Now I really did it :((

[missy]

Hi Missy: I had to sleep on my back the full 90 days. I won't detail how much I hated that BUT that is why I had Ativan or Xanax.

Can you try the Wobenzym yet? I'm trying to remember your anticoagulant situation.

're pressure sore: find a spot in your house where 2 walls meet, forming an 'L'

Stand leaning in the L for 5 minute every half hour to give relief to the sore and your circulation a change. Use your walker in front of y o u for stability.

I was in the worst shape of my life when I fell, and I have great function, no pain. You're younger than I was and in good shape, you'll exceed my recovery.

Do you have a recliner to try sleeping on? The power ones are pretty good and will help you shift positions subtly.

Hi azstonie, I was afraid of that. Sleeping on your back for 90 days, ugh. I am a side sleeper and I think that is one of the reasons sleep has been so difficult these last 3 plus weeks. I am so tired and I just want to sleep but cannot sleep well this way. I can just hope that in time I get used to it and my back pain will be alleviated when I figure out how to sleep this way. Thanks for telling me because knowing is better than not knowing. I like to know what to expect so I can mentally prepare.

I don't have a power recliner but I will take a look at what is out there and how much they are. Maybe I should rethink getting a hospital bed? They are pricey and more importantly I am not sure what we would do with our king bed (as in where to put it) while we had a hospital bed in our bedroom. I remember googling hospital beds and couldn't find king hospital beds and then thinking an alternative might be those dual adjustable beds. Any thoughts on those? I don't want to not sleep with my dh for 3 months so am looking for ways I can sleep more comfortably with him next to me. Sorry if that seems like a tall order but there is so much that has been taken away from me (hopefully temporarily) that this is just something I would like to keep the same if you kwim.

I cannot take the Wobenzyme yet as I am taking the Lovenox injections for as long as I am on enforced rest which at this point is at least for 3 (plus) months. I am praying I get good news this Thursday that I am healing so I do not have to be like this for longer than 3 months. My surgeon had said it could be as long as 6 months but if I start thinking about that I start getting very overwhelmed and upset so one day at a time and deep breaths. I am bringing the Wobenzyme with me this Thursday and asking him what he knows about it and if I can take it sooner. In my experience mainstream doctors don't know much about alternative supplements but I am giving it a shot.


Thanks for the info for alleviating my pressure sore. I am going to start that today. Really appreciate it and any relief would be awesome.

I am so glad you are better than ever after your terrible accident azstonie and it gives me much hope. If motivation and desire have anything to do with my getting better I will be OK because I have that in spades. Thank you for your encouragement and help.

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Missy, I'm just checking in to see how your feeling today. I'm sorry your sleeping has not gotten any better. Please don't stress about your healing. You're in such great physical shape that I seriously doubt your healing will take longer than the minimum amount of time the doctor discussed with you.

 

[AGBF]

Hi, missy-

I wish I had some answers for you. I hope that your Thursday visit with the doctor brings some good results. I agree that you are going to mend more quickly than other people, but that doesn't fix all the problems you are having now. And I don't have an answer to any of them.

The only topic discussed in the last couple of pages of the thread that I have heard discussed by anyone I know well, is the recliner. My best friend wanted to come home from the nursing home after her knee replacement to a recliner. She still does not have one, but thinks that it would be the most useful item for her to have. She and her husband already have some fancy type of orthopedic bed that she bought after she had spine surgery a little over a year ago, but I don't think it is a regular hospital bed. They also could not put it into their bedroom. It had to be set up in a different room entirely, which is where they have both slept ever since her spinal surgery! I do not think that it acts like a chair, though.

As far as painkillers go, I know that Tylenol would not be enough for me. What would work that does not need to go down your throat, is not up my alley, however. Have you consulted a pain specialist? I mean an anesthesiologist who is board certified with a sub-specialty in pain management? Someone really good? My best friend has needed to see pain specialists, but I would have liked to have shot some of them because they were so uncaring. My good experience with the field comes from a friend who went into the field. He had become an internist and an anesthesiologist when he first got out of medical school, and was in the first crop of anesthesiologists to become certified in the sub-specialty of pain management (that may not be the proper name of the field). I know that there are specialists in the field like him who take the job seriously and since you are near New York City, I am sure that we could find someone very good for you if you do not already have someone.

Hugs,
Deb

 

[missy]

Hi Missy, I'm just checking in to see how your feeling today. I'm sorry your sleeping has not gotten any better. Please don't stress about your healing. You're in such great physical shape that I seriously doubt your healing will take longer than the minimum amount of time the doctor discussed with you.

Thanks Callie. I sure hope that is true. I feel all my good physical shape is slowly (or not so slowly lol) draining away with each day of total inactivity. But I had visitors today and am feeling a bit more upbeat. And I agree that I need to avoid stressing about what I cannot do anything about right now. Thank you.

Hi, missy-

I wish I had some answers for you. I hope that your Thursday visit with the doctor brings some good results. I agree that you are going to mend more quickly than other people, but that doesn't fix all the problems you are having now. And I don't have an answer to any of them.

The only topic discussed in the last couple of pages of the thread that I have heard discussed by anyone I know well, is the recliner. My best friend wanted to come home from the nursing home after her knee replacement to a recliner. She still does not have one, but thinks that it would be the most useful item for her to have. She and her husband already have some fancy type of orthopedic bed that she bought after she had spine surgery a little over a year ago, but I don't think it is a regular hospital bed. They also could not put it into their bedroom. It had to be set up in a different room entirely, which is where they have both slept ever since her spinal surgery! I do not think that it acts like a chair, though.

As far as painkillers go, I know that Tylenol would not be enough for me. What would work that does not need to go down your throat, is not up my alley, however. Have you consulted a pain specialist? I mean an anesthesiologist who is board certified with a sub-specialty in pain management? Someone really good? My best friend has needed to see pain specialists, but I would have liked to have shot some of them because they were so uncaring. My good experience with the field comes from a friend who went into the field. He had become an internist and an anesthesiologist when he first got out of medical school, and was in the first crop of anesthesiologists to become certified in the sub-specialty of pain management (that may not be the proper name of the field). I know that there are specialists in the field like him who take the job seriously and since you are near New York City, I am sure that we could find someone very good for you if you do not already have someone.

Hugs,
Deb

Hi Deb. I had an anesthesiology pain management team at the HSS and they were super. I however neglected asking them about other forms of delivery of the pain meds since I was not yet experiencing any of the esophageal irritation symptoms I am now getting. One more day and I will speak with my surgeon and see what he can recommend for me. Thanks for the advice.

The orthopedic bed or recliner option interests me but I will wait and see if I can just prop up more pillows and such to act like that kind of bed without going to the trouble and expense. It would be no small feat getting another bed into our apartment and there would be no place but the bedroom for it. I am hoping I can get used to sleeping like this but if not it is good to know there are options. Thank you for the info. I hope your friend is continuing to do well. (((Hugs))).

 

[azstonie]

Hey Missy!!

I bought a power recliner on sale at Macy's, its huge, like a chair-and-a-half size, for $899. You might consider trying one of these before you go the hospital bed route. The sale is on now. Check their website, you can even buy it on-line and have it delivered, LOL.

I know patients who have rented power adjustable hospital beds, all kinds of medical equipment rental places. Your surgeon can prescribe one and your insurance will pay for it. The Social Work division at HSS knows all about this including the minutiae you might not think of. start talking to them.

Yes. Sleep. Well. Perhaps you could start the night out with your DH in your regular bed and then when its time, head out to the recliner if you decide to try one. This way you both get a shot at good sleep.

All the AA maxims apply to your sitch right now:

One Day at A Time.
Keep it Simple, Stupid (KISS)
HALT: Don't allow yourself to be Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired or Any Combination Thereof for too long.
Easy Does it.

If you have a fave flavor of ice cream or some kind of treat, get it on hand now. IN BULK. You deserve it and I won't tell!!

 

[marcy]

Hi Missy, the 24th will be here very soon. I hope your doctor can help and answer a lot of your questions. I sure your pain gets better and you can get more sleep. I am sure you husband is tired; this is hard on both of you. One of those recliners sounds nice but it’s whatever you can be comfortable in and is also easy for you to get out of as well. The hospital had some type of bedding they used for my mom to help keep her from getting pressure sores but I don’t recall what it was. Maybe someone else on here knows. I had knee surgery years ago and still have bad knees and I always sleep on my back. I know I have to wiggle and shift around whenever I wake up but for now you can’t move that one leg that much. I will probably have to have my knees replaced sometime and I was thinking of you and my eventual surgery today because there is no way I could keep my leg straight to get in either of our vehicles. Cars are smaller and tighter now. Have a good night!

Marcy

 

[missy]

Hey Missy!!

I bought a power recliner on sale at Macy's, its huge, like a chair-and-a-half size, for $899. You might consider trying one of these before you go the hospital bed route. The sale is on now. Check their website, you can even buy it on-line and have it delivered, LOL.

I know patients who have rented power adjustable hospital beds, all kinds of medical equipment rental places. Your surgeon can prescribe one and your insurance will pay for it. The Social Work division at HSS knows all about this including the minutiae you might not think of. start talking to them.

Yes. Sleep. Well. Perhaps you could start the night out with your DH in your regular bed and then when its time, head out to the recliner if you decide to try one. This way you both get a shot at good sleep.

All the AA maxims apply to your sitch right now:

One Day at A Time.
Keep it Simple, Stupid (KISS)
HALT: Don't allow yourself to be Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired or Any Combination Thereof for too long.
Easy Does it.

If you have a fave flavor of ice cream or some kind of treat, get it on hand now. IN BULK. You deserve it and I won't tell!!

Thanks for those AA maxims. Love the wisdom and they are words to live by. Especially # one though I have to say # 3 is hitting to close to home these days. I am taking these to heart, thank you!

I checked out the Macy's recliners and not sure they look like I can sleep in them. Will do more research tomorrow. Appreciate the info.

And LOL on the ice cream. If I could eat any ice cream I wanted it would be Ben and Jerry's Heath Bar Crunch (if they still make it as I haven't had that for over 20 years at least!) and whatever the best Vanilla is these days which I hear is Whole Foods Vanilla or Breyer's Natural Vanilla.

As soon as I am able to stand for more than a minute I am going to explore making my own ice cream with the Vitamix as I cannot have dairy unfortunately. But I am sure there are some delicious alternatives I can have. Thanks for reminding me about that cool treat. :big smile:

Hi Missy, the 24th will be here very soon. I hope your doctor can help and answer a lot of your questions. I sure your pain gets better and you can get more sleep. I am sure you husband is tired; this is hard on both of you. One of those recliners sounds nice but it’s whatever you can be comfortable in and is also easy for you to get out of as well. The hospital had some type of bedding they used for my mom to help keep her from getting pressure sores but I don’t recall what it was. Maybe someone else on here knows. I had knee surgery years ago and still have bad knees and I always sleep on my back. I know I have to wiggle and shift around whenever I wake up but for now you can’t move that one leg that much. I will probably have to have my knees replaced sometime and I was thinking of you and my eventual surgery today because there is no way I could keep my leg straight to get in either of our vehicles. Cars are smaller and tighter now. Have a good night!

Marcy

Hi Marcy, if you decide to go ahead with your knee surgery and want to come to NYC to the Hospital for Special Surgery (I don't know where you live) I will be your host and make sure you are well cared for here. In fact you can recuperate in our home. I sincerely mean that. As Deb has said the HSS is the best place for orthopedics in the country so know that if you want my home is your home and need I remind you my dh is a great cook.

As for getting in and out of cars I just sit horizontally in the back seat with my legs on the seat and you can keep it bent if necessary. And the cab drivers here are more than accommodating and very helpful. I love NYC cab drivers. They may drive like maniacs but they have hearts of solid gold.

We have a latex foam mattress and that is supposed to be good for pressure sores I thought but no luck with me. I am sitting on this special cushion my dh bought for me and I think it is helping though it is not so comfie to sleep with but it is better than not using it. And as you said Thursday is almost here and hopefully the doctor will give me good news and then I can deal with all the rest. Thanks so much Marcy and my invite is good for whenever you want.

 

[rainwood]

Missy

I understand about not being able to sleep well on your back. I'm a side sleeper too and it was a real problem for me. For the first month, I had to sleep with the big air boot on all night. It wasn't a cast, but it was awkward and heavy, and had all those straps and metal things on it. What eventually worked for me was to sleep on the same side as the broken ankle (for me, it was the left) but have the knee of my bad leg bent a little, and the bad leg propped up on a pillow or two with my good leg bent more and in front of the bad leg, but not touching it. It sounds weird and awkward, but it was the only way to sleep on my side without either the weight of the bad leg on my good leg or the weight of my good leg on my bad leg. Ask your surgeon when you might be able to switch to this position. It might work for you too.

And being down and depressed about your lack of mobility is just part of the whole deal unfortunately. It really threw me for a loop sometimes. But it does get better eventually as you start adapting and figuring out how to do things differently. It really does.

 

[missy]

Missy

I understand about not being able to sleep well on your back. I'm a side sleeper too and it was a real problem for me. For the first month, I had to sleep with the big air boot on all night. It wasn't a cast, but it was awkward and heavy, and had all those straps and metal things on it. What eventually worked for me was to sleep on the same side as the broken ankle (for me, it was the left) but have the knee of my bad leg bent a little, and the bad leg propped up on a pillow or two with my good leg bent more and in front of the bad leg, but not touching it. It sounds weird and awkward, but it was the only way to sleep on my side without either the weight of the bad leg on my good leg or the weight of my good leg on my bad leg. Ask your surgeon when you might be able to switch to this position. It might work for you too.

And being down and depressed about your lack of mobility is just part of the whole deal unfortunately. It really threw me for a loop sometimes. But it does get better eventually as you start adapting and figuring out how to do things differently. It really does.

Thanks rainwood. I am totally going to attempt that position (LOL never thought I would be writing those words online haha) as soon as I feel able to.

I cannot wait to see the surgeon tomorrow. My ankle and leg feel so irritated by the splint/bandages they are wrapped in and so darn heavy and tight that I am anxious to see what is going on under there but need to know. The material on my leg feels so scratchy right now and hard and unforgiving.

I don't know what he is replacing the bandages and splint with but I think it is a more typical type of cast? Not sure as he didn't explain it to me. But I so hope it is a bit more comfortable and at least not less comfortable.

I'm with you on the lack of mobility issue. It is challenging but I think I am doing OK when the pain is not ruling me if you kwim. I am not doing as well as you did in handling the pain and I keep hoping it will start getting better because I am 2 plus weeks out from surgery now so just waiting and hoping!


What also really bothers me is whenever I am standing for more than a second (with the walker of course) my foot starts burning and swelling and I know that is normal for now but I wonder did you have that and how long did that last for you? That makes it so difficult to even wash my face/brush my teeth etc. Whenever my leg is not propped up it becomes extremely tender and swollen and I guess that's because the blood is rushing towards it when it is not elevated. Just wondering if that gets better soon or is it something I can expect for the duration of my recuperation?

Thanks for all the info and help rainwood. I am looking forward to trying to sleep somewhat on my side like you did as soon as I can!

 

[yennyfire]

Missy

I understand about not being able to sleep well on your back. I'm a side sleeper too and it was a real problem for me. For the first month, I had to sleep with the big air boot on all night. It wasn't a cast, but it was awkward and heavy, and had all those straps and metal things on it. What eventually worked for me was to sleep on the same side as the broken ankle (for me, it was the left) but have the knee of my bad leg bent a little, and the bad leg propped up on a pillow or two with my good leg bent more and in front of the bad leg, but not touching it. It sounds weird and awkward, but it was the only way to sleep on my side without either the weight of the bad leg on my good leg or the weight of my good leg on my bad leg. Ask your surgeon when you might be able to switch to this position. It might work for you too.

And being down and depressed about your lack of mobility is just part of the whole deal unfortunately. It really threw me for a loop sometimes. But it does get better eventually as you start adapting and figuring out how to do things differently. It really does.

Thanks rainwood. I am totally going to attempt that position (LOL never thought I would be writing those words online haha) as soon as I feel able to.

I cannot wait to see the surgeon tomorrow. My ankle and leg feel so irritated by the splint/bandages they are wrapped in and so darn heavy and tight that I am anxious to see what is going on under there but need to know. The material on my leg feels so scratchy right now and hard and unforgiving.

I don't know what he is replacing the bandages and splint with but I think it is a more typical type of cast? Not sure as he didn't explain it to me. But I so hope it is a bit more comfortable and at least not less comfortable.

I'm with you on the lack of mobility issue. It is challenging but I think I am doing OK when the pain is not ruling me if you kwim. I am not doing as well as you did in handling the pain and I keep hoping it will start getting better because I am 2 plus weeks out from surgery now so just waiting and hoping!


What also really bothers me is whenever I am standing for more than a second (with the walker of course) my foot starts burning and swelling and I know that is normal for now but I wonder did you have that and how long did that last for you? That makes it so difficult to even wash my face/brush my teeth etc. Whenever my leg is not propped up it becomes extremely tender and swollen and I guess that's because the blood is rushing towards it when it is not elevated. Just wondering if that gets better soon or is it something I can expect for the duration of my recuperation?

Thanks for all the info and help rainwood. I am looking forward to trying to sleep somewhat on my side like you did as soon as I can!

This position worked for me when I fell down the stairs holding my then 7 month old DD and broke my left ankle and ruptured the bursa in my right knee. I had a body pillow that I used when I was pregnant that I wedged at an angle between my thighs and towards the front where I would prop my leg on it (while on my side). Strangely enough, the knee hurt worse than the ankle, so that's the leg I propped.

I'm so sorry that you're struggling. Dealing with chronic pain is debilitating and can be depressing! Glad that a visit from friends cheered you up a bit. I hope that you can get some relief soon....hang in there sweetie!

 

[missy]

Missy

I understand about not being able to sleep well on your back. I'm a side sleeper too and it was a real problem for me. For the first month, I had to sleep with the big air boot on all night. It wasn't a cast, but it was awkward and heavy, and had all those straps and metal things on it. What eventually worked for me was to sleep on the same side as the broken ankle (for me, it was the left) but have the knee of my bad leg bent a little, and the bad leg propped up on a pillow or two with my good leg bent more and in front of the bad leg, but not touching it. It sounds weird and awkward, but it was the only way to sleep on my side without either the weight of the bad leg on my good leg or the weight of my good leg on my bad leg. Ask your surgeon when you might be able to switch to this position. It might work for you too.

And being down and depressed about your lack of mobility is just part of the whole deal unfortunately. It really threw me for a loop sometimes. But it does get better eventually as you start adapting and figuring out how to do things differently. It really does.

Thanks rainwood. I am totally going to attempt that position (LOL never thought I would be writing those words online haha) as soon as I feel able to.

I cannot wait to see the surgeon tomorrow. My ankle and leg feel so irritated by the splint/bandages they are wrapped in and so darn heavy and tight that I am anxious to see what is going on under there but need to know. The material on my leg feels so scratchy right now and hard and unforgiving.

I don't know what he is replacing the bandages and splint with but I think it is a more typical type of cast? Not sure as he didn't explain it to me. But I so hope it is a bit more comfortable and at least not less comfortable.

I'm with you on the lack of mobility issue. It is challenging but I think I am doing OK when the pain is not ruling me if you kwim. I am not doing as well as you did in handling the pain and I keep hoping it will start getting better because I am 2 plus weeks out from surgery now so just waiting and hoping!


What also really bothers me is whenever I am standing for more than a second (with the walker of course) my foot starts burning and swelling and I know that is normal for now but I wonder did you have that and how long did that last for you? That makes it so difficult to even wash my face/brush my teeth etc. Whenever my leg is not propped up it becomes extremely tender and swollen and I guess that's because the blood is rushing towards it when it is not elevated. Just wondering if that gets better soon or is it something I can expect for the duration of my recuperation?

Thanks for all the info and help rainwood. I am looking forward to trying to sleep somewhat on my side like you did as soon as I can!

This position worked for me when I fell down the stairs holding my then 7 month old DD and broke my left ankle and ruptured the bursa in my right knee. I had a body pillow that I used when I was pregnant that I wedged at an angle between my thighs and towards the front where I would prop my leg on it (while on my side). Strangely enough, the knee hurt worse than the ankle, so that's the leg I propped.

I'm so sorry that you're struggling. Dealing with chronic pain is debilitating and can be depressing! Glad that a visit from friends cheered you up a bit. I hope that you can get some relief soon....hang in there sweetie!

Thank you Yenny! And I'm so sorry you broke your ankle and ruptured your knee. How awful and I hope you are 100% now. And I trust your dd was fine too. How scary and thank goodness it all turned out OK. It's funny how life can change in an instant. If only we could have do overs yanno?

I will look into that full body pillow because that sounds helpful, thanks.

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Missy, I wanted to check in this morning and see how you are doing. One more day to your doctor appointment. Hopefully all your questions will be answered tomorrow. I believe the swelling is completely normal. I remember my sister saying she had swelling in her ankle when she was on it for a long period of time, for quite some time after the surgery. Are you sleeping any better?

 

[missy]

Hi Missy, I wanted to check in this morning and see how you are doing. One more day to your doctor appointment. Hopefully all your questions will be answered tomorrow. I believe the swelling is completely normal. I remember my sister saying she had swelling in her ankle when she was on it for a long period of time, for quite some time after the surgery. Are you sleeping any better?

Hi there Callie, thanks for checking in with me. No change yet with sleeping and such. The days are falling into a predictable routine (except for the pain which is unpredictable but that's good in that it is not constantly bad) and I am just taking it as it comes. One hour at a time.

I cannot see if my leg gets swollen when I stand up (since it is covered in the "cast") but my toes get red and swollen and the lower leg hurts a lot when it is not being raised so I am guessing it is getting swollen. I am so sorry about your sister. Do you know if she still experiences pain when she is standing for long periods of time?

That is concerning because I am (before this accident that is) always on my feet and very active. I can see how that might alter my whole lifestyle if my leg continues to hurt and get swollen when I am on it. I mean I get that will happen for many months after and I was just hoping that after the requisite healing time period (however long that might be) that would stop happening.

I guess I cannot worry about something I cannot control so I will hope for the best and deal with whatever happens. My last question (for now at least I promise ) how long has it been since your sister's surgery and does she still have problems related to her injury/surgery?

Sorry for all the questions and thank you for hanging in here with me!

 

[Calliecake]

Missy, Ask all the questions you want. I'll try my best to answer them. It's been about five years now. She is very active and I know she still rides her bike. The accident happened when she was riding. She made the comment at Christmas that once in a while it acts up a little bit. I believe it was more if she was in heels standing for long periods of time. She said really high heels bothered her after a while. (4 inches). She was in her late 40's when she had the accident if that helps. Another thing to think about is she is overweight and she thinks that may also be part of the problem. I'm sorry this post is all over place. I'm just jotting down everything I remember her saying.

Some of the above I take with a grain of salt. I love and wear heels but I know many women who stop wearing them in their 40's because they say they bother them. These woman have had nothing happen to them. She may just prefer not wearing heels as much. I've never heard her say i wish i could wear high heels. Do you know what I'm trying to say?

 

[missy]

Missy, Ask all the questions you want. I'll try my best to answer them. It's been about five years now. She is very active and I know she still rides her bike. The accident happened when she was riding. She made the comment at Christmas that once in a while it acts up a little bit. I believe it was more if she was in heels standing for long periods of time. She said really high heels bothered her after a while. (4 inches). She was in her late 40's when she had the accident if that helps. Another thing to think about is she is overweight and she thinks that may also be part of the problem. I'm sorry this post is all over place. I'm just jotting down everything I remember her saying.

Some of the above I take with a grain of salt. I love and wear heels but I know many women who stop wearing them in their 40's because they say they bother them. These woman have had nothing happen to them. She may just prefer not wearing heels as much. I've never heard her say i wish i could wear high heels. Do you know what I'm trying to say?

Thank you Callie and bless you for being so patient with me. I am not a heels kind of gal so no worries there. I don't even own any real heels. It's mainly flats (or very low heels) for me. I am going to be 49 in a little over 2 weeks so I am right up there in terms of age. I realize my recovery will be a little more difficult than someone who has a similar injury who is in their 20's or even 30's. I am much closer to 50 than 40 and despite my appearance my body knows it lol.

I am glad to hear she still rides her bike and is hopefully enjoying all the activities she enjoyed before the accident. I know it is too soon to start worrying about being able to go back to our long distance cycling but well my mind is going there.

And I also think it might be a bit traumatic the first few times I am able (g-d willing) to get back on our tandem. I know I will be gun-shy but I don't want to let fear get the better of me.

So I am hoping that first and foremost I heal as well and completely as possible and secondly I can resume my former lifestyle (aka before the cycling accident) when all is said and done however long that might take. I am not afraid of hard work and I can be very stubborn but I am just hoping my physical healing/abilities will keep up with my motivation and desire if that makes sense.

Thanks again dear Callie.

 

[Calliecake]

Missy, I have felt from the very beginning that you would fully heal because she basically did and I think you are in better shape. I'm 55 and I know what you mean about not expecting to feel like you are 20 but I also believe that if you're in good shape to begin with it's easier to heal and bounce back quicker. When is your birthday?

 

[missy]

Missy, I have felt from the very beginning that you would fully heal because she basically did and I think you are in better shape. I'm 55 and I know what you mean about not expecting to feel like you are 20 but I also believe that if you're in good shape to begin with it's easier to heal and bounce back quicker. When is your birthday?

Thank you Callie. Fingers crossed.

My dh is 55 too Callie. A very good age I have to say. When is your birthday? My dh is a Libra born in October.
My bday is August 10th. I'm a Leo born in the Chinese year of the Snake. It all fits with my personality.

First time in a long time we are not going cycling on my birthday. In fact I believe this might be the very first birthday I am not/cannot be making plans to go out at all. And I am not in the mood to have people over if you kwim. There will be hopefully more birthday celebrations so it's OK this one will just be my dh and me. That's the way we do our birthdays anyway. Just the 2 of us.

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Missy, My birthday is October 14. Unfortunately bike riding will not be part of your birthday this year honey. Hopefully you and Greg can come up with something fun that day. I hope your sister and your nieces can come by the weekend of your birthday. It's hard to be sad with girls the ages of your nieces. I miss mine being that age. I had so much fun with them when they were younger. There in their 20's now and that's pretty fun as well. My husband has been out of town for his job most of the summer and we've had fun while he's been gone.

Please don't let the accident keep you from riding the tandem when you are well. I remember from your previous posts how much fun you and Greg had riding. Will you be able to go to your beach house at all this summer? I'm assuming that would be difficult for a while too. Sometimes just a change of scenery can make you feel better.

 

[missy]

Hi Missy, My birthday is October 14. Unfortunately bike riding will not be part of your birthday this year honey! Hopefully you and Greg can come up with something fun that day. I hope your sister and your nieces can come by the weekend of your birthday. It's hard to be sad with girls the ages of your nieces. I miss mine being that age. I had so much fun with them when they were younger. There in their 20's now and that's pretty fun as well. My husband has been out of town for his job most of the summer and we've had fun while he's been gone.

Please don't let the accident keep you from riding the tandem when you are well. I remember from your previous posts how much fun you and Greg had riding. Will you be able to go to your beach house at all this summer? I'm assuming that would be difficult for a while too. Sometimes just a change of scenery can make you feel better.

OMG Callie, your birthday is 5 days after Greg's birthday. I don't know why this is exciting to me lol I guess I have to get out more.

I am glad you have your nieces to keep you company while your dh is out of town. That must be difficult for the 2 of you being apart for much of the summer. I hope you two get to be together again very soon!

A change of scenery would be nice but you are right in that I cannot get to the beach house right now. Too many stairs for me. But hopefully in the near future we can go there for a few long weekends or even a full week.

And don't worry Callie. I may be a bit traumatized by the whole accident but as long as I physically can I will go back to tandeming. I love it too much to stay away when I am healed and ready to go. I just won't be using the same cycling shoes. Darn SPD pedals.

 

[MMtwo]

Hi Missy,
Just poking my head in to send you more healing dust. Glad the pain is under better control now and you have fur baby love. I think purrs help bones fuse faster Well, so says the interwebs.

http://dailyinfographic.com/the-healing-power-of-cat-purrs-infographic

 

[missy]

Hi Missy,
Just poking my head in to send you more healing dust. Glad the pain is under better control now and you have fur baby love. I think purrs help bones fuse faster Well, so says the interwebs.

http://dailyinfographic.com/the-healing-power-of-cat-purrs-infographic

I think it's true too moneymeister. And thank you so much for that healing dust. Between the PS healing dust and good wishes and my sweet fur-babies love and affection we have it covered.

 

[MarionC]

Missy,

I don't get to Pricescope much these days, but when I do the first thing I check on is YOUR THREAD!

I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow and that you find a comfortable way to sleep.

hugs!!!

 

[marcy]

Hi Missy, I will keep the HSS in mind. I sure want to get the best surgeons I can get to work on my knees. I keep avoiding it and putting it off as long as I can. Thank you for the kind offer to stay with you. We’d have fun showing each other our jewelry. Back seats worked great for me when I had my knee surgeries. I actually got stuck in my car one time. It was after my left knee had been operated on and I was in one of those long Velcro casts that you have to keep straight. I was going to “test” if I could get in my car and drive. It had bucket seats with a shift stick console. I backed in to the car and got all the way in then swung my straight leg around and was excited because I figured I could drive. Then I tried to get out of the car and I got my left leg caught under the steering wheel. I was home all by myself but finally decided to take off the cast and keep my leg really straight to get out of the car. I didn’t try to drive again for a few weeks. That is nice to hear the NYC cab drivers are so nice to you. My husband travels a lot and he’s never said bad things about the cab drivers there either. I bet it will feel great to get the splint and bandages off for a while tomorrow. I will be anxious to hear what the doctor tells you tomorrow. Good luck!

Marcy

 

[Calliecake]

Missy, I hope all goes well with your appointment tomorrow morning. I'll check in tomorrow to check on you. Think good thoughts. I'm sending you lots dust, prayers and hugs.

 

[missy]

Hi Missy, I will keep the HSS in mind. I sure want to get the best surgeons I can get to work on my knees. I keep avoiding it and putting it off as long as I can. Thank you for the kind offer to stay with you. We’d have fun showing each other our jewelry. Back seats worked great for me when I had my knee surgeries. I actually got stuck in my car one time. It was after my left knee had been operated on and I was in one of those long Velcro casts that you have to keep straight. I was going to “test” if I could get in my car and drive. It had bucket seats with a shift stick console. I backed in to the car and got all the way in then swung my straight leg around and was excited because I figured I could drive. Then I tried to get out of the car and I got my left leg caught under the steering wheel. I was home all by myself but finally decided to take off the cast and keep my leg really straight to get out of the car. I didn’t try to drive again for a few weeks. That is nice to hear the NYC cab drivers are so nice to you. My husband travels a lot and he’s never said bad things about the cab drivers there either. I bet it will feel great to get the splint and bandages off for a while tomorrow. I will be anxious to hear what the doctor tells you tomorrow. Good luck!

Marcy

Thank you for all your good wishes Marcy. I am looking forward to having my leg free if only for a few minutes. Appointment in a little while. Fingers crossed it goes well.

Getting stuck in your car that way sounds terrifying and thank goodness you were able to be clearheaded and free yourself from that situation! I can understand why you have been putting off future knee surgery. It is challenging having these procedures done but hopefully once you have recovered from the surgery it will be all worth it. My offer stands whenever you decide to do the surgery.

Missy, I hope all goes well with your appointment tomorrow morning. I'll check in tomorrow to check on you. Think good thoughts. I'm sending you lots dust, prayers and hugs.

Thank you Callie. I appreciate that. I am keeping all the positive thoughts and good wishes close and (((Hugs))) back to you.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Good luck with your appointment today Missy! Hope you get some great news that will provide you with a boost in your recovery!

 

[azstonie]

Hi Missy: Hope the appointment went well and you received encouraging feedback from the surgeon.

Re Recovery and Age/Condition:

Full Disclosure: I was 53 when I had my accident (55 now). I was in TERRIBLE physical shape, worst of my life. Sedentary job, not getting enough exercise (although when I tripped I was on my way out to the pool to swim laps with/rehab our Westie/hip replaced!), bad diet, bad sleep. Overweight. Not handling stress well at all. IN short, the picture of a total disaster waiting to happen when combined with this kind of injury.

The worst of it was trying to sleep at night and I never wanted to get in the car for reasons you are now well acquainted with, LOL.

Today: No pain. Sometimes an odd feeling in the knee when I'm lying in bed before sleep, but not pain and I just put some Voltaren gel on it and I get right to sleep. I can do everything but stairs (I have to sometimes double-step them) now. It will be 2 years in August since I had the fractures. My remaining goal is to get stairs back. I'm planning on quitting full time work in a month or two and I have my plan for my time, the focus of which is getting the knee doing any height stairs.

Ha ha, its the little things in life: Stairs. I never would have thought.

I love those handicapped ramps for wheelchairs, LOVE having that to walk up rather than double-stepping stairs.

Really, you're going to be yourself when this is over. You will. Just take things on a daily basis, find something about your body to love these days, hug your DH, your kitties, and your nieces and remember that you are going to heal and heal well.

 

[missy]

Good luck with your appointment today Missy! Hope you get some great news that will provide you with a boost in your recovery!

Thanks MissGotRocks! I really appreciate your encouragement and good wishes. I saw the doctor and am back home and will post the update. It's good in that he was pleased with his work. Not so good because it is going to be a longer recovery than I thought and cannot return to work for at least 5 months.

Hi Missy: Hope the appointment went well and you received encouraging feedback from the surgeon.

Re Recovery and Age/Condition:

Full Disclosure: I was 53 when I had my accident (55 now). I was in TERRIBLE physical shape, worst of my life. Sedentary job, not getting enough exercise (although when I tripped I was on my way out to the pool to swim laps with/rehab our Westie/hip replaced!), bad diet, bad sleep. Overweight. Not handling stress well at all. IN short, the picture of a total disaster waiting to happen when combined with this kind of injury.

The worst of it was trying to sleep at night and I never wanted to get in the car for reasons you are now well acquainted with, LOL.

Today: No pain. Sometimes an odd feeling in the knee when I'm lying in bed before sleep, but not pain and I just put some Voltaren gel on it and I get right to sleep. I can do everything but stairs (I have to sometimes double-step them) now. It will be 2 years in August since I had the fractures. My remaining goal is to get stairs back. I'm planning on quitting full time work in a month or two and I have my plan for my time, the focus of which is getting the knee doing any height stairs.

Ha ha, its the little things in life: Stairs. I never would have thought.

I love those handicapped ramps for wheelchairs, LOVE having that to walk up rather than double-stepping stairs.

Really, you're going to be yourself when this is over. You will. Just take things on a daily basis, find something about your body to love these days, hug your DH, your kitties, and your nieces and remember that you are going to heal and heal well.

Thanks Azstonie. I am really glad you are doing so well and I so appreciate your optimism and supportive encouragement. The thing is my fracture is a complicated one. It's called a Pilon fracture and my surgeon reiterated today that no, I will not be regaining full function. He said I cannot. My leg is not the same leg anymore. I asked him will I be able to walk without a limp and he could not promise me even that. He said he hopes so but cannot guarantee it. Ofc I almost lost it but I stayed strong.

My surgeon told me I cannot go back to work for 5 months so basically I am kissing my job and career goodbye. He said it will be at least 3 months before I can start learning to walk on that leg. It's OK I was preparing myself because I knew this was going to be a possibility.

He had to put 3 plates in my leg and countless screws to hold the bones together. I saw the X-rays from the surgery day today. He didn't take X-rays today but next month. I am going to attach some pics now of the post surgical X-rays and what my leg looks like now and the boot I got to replace what I had on my leg. This boot is very tight on my foot and I hope they didn't fit me with the wrong size. Hurts a lot. OK pics now.

 

[missy]

Pics of my leg after the splint and bandages came off today:
I don't think you can see it clearly but my left leg ankle is huge with no definition of an ankle anymore plus my foot is quite swollen. Sorry for the hairy left leg. I couldn't shave that leg for 3 plus weeks . I just hope (vanity speaking now) that I will go down to a more normal size for me. But that's the least of my worries and troubles I know lol.

 

[missy]

And lastly the boot I now am wearing. It is removable for showers so that's good. Unfortunately they did not remove all my stitches as the biggest row of them was not ready to be removed. I think the doctor said it was OK to shower over them and not protect them so I hope I am getting that right. I am seeing them next week for the removal of those stitches.

ETA: Just wanted to add I appreciate everyone's enduring support. I know this is just the beginning of my journey and in what is really my new life now. I am determined to remain upbeat and positive and not get down about it all.

There are so many people dealing with so much worse and I need to put this in perspective. Yes it sucks and my surgeon said do not do this again (Ha, like I wanted to do this in the first place!) but I will take it one day at a time and be grateful for all the support and love I have in my life and for what I can do. It's just that I am bound to have some weak moments/times and I hope it is OK for me to come here and cry a bit and then feel better and move forward.

Thanks again and hugs to everyone.