POZ Community Forums
Off Topic Forums => Off Topic Forum => Topic started by: wolfter on November 30, 2012, 03:34:52 pm
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Well started leg therapy today and I have all the funk cleaned off. Can finally sleep in a proper bed.
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/002-2.jpg)
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/001-2.jpg)
Now the not so good news. I fell up the steps last night (seems to be going around lately?) My hand aches like hell is swollen badly. I'll give it a couple of days to see if I need to return to the hospital.
Good hand
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/006-2.jpg)
swollen hand
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/007-1.jpg)
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Are you just embarassed to tell us you're a masochist? There are easier ways.
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Are you just embarassed to tell us you're a masochist? There are easier ways.
:o beginning to think so myself.
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Wolfie,
We are NOT in a contest to see who can injure themselves most frequently!!!
I do have to say -- I would go get that hand checked sooner vs. later. That swelling looks just like my hand did when I broke my wrist last year..... Hopefully, yours is not broken, but waiting will serve no purpose other than to postpone finding out for sure.
The leg looks good though!!
Hugs,
M
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I must be copying you Mike. :) I think I'll head to the doctor's tomorrow. The fingernail is turning dark and the pain is getting worse. I oh so hope nothing is broken but I have a nagging fear it is.
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wolfie, wolfie, wolfie...
what's next??? ???
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I'm so sorry for your foot and hand injuries Wolfie. Please get that hand to a doctor ASAP. Oh boy, you poor guy I hope you will heal well soon enough.
Jody :(
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So, how did you fall up the stairs? I know there is the running joke that you drink too much boxed wine..lol.
The stairs-- I went through a period where I would trip up the stairs. I could be carrying a plate of food, and the plate would go flying. I broke about 5 plates. The other 10 must have been made well. I think my shoes were to blame. There's also the dogs that always seem to want to get right under my feet.
My thing now is to bend over to pick something up near a table or the mantle, and I smack my head. Or, smacking it getting into the car. Beats the huge lump I got from a hail storm over the summer. That hurt like hell. I had a huge lump from golf ball size hail. I was safe in the garage, but the tornado sirens were going off, so I made a run for the basement. Here is where I'm not too bright. We had a couple fireman helmets in the garage.
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I got corrected today, I fell up the steps, not the stairs. ::) I guess the difference is stairs are inside and steps are outside.
And yes I did have a couple of cocktails but that couldn't have caused me to fall; I'm too much an expert for that. Over the last couple of years, I've seemed to develop some sort of balance issue. For a while I thought it was an eyesight issue but am beginning to think it's the the long term issues of fighting this virus.
I'm pretty sure nothing is broken as I can now move my thumb.
I'll will be posting pictures of the bottle of white zin I've had chilling since before this all happened as I plan on sitting in bed and finishing the whole thing.
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I'll will be posting pictures of the bottle of white zin I've had chilling since before this all happened as I plan on sitting in bed and finishing the whole thing.
Now don't fall out of bed ! :o
Ray
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Now don't fall out of bed ! :o
Ray
That reminds me of another story but I won't share it as it will debunk my conservative puritan gaydom.
;D
Perhaps I should put the plastic mattress cover on for one more night.
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That reminds me of another story but I won't share it as it will debunk my conservative puritan gaydom.
;D
Perhaps I should put the plastic mattress cover on for one more night.
Don't forget to place the bed rails in the up position, or at least place a couple of chairs, against the bed, so you don't roll out. ;)
I have just finished a bottle of champagne ( by Myself) and 4 bottles of Beck's beer, I am getting kind of toasted about now.
Ed's downstairs on the computer, and I am sitting here in the small bedroom listening to Fios, channel #1822 "Music of the 70's " :P
Ray
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I didn't have any cranberry juice so I'm drinking my zin straight up....ah...life is temporarily good.
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/001-3.jpg)
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I'm pretty sure nothing is broken as I can now move my thumb.
Do not be so sure. I could move mine too, hell I played tennis for two days (mainly with my other hand, of course) - still my wrist was broken. I hope yours is not, but that is pretty much how my hand looked. GO GET IT CHECKED!!
Hugs,
Mike
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Greg , I had similar problems a few years ago mentioned to DR and he suggested that part of the problem is with the "neuropathy" in the lower legs/feet caused by many meds over time..... so had a few sessions with a physical therapist who helped with correcting the way I walked and picked up my feet...pretty good at not "tripping or stumbling" now
hope you are taking care of the hand problem as well
Nick
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Greg , I had similar problems a few years ago mentioned to DR and he suggested that part of the problem is with the "neuropathy" in the lower legs/feet caused by many meds over time..... so had a few sessions with a physical therapist who helped with correcting the way I walked and picked up my feet...pretty good at not "tripping or stumbling" now
hope you are taking care of the hand problem as well
Nick
I've kinda suspected something else has been happening, but I am always slow to deal with things. I've experienced quite a few issues with stairs and escalators. I might have to look into it as I obviously can't take the occasional fall any longer.
I'm having my hand x-rayed Friday if it's not any better. I have physical therapy tomorrow and Thursday and then a follow up appt Friday with the doctor. My brother is dropping off his big F250 pickup for me to drive. Guess I'm gonna do the left leg driving thing. I don't blame him for not wanting to take that much time off of work. And of course, it's quite a distance away. It was very funny watching me get into his Dodge Ram Friday with my screwed up hand. It sits real high and I had to crawl into it, literally onto the floor in order to get seated.
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I've kinda suspected something else has been happening, but I am always slow to deal with things. I've experienced quite a few issues with stairs and escalators
i've been kinda clutsie the past few years too. not much of a problem with stairs (or steps ;)), but more problems walking into furniture and getting through doors. ::)
no injuries thus far other than lots of bruises. :P
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Perhaps I just don't have the brain power that I used to have as I'm confused as hell. Since I had to go to Lancaster for physical therapy anyways, I stopped by the ortho center about my wrist. I figured it was time to have it x-rayed. She asked if I had an appointment which I didn't. She then scheduled me for x-rays next week!!!!
What is the proper procedure? If I fell and broke my arm, should I make an appointment? Is it proper to go to the ER? I guess I'm just a bit angry that they couldn't take a simple x-ray.
They took measurements for a special brace for my leg and foot. The doctor is now concerned there might be deeper nerve damage than first thought. I should have already been walking without crutches which is not happening. I think this doctor thought I was just being lazy but I know the difference between severe pain and and discomfort. I guess this brace will take the pressure off the foot and allow mobility. I certainly hope so.
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that's awful wolfie! an appointment for an xray for a potential bone break?
did you question them at all?
and this from the same place that seems to be "less than on top of things" with your foot injury? :(
i hope the brace helps and you are able to get through this nerve damage.
boy, this is turning out to be a long haul.
take care.
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Wolfie....
a suspected sprain or fracture would generally call for a trip to an Urgent Care facility (an ER, if no UC facility around and/or you see bone sticking out). They will x-ray you then and there. I suppose you still can go to urgent care, rather than wait another week -- especially if it is still bothering you.
They certainly could have taken an x-ray for you, but I suspect it has to do with billing, etc.
Hope your leg and hand/wrist get better...... before all the snow and ice hit!!
Hugs,
M
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When I broke my toe years ago I'm quite sure, since it wasn't an emergency, I made an appointment and had it x-rayed. Not in a hospital but a Foot & Ankle Institute of Temple Univ.
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Well, I broke down and went to our local urgent care facility as my appointment wasn't today with the surgeon like I had thought it was. The pain was getting intense and the hand was turning yellow.
Turns out it is a complete fracture of metacarpal bone on the rounded end. Not sure how good the pictures turned out. The doctor at the care center couldn't tell me a whole, which is understandable. Back to the ortho..woot..woot I'm so over all of this.
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/Scan_Pic0001.jpg)
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/handxray.jpg)
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:(
once again wolfie, what's next???
so, another cast?
i only hope that this is NOT the all-important wrist.
that would be a triple whammy! yikes! ;)
have i told you to "take care"? hmmmm.... :o
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Even though the surgeon doesn't know that I've fired him already, I'm following through the PT's decision to put me in a contraption that hopefully will allow me to put some weight on my foot. Still can't do so after 3+ months. I did not like the way the doctor spoke to me. He pert near implied I'm being lazy. I've had NUMEROUS injuried throughout the years and have always bounced back quicker than most. I even crushed my entire hand and was able to use it after only 2 months.
Here is the new contraption that I have to use several times a day.
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/craftproject009.jpg)
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/craftproject008.jpg)
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I really am getting so disgusted with my recovery. My leg was broken in September and I'm still not able to put weight on it. Thankfully I see my regular doctor this week and I'll be discussing the options with him. Something just doesn't seem right. Hell, my thumb is almost entirely healed already.
My ankle and foot still swell to about twice the normal size. This just doesn't seem normal.
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I really am getting so disgusted with my recovery. My leg was broken in September and I'm still not able to put weight on it. Thankfully I see my regular doctor this week and I'll be discussing the options with him. Something just doesn't seem right. Hell, my thumb is almost entirely healed already.
My ankle and foot still swell to about twice the normal size. This just doesn't seem normal.
Make sure it is not the hiv medication causing the swelling. My left hand and feet swelled up like a balloon and I had to switch hiv meds. I think it was sustiva that caused it. As a matter of fact my body was sensitiveness to others hiv meds. To lessen the swollen hand I kept it elevated above my head with a towel so to allow the fluids to drain out and squeeze or compress it, not enough to cause pain, to aid in the flow.
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I plan on discussing this all with my PCP. He is also my ID doctor. He has already indicated I'll need to some bone density tests along with checking for osteopenia and such. I added calcium supplements a while ago to hopefully build those bones up.
Kinda strange that as we age, smaller framed people are at a higher risk for bone fractures than overweight people. I have pretty much obsessed about staying thin my entire life and now it's possibly biting me in the ace. priceless. :D
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My mom broke her ankle years ago and had to have surgery with pins and screws that was left behind to hold it all together . She still has swelling to deal with whenever she is active for the day . She asked if removing some of the hardware would help but they told her no , that because of the severity of the injury she was going to have live with the occasional swelling . You were injured quite badly Wolfe , Im wondering if you may have to except some limitations and a slow recovery ? . It sucks all the same buddy .
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My mom broke her ankle years ago and had to have surgery with pins and screws that was left behind to hold it all together . She still has swelling to deal with whenever she is active for the day . She asked if removing some of the hardware would help but they told her no , that because of the severity of the injury she was going to have live with the occasional swelling . You were injured quite badly Wolfe , Im wondering if you may have to except some limitations and a slow recovery ? . It sucks all the same buddy .
Thanks Jeff, appreciate it. I have accepted some limitations but it's already been too long. I expected to be returning to my exercising routine by now. I thought I'd be running a few miles every morning instead of still limping around with a cane.
Also, my brother bought me a really neat cane that has a built in light. You hit the switch and it's quite bright. He says it'll help me see better and hopefully prevent additional injuries. :o
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/005-4.jpg)
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/009-1.jpg)
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Also, my brother bought me a really neat cane that has a built in light. You hit the switch and it's quite bright.
I'm jealous - you got your very own light-sabre! My stick (which I still need from time to time due to hip-joint issues) only has butterflies on it. A light would be too cool! 8)
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Greg , I had similar problems a few years ago mentioned to DR and he suggested that part of the problem is with the "neuropathy" in the lower legs/feet caused by many meds over time..... so had a few sessions with a physical therapist who helped with correcting the way I walked and picked up my feet...pretty good at not "tripping or stumbling" now
hope you are taking care of the hand problem as well
Nick
I had some ah ha moments last night. I'm not sure how I missed this particular post. I stood up again last night and had another fall. I've described it as jello leg in the past. I was talking with a regular customer after the incident and she mentioned neuropathy. I immediately dismissed it as I never felt any pain. I wrongly assumed it was always accompanied by pain. She then told me that her neuropathy causes numbness in her leg including having a broken foot without even realizing it.
so after googling neuropathy for the first time, I found the following;
Peroneal nerve palsy7 is usually caused by compression of a nerve in the leg that runs by the neck of the fibular (the calf bone, between the knee and ankle).
Being emaciated and bedbound by illness can lead to the problem, which is also seen in thin people who habitually cross their legs.
◾It causes weakened ability to move the foot ("footdrop" - weakened dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot).
◾Occasionally, there can be loss of sensation in parts of the lower leg and foot.
Thankfully, I found this before my doctor's appointment Thursday. I'm a little perplexed that this was never considered by my doc even after my telling him constantly about these episodes.
Now to try and break the habit of crossing my legs. I do that constantly.
wolfie
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There was a guy by the name of Jim who used to post here years ago who had "footdrop" caused by neuropathy, caused by the early meds.
If I remember correctly, he had to get a special boot that kept his foot more/less at a 90 degree angle to his lower leg. (Basically there was no flexibility in the ankle portion of the boot.) I believe it was similar to a brace, only less noticeable as they just looked like boots. I'm pretty sure it was him who had this done, but I am definitely sure he had footdrop due to neuropathy. He had it in his signature line. Maybe some of you old FuseTalk days members remember him too?
I wish I could remember his screen name, I think of him often and wonder about him. He was getting on in age and ... well.... I just wonder. I hope he's well.
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I actually have a slight bit of that related to all of my foot problems -- you know with something like Charcot Marie disease though if you google that it's kind of what I have on the face of it, but with that electrode-whatever testing they did (twice) they seem to rule it out at least for now -- sometimes you can have it and it not show on that.
Anyway, just to caution drawing conclusions I don't have this because of HIV, though I do have in the same cauldron peripheral neuropathy mixed in with all of this, plus I suspect neuromuscular issues that haven't been properly diagnosed yet but I will discuss with my HIV doctor this week.
Of course, at the same time it's possible for something like this to be all HIV related -- there are things like myostis specific to patients that used zidovudine, but then there's also a wide variety of rheumatologic and musculoskeletal manifestations from HIV infection itself.
You may fine this of interest: http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-00&doc=kb-04-01-15
ps: I have a friend in my support group who has to use a foot brace, cane and a lot of fentanyl patches just to get around. I forget what his exact diagnosis for this is. Oh and wolftie I've not been able to cross my legs for several years, either sitting or laying, due to sciatic nerve/neuropathy. Lyrica has helped, but I still can't do it for very long if at all when it's really bad.
pps: I'd not be surprised if my HIV doctor sends me to a U-Penn rheumatology specialist so assuming that happens I will keep you posted.
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Hi Ann...I believe Jim's moniker was fiskernish. We all go way back to around the year 2000 or so here, hard to believe almost 14 years! Hugs to you dear lady, hope New Year on the Rock has been good to you and yours.
Wolfie good buddy, I hope you will find relief from these awful injuries that have plagued you for so long. Hugs sent your way too.
Jody
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Greg, that's very, very interesting. I hope you're able to discuss this with your doctor and that he listens to you. I have problems falling, also. In fact, this last Friday I was getting something out of the deli case at a store, bent over, came back up, and fell into the deli case. My doctor said he believes it is caused from neuropathy. He referred me to a physical therapy place to "restore balance," but I haven't started it yet and don't know if I will.
I wonder if there are others who have issues with this. It would be interesting to find out.
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I have PN and have noticed I have been stumbling allot but put it down to getting older .
When I first bought this house I had lots of heavy work to do around here and I had this thing that would happen a good bit . I would be working and all of the sudden my left leg would stop responding ... Wolfs jelly leg description comes to mind . Two years ago I was walking on the beach in lots of soft sand and it happened , It was disturbing and embarrassing . I was with friends and it was odd trying to explain why I was OK one minute and could barely stand the next .
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In an odd sense, it's a bit comforting to know that I'm not alone in this. I guess LTS membership has its rewards. :)
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In an odd sense, it's a bit comforting to know that I'm not alone in this. I guess LTS membership has its rewards. :)
We need to have bling out our walker party .
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We need to have bling out our walker party .
I'm sure others will share their vintage walkers. ;) I guess the good news is that I won't die a horrific death from AIDS but instead die a ghastly death from something as simple as walking. At least falling to my death will be instantaneous.
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We need to have bling out our walker party .
Miss P's walker will be an artisinal and functional piece of art, hand-crafted from sustainable materials in a local shop that is mere blocks away from his home.
;)
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Miss P's walker will be an artisinal and functional piece of art, hand-crafted from sustainable materials in a local shop that is mere blocks away from his home.
;)
Actually Alexander McQueen makes lovely canes
(http://i41.tinypic.com/246pcgy.jpg)
ps: as far as "jelly legs" I have "jelly knees" which mostly only occur when I'm descending stairs, which of course with all the stairs I encounter isn't safe for me, so yet another thing I'm bringing up emphatically tomorrow with my doctor to be seen by a specialist and have imaging done. Well, unless he's snowed in an cancels my appointment which now seems likely.
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In fact, this last Friday I was getting something out of the deli case at a store, bent over, came back up, and fell into the deli case. I wonder if there are others who have issues with this. It would be interesting to find out.
Is it wrong that I smiled thinking of the imagery? I guess we're all candidates for the "help, I've fallen and can't get up" widget.
Being the first round of LTS, one has to wonder if it's the virus or the old meds. I'm seeing a common link between a lot of us.
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ps: as far as "jelly legs" I have "jelly knees" which mostly only occur when I'm descending stairs, which of course with all the stairs I encounter isn't safe for me, so yet another thing I'm bringing up emphatically tomorrow with my doctor to be seen by a specialist and have imaging done. Well, unless he's snowed in an cancels my appointment which now seems likely.
I'm mostly ok with stairs but escalators scare the hell out of me. I fell down on them a while back and I've discovered that I can barely handle them. It's like a combination of motion sickness and dizziness at the same time. Then throw in some F'd up vision and it makes for a good u-tube video.
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So do you also have arthritis issues developing as well? I forget if you've said so.
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So do you also have arthritis issues developing as well? I forget if you've said so.
Fortunately, I've not been stricken with that yet. You'd think with bones as frail as an 80 year old lady's, I'd have complications from arthritis.
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Fortunately, I've not been stricken with that yet. You'd think with bones as frail as an 80 year old lady's, I'd have complications from arthritis.
Don't worry girl -- maybe next year will be your year!
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Is it wrong that I smiled thinking of the imagery? I guess we're all candidates for the "help, I've fallen and can't get up" widget.
Being the first round of LTS, one has to wonder if it's the virus or the old meds. I'm seeing a common link between a lot of us.
Hell no, I laugh when I remember what I must have looked like. People probably thought I was f*** up.
I wonder about the connection the virus has to this also, but believe my neuropathy started with old meds, like ddI and ddC, d4T etc (who knows the precise one since at that time neuropathy wasn't as yet admitted to by the medical community as a side effect). I can say, however, that the tops of my feet now have almost a constant burn. I also take Lyrica, 150 mg 3 x a day, but that barely touches it. Of course, I haven't been without meds specifically for neuropathy for years, so I don't know what the pain would be like without them.
I read your issues with escalators. I can barely handle those either. I have a very, very hard time with dizziness/nausea at the slightest motion abnormality. In fact, a couple months ago I had to ride in the company van with co-workers to Indy for a training. I ended up in the second row in the van. Upon having gone about 20 miles, I promptly had to pop Dramamine (I'm never without them, they're in my purse), and told the driver to turn on the fan, which I stuck my face under so I wouldn't puke. I had horrible motion sickness with different adventures.
One of my clients has AVN, and has had both hips and both knees replaced. I have that in my knees and now have quarterly Cortisone appointments (for both knees). They're not done at the same time, of course, but they are both done on a quarterly basis. Knee replacement is too inconvenient for now. Oh, and I don't have a walker, I do have an orthopedic cane, but out in the shed I also have a wheelchair. Now, that I could decorate. ;D
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I'm certainly glad I revived this thread as I feel better knowing my issues are more common than I believed. 8)
One of our AMG cities had a very steep escalator (probably a couple of hundred feet) to the subway. I started trembling just seeing it. Had I not been with a group, I would have chickened out. Not surprising, after a few cocktails it wasn't as bad. ;)
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I don't have trouble with escalators but I also live somewhere that has a lot of them so it's just something I'm used to. And my jelly knees are the worst when I am carry something down the stairs, like a basket of laundry, and I am obviously going down slowly. When I am not carrying anything and going down the stairs quickly it's not usually an issue -- just sometimes. It's actually been going on for years and I just assumed it was connected to my podiatry issues and would "balance out" after my surgeries, but now I think it's not related hence why I think some imaging/xrays are in order.
I don't believe it's a "lack of exercise" issue seeing as how I'm going up and down stairs constantly and I have to walk everywhere since I don't own a car -- so if my doctor suggests this he will get a reading.
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If the weather holds out, I see my doctor Thursday and will discuss it. In addition to getting a referral. Perhaps if we all discuss these issues with our doctors, we'll get some insight into the issue.
On a side note, I'm finally going to have my dual inguinal hernias repaired. My previous PCP did a referral 15 years ago and the surgeon wanted to fix them then. Of course, I held off but they're flaring up quite often of late. And they're becoming more painful. This last time, I had to compress them for a couple of hours and I've heard the pain is horrid if they actually rupture.
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Good luck with the hernia repair, Greg.
I'll be seeing my doctor next month, but have another issue going on for which I have to have an ultrasound/biopsy. But I'll be making another appointment after that, probably around the end of next month, and will further discuss this issue. If my doctor says anything about this "balance" physical therapy, I may ask him exactly what that entails so I can decide if I believe it's pertinent. Sometimes I think doctors refer to physical therapy because they have no clue about what to do. And maybe there's nothing to do.
Yes, if we all discuss with our doctors, maybe with a mixed bag of results, we can put something together, or some such.
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but out in the shed I also have a wheelchair. Now, that I could decorate. ;D
If you want to pimp that ride, Jeff is the man to call!
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If you want to pimp that ride, Jeff is the man to call!
I'm am the king of bling ... no job too big or small . My blinged out walking sticks are all the rage in the over 60 set .
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At least falling to my death will be instantaneous.
only if you're lucky. LOL otherwises it'll be a body cast for you. ;) ;D
well good. hearing from y'all, now I'm not so concerned about the fews bouts of wobbliness I've had in the last yr or so. ;)
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If you want to pimp that ride, Jeff is the man to call!
Yes, I've seen some of his work. He also told me yesterday about some nakes mermaid, tiles (right?) he's using on his mantle. I'd love to see that when he's done.
I'm am the king of bling ... no job too big or small . My blinged out walking sticks are all the rage in the over 60 set .
Yes, but can you do wheelchairs? ;D
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Yes, I've seen some of his work. He also told me yesterday about some nakes mermaid, tiles (right?) he's using on his mantle. I'd love to see that when he's done.
Yes, but can you do wheelchairs? ;D
The mermaids are done and on the mantle . I can do wheelchairs for sure . I can spell Rollaids in Rhine stones for ya across the back .
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I can do wheelchairs for sure . I can spell Rollaids in Rhine stones for ya across the back .
You're an awful man, Jeffrey. Betty, slap him one. ;D
Bet you regret waking me up now, doncha Jeffy.
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You're an awful man, Jeffrey. Betty, slap him one. ;D
Bet you regret waking me up now, doncha Jeffy.
Next time I will bring a hammer and some wooden stakes .
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Jeff puts tchotchkes in his morning enemas.
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Its true, I'm a masculine homosexual until I see something that sparkles and then I'm all jazz hands .
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Its true, I'm a masculine homosexual until I see something that sparkles and then I'm all jazz hands .
Don't forget the weak knees and drool. ;)
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The mermaids are done and on the mantle .
Thanks for the pics, very nice, I am impressed.
Sorry for the brief hijack.
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Its true, I'm a masculine homosexual until I see something that sparkles and then I'm all jazz hands .
Almost as good as all jizz hands ;D
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Don't forget the weak knees and drool. ;)
I'm the one who drools and has weak knees, literally. My pillowcases are a sight by wash day.
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Are you just embarassed to tell us you're a masochist? There are easier ways.
my first belly laugh in a long while , bless you laddie.
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I didn't have any cranberry juice so I'm drinking my zin straight up....ah...life is temporarily good.
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/001-3.jpg)
Your care home bottles it,s own classy.
Greg since investing in the most incredibly expensive walking Poles , I have managed to stay upright and out off the bone clinic , off course walking the streets off Ole London town using hi-tech Norwegian speed walking implements takes a certain amount off pratice to pull off with total indifference . Plus one off the un foreseen benefits is mugging threats have dropped to Zero .
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My doctor doesn't seem to feel any of this is a result of neuropathy. Generally, my issues don't happen often enough as neuropathy occurs on a somewhat frequent basis.
He is going to address this with my cardiologist as he thinks that's where the issue might be. We'll explore additional testing if necessary. He wasn't even aware how often I have these episodes. I've had numerous blood pressure issues where it suddenly dropped, but that was mostly in the past. When my blood pressure would suddenly drop, I usually blacked out for a moment and got dizzy before falling. It could simply be less sever than before.
He also immediately ordered an exam with Dr. Robertson to check this hernia as he feels it needs corrected immediately. I usually get embarrassed when a doctor examines my privates but it actually was weirdly nice....kinda like some 80's porn. I wonder if the exam didn't last a tad too long simply because I'm totally "clean" down there. um, I mean shaved. :)
Also, I was given a letter upon signing in. It read that my doctor was no longer going to see patients as their GP. My heart sank to my knees as I love this doctor and the fact that he's my pcp as well my ID doctor. Luckily for me, he will continue with me. Partly because there are ID doctors in my local area and he remembers the difficulties we had with my previous GP and sharing information.
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I might as well "sticky" this for my own benefit. :o Many already saw the horrific results from my birthday party. One would have assumed table top and bar top dancing would be the dangerous aspect on my part. NOPE, I was able to prance around just fine and dirty danced like I was college aged. Had an absolutely fantastic time.
One of my dear friends got a tad too drunk and I decided to walk her home. She lives next door to where we were partying. Half way across the parking lot, she decided she wanted me to carry her. Without any notice, she jumped into my arms and promptly brought me to the ground. She weighs more than I do and I immediately went down and twisted my knee something fierce with her landing on top of me.
I went to the urgent care and luckily nothing is broken. But 5 days later, the swelling hasn't gone down and i'm still on crutches. Lordy, I'll be grateful to be able to use my lighted cane again.
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Sigh ... we are going to get you one of those bouncy houses to live in ... maybe put it on a trailer so you can go places . We will have a white zin feeding station installed on the wall with a rubber nipple . Its either that or you need a hoop skirt made of caution tape to create a buffer zone between you and the rest of the world .
Oh ... and Im sorry about you leg .
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replace the nipple with another appendage, and it could work nicely. :) double duty even.
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she jumped into my arms and promptly brought me to the ground.
maybe instead of bubble wrap, you should get some new friends and family. They seem to be hurting you too often. ;)
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maybe instead of bubble wrap, you should get some new friends and family. They seem to be hurting you too often. ;)
I actually made that exact comment to some friends who stopped by yesterday to do a little celebrating. She's making me a tshirt to wear around them that reads; "I will sue with the next injury". LOL
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I don't think I've been this irritated in such a long time. 8 days after my latest injury and this is the letter I rec'd in the mail today.
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/Scan_Pic0003_zpsa4a60403.jpg)
Every freaking thing about this letter is incorrect. I was given the negative results from the x-rays with an explanation that nothing is broken. I was even given a cd containing the images in case I had continued pain and needed to show them to a ortho specialist.
When I called today, she said they had tried calling me all last week and it said my vm wasn't set up. BS, it has always been activated and I didn't miss any calls since I could barely move around.
She also said they didn't have the results before I left. She got all stuttery when I asked her what was on the CD she gave me. How could I have a copy of the results and them not?
So anyways, I've been hobbling around in pain with a proximal fibula fracture. I never bothered to load the CD as they said nothing was broken. It is so freaking obvious once I looked at the images and I'm not even trained.
I asked her if I should continue taking Advil for the discomfort (being a smart ass of course) and she said she isn't allowed to prescribe treatment. OMG, I swore off going to Newark for any treatment and this is yet another reminder why.
That's funny only because they're affiliated with that damn hospital that twice prescribed my Tylenol with I had the ole crypto meningitis.
so now I have an appointment with the ortho guy tomorrow.
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Hey Greg, what did the ortho doctor say?
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Greg,
How are you doing ? How did the appointment go?
Ray
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Thanks guys. The fracture is the least of my worries. He did some simple tests and has ordered an MRI for Friday. He needs to see just how bad the injury is to my anterior cruciate ligament. Then I have to return next Wednesday to discuss the results.
I just hope I don't need surgery and that it'll heal over time.
I left his office and immediately went for therapy....retail therapy that is. :) And then yesterday morning, my dear friend Barb and I went for morning therapy. We went to our special place on the lake and waited for the sun to come up. We got there at 5:30 am. I made a huge container of tequila sunrises and we enjoyed a liquid breakfast.
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Another update. :) I went for my MRI yesterday. We had to stop half way through so now it's rescheduled for Monday. I told the tech that there was no way I could keep my leg in the position that she placed it for 30 minutes. The pain became so bad that I couldn't take it any longer.
I guess I'll take a pain pill right before the procedure on Monday and sleep right through it.
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I managed to get through the MRI on Monday and went for the results this afternoon. A few years ago, this news might have sent me down deep again. >:( I actually have 4 fractures. 2 on the femur alone that will require a pin since they are opposite each other and susceptible to breaking and further injuring the ACL.
He will also repair the ACL at the same time. At least it is scheduled as an out patient, not like my last major break.
So, I guess I'll just take a couple of these pain pills he's pushing on me and zonk out for the night.
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Greg, I was talking to Jeff today and he was saying he can't keep you, Theyer, and myself, in order lol. I'm so sorry to hear about your breaks. I know you will continue on though. Please take care of yourself. :-*
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I really can't keep up with who is injured with what any more . You guys are breaking stuff and Im losing my mind . Us LTS need to stick together so we have at least one fully functioning human being if you cobble us all together for one fit LTS .
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Us LTS need to stick together so we have at least one fully functioning human being if you cobble us all together for one fit LTS .
^^This
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Thanks for the smiles this morning. I was in such a weird place yesterday evening. I went through a whole range of emotions but have processed it all quite well. I managed to sleep quite well thanks to my little white pills.
Have already started a new topic in my planner. Wolfie plans everything to a T. Including apparel. It's a good thing I kept all those dreaded sweat pants. I've moved them into a prominent position in my closet. Being summer, I'll look even more dreadful as I'll simply cut the legs off of them.
Making all kinds of lists including what I need to purchase for my recover. I figure those 5 minute microwave meals will do. I live next to a pizza shop now and regularly order side salads from them so I have that covered. They don't even charge me to walk them over.
But ALAS, it is what it is!!! No amount of fretting will change anything so I'm back to my motto; "To each his ability". I'll figure out how to be productive with my new limitations.
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I really can't keep up with who is injured with what any more . You guys are breaking stuff and Im losing my mind . Us LTS need to stick together so we have at least one fully functioning human being if you cobble us all together for one fit LTS .
Perhaps now is the time to time to find an old country farmhouse and pool our money and invest in it. We could each spend our spare time fixing up our respective "rooms" to fit our personalities. 8 - 10 patients room mates would probably dictate that at least one of us would be functional. We could paint an old school bus with rainbow colors and install several lift beds for transportation. (AND road trips). ;D
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Geez Greg, 4 fractures, more pins? Ugh!
I really can't keep up with who is injured with what any more . You guys are breaking stuff and Im losing my mind . Us LTS need to stick together so we have at least one fully functioning human being if you cobble us all together for one fit LTS .
My left pinky seems in order. Just trying to do my part.
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Geez Greg, 4 fractures, more pins? Ugh!
My left pinky seems in order. Just trying to do my part.
I didn't quite "hear" everything he said after a few moments of being told how bad it was. Luckily, I have a print out but haven't started researching all these terms. :) It's like another foreign language. Here are the results;
Depressed fracture of the weightbearing lateral tibial plateau
Depressed fracture of the posterior lip of the lateral tibial plateau
microrabecular fracture of the lateral femoral condyle and porximal head of the fibula
Avulstion fracture at the ACL insertion is present.
An additional partial thickness tear and/or injury of the proximal ACL is present.
The good news; The PCL is intact. lol
Also in the findings that I hadn't noticed yesterday; Class 3 hemarthrosis
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I didn't quite "hear" everything he said after a few moments of being told how bad it was. Luckily, I have a print out but haven't started researching all these terms. :) It's like another foreign language. Here are the results;
Depressed fracture of the weightbearing lateral tibial plateau
Depressed fracture of the posterior lip of the lateral tibial plateau
microrabecular fracture of the lateral femoral condyle and porximal head of the fibula
Avulstion fracture at the ACL insertion is present.
An additional partial thickness tear and/or injury of the proximal ACL is present.
The good news; The PCL is intact. lol
Also in the findings that I hadn't noticed yesterday; Class 3 hemarthrosis
Get back to me when you have all of that figured out. lol.
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I'm just curious. How many of these "accidents" have you now had in total during the past several years?
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Perhaps now is the time to time to find an old country farmhouse and pool our money and invest in it. We could each spend our spare time fixing up our respective "rooms" to fit our personalities.
after the remodeling projects several of us have been doing, are doing, have done, we really ought to start this project soon - while we know what we are doing and before anyone else is hurt/broken/crippled/etc.
I've got half of our kitchen cabinets painted with the final coat of hi-gloss. (I took yesterday off for another day at the amusement park. God! I love this season pass!) I think I can finally see the light at the end of this remodeling tunnel - well almost! Planning is in the works for when to get my brother back over to lay new flooring in the bedrooms, replace the 2 showers, 2 toilets and 2 sinks before actually calling this remodeling project completed.
BTW I am still "praying" for hail. :o It would be so much better (and cheaper) for us if insurance would have to pay to re-roof the house. ;) So everyone remember to send those positive thoughts that a hail storm hits my house. Thanks! ;D
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I'm just curious. How many of these "accidents" have you now had in total during the past several years?
I've lost track, but 2 of them were caused by other people. Including this one. I guess it's finally time to figure out how to stop or at least reduce the frequency of these incidents. Think I'll start by avoiding people once they've had too much to drink. They don't realize they're playing around with a 40 something year old who resides in an 80 year old's body.
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Perhaps now is the time to time to find an old country farmhouse and pool our money and invest in it. We could each spend our spare time fixing up our respective "rooms" to fit our personalities. 8 - 10 patients room mates would probably dictate that at least one of us would be functional. We could paint an old school bus with rainbow colors and install several lift beds for transportation. (AND road trips). ;D
This sounds perfect Greg. We should have a good time together I'm sure. Hopefully we won't injure each other. I'm so sorry to read all those broken bones! Wow, you must have been in some pain. Better set boundaries with that friend of yours who jumped on you. Best wishes from, now the Wolverine state (Michigan), to you down there in the big O.
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Betty, I didn't want to be the first to point out that we should be bitter enemies now. :o At least the midwest has the best college football league around with the best rivalries. OSU and Michigan fans are radical. Both good and bad.
I've thought for quite a while that this leg is kinda dead. I don't feel the pain too bad but I've not felt a lot in the leg for a few years now. :) This surgeon is someone I've learned to respect. After I fired the surgeon and staff who did my foot, I consulted with this guy. He's abrupt, to the point, and straight forward. I like his style.
He is also going to scrape out bunches of shit from previous injuries. He said if he does this all at the same time, I'll save myself a replacement surgery in the next 10 years.
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Very important to like and trust your doctor, I believe. When I broke my hip and was told I would require surgery, I had no qualms about my orthopedist doing the surgery (my first surgery with him lol). So, what exactly do you mean by "dead?" No blood flow, therefore no feeling?
About the football thing...to be honest, since I was raised so close to the Indiana line, I've kind of been a Notre Dame football fan. I like the Chicago Cubs (no smart remarks, please), instead of the Detroit Tigers (though my parents were from Detroit and my father loved the Tigers). Even now, I live about 5-7 minutes away from the Indiana line. Same town I was born in (Niles), very small but having very unique shops. Right on the border, but closer to ND than U of M.
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I've been complaining about this leg for quite some time. I've referred to it a jello leg and such. There's been a sort of numbness to it and it's hard to explain. I think this surgeon understood and i hope he find something.
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I went for my pre testing appointment today. I'm having it done at a hospital I'm not real fond of but i want this surgeon and that's where he performs. Perhaps my past issues are noted as I rec'd the most excellent care and concern ever. I enjoyed interacting with the entire staff. I met with a nurse practioner along with nurse jeff and we thoroughly discussed everything.
they usually want a heart test on patients who have previously had heart issues. I simply said no and she moved on. They wanted a CBC and again I said no. They contacted my doctor in Lancaster who sent them all my recent results and said I was fit for surgery.
I did discuss my jello leg with her. I explained all the issues i've had with this leg that predated all the injuries. hopefully i set her on a mission to solve a riddle. ;)
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I met with a nurse practioner along with nurse jeff and we thoroughly discussed everything.
I did discuss my jello leg with her. I explained all the issues i've had with this leg that predated all the injuries. hopefully i set her on a mission to solve a riddle. ;)
It must have been another nurse Jeff than me ... I used to love to play doctor as a kid though .
I'm interested to hear what you find on the jelly leg . All I got from my doctor when I told them about jelly leg is that it sounds like a disc problem and to let them know if it did not get better ... I did get better so I haven't brought it up again .
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She immediately started questioning me about back issues. Her initial thoughts were that it was a disc problem. But I never have back aches and such. I explained to her how I have to stand carefully and make sure I have use of my right leg. Sometimes there's a complete lack of feeling and I have no use with it.
It'd be a great blessing if they can discover the cause. I've even had a couple of episodes where I'd be walking along just fine and I'd loose complete feeling and simply fall. The last time was when I went to dinner with some friends and as we were leaving and walking out, my leg simply went out and I used other customers' table to catch myself. And no, there was no wine involved. Raspberry iced tea in fact.
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I just fell backwards off my weight bench . I brought it out of storage the other day so that I could do chest decline presses and just hurt my back from rolling off the damn thing . Its not hurting too bad right now but I worry how I will wake up tomorrow and feel .
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that qualifies as a new injury. :( hopefully it won't be too sore. we certainly don't need a mod hyped up on pain meds.
I use 2 5lb weights to work out with. They're next to my bed and I can do several reps while laying down. I have no plans to add more weight to the workout as I have no desire to have oversized muscles. I like the lean, toned svelte look.
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we certainly don't need a mod hyped up on pain meds.
Way to late for that .
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I just fell backwards off my weight bench . I brought it out of storage the other day so that I could do chest decline presses and just hurt my back from rolling off the damn thing . Its not hurting too bad right now but I worry how I will wake up tomorrow and feel .
Ok, I just typed out a long post, and have no idea what happened to it. Anyway...Jeff, you couldn't stand not having an injury could you lol? Just kidding. I hope it is something minor and will heal up quickly.
I still have some pain in my right leg from the torn tendon. And I've lost another inch since the hip surgery. My original height was 5'10", and now I'm 5'8". And my right leg is way shorter than my left since the surgery. Since moving I also have not exercised other than walking around the yard and am hoping to resume that next week. It really does help.
Greg I hope the surgery goes smoothly and without any after-issues. We have to stop injuring ourselves!
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I think Jeff was feeling jealous and left out. ;D Wonder how Michael is getting along? I certainly hope he gives us an update soon.
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I rec'd the call yesterday from scheduling. My surgery is at 3:30 in the afternoon. I'm quite upset as that means I'll probably spend the night. The surgeon told me if it was scheduled for the a.m., then I'd probably go home that evening.
I over focused on this yesterday evening. Why in the hell is the administration staff dictating medical decisions? My out of pocket costs will be greater because of THEIR decision to schedule it later in the day!!!! I might make that a matter of discord after my surgery. Again, this is the hospital that I despise but I like this bone doctor and that's where he has rights.
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I'm not sure as to the extent of your upcoming surgery.... will you be ambulatory following? In any regard... sending you my best wishes for a successful and speedy recovery.
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Hey Greg,
Not really sure what to say about the scheduling other than somebody has to be first in line for whatever reasons. I hope the extra expenses will be minimal.
Anyway, good luck with the surgery and a speedo recovery! :)
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Am finally done with the surgery. My brother is staying with me for the required 24 hours.....lmao. They did some sort of double shot that numbs the nerve that serves the knee area and it is supposed to help with reducing the pain and not requiring taking as many of those damn pain meds.
Only sponge baths bath for 3 days...ick. I did go ahead and allow him to pin the bone that was fractured on both sides. He said the procedure overall was pretty straight forward and he expects a full recovery in a few weeks with being able to return to lite duty in a week or so.
thanks for all the well wishes.
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Greg, I hope your recovery is fast, with no negative issues. I understand, trust me.
Betty
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I plan on calling this the surgeon this morning. I've been in pretty severe pain all night. He suggested some stronger pain meds that I immediately rejected as I thought these existing ones would do just fine. Hydocodone normally knocks me out but even with taking 2, I've felt no relief. Dumb ass move on my part, should have just taken the script and did a wait and see approach.
It was ever so cute when they had a social worked meet with me before the procedure. She wanted to verify that I'm not stuck in a violent environment without any recourse.
OH, and nurse Jeff popped his head in to wish me good luck. Overall, I was quite impressed with the entire staff. I volunteered to allow 2 nursing students participate who were finishing their clinicals. It was quite a teachable moment when the one asked if all my meds were for my HIV infection. She did this well within earshot of other patients.
I promptly explained that I have no issues with being positive, but that exact scenario could have resulted in serious issues.
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Yeah, you don't need to sit around in pain. While I understand you initially rejecting the stronger pain meds, sometimes there are situations the necessitate them. That's what they're there for, and I hope you're able to get a script and get out of pain.
I'm sorry you're going through that. I'll be checking back to see how you're doing.
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Thanks Betty, I'm sure I'll also be on here quite a bit too. :)
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Well, the pain is pretty much gone now thanks to regaining some cognitive ability. Turns out I've been popping Trazadone all night and morning. Another lesson learned, always put my dang glasses on when taking meds from a pill bottle. Both pills are in the same type and color container. :o Now that my pain is under control, my mood should be well controlled for at least a week.
I can't imagine taking 800mg of Trazadone in a single day will cause any issues but at least I'm feeling fine for a while.
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I can't imagine taking 800mg of Trazadone in a single day will cause any issues but at least I'm feeling fine for a while.
I'm surprised you could stay awake. 200mg is the max dose I think.
Glad to hear the pain has subsided.
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finally eating pretty well also. Don't want to experience the constipation again like with my hernia surgery.
and the new oxy's are working wonderfully. I've built up quite a stash of pain meds over the last couple of years. :o
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Got the most excellent news from the surgeon today. He is totally surprised how fast I'm regaining use of my leg. I only used my cane as to not get yelled out but he said I can completely forego it. Detested having the staples pulled but it's healed nicely. So much in fact, that he says it's not even necessary to wrap it any longer. He did say to wait one more day before starting to shower.....oops. Too late. Sponge bathing only lasted a couple of days.
He said there are no limitations except to avoid high impact activities. He said that obviously my own PT is doing fine. Rec'd a pretty cool xray today that shows a screw that's not loose.
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/Scan_Pic0004_zps12169834.jpg)
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I think you, Betty, and Michael should all get these pics printed out on high quality paper and frame them. :)
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Well, this is my last injury!!!! ;) I'm working on a game plan to address all the issues that are causing my powdery bones and endless clumsiness. My doc is researching to see if he can locate a quasi local nutritionist who is experienced with HIV/AIDS.
Any way I twist it, I already know a couple of the main causes and it's time I honestly address them.
I changed my profile pic as a reminder of my last AIDSY episode. :) The visual has very specific relevance for me.
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I'm working on a game plan to address all the issues that are causing my powdery bones and endless clumsiness.
finally! I told you a huge roll of bubble wrap and some duct tape wasn't that expensive ;D :-*
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finally! I told you a huge roll of bubble wrap and some duct tape wasn't that expensive ;D :-*
I think he is past that and needs scaffolding on wheels for a protective barrier .
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I probably pushed it a little bit, but I returned to work already. Just finished my 3rd day and it was a little easier than the first night.
And now that the swelling is going down I can feel the screw head. With as much metal as I have in this damn leg, I sure hope they do the responsible thing and recycle it upon my death. Reviewing the medical expenses, titanium must be at a premium.
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Hi Greg,
Glad to hear your ordeal is coming to an end, and you are feeling better.
It's a damn shame kitchen magnets don't stick to titanium, you could be quite the
fashion statement ! ( Already tried on my new hardware , no stick ! )
Be Well, Wade
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Well Greg, heh. You know I have a titanium plate holding my upper jaw together, plus that rod, plate and screws in my hip. Hell, there would be no way we would be able to ever fly together lol.
I think you know your limit as far as returning to work. I hope you would take some more time if need be, don't injure further. Let this heal properly.
Betty
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I can tell by the little plate that fixed my ligament that this view is slightly rotated from the one that was taken after surgery. From the original view, it looked like a success. But after getting very assertive and demanding, the surgeon agreed to see me and take a looksy. I guess I've been right all along.
Whoo Hoo, more surgery.
(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/Scan_Pic0007_zps551c718f.jpg)
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Rec'd a call already from the specialist today. She wanted to give me some preliminary blood results. They checked my testosterone and a bunch of other things to rule out those being an issue.
Everything came back totally normal so far. The other good news is that there are NO stress fractures on my spine. They were concerned because I'm almost an 1" shorter than I was. And the spine showed the worst of the osteroporosis.
They also indicated that if everything else returns normal that the most likely culprit is the Truvada. They have witnessed a huge increase in cases similar to mine with this drug. And since I don't have other combo options, we'll have to go a new route.
Also learned that Boniva is probably not goint to help. It's not strong enough and they want to switch me to Lexicomp minimally. It's an injection every 6 months. They prefer that I switch to daily injection. I have 2 months to decide if I can handle injecting my own abdomin daily.
OH, and I was totally honest and discussed nutrition issues. They doubt that worsened the issue since I've not been consistently lacking in proper nutrients. She also said my BMI is within normal at 24.13
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Hey Greg'
They check your vitamin D ?
mine was so low last year ,was almost non existent
stay on supplements to keep it in normal range
Wade