister in Phoenix takes care of special needs kids, both physically and mentally disabled.  So she deals with things like bed sores, pressure sores etc.  She was telling me about these medicated pads/bandages she uses, that she got from a Hospice nurse friend, called Duo-Derm.  She sent me a couple and said to leave it on for 3-5 days.  So I received them Monday and put one on Monday night. 

I read the insert she sent and another type of wound the manufacturers claim this helps is diabetic ulcers.  I thought that was a plus.

I took it off  yesterday afternoon and the wound looks so much better!  It's not a crater anymore; it now looks like a bad surface wound.  So hoping it will continue healing. I put another bandage on and will take it off Monday.

I just wanted everyone to know.  My eyes are so tired right now from not getting any kind of quality sleep since starting to sleep on the couch.  I'll catch up at some point. 

[mitch777]

More good news from you Betty! Wonder if your doc is aware of these pads. 

[BT65]

My doctor probably has no clue about these pads.  He doesn't take care of things like pressure sores etc. so I'm sure he doesn't know.  I'm just so happy my sister had them. 

So, for those who don't read facebook, can you all guess what I'm typing this post on?  My fricking laptop!  Can you believe it?  I thought it had fried when I knocked it in the water, and that has been the normal this year anyway.  Bad, bad year.

So tonight, I thought I would come downstairs to see what was going on.  I had dusted, taken out the trash, the recycling, and was bored.  I got down here, started to do some laundry, was changing my bed, and saw my laptop.  I thought, hmmm, I wonder what would happen if I plug it in?  So I did, and the lights came on! 

I had to mess with it for a very long time, and so did my housemate.  But, I am now typing this post on it.  I'm still in shock, and don't know quite what to make of it.  I'm hoping no disaster happens next lol.  No, seriously.

So, I had to share that.  I know it will bring a smile to Jeff's face, who has listened to me bitch about not having a laptop, and M, who tried to get me one (thanks dear).  I feel very, very blessed right now.  Doesn't take much does it? Lol.  Not when you lose things you've taken for granted.  Nope, doesn't take much anymore.

[mitch777]

 

[Wade]

Hey Betty ,
Duo-Derm has been around for a long time !
They have been used for bed sores and wound care for many years.
Ask if you can get them in sheets ,you can cut to size & they are much cheaper
and easier to apply where needed.

I hope your foot continues to heal ,and your leg too  !!!

Best Wishes , Wade

[BT65]

So, I was doing better....

I mean, I've been jamming.  Baking, cleaning. Monday I made fudge.  Tuesday I made sugar cookies with homemade buttercream frosting. Wednesday I made macaroons.  Yesterday I made gingerbread men with more homemade frosting.  And I mean, these were all from scratch, none of that store-bought roll out nonsense. I had also rolled out the sugar cookies, used cutters on them, decorated etc.  So, this took time, a long, long time. The clean up was a bitch.  Thank God it's only once a year lol.

This morning, I got up, went upstairs, and went pee.  When I flushed it, the water didn't go down.  So I got the plunger, which is like industrial strength, and the water overflowed.  My housemate and I worked on it for 1/2 hour and it finally went down. Apparently her son took a dump sometime last night (he's up later than we are), and left the mess.  So, I bleached and washed down the whole bathroom, including the floor.

Then, I went out to smoke, lit up the cigarette, and it flamed up.  I had lit the wrong end.  I told my friend I hope these were not indicators of how the rest of the day was going to go. 

I then ate some toast and peanut butter, after bleaching the bathroom, and took a shower.  I had put the towels used to soak up the water, and the rugs, in plastic bags, and I threw them down the stairs, so I could come downstairs and wash them.  Went down the stairs, no problem.

Got in the laundry room, and had to get around something to get the Clorox for the towels.  When I got it, my feet went off balance, and down I went.  Nothing snapped, thank God. But now, any little pressure on my broken leg, and I get sharp pains (I mean nothing a pain pill could take care of; well, other than Dilaudid, lol).  I had my leg wrapped pretty snug, with the plaster on, which may have saved it from snapping. But, I have no idea if anything happened.  I mean anything bad, like undoing all the healing that's been done. 

Luckily I was able to pull myself up with my walker, and made it to my room.  Now I'm laying on my bed, and am thinking I should stay in my room the rest of the day, other than going out to smoke (which I can do down here, I don't have to go upstairs), going to the bathroom (my housemate has a bathroom off her bedroom down here), and finishing the towels and rugs. 

It's not a good day, and it's only part way over.  I'm bummed.   

[Jeff G]

Dang Betty ... I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt . We are going to cut to the chase and stop asking each other how are you doing and go right to how bad is your day dear .

I'm doing better than you but spent from 8 till 11:30 in my doctors office ... I will take my day over yours thank you .

[BT65]

I forgot to mention my doctor finally prescribed a med to prevent further breakage.  I know I talked previously about going on Forteo, which is a daily injection, but I looked it up and really didn't like its frequent side effects.  So, after looking at the different meds, I decided on once a week Fosamax.  I have the prescription and will probably start it Sunday or early next week. 

[aztecan]

I was wondering about that. Glad you decided to check out the options, Betty.

HUGS,

Mark

[wolfter]

Dang Betty, why are you continuing to push yourself during the healing process?  You should heed my practices of always maintaining a sedentary existence until all is healed.  OK, that one was hard to type without laughing.   

My new specialists also are recommending that I switch to the daily injections since the Boniva apparently is working.  I have a while to decide so I'll wait til after the holidays.  Fosimax was even suggested to me so I will study up on that one.  They also said there's a monthly injection available but that don't think I'll benefit from it due to the extreme bone loss I already have.

Take care of yourself and best wishes with the treatment.

[BT65]

Thanks guys.  Greg, I know damn well how you "stay put " when you break something lol.  You and I are very similar in that regard.  Luckily I can still move around after the fall so if something happened, it's not preventing me from getting around.

I did a shit ton of work around here yesterday....laundry, dusting, vacuuming, sorting, moving boxes (which is tricky with a walker lol).   I'm so,so extremely sore in my chest, shoulders and back. Thank heaven we have muscle rub.

On the big bone that runs down the middle on my leg, by where the break is, there's a hump that sticks out about 2,inches. Right below that, there's swelling that goes from the middle bone, and around the outside.  It looks like someone put a small balloon under my skin.  And an odd factor is it makes it feel like I have a 20 lb weight in that area that is pulling my leg down. And it's painful.  I want thto know what the hell it is. 

I started the Fosamax yesterday and so far no negative issues. Honestly, if it wasn't for the swelling I would be fine. Hopefully the docs can figure this out...

Betty

[Theyer]

Shudder.
Take care Betty , has the swelling occurred since the fall?

[BT65]

Shudder.
Take care Betty , has the swelling occurred since the fall?

Yes it has been since the fall. When I was in his office last time, the ortho said he thought the thing that sticks out was callous, or new bone. But why would it hurt?  I'm supposed to be seeing my PCP Thursday.  Will see what he says.

[Theyer]

Yes it has been since the fall. When I was in his office last time, the ortho said he thought the thing that sticks out was callous, or new bone. But why would it hurt?  I'm supposed to be seeing my PCP Thursday.  Will see what he says.

The only thing I can think off is the growing bone is touching nerves and or it's like adolescent growing pains

I,ve got three bumps on my palm from braking my finger ,they are pain free but are growing ,nodules I think the Doc called them. Both ankles are now larger after healing and are prone to pain., any infection however slight produces extra joint pain.

Hey Ho ain't,t it all so manageable now ,

Hugs Dear.

[BT65]

The only really strange part is that it feels like I have a 50 lb weight on my leg pulling it down and making it painful. And pressure, so I can't walk with just my cane, I have to continue with the walker. That is so damn frustrating because I want to drive. But I can't because I have to put my walker in the back seat so that prevents me from getting back into the front seat (does that make sense).   

Something else that happened...the afternoon after I started the Fosamax I started having severe muscle pain in my shoulder blades, and under my arms.  First I thought it was from using the walker but I have been using it for awhile, so why would muscles start hurting again?  I was telling my sister about it and she said it's probably the med.  So I'm going to email my doctor and request a different one.  I guess I can try the Forteo, which is a daily injection.

Oh well, better than it was when I first broke the tibia and hopefully it will get better.  Thanks all for continuing to allow me to bitch and moan lol. 

[Theyer]

Dear One,
Bugger
The Doc,s need to be involved , I do have experience off nerve pain that felt like my ankles where going to snap at any moment so any disruption to the nerves can manifest in many ways.

Is the injection into fat and do you have enough to take daily shots ?

[mitch777]

Last time Betty, I promise.

betty needs to stay off her feet
she never listens to me and refuses defeat
defiant against docs she follows Greg's lead
and moves forward at high speed

low and behold another bone breaks
and once again my head shakes
so stubborn you are my dear
the good advice you can't seem to hear

keep going this way
and I'm being blunt to say
your bones will remain a mess
and mobility less

what's it going to take
for you to know you need a break
I'm about to give up
so really what's up

have the courage to rest
as we all know it's best
I ask what's a month or two
it will get you through

no lol's at this horrible poem
it's given me a headache and I'm not alone
you're too good for this shit
just stay still and sit

it takes time to heal
that's the real deal
if you can't accept that
you will spend more time on your back

your diabetes concerns me more than you know
I'd hate to see you lose a leg not even a toe
so please take good care
as I will be pissed as hell if you don't stop taking care of yourself as you do others.

It took me awhile to post after hearing about you falling.

I love you Betty or I would not have embarrassed myself this way. 


edited to add:

I know you don't have servants
not many of us do
we need to rely upon others
as others rely upon you. (me included) 

[BT65]

Michael, the injection is into the fat (my fat) in the stomach.  Sometimes I don't believe the doctors take me seriously when I say things. But we'll see Monday when I see the ortho.

M, thanks for that poem, it means more than you know, because it took your time and in today's world, time is a precious commodity.  Trust me, I am watching out.  I'm sick to death of not being able to go out when I want/need to.  Having to depend on others for transport sucks.  I mean, I am extremely fortunate that I have the housemate, and family I do. 

I know and accept that I have limitations.  And I can push myself to the point of extreme pain anymore.  If I'm up doing something and I start to have pain, I sit down and put my leg up.  So, rest assured kiddies, I am trying to back off being super Betty lol. 

I have a lot of work to do this weekend for end of year grant stuff regarding my women's group. Oh, also, I do have a wheelchair and do use it.  Also, when we went shopping last weekend, I rod one of those electric carts.  That was fun and makes me wonder why I don't do that all the time lol.

Thanks again for the concern, all.  It truly does mean a lot.

[Jeff G]

  Also, when we went shopping last weekend, I rod one of those electric carts.  That was fun and makes me wonder why I don't do that all the time lol.

Thanks again for the concern, all.  It truly does mean a lot.

The next poem will be titled Wallmart Betty rides again .

I yelled at her last night on the phone so I don't have to do that here LOL .

[BT65]

The next poem will be titled Wallmart Betty rides again .

I yelled at her last night on the phone so I don't have to do that here LOL .

Lol, it wasn't Wal Mart but that's the store that makes you think of those carts isn't it.  All those hefty people riding them that don't want to walk. My apologies here to anyone who has a weight issue, but that's just what it's like around here. 

Yes, and I do want to report I was admonished by Jeff last night on the phone.  He did promise spankings, however, if I continue, so maybe I should? Lol. 

[Jeff G]

Nothing worse than a pushy moderator with your phone # LOL .

[BT65]

Nothing worse than a pushy moderator with your phone # LOL .

Except another pushy moderator with the other person's number lol.