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!!!!!
