Topic: Oh, Woe is me!!!!!

[Dusthawk]

Well, just got back from the doctors office. I had another MRI done last week and the Doc says it isn't good news.

It seems the Tarsa is deteriorating and not providing the support fot the Tibia, thereby making my ankle extremely unstable. Many of you will remember my postings last year about the surgeries I went through.

Well, there are a couple of option I am looking at. First, more surgery, but this time to rebuild the Tarsa, which means a lot more pain and at least a couple more years on disability to recover and reknit the Tarsa bone. Second option, a bone graft placed endoscopically, but this has about a 20% chance of success, and will leave me permanently disabled at about 60% of normal. Third, declaring me permanent total disabled leaving me with about 15% function and continuing degradation of the Tarsa bone.

The blue portion of the Tarsa is the part that I am missing, it has degraded that far.

Helluva option list, eh?

[tbone]

Dam Dust, you're too darn young to be that messed up!

Whatever you decide to do just remember, "we're all pulling for you"! 

[dusterdude]

damn that sucks,hang in there bro

[eldar]

I dont know how much you have checking into other options but my GF shattered her ankle about 5 years ago. Not broke but pretty much shattered. It will never fully heal and she always has a limp. There is virtually no cartilage between her ankle joints and leg bones. She is putting things off and currently gets a cortizone shot every few months.  She is holding off as long as possible while ankle replacements get better. As it is, she still rides as there is not that much stress placed on the ankle for the most part, less than walking. For her anyways.

But if anything, look into a replacement and check multiple sources. Some places are too quick to give you the fuse only cure.  I dont know your current monetary or insurance state but check your options.  You might have a doc throwing some quacks at you.

[bill440cars]

       Jeff, just seems like "if it weren't for bad luck, you'd have no luck at all". Not tryin to be funny by using that part of a song off of Hee Haw, just seems to fit. It is a real shame that someone (much less someone your age) has to endure such as you have. Buddy, somehow, you've got to get past all this and take care of yourself. Sometimes though, we seem to get knocked back down about everytime we seem to be getting up. Not much I can offer except my "prayers" for your recovery and my "hope" for your recovery. If nothing else, Rita needs you and you 2 are quite a pair guy! Hang in there Jeff.

                                 Later on, Bill  

[Dusthawk]

But if anything, look into a replacement and check multiple sources. Some places are too quick to give you the fuse only cure.  I dont know your current monetary or insurance state but check your options.  You might have a doc throwing some quacks at you.

Eldar, My doctor is quite well known around these parts as an orthopaedic surgeon and sports surgeon. We discussed the possibility a little bit about replacing the Tarsa with an artificial one but the consern he has is my size. I am over 300 pounds and he doesn't think a replacement will hold up to that much punishment, but he did think about it. I'll know more in a couple of weeks, after he has had a chance to study the MRI more and weigh each option and research other possiblities.

       Jeff, just seems like "if it weren't for bad luck, you'd have no luck at all". Not tryin to be funny by using that part of a song off of Hee Haw, just seems to fit.

                                 Later on, Bill  

Bill, haven't you read the bottom of each of my posts? That quote has been there since I injured myself last year. All my friends in Marin think that is the story of my life, so it stuck. We all get a kick out of it. Every time I see them they ask "So what went wrong this time?" They just know that a week can't go by without something happening. I'm always good for a laugh

[eldar]

Well I have to throw it in. My GF had a couple crappy docs that were more concerned with paying for their huge house and bmw suv than actually telling her the right things. 

[bill440cars]

        You know, now that you mention it, I DO remember that you used that saying. I wasn't even thinking, when I put that saying in that post.   You take care of yourself now.

                                 Later on, Bill  

[Dusthawk]

I totally understand, I have heard stories like that countless times. I have Workmans Comp insurance through AIG, so while they don't like paying so long, they are really constrained to do so since it did happen at work and I have plenty of witnesses, lolol.

What really cracks me up is that my doctor is AIG approved, so I have the best doctor helping me out I could have hoped for. AIG sent me to him in the first place so they can hardly bat an eye when they keep getting billed.

[tramp]

go for the long term fix
you never know, you might live to be 90
pulling for you

[putnaja1]

Eldar, My doctor is quite well known around these parts as an orthopaedic surgeon and sports surgeon. We discussed the possibility a little bit about replacing the Tarsa with an artificial one but the consern he has is my size. I am over 300 pounds and he doesn't think a replacement will hold up to that much punishment, but he did think about it. I'll know more in a couple of weeks, after he has had a chance to study the MRI more and weigh each option and research other possiblities.

Hey man..  You're too young, and you only get one life to live- go for the best fix, even if it means more pain (I know, easy for me to say, right?), but go for the fix that will leave you as close to 100% as possible when it's all done- this is a quality of life issue!!!  Is it possible for you to lose weight if that will help?  I know that's very hard (I'm dieting myself because I am tired of being too heavy)..   Gotta do what you can to preserve!  That's me sticking my nose where it don't belong anyway.  I'm pulling for you man!

[Dusthawk]

Putnaja1, believe me, I would love to lose weight. I am doing everything I can. I exercise in every way I can but am very limited. My right leg won't bear weight due to the ankle, my right shoulder has been dislocated numerous times due to catching myself when my ankle goes out, and my back has been bad since a skiing accident in 89, so there are very few exercises I can do. I have completely restructured my food intake but I don't think it is helping much either. I have completely removed fried food, increased my veggie and fruit intake, and indulge in a bit of chocolate once a week. My daily caloric intake has been reduce to 1200, I didn't want my body to enter hibernation mode by underfeeding it. We shall see what happens.

[CrisPDuk]

Blimey Jeff, I know they say sh!t happens, but i didn't realise that when it does it generally happens to you

Just a quick tip on the weight loss front, try incorporating some thai or vietnamese cooking into you diet.

I've been working out here in Bangkok now for 7 months and have lost nearly 30kg

The work I'm doing is no different to what I was doing back home, so the weight loss must be mainly down to the fact that starchy foods like potatoes and bread have almost completely disappeared from my diet.

PS don't worry folks, I'm not wasting away, there's still ovr 90kg of me left

[Dusthawk]

Vietnamese works best for me, Thai generally depends too much on using spices too much for my taste, though a good curry always goes well. I even have my own wok set and love roasted sesame oils as opposed to most others.

[putnaja1]

Ouch- I didn't realize your shoulder and back were hurt too..  Yikes!  I wonder if swimming is an option?  That's about the only thing I can think of that wouldn't overstress your ankle or back..  I wonder how your shoulder would hold up to swimming?  Might be good for it I guess- a doc would know best.  Are there any kind of ankle braces that would lock up your ankle solid/rigid, so you can walk without damaging it?  Or is that just wishful thinking?

 

[Dusthawk]

Swimming is out unfortunately, cuz I love it. I can't move my shoulder through enough range unless I doggy-paddle, and I don't see myself doing laps that way, and please don't visualize it either, you would probably have a stroke from laughing.

As far as the brace, I have to wear this huge boot thing that goes halfway to the knee. Since I can't wear a brace in the shower and I didn't (and still don't) have access to a handicap shower, thats where my ankle gives out and I reflexively grab with my right arm to keep from falling, hence the dislocation.

If I were a horse, they would have shot me long ago. 

[putnaja1]

If I were a horse, they would have shot me long ago. 

Just don't give up hope- my dad had his knee degenerate to the point where he couldn't walk anymore unless it was only a few steps..  He was 60 when he had his knee replaced with an artificial one..  Now, he is 100%!  I still can't believe it!  It's like he was given a whole new lease on life, and he gets out and does things again.  It's truly amazing what docs can do these days.  He had some painful days after the surgury, and he had to be diligent about the physical therapy too, but I know he would do it all over again if he had to.

About the swimming- I bet even with only doggie paddle, the exercise would be good for you!  I wonder if your doc has any other exercise ideas?  Do you see a Physical Therapist now?

Jason

[Dusthawk]

I was seeing a therapist for 4 months but when my ankle started getting worse my doc said to stop until we found out what was wrong.

He wants me to just stay off of it for now.

[turtle]

Dusty even walking in the water is good exercise. The buoyancy supports your weight and the water provides resistance. Could be worth considering?

Re the shower problem - have you tried using one of those plastic patio chairs? The are very cheap (<$10) here is Oz so presumably there too.

[Dusthawk]

yep, tried the resin patio chair I have and it doesn't fit well in the shower. I use it as much as I can.

[CrisPDuk]

Vietnamese works best for me, Thai generally depends too much on using spices too much for my taste, though a good curry always goes well. I even have my own wok set and love roasted sesame oils as opposed to most others.

 

Traditional Vietnamese and Laotian cooking is the equal of anything the rest of the world can offer, in my humble opinion

The Thai food does take some getting used to I admit
I don't find the spices they use to be a problem personally, but some of the 'milder' stuff they make with chilli peppers can completely devour a westerner from inside in less than an hour

[clarkjh]

yep, tried the resin patio chair I have and it doesn't fit well in the shower. I use it as much as I can.

Can you make or have someone make you a custom seat to fit in the shower?  I have a piece of plywood that fits across the tub, for the wife when she wants a soak, tea, and a read in the tub.  Works as a seat if she wants to just soak her feet.  If its Worker Comp. come after them for the seat or modified bathroom.  Take care Jeff.

James

[Bob Wessner]

Jeff,

After reading the post and replies, I went back to look at your original and options. I also think you should go for the option that will get you as close to 100% and for the longest term. I know it carries some heavy baggage, but you are too young for either of the other two in my opinion. More than once I've been told to keep my opinion to myself , so don't worry if you end up not agreeing for whatever reason. Good luck.

[Pinhead]

Just a quick tip on the weight loss front, try incorporating some thai or vietnamese cooking into you diet.

I've been working out here in Bangkok now for 7 months and have lost nearly 30kg

The work I'm doing is no different to what I was doing back home, so the weight loss must be mainly down to the fact that starchy foods like potatoes and bread have almost completely disappeared from my diet.

That's the basis of the Atkins diet. My dad went on it and went from 220lbs to 175lbs in a couple of months. Never felt better in his life and his heart and circulatory system are both better than 20 years ago. The key is ELIMINATING starch and carbohydrates. Don't cut back, ELIMINATE. You can eat all the fatty, greasy foods you want... But french fries, mashed potatoes, bread, and anything with more than a few carbs have to go. To make it really work you have to get low-carb ketchup and condiments... Always check the labels for the carb content. Believe me, you won't regret it.

[Dusthawk]

yep, tried the resin patio chair I have and it doesn't fit well in the shower. I use it as much as I can.

Can you make or have someone make you a custom seat to fit in the shower?  I have a piece of plywood that fits across the tub, for the wife when she wants a soak, tea, and a read in the tub.  Works as a seat if she wants to just soak her feet.  If its Worker Comp. come after them for the seat or modified bathroom.  Take care Jeff.

James

My biggest hurdle is where I live. I rent a 26 foot trailer and the cost of adapting the shower in the main building to accomodate me is prohibitively expensive, and Workmans Comp won't cover that. The shower in my trailer is so small I can't stand up straight or even turn around, let alone wash up. Being all bent up is even worse for my ankle in that shower. I'll just keep making do with the resin chair as best I can, and know that one day I won't have to worry about it so much.

Jeff,

After reading the post and replies, I went back to look at your original and options. I also think you should go for the option that will get you as close to 100% and for the longest term. I know it carries some heavy baggage, but you are too young for either of the other two in my opinion. More than once I've been told to keep my opinion to myself , so don't worry if you end up not agreeing for whatever reason. Good luck.

Bob, believe me, I will do whatever it takes to get as close to 100% as possible. It all depends on what my Doctor concludes and AIG approves. I have already spoken to a workmans comp attorney so I can always call on him to help out if need be.

I am hoping that the first option, where he rebuilds my Tarsa, is decided upon. Yes, it's a longer healing time and a lot more pain because they have to open my entire ankle up to get to it. I just feel it will be my best chance to be as healed as possible. I have a high tolerance for short duration pain, but virtually none for long duration pain.

Not a day goes by where I don't kick myself for not just letting myself fall on my ass. If I had, I wouldn't be in this situation. I had to try to recover my balance and ended up screwing everything up for myself. 20/20 hindsight is a real bummer sometimes.