Okay Broke it at age 18. Probably should have had an operation, but the doc said no. He set it badly and now there is no ankle joint left. I have cramps in that calf 3 times a week at night. Pain 24 hours a day. I scheduled an appt with the podiatrist via my primary care physician. Today was the appointment.
Dr. Pearson: "Well there's only one thing that can be done. We have to fuse it. (My brain says...What? Fuse it?) If you were 15 or 20 years older you would have a replacement ankle procedure. I do this kind of operation everyday. 90% success rate on this procedure, over all. I think you have a 95% success rate. I am amazed you have this kind of flexibility at all. I can take you down the hall to another doctors office that I did this procedure on and he will tell you he is so glad he had it done.
Me: Sighs... So doctor, what is this going to cost me?
Doc: Your insurance will cover it. There may be some kind of deductible.
Me: What is the recovery time for this?
Doc: Thats the hard part. Six weeks off your feet. No weight on it at all. If you have a desk job you can go back after 1 or 2 weeks. It will be 3 months till you have a "normal" life ie: excercise, walking without a limp/cane/crutches, etc.
Me: Doc, I am a single mom. What am I going to do about my kid?
Doc: You have to take care of yourself. Find someone to help you with that.
Me: (inside my head = are you a parent?) So... find someone to look after him. How long will I need that?
Doc: At least 6 weeks. Maybe two months.
Me: Ok. Well, I need to think about it.
Doc: I think you should do it. I can't believe you aren't in more pain than you are.
Me: Doc, I am a jilted (previously physically abused), overworked, no child support, single mother who adores her son. What's pain got to do with it?
Doc: puzzled look... Do you want some valium?
Me: Do they come in a pediatric dosage?
So, I have to have an operation that will hobble the mem for a good six weeks. Can ANYONE come and help me? Anyone? Oh, Angel of mercy that looks down and bestows me with minor miracles, I need a BIGGIE!!!!!
my GOD!! :hugs: you poor, poor thing. oh my gosh. glad you got an answer, regardless of if you do the operation or not. i hope it works out so that you can.
ReplyDeleteand CONGRATS about the loss! you're doing great. fabulous!
Oh Mellie....what NEXT?? If it's any consolation, a friend of mine back here in Ohio had the surgery and it really did help him. He was in his mid 60s when he had it done--he actually had to have BOTH ankles done. Doh! Since he lived alone, he had a sign-up schedule for all his many friends to come take turns helping him cook, get ice for his ankle, and tend to any other needs when he couldn't get up.
ReplyDeleteAlso, what are the chances of sending Austin to Mom & Dad for a few weeks? I know they work and all, but....(or wait...is the bro available?)
I am pulling for you and sending all the healing thoughts that I can--for inside and out.
arent your feet cute enough already? i say, leave em alone :)
ReplyDeleteoh my. well, at least you now KNOW what your dealing with.
ReplyDeleteIf you were closer, I would help you out! you know that!!!!
{{{heart}}}
ReplyDeleteThat is tough. Too bad all us bloggers didn't all live closer. We could all chip in.
Damn. What a p.i.t.a.
ReplyDeleteThese are the times you need to ask family to help out. Perhaps they can either take the kid for various periods, or they can come stay with you and the kid for various periods. Divide the 6 weeks up into more "manageable" increments so that no one stays long enough to drive you too crazy. ;)
Hey,
ReplyDeleteSorry about the bad news. I would go and get a second opinion from a foot and ankle specialist (much more training than a normal specialist or a podiatrist). I just had my ankle replaced and it is amazing (I am 26) I really would recommend you look into it further as the recovery is much easier as well.
Also if you want to check it out, go to the Yahoo Groups, they have one for both fusion and replacement and can give you many practical solutions to make life easier during your recovery.
All the best!
kira
(inside my head = are you a parent?)
ReplyDeletegirlfriend... you go.
- -
Okay,
Father Luke