Aa
Update on Pain and Loopiness
As you all know, I have been gimping around complaining to all who would listen about the ankle that went "Pop!" under me last week. Even though I told the Doc-in-the-Box that the worst pain was on the side of my lower leg up by the knee, she only would x-ray the ankle which was super swollen and four shades of purple. I've been walking around on it for a week.
I saw the orthopedist this am. I have a Massionneurve fracture. This is a complete rupture of the ligaments of the inside ankle (with or without a fracture of the medial malleolus) which then allowed the whole ankle and foot to externally rotate - so that the big bone (tibia) and the little bone (fibula) criss-crossed one another. This then resulted in a spiral fracture of the fibula near the top. All the fascia in between the bones was damaged. No wonder the calf hurt so much. The UC doc should have listened to me.
My ankle is unstable, but in perfect alignment and the fracture is non-displaced. So I have a walking boot on with orders to stay off of it and keep it elevated. If it heals in place over 6 weeks or so, then all is well. If it stays unstable then I will need a couple screws in the ankle. Here is a picture of the fracture that looks a lot like mine.
http://rad.usuhs.edu/medpix/master.php3?mode=topic_images&recnum=6626&quiz=#top
The fibula only takes about 17% of the weight of the load on the leg. That's why I have been able to walk. I would think it would heal if we leave both ends of the bone in the same room. The ankle rupture may be more problematic.
I'm still needing more pain meds, but that should subside once it stays immobilized for a while. I will buy a little laptop to use in my recliner so I can be on the forum with you guys. Lots to say.
I see you all are holding down the forum beautifully, but I want to be wanted and will be here soon.
Keep the peace
Quix, the Gimpy
I saw the orthopedist this am. I have a Massionneurve fracture. This is a complete rupture of the ligaments of the inside ankle (with or without a fracture of the medial malleolus) which then allowed the whole ankle and foot to externally rotate - so that the big bone (tibia) and the little bone (fibula) criss-crossed one another. This then resulted in a spiral fracture of the fibula near the top. All the fascia in between the bones was damaged. No wonder the calf hurt so much. The UC doc should have listened to me.
My ankle is unstable, but in perfect alignment and the fracture is non-displaced. So I have a walking boot on with orders to stay off of it and keep it elevated. If it heals in place over 6 weeks or so, then all is well. If it stays unstable then I will need a couple screws in the ankle. Here is a picture of the fracture that looks a lot like mine.
http://rad.usuhs.edu/medpix/master.php3?mode=topic_images&recnum=6626&quiz=#top
The fibula only takes about 17% of the weight of the load on the leg. That's why I have been able to walk. I would think it would heal if we leave both ends of the bone in the same room. The ankle rupture may be more problematic.
I'm still needing more pain meds, but that should subside once it stays immobilized for a while. I will buy a little laptop to use in my recliner so I can be on the forum with you guys. Lots to say.
I see you all are holding down the forum beautifully, but I want to be wanted and will be here soon.
Keep the peace
Quix, the Gimpy
Quix,
I'm glad you're hurting less now and have resolved to stay hydrated. In anticipation of the need to visit the "loo" more often, why don't you just get a female-type urinal (with a lid) and a bucket for its safekeeping. Also a bedside commode would be useful. That way you could hydrate to the max and possibly not have to really leave your bed at night (or just stand next to it). Nighttime walking by people with already compromised mobility can translate into more falls and fractures (don't think you need anything else broken). My dad had a urinal (prostate enlargement) and my mom had a bedside commode due to her mobility issues and frequent falling. Both really helped them with their nighttime relief. As the scouts say: Be prepared!!
Thanks for enlightening me about what you indicate is a common term - "doc-in-the-box" - which I had never heard before. It's a cute term - descriptive - I like it! In your earlier post using that term, I thought you meant the MD you saw was a "doc-in-the-box" because he couldn't think outside the box. LOL! (canned techno-laughter)
I've only gone to one emergency center in the past several years - run by the university - and the results were not satisfactory, to say the least. I got worse and they would not return my calls. I guess urgent care centers can be good for fast pain relief, general first aid, referring you to the ER, etc.
I used to use the ER for my emergencies - but now I tend to just tough things out at home with my home oygen and my CPAP. I get better care at home and it's cheaper!
WAF
I'm glad you're hurting less now and have resolved to stay hydrated. In anticipation of the need to visit the "loo" more often, why don't you just get a female-type urinal (with a lid) and a bucket for its safekeeping. Also a bedside commode would be useful. That way you could hydrate to the max and possibly not have to really leave your bed at night (or just stand next to it). Nighttime walking by people with already compromised mobility can translate into more falls and fractures (don't think you need anything else broken). My dad had a urinal (prostate enlargement) and my mom had a bedside commode due to her mobility issues and frequent falling. Both really helped them with their nighttime relief. As the scouts say: Be prepared!!
Thanks for enlightening me about what you indicate is a common term - "doc-in-the-box" - which I had never heard before. It's a cute term - descriptive - I like it! In your earlier post using that term, I thought you meant the MD you saw was a "doc-in-the-box" because he couldn't think outside the box. LOL! (canned techno-laughter)
I've only gone to one emergency center in the past several years - run by the university - and the results were not satisfactory, to say the least. I got worse and they would not return my calls. I guess urgent care centers can be good for fast pain relief, general first aid, referring you to the ER, etc.
I used to use the ER for my emergencies - but now I tend to just tough things out at home with my home oygen and my CPAP. I get better care at home and it's cheaper!
WAF
Quix,
Oh my gosh, girlfriend... The description of your injury gave me the CHILLS....
You need to take it easy, take your pain meds, and drink a cool one.....
Enjoy your party.... PARTY ON girl!
terri
Oh my gosh, girlfriend... The description of your injury gave me the CHILLS....
You need to take it easy, take your pain meds, and drink a cool one.....
Enjoy your party.... PARTY ON girl!
terri
Dearest Dr. Momma Bear Quizzles, the Dense:
I've been terribly swamped (for no obvious reason, just life), and as a result am so sorry to have been oblivious to this thread until this morning. We will surely pray for rapid healing, but I must note that my hair isn't quite long enough for braiding just yet. However, I am happy to hear that you gave a proper upbraiding to the UC doc-in-a-box, who I surely hope has learned something valuable from this experience.
A number of years ago, Loretta had her heel rebuilt, and came home with a very large titanium bolt in her foot. As the orthodoc had cautioned was possible, this bolt began to back out -- through the bottom rear edge of the heel -- when she walked on it. As a result, the head of the bolt (hex-shaped, just like a car's lug nuts) was trying to push out through the bottom of the heel. Doc prescribed another trip to OR for its' anticipated removal. She advised all parties that she wanted to keep the bolt after its' removal. That much white metal would have brought a pretty price at the time, as I recall. Funny, the follks who cleaned up the OR said they couldn't find it.
Oh, she also said that the bone density folks had explained that her many years of being overweight had helped her bones to grow very strong. Good (for most of us, probably) to know it has some positives!
Wow, 64 years! Give those folks a big hug for us, & tell 'em God's surely smiling.
I've been terribly swamped (for no obvious reason, just life), and as a result am so sorry to have been oblivious to this thread until this morning. We will surely pray for rapid healing, but I must note that my hair isn't quite long enough for braiding just yet. However, I am happy to hear that you gave a proper upbraiding to the UC doc-in-a-box, who I surely hope has learned something valuable from this experience.
A number of years ago, Loretta had her heel rebuilt, and came home with a very large titanium bolt in her foot. As the orthodoc had cautioned was possible, this bolt began to back out -- through the bottom rear edge of the heel -- when she walked on it. As a result, the head of the bolt (hex-shaped, just like a car's lug nuts) was trying to push out through the bottom of the heel. Doc prescribed another trip to OR for its' anticipated removal. She advised all parties that she wanted to keep the bolt after its' removal. That much white metal would have brought a pretty price at the time, as I recall. Funny, the follks who cleaned up the OR said they couldn't find it.
Oh, she also said that the bone density folks had explained that her many years of being overweight had helped her bones to grow very strong. Good (for most of us, probably) to know it has some positives!
Wow, 64 years! Give those folks a big hug for us, & tell 'em God's surely smiling.
This is true. Our tendency to be more sedentary and the use of steroids are all possible causes of increased bone loss in MS. Dennis mentioned this above. My neuro considered this to be part of the baseline screening for all patients.
Chronic use of steroids is far more likely to cause bone loss than periodic use (like it is used in MS).
I had a scan a couple years ago and am unusually dense, ;))
Quix
Chronic use of steroids is far more likely to cause bone loss than periodic use (like it is used in MS).
I had a scan a couple years ago and am unusually dense, ;))
Quix
Hey, I've heard some stuff recently about osteoporosis and MS - because people with MS usually don't see the PCP as often, they don't get themselves checked for bone density.
Paula and WAF - I'm really in surprisingly little pain now. Mostly aching after I have been walking - WEARING the boot. The fall was caused by my thigh weakness from the MS. I accidently got myself into a deeper squat position that I can hold and collapsed down onto my heels. My ankle buckled under my weight (far too much weight) and forcebly everted. This folded the foot out toward the outside of my leg. Anyone's ligaments would have ruptured. No fluoroquinolones for several years,
Yes, I have come to be on first-name basis with many of the mice, birds and snakes - thanks to our mighty hunter, Clyde. She is very proud of her prey.
Jan, you are absolutely right about hydration being healthier than being dry, but I get soooo tired of trekking to the loo. "Hello, Merry Loo, Goodbye, Sleep."
Doc -In-the-Box is a common name for the standalone Urgent Care Clinics.
Quix
Yes, I have come to be on first-name basis with many of the mice, birds and snakes - thanks to our mighty hunter, Clyde. She is very proud of her prey.
Jan, you are absolutely right about hydration being healthier than being dry, but I get soooo tired of trekking to the loo. "Hello, Merry Loo, Goodbye, Sleep."
Doc -In-the-Box is a common name for the standalone Urgent Care Clinics.
Quix
Quix,
I feel so bad for you - what you're going through! Yet even now you're still thinking of others - like the poor mice you might be more inclined to accidentally step on with your new issues!! I guess you've gotten to know them well during your times stranded on the floor in the floods.
I know you said you had ligament rupture - but I wonder. . . Were you on any fluoroquinolones within the past year? I know they have a well-deserved reputation for causing tendon rupture, but I recently read they can also cause damage to cartilage and ligaments. So many MSers end up on Cipro for the UTIs. I'm sure you already know all this, I'm just spilling out the thoughts that came to mind when reading about your trials . . . and hoping you feel much better soon, oh fearless and comical leader!!!
WAF
P.S. I liked your "doctor-in-a-box" image. Quix, only through hearing of your many trying experiences with doctors, have I learned, quite surprisingly, that even doctors sometimes suffer the same @*$^&#% that the rest of often experience when having to deal with physicians.
WAF
I feel so bad for you - what you're going through! Yet even now you're still thinking of others - like the poor mice you might be more inclined to accidentally step on with your new issues!! I guess you've gotten to know them well during your times stranded on the floor in the floods.
I know you said you had ligament rupture - but I wonder. . . Were you on any fluoroquinolones within the past year? I know they have a well-deserved reputation for causing tendon rupture, but I recently read they can also cause damage to cartilage and ligaments. So many MSers end up on Cipro for the UTIs. I'm sure you already know all this, I'm just spilling out the thoughts that came to mind when reading about your trials . . . and hoping you feel much better soon, oh fearless and comical leader!!!
WAF
P.S. I liked your "doctor-in-a-box" image. Quix, only through hearing of your many trying experiences with doctors, have I learned, quite surprisingly, that even doctors sometimes suffer the same @*$^&#% that the rest of often experience when having to deal with physicians.
WAF
"if it can happen it will?"
I too will be sending healing thoughts and energy to you.
Dehydration might not be as healing as Ditrpan XR and hydration to wash those metabolites of healing out and down the sewer system!
From Alaska in the rain today!
Jan
I too will be sending healing thoughts and energy to you.
Dehydration might not be as healing as Ditrpan XR and hydration to wash those metabolites of healing out and down the sewer system!
From Alaska in the rain today!
Jan
Wow!!!! I can't even imagine the pain you are in. My prayers are with you to have a swift and full recovery.
I have one question...was this brought on my the MS, or was it something else.
I have to admit I am so glad I have found this forum. It has really helped me alot and taught me alot.
Get well soon
Paula
I have one question...was this brought on my the MS, or was it something else.
I have to admit I am so glad I have found this forum. It has really helped me alot and taught me alot.
Get well soon
Paula
"The drowned mice" I am guessing refer to the moles and this just made me laugh.
Keep that sense of humour..it keeps us all going and we are all delighted to have our oww "One Legged Stand Up Comedian"
Love Sarah x
Sleepover sounds such fun....but just a bit too far from UK...perhaps one day..it would be such fun to meet up with you all.
Keep that sense of humour..it keeps us all going and we are all delighted to have our oww "One Legged Stand Up Comedian"
Love Sarah x
Sleepover sounds such fun....but just a bit too far from UK...perhaps one day..it would be such fun to meet up with you all.
You are always just too funny :-D
Can I book you on Leno or Letterman, unless your prefer Coco..?
Your are the Dr & Chief Comedian....
John
Can I book you on Leno or Letterman, unless your prefer Coco..?
Your are the Dr & Chief Comedian....
John
Don't let the wimps on the board keep you from having the camping trip. I will write an OT explaining how to pee outdoors...lol...I raised a group of boys. I know these things...lol
I am so sorry about the bladder issues. It is one of the most embarrassing things (well, next to bowel). I find it so humiliating. Then much like you, I try to make it a laugh but inside, I am crying.
One thing you sure didn't need...an ankle to kick out. How do you even lift the brace? I would have just thrown my hands up. Hell, I can hardly lift my foot. Add weight and it's over!!!
I hope you continue to heal and hope you never lose that wonderful sense of humor!!!
I am so sorry about the bladder issues. It is one of the most embarrassing things (well, next to bowel). I find it so humiliating. Then much like you, I try to make it a laugh but inside, I am crying.
One thing you sure didn't need...an ankle to kick out. How do you even lift the brace? I would have just thrown my hands up. Hell, I can hardly lift my foot. Add weight and it's over!!!
I hope you continue to heal and hope you never lose that wonderful sense of humor!!!
oh man, that is quite the injury!!!
love your spots of humour all over the updates here---it is clear that not anyone or anything can dampen your spirits!
i've only been part of this forum for a short while and already i know how very loved and valued you are!!!
wishing you all the best in the days ahead, and hooray for the laptop!!!!!
xoxoxo
michelle(islay)
love your spots of humour all over the updates here---it is clear that not anyone or anything can dampen your spirits!
i've only been part of this forum for a short while and already i know how very loved and valued you are!!!
wishing you all the best in the days ahead, and hooray for the laptop!!!!!
xoxoxo
michelle(islay)
I'm glad you are on the mend! You fulfill what every nurse already knows, doctors make the worst patients!! They never follow the rules ;-).
The view for the slumber party sounds fantastic! If we all come, how many bathrooms do you have , considering many of us have bladder issues?
Name the date and you may have a visitor or two... Especially of airport transfers are included, lol.
Ren
The view for the slumber party sounds fantastic! If we all come, how many bathrooms do you have , considering many of us have bladder issues?
Name the date and you may have a visitor or two... Especially of airport transfers are included, lol.
Ren
Hi, floks, here for another update.
Pain - minimal, some aching at night. Your good wishes worked.
Loopiness - Unchanged, but can no longer be blamed on pain meds.
I saw the ortho for a follow up on Tuesday. I admitted that I hadn't been wearing the boot because of pain. He gave me the stink eye, but since I hadn't damaged the foot further, he stopped short of having one of the technicians flog me. He did explain that if I twist that ankle again before it heals, the bones of my calf will splay out and will need to be screwed together. Since it no longer hurts I am wearing the boot most of the time.
I yelled at the Urgent Care doc who didn't xray my leg. She was very embarassed and apologized.
I am busy with paperwork, but will be back as soon as I can. If there are any topics that really need my pearls of wisdom just send me a message for a head's up.
The cats have found a new prey and have started bringing in baby moles. Since moles are the great bain of the area, this is considered a good thing.
Chocolate is good. I forgot though that too much of it gives me headaches. It's a tightrope I walk.
The incontinence issue is still a chore. I am on ungodly amounts of this med, Oxybutinin, which causes industrial constipation, but relaxes the bladder spasms. Now I am still incontinent, but just enough to lower the pressure in the bladder. Thus, fewer epic floodings, but now I can't empty. I'm also having painful urethral spasms. I am treating a new UTI, probably from retention and from keeping myself too dehydrated. I think the answer might have to be self-cath'ing to make sure that I empty 3 times a day or so, and I probably need to step up my fluid intake.
It's hard to know how much improvement there has been in my bladder issues. Less mopping and fewer drowned mice are good, but the UTI stinks.
We are preparing for a neighborhood party to celebrate our construction of last year - the neighbors are all curious about the buildout and the elevator. And also to celebrate my parents' 64th Anniversary. Then the house gets reroofed with skylights to be put in the dark, northside living room.
Temps here are still in the 70's to low 80's with breezes. Bring your own sleeping bag and you can camp out in a room with a view across the Columbia Gorge. We'll braid each other's hair and fight for the bathroom. I'll provide transportation to and from the airport.
STay cool.
Quix
Pain - minimal, some aching at night. Your good wishes worked.
Loopiness - Unchanged, but can no longer be blamed on pain meds.
I saw the ortho for a follow up on Tuesday. I admitted that I hadn't been wearing the boot because of pain. He gave me the stink eye, but since I hadn't damaged the foot further, he stopped short of having one of the technicians flog me. He did explain that if I twist that ankle again before it heals, the bones of my calf will splay out and will need to be screwed together. Since it no longer hurts I am wearing the boot most of the time.
I yelled at the Urgent Care doc who didn't xray my leg. She was very embarassed and apologized.
I am busy with paperwork, but will be back as soon as I can. If there are any topics that really need my pearls of wisdom just send me a message for a head's up.
The cats have found a new prey and have started bringing in baby moles. Since moles are the great bain of the area, this is considered a good thing.
Chocolate is good. I forgot though that too much of it gives me headaches. It's a tightrope I walk.
The incontinence issue is still a chore. I am on ungodly amounts of this med, Oxybutinin, which causes industrial constipation, but relaxes the bladder spasms. Now I am still incontinent, but just enough to lower the pressure in the bladder. Thus, fewer epic floodings, but now I can't empty. I'm also having painful urethral spasms. I am treating a new UTI, probably from retention and from keeping myself too dehydrated. I think the answer might have to be self-cath'ing to make sure that I empty 3 times a day or so, and I probably need to step up my fluid intake.
It's hard to know how much improvement there has been in my bladder issues. Less mopping and fewer drowned mice are good, but the UTI stinks.
We are preparing for a neighborhood party to celebrate our construction of last year - the neighbors are all curious about the buildout and the elevator. And also to celebrate my parents' 64th Anniversary. Then the house gets reroofed with skylights to be put in the dark, northside living room.
Temps here are still in the 70's to low 80's with breezes. Bring your own sleeping bag and you can camp out in a room with a view across the Columbia Gorge. We'll braid each other's hair and fight for the bathroom. I'll provide transportation to and from the airport.
STay cool.
Quix
I am sorry to hear that you have such an injury. I am very glad, as echoed by others that you did not accept the first answer you got. A lot of times we know something is wrong even if no one else does.
Sending healing thoughts.
-Y
Sending healing thoughts.
-Y
COMMUNITY LEADER
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[HUGS]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
I can't think of more to say, it sounds really really bad and nothing i say will make the boo boo better! I'd recommend lots and lots of ice cream but i've got choc mud cake warmed in the mircrowave with a huge blob of ice cream, going around in my mind, so whats your poison?
Cheers........JJ
I can't think of more to say, it sounds really really bad and nothing i say will make the boo boo better! I'd recommend lots and lots of ice cream but i've got choc mud cake warmed in the mircrowave with a huge blob of ice cream, going around in my mind, so whats your poison?
Cheers........JJ
Dear Quix,
sorry I have been so late in posting regarding your unfortunate and vey paiful accident.
You have my sympathies including all the extra ones hiding in the closet. I worked on an ortho floor for almost2 years...worst pain a person can have (excluding kidney stones and natural childbirth).
I hope your healing process goes quickly and the pain subsides. I'm sure this depends on how much you follow the doc's orders. Seems docs make the worst patients.
One other note. Can I use part of a comment from a post written above by you? "I had a DEXA scan a couple years ago and my bones rival those of a healthy 35 year old woman. I am unusually dense." It's the last four words I was referring to. Just asking....
lol.
Sending feel better and quick healing thoughts your way,
Ren
sorry I have been so late in posting regarding your unfortunate and vey paiful accident.
You have my sympathies including all the extra ones hiding in the closet. I worked on an ortho floor for almost2 years...worst pain a person can have (excluding kidney stones and natural childbirth).
I hope your healing process goes quickly and the pain subsides. I'm sure this depends on how much you follow the doc's orders. Seems docs make the worst patients.
One other note. Can I use part of a comment from a post written above by you? "I had a DEXA scan a couple years ago and my bones rival those of a healthy 35 year old woman. I am unusually dense." It's the last four words I was referring to. Just asking....
lol.
Sending feel better and quick healing thoughts your way,
Ren
That sounds painful! I hope it heals soon. But I'm glad you figured out what was really going on, instead of just accepting the first answer.
Stephanie
Stephanie
Quix, I'm so sorry, that just sounds awful. What a predicament you are in with the pain in your leg and the incontinence. What a combination to have! I'm sorry you are going through all of this right now.
Some of these responses are just hysterical. Sometimes life can be so bad that you just have to laugh.
I'm not sure about the Segway thing as that involves coordination and balance. I was thinking along the line of a Zip Line that would lift you from your chair directly to that bathroom possibly with your laptop still in your lap.
I know the pain you are isn't funny---just trying to add brevity when possible.
Thank you for being so available to us and allowing us to help you as well.
(((Hugs)))
Red
Some of these responses are just hysterical. Sometimes life can be so bad that you just have to laugh.
I'm not sure about the Segway thing as that involves coordination and balance. I was thinking along the line of a Zip Line that would lift you from your chair directly to that bathroom possibly with your laptop still in your lap.
I know the pain you are isn't funny---just trying to add brevity when possible.
Thank you for being so available to us and allowing us to help you as well.
(((Hugs)))
Red
Careful with those ligaments they are fragile the first three months I kept tearing mine.
How is the itching? I am itchy and -itchy. The forth week of poison ivy is getting to me. I just take tranquillizers and sleep otherwise I itch myself raw. Now it is on my belly.
My poor husband.
Alex
How is the itching? I am itchy and -itchy. The forth week of poison ivy is getting to me. I just take tranquillizers and sleep otherwise I itch myself raw. Now it is on my belly.
My poor husband.
Alex
You are always wanted and are so helpful with all that you are able to give on this forum. However right now you need to rest and look after yourself.
2 Years ago I ruptured all the ligaments in my left ankle (by tripping over a forklift truck as one does!!) I could not believe how long it took to heal. I was in plaster for 5 weeks and then had physio for what felt like months.
I really empathise with you and hope that your recovery is not prolonged.
With love and hugs
Sarah xxx
2 Years ago I ruptured all the ligaments in my left ankle (by tripping over a forklift truck as one does!!) I could not believe how long it took to heal. I was in plaster for 5 weeks and then had physio for what felt like months.
I really empathise with you and hope that your recovery is not prolonged.
With love and hugs
Sarah xxx
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