Ouch (possible NSFW pictures of my rear to follow)
Discussion
Another update, but not a very thrilling one... On the plus side, there’s no squashed plums to put anyone off their lunch.
I saw the consultant again today - briefly. I actually “saw” the registrar, with the consultant poking her head round the door to say a quick “hello”.
We are back on track, which for now, means an increase from 50% weight bearing to 75% weight bearing. That means I still can’t drive, which is a bit of a faff, but not entirely unexpected. It just means I still can’t take The Idiot out on my own to the dog field, or go shopping, or get Christmas stuff sorted, or visit people for a brew, or go down to the NEC... it’s a bit of a pain in the arse, to be honest!
This increase in loading means that next Wednesday’s physio session will be “interesting”... when I saw them this week, the physio told me she “couldn’t wait” until my weight bearing was increased. They’re not sadists, apparently, because they don’t enjoy inflicting the pain. It doesn’t seem like they’re that averse to it, though!
My next appointment with the consultant is in six weeks, so hopefully, just before Christmas. This means I won’t be going to the Police rehab centre at Harrogate until the New Year, as I get the most benefit when I’m fully weight bearing. I can go any time, but as I can’t drive yet, I’d need to get a lift there and back, as well as relying on people to get The Idiot to kennels while I’m away.
I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that’s it for infections. I’ve got a few exercises to do, very low impact, standing on tiptoes from flat, low squats, nothing much, but it’s surprising how two or three sets of ten gets my arse cheek and quads shaking!
I saw the consultant again today - briefly. I actually “saw” the registrar, with the consultant poking her head round the door to say a quick “hello”.
We are back on track, which for now, means an increase from 50% weight bearing to 75% weight bearing. That means I still can’t drive, which is a bit of a faff, but not entirely unexpected. It just means I still can’t take The Idiot out on my own to the dog field, or go shopping, or get Christmas stuff sorted, or visit people for a brew, or go down to the NEC... it’s a bit of a pain in the arse, to be honest!
This increase in loading means that next Wednesday’s physio session will be “interesting”... when I saw them this week, the physio told me she “couldn’t wait” until my weight bearing was increased. They’re not sadists, apparently, because they don’t enjoy inflicting the pain. It doesn’t seem like they’re that averse to it, though!
My next appointment with the consultant is in six weeks, so hopefully, just before Christmas. This means I won’t be going to the Police rehab centre at Harrogate until the New Year, as I get the most benefit when I’m fully weight bearing. I can go any time, but as I can’t drive yet, I’d need to get a lift there and back, as well as relying on people to get The Idiot to kennels while I’m away.
I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that’s it for infections. I’ve got a few exercises to do, very low impact, standing on tiptoes from flat, low squats, nothing much, but it’s surprising how two or three sets of ten gets my arse cheek and quads shaking!
Another brief update from me, while I wait for the fun bus to take me home from physio today.
I’m now consistently maintaining a 100° bend in my knee, but seem to have stalled a bit at that angle. The physio explained that might be as good as it gets (worst case scenario), but they can’t really do much more “forcing” it to bend until I’m fully weight bearing, which I’m still hoping will be just before Christmas.
The reasons for the lack of bend aren’t just one thing or necessarily that straightforward; it could be “adhesions”, where the muscles/tendons/ligaments on the inside of my knee have glued themselves together, it could be shortened muscles/tendons, it could be position of my kneecap having been permanently “relocated” after the pins in my knee... the short version is they won’t know until I’m fully weight bearing and they can start to “load it properly and make you work”... Ace. I can hardly wait. No, really.
On the plus side, I had a go on the exercise bike in the physio gym today. Getting on and off was interesting, but obviously with my extensive dance skills, natural underlying grace and fluidity, I made it look easy. Apparently you’re not supposed to go on the bike until you’re fully weight bearing, but I “persuaded” the physio to let me have a go and once I was on, it was reasonably straightforward to actually pedal. The physio told me to start peddling slowly and she’d assess whether I could actually have a proper go on the bike. She meant one full revolution of the pedals, then stop, but I thought she meant to just start and keep going, so I did. She was a bit surprised and told me off, but said she was also surprised and pleased that I could manage it.
I did a whole five minutes of pedalling, but with very little actual resistance on the pedals, so loading wise, it was pretty low key. Because my right leg is about three centimetres shorter than my left, it’s almost impossible to actually put 100% through my leg, so it’s sort of self limiting fortunately. It did feel a bit odd, as though I wasn’t on the saddle properly. Once I can ride my own bike, that’ll be a big help, but I’ll just need to be aware that one leg is shorter than the other when stopping...
That said, five minutes of low impact pedalling had my heart rate up to about 110 beats per minute and I’m still a bit sweaty! It just shows how unfit I’ve become, the the physio was happy with what I’ve achieved.
Yesterday I was taken to see the force doctor, with a view to whether or not they’re going to retire me on an ill health pension; I’m undecided about what I actually want to do, long term. I’d always intended going back to work full time, but to do anything remotely “operational”, I’ll need to take and pass the annual JRFT (Jove related fitness test), which for my current role as a detective constable is the shuttle run to level 5:3. They actually bin off the first two minutes of walking, so you start at level two, meaning the total time “running” is only three minutes and ten seconds, so it’s not exactly testing. The difficulty I’ll have is doing the turns and keeping up the pace, because of my shorter leg. Even with an orthotic shoe or an insole, I might still struggle, because my knees are at different heights, which is what will make things tricky. Add in the possibility that my knee won’t bend fully and it might not be doable. One option might be what’s called the Chester treadmill test, which is used for people who can’t do the shuttle run for whatever reason, but even that might be difficult, depending on knee mobility/leg lengths. It’s just a case of wait and see for now. If I can’t pass the fitness test, I can’t do my Officer safety training, which means I can’t do anything “public facing”, as I’ll not be licensed to carry my baton/cuffs/leg straps/spit hood/spray. The upshot of that is it means I won’t even be able to interview in the cells, because you need your OST in case the suspect “kicks off”.
The doctor was quite surprised when I said I hoped I would be able to get back to being fully operational and actually put in the report he found that very impressive. I don’t really fancy doing a “non job”, but I’ll just have to weigh up my options once I know how much “recovery “ I’ve made, which could be another 12-18 months after I’m fully weight bearing. I’ve also got the use of the police rehab centres, so that will only help any recovery. It’s certainly not a two week rest while you’re there, that’s for sure.
And last, but not least, today I’m going to be sore at both ends - once I get home, I’ve got a dentist’s appointment this afternoon! It’s all go, but at least I know I’ll sleep soundly tonight.
I’m now consistently maintaining a 100° bend in my knee, but seem to have stalled a bit at that angle. The physio explained that might be as good as it gets (worst case scenario), but they can’t really do much more “forcing” it to bend until I’m fully weight bearing, which I’m still hoping will be just before Christmas.
The reasons for the lack of bend aren’t just one thing or necessarily that straightforward; it could be “adhesions”, where the muscles/tendons/ligaments on the inside of my knee have glued themselves together, it could be shortened muscles/tendons, it could be position of my kneecap having been permanently “relocated” after the pins in my knee... the short version is they won’t know until I’m fully weight bearing and they can start to “load it properly and make you work”... Ace. I can hardly wait. No, really.
On the plus side, I had a go on the exercise bike in the physio gym today. Getting on and off was interesting, but obviously with my extensive dance skills, natural underlying grace and fluidity, I made it look easy. Apparently you’re not supposed to go on the bike until you’re fully weight bearing, but I “persuaded” the physio to let me have a go and once I was on, it was reasonably straightforward to actually pedal. The physio told me to start peddling slowly and she’d assess whether I could actually have a proper go on the bike. She meant one full revolution of the pedals, then stop, but I thought she meant to just start and keep going, so I did. She was a bit surprised and told me off, but said she was also surprised and pleased that I could manage it.
I did a whole five minutes of pedalling, but with very little actual resistance on the pedals, so loading wise, it was pretty low key. Because my right leg is about three centimetres shorter than my left, it’s almost impossible to actually put 100% through my leg, so it’s sort of self limiting fortunately. It did feel a bit odd, as though I wasn’t on the saddle properly. Once I can ride my own bike, that’ll be a big help, but I’ll just need to be aware that one leg is shorter than the other when stopping...
That said, five minutes of low impact pedalling had my heart rate up to about 110 beats per minute and I’m still a bit sweaty! It just shows how unfit I’ve become, the the physio was happy with what I’ve achieved.
Yesterday I was taken to see the force doctor, with a view to whether or not they’re going to retire me on an ill health pension; I’m undecided about what I actually want to do, long term. I’d always intended going back to work full time, but to do anything remotely “operational”, I’ll need to take and pass the annual JRFT (Jove related fitness test), which for my current role as a detective constable is the shuttle run to level 5:3. They actually bin off the first two minutes of walking, so you start at level two, meaning the total time “running” is only three minutes and ten seconds, so it’s not exactly testing. The difficulty I’ll have is doing the turns and keeping up the pace, because of my shorter leg. Even with an orthotic shoe or an insole, I might still struggle, because my knees are at different heights, which is what will make things tricky. Add in the possibility that my knee won’t bend fully and it might not be doable. One option might be what’s called the Chester treadmill test, which is used for people who can’t do the shuttle run for whatever reason, but even that might be difficult, depending on knee mobility/leg lengths. It’s just a case of wait and see for now. If I can’t pass the fitness test, I can’t do my Officer safety training, which means I can’t do anything “public facing”, as I’ll not be licensed to carry my baton/cuffs/leg straps/spit hood/spray. The upshot of that is it means I won’t even be able to interview in the cells, because you need your OST in case the suspect “kicks off”.
The doctor was quite surprised when I said I hoped I would be able to get back to being fully operational and actually put in the report he found that very impressive. I don’t really fancy doing a “non job”, but I’ll just have to weigh up my options once I know how much “recovery “ I’ve made, which could be another 12-18 months after I’m fully weight bearing. I’ve also got the use of the police rehab centres, so that will only help any recovery. It’s certainly not a two week rest while you’re there, that’s for sure.
And last, but not least, today I’m going to be sore at both ends - once I get home, I’ve got a dentist’s appointment this afternoon! It’s all go, but at least I know I’ll sleep soundly tonight.
Cheers WW.
I’ve currently got two 8mm heel cups in my right trainer, one stacked on top of the other, so the “difference” is now only about one centimetre. The main problem with just the heel cups is that I need quite a “high” shoe around the ankle, so my heel doesn’t pull out completely when I’m walking. It seems the difference is too much for just an insole, as it will push the whole of my foot up against the laces bit of my shoe, which I’m told isn’t ideal.
Once I’m fully weight bearing (there seems to be quite a bit riding on “when I’m fully weight bearing” at the moment!) physio will refer me internally to the orthotics people, who will be able to go through the options with me in more detail than the physios can - they readily admit their knowledge of orthotics is only very basic. Physio have said some of my trainers with a “complex” sole wouldn’t be suitable to be built up, so that’s another complication I’ll have to think about come shoe buying time!
I’m not at the stage of going on a proper bike just yet - with or without an engine. For know, it’ll just be the exercise bike in the physio gym.
I had t actually noticed the difference in leg lengths until a couple of weeks ago when I had a go at walking without crutches on the parallel bars. You automatically compensate for the difference with your arms/crutches and it’s only when you’re NOT using them that you really notice anything.
I’ve currently got two 8mm heel cups in my right trainer, one stacked on top of the other, so the “difference” is now only about one centimetre. The main problem with just the heel cups is that I need quite a “high” shoe around the ankle, so my heel doesn’t pull out completely when I’m walking. It seems the difference is too much for just an insole, as it will push the whole of my foot up against the laces bit of my shoe, which I’m told isn’t ideal.
Once I’m fully weight bearing (there seems to be quite a bit riding on “when I’m fully weight bearing” at the moment!) physio will refer me internally to the orthotics people, who will be able to go through the options with me in more detail than the physios can - they readily admit their knowledge of orthotics is only very basic. Physio have said some of my trainers with a “complex” sole wouldn’t be suitable to be built up, so that’s another complication I’ll have to think about come shoe buying time!
I’m not at the stage of going on a proper bike just yet - with or without an engine. For know, it’ll just be the exercise bike in the physio gym.
I had t actually noticed the difference in leg lengths until a couple of weeks ago when I had a go at walking without crutches on the parallel bars. You automatically compensate for the difference with your arms/crutches and it’s only when you’re NOT using them that you really notice anything.
Yep, I’ll have to see what the options are. On the plus side, I’m probably Britain’s least fashionable person, so a spacky looking sure will e neither here nor there for me!
It’s a good point about the cranks and I’m sure my pushbike owning mate can easily swap it over if it needs it. Fortunately, where I live it’s pretty flat - not quite “Dutch flat”, but not a million miles off it, so I might well get away with odd cranks (not a euphemism).
I’ve finished at the dentist, so now I’m treating myself to a couple of pints in my mate’s bar and I’ll be having an early chippy tea in an hour or so, before heading home to watch some rubbish on Netflix with the idiot dog. Don’t tell me I don’t know how to live!
It’s a good point about the cranks and I’m sure my pushbike owning mate can easily swap it over if it needs it. Fortunately, where I live it’s pretty flat - not quite “Dutch flat”, but not a million miles off it, so I might well get away with odd cranks (not a euphemism).
I’ve finished at the dentist, so now I’m treating myself to a couple of pints in my mate’s bar and I’ll be having an early chippy tea in an hour or so, before heading home to watch some rubbish on Netflix with the idiot dog. Don’t tell me I don’t know how to live!
Well, I saw the consultant again today and there was quite a bit of good news. Then there was what I’m going to refer to as “other news”. Positive thinking and all that.
So, the good news: I had a full leg length X-ray done today and I’m pleased to say I now have an actual, honest to god, rebuilt, functioning femur - or about 95% of one. There is still a bit more maturing/hardening of the regenerate (new bone) to go, at the top of my femur, where the lengthening took place after the osteotomy (surgical break). The slight infection from a few weeks ago has stayed under wraps, but is still under review if it rears its ugly, buggy head again.
More good news: I can now weight bear 100%, even through the new bone is still settling down/hardening. Actually using the leg/bone will in fact help with the final bit of healing. I’m allowed to use one crutch inside, two crutches outside and I’m allowed to drive again, which is going to be a huge help. I can’t actually walk without at least one crutch, not yet, anyway.
When I was at physio on Wednesday, the delightful physio told me she “couldn’t wait” to get the go ahead and “start properly working” me. I’m less enthusiastic about this prospect than she is, I suspect. I’m slowly building my glutes and quads back up, relearning to “switch” them on and off to walk/do leg stuff. I’ve got some exercises to do, which seem simple, but are pretty tiring, pretty quickly, but that at least shows I’m exercising the right bits.
Being 100% weight bearing means I can also get my application in for the residential rehab at the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate - if any PH BBers are around when I’m there, I’ll happily come and meet you for a pint or two (although there is a midnight curfew to be back on site). Hopefully I’ll be there early in the New Year, either late January or early February.
The join at the “knee end” is now fully healed, although there are a few odd bits of bone growing around the join, but they should even themselves out a bit. Because the last alignment I had was right at the limits of the frame, they couldn’t quite get my leg as exactly straight/positioned as intended. This isn’t a biggie, it just means that when I lie on my right hand side, because there’s not much muscle there at the moment and quite a bit of scar tissue, I can feel my bone close to the surface. This sensation should reduce, as the muscles get back to normal.
For now, the rogue pin is staying in my knee. My consultant is still of the view that it’s not the cause of the infection and “ferreting about in there and digging it out” (her words) risk doing more harm than good. Again, that is subject to review and will depend on whether or not any more infections appear. If they do, Pinny Pinster might well see the light of day again. I’ve still got the metal plates and pins across the front of my pelvis and again, barring them being an infection host, they’re staying put as well (that was always the plan anyway).
What? The “Other News”? Ah. Yes. Right. Weeeeeellllll...
Remember the not-quite-aligned-just-how-it-was-planned bit at the top of my femur? That, and the really bad infections, meaning a wholesale revision of “Plan A” last summer? My right femur is 28 millimetres (or just over an inch and an eighth for those viewing in black and white and listening in mono) longer than my left femur. This means my knees and ankles are misaligned.
I’ve already been referred to the orthotics people, to start off with an insole, but I’m probably going to need my right shoe to be built up on the sole. Stylish... What this all boils down to is that the consultant isn’t happy with the end result, as far as bone lengths go. She’s happy with the healing and function, just not the length (oo-er, Matron). There are three surgical options to deal with this:
I also want to do a bit of travelling, just the odd weekend here and there and I’d also like to get out of the rental flat I’m currently in and into a place of my own, so I can start paying off a mortgage. Then of course, there’s motorbike shopping to consider...
Anyway, sorry for yet another lengthy post in the seemingly never-ending saga of Leggy McLegster. I’ll leave it there for now, but feel free to fire away if anyone has any questions. Other than that, I hope everyone has a great weekend.
So, the good news: I had a full leg length X-ray done today and I’m pleased to say I now have an actual, honest to god, rebuilt, functioning femur - or about 95% of one. There is still a bit more maturing/hardening of the regenerate (new bone) to go, at the top of my femur, where the lengthening took place after the osteotomy (surgical break). The slight infection from a few weeks ago has stayed under wraps, but is still under review if it rears its ugly, buggy head again.
More good news: I can now weight bear 100%, even through the new bone is still settling down/hardening. Actually using the leg/bone will in fact help with the final bit of healing. I’m allowed to use one crutch inside, two crutches outside and I’m allowed to drive again, which is going to be a huge help. I can’t actually walk without at least one crutch, not yet, anyway.
When I was at physio on Wednesday, the delightful physio told me she “couldn’t wait” to get the go ahead and “start properly working” me. I’m less enthusiastic about this prospect than she is, I suspect. I’m slowly building my glutes and quads back up, relearning to “switch” them on and off to walk/do leg stuff. I’ve got some exercises to do, which seem simple, but are pretty tiring, pretty quickly, but that at least shows I’m exercising the right bits.
Being 100% weight bearing means I can also get my application in for the residential rehab at the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate - if any PH BBers are around when I’m there, I’ll happily come and meet you for a pint or two (although there is a midnight curfew to be back on site). Hopefully I’ll be there early in the New Year, either late January or early February.
The join at the “knee end” is now fully healed, although there are a few odd bits of bone growing around the join, but they should even themselves out a bit. Because the last alignment I had was right at the limits of the frame, they couldn’t quite get my leg as exactly straight/positioned as intended. This isn’t a biggie, it just means that when I lie on my right hand side, because there’s not much muscle there at the moment and quite a bit of scar tissue, I can feel my bone close to the surface. This sensation should reduce, as the muscles get back to normal.
For now, the rogue pin is staying in my knee. My consultant is still of the view that it’s not the cause of the infection and “ferreting about in there and digging it out” (her words) risk doing more harm than good. Again, that is subject to review and will depend on whether or not any more infections appear. If they do, Pinny Pinster might well see the light of day again. I’ve still got the metal plates and pins across the front of my pelvis and again, barring them being an infection host, they’re staying put as well (that was always the plan anyway).
What? The “Other News”? Ah. Yes. Right. Weeeeeellllll...
Remember the not-quite-aligned-just-how-it-was-planned bit at the top of my femur? That, and the really bad infections, meaning a wholesale revision of “Plan A” last summer? My right femur is 28 millimetres (or just over an inch and an eighth for those viewing in black and white and listening in mono) longer than my left femur. This means my knees and ankles are misaligned.
I’ve already been referred to the orthotics people, to start off with an insole, but I’m probably going to need my right shoe to be built up on the sole. Stylish... What this all boils down to is that the consultant isn’t happy with the end result, as far as bone lengths go. She’s happy with the healing and function, just not the length (oo-er, Matron). There are three surgical options to deal with this:
- Option one: lengthen my right femur by 15-20mm. The way it’s already been done, once I’ve got full use of the leg back, in 6-12 months, so another external lateral femoral rail. Eff eff ess. Pros are it’ll be a lot quicker than 18 months and they’ve already pissed about with that leg, so I won’t get any extra scars and my knees and ankles will be back “level”. Cons? Lateral femoral rail, infection risk, length of time to recover (when the frame comes off, I’ll have to go toe touch - 50% - 75% - full weight bearing. Oh, and it’s a good job I kept the “zippy leg jeans”, rather than chucking them out...
- Option two: lengthen my right tibia and fibula by 15-20mm. Pros... erm, let me get back to you on that one. Cons? Halo/Ilizarov frame and two skinny, yet complicated, bones to break and heal. My legs overall will be about the same length, but one knee will be higher than the other. Not ideal.
- Option three: shorten my left femur by 15-20mm, by taking out a “Polo mint” section of my femur, inserting an intramedullary nail in my femur, the. Sticking the two cut ends of the bone together where the section has been removed. Pros are that this is the quickest route, surgery to recovery, and I’d be able to weight bear a lot sooner. It also means my knees and ankles would be correctly aligned. Cons are I’d be shorter in height by 15-20mm (although obviously this will make my cock look much longer, so there’s that...). It also means pissing about with a leg that so far is in perfect nick (it’s all relative). And if I get infections again, either around the IM nail or at the docking site, it could potentially jeopardise my whole leg...
I also want to do a bit of travelling, just the odd weekend here and there and I’d also like to get out of the rental flat I’m currently in and into a place of my own, so I can start paying off a mortgage. Then of course, there’s motorbike shopping to consider...
Anyway, sorry for yet another lengthy post in the seemingly never-ending saga of Leggy McLegster. I’ll leave it there for now, but feel free to fire away if anyone has any questions. Other than that, I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Benni said:
Congrats to your healing progress, and thanks for the updates.
I would go the shoe way, much easier and less risk than the op shenanigans.
You might have to change your nick to Goebble, though.
Cheers, Benni, I appreciate your comments.I would go the shoe way, much easier and less risk than the op shenanigans.
You might have to change your nick to Goebble, though.
It’s not quite as simple as “just a shoe”, that’s the issue. Not doing something could lead to permanent injury/disability down the line, meaning hip/knee replacements (I might need those anyway, as would anyone, I just might need them sooner and/or more often).
I don’t have to worry about it at all for now, that’s one good thing. Another is that I completely trust my consultant, no matter how utterly bonkers she is (absolutely hatstand). So if she thinks it needs doing and is worth doing, I’d be happy to go with her professional opinion.
Ultimately, any decision is mine. I’ve already had a chat about it with my GF and she’s made some good points I hadn’t considered (like perhaps messing with an as yet undamaged limb isn’t necessarily the best option, even though lengthening again will be a right pain). There isn’t a perfect, one size fits all answer unfortunately - like many things in life, it might well be a case of picking the “least worst” option.
The other bit of good news I forgot to mention is that the pain is definitely under control. I’m no longer getting any sort of sciatic pain and I’m already reducing the various medications, with a view to being able to stop taking them all in a few weeks. The biggest worry is the OxyCodone - there are lots of issues about coming off that, particularly after being on it for 18 months. I’m basically the world’s s
ttest heroin addict...Cheers, WW. I’m going to wait until the New Year, then I might drop you a line. For now, I’m just going to enjoy Christmas and the New Year with my GF and The Idiot.
I don’t have to make a decision any time soon. My current plan is to strengthen up the muscles in my duff leg and be able to manage without crutches or a stick. I’ve got some time at the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate, which will be a MASSIVE help with that.
If I do go for lengthening, it’s only going to be 15-20mm, rather than the 150mm or so I’ve already done, so it’ll be much quicker than the 18 months or so I had the frame on for previously (famous last words).
I don’t have to make a decision any time soon. My current plan is to strengthen up the muscles in my duff leg and be able to manage without crutches or a stick. I’ve got some time at the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate, which will be a MASSIVE help with that.
If I do go for lengthening, it’s only going to be 15-20mm, rather than the 150mm or so I’ve already done, so it’ll be much quicker than the 18 months or so I had the frame on for previously (famous last words).
Rewe said:
Glad to hear that you are getting there Dibble!
Is there an option to see how you get on with the funny shoe and take a slice out of the good leg later if you decide you don’t like it.
Sadly, being shorter won’t make your cock look bigger. Being a skinny runt works wonders though! Maybe combine the funny shoe and severe dieting?
Yep, that’s exactly what we are doing now. I’m going to get the duff leg back to normal and see how I cope with the difference in length. I’m not going to rush into any more decisions about surgery for a good few months. Is there an option to see how you get on with the funny shoe and take a slice out of the good leg later if you decide you don’t like it.
Sadly, being shorter won’t make your cock look bigger. Being a skinny runt works wonders though! Maybe combine the funny shoe and severe dieting?
elanfan said:
Dibble, just my 2p worth. When you first had you accident you were hopeful of being up and about in 3 months. I think it’s been 2.5 years hasn’t it? If I were you I’d have a serious think about having a further 6 months of recovery if you have another surgery. You’re getting there and pretty close to be enjoying your life again. So you’ll need a special shoe - so what you can still get about albeit with a limp or strange gait. Does it really matter?? I guess only you can decide.
On another matter, I presume there’s an insurance claim against the other driver? If liability has not yet been admitted you must be getting close to the 3 year cut off to issuing proceedings. Get your lawyer to confirm the other side have accepted liability or get those proceedings to cover your arse - you need to cover your arse we’ve seen enough of it!
Two years, six months, three weeks and five days. Roughly...On another matter, I presume there’s an insurance claim against the other driver? If liability has not yet been admitted you must be getting close to the 3 year cut off to issuing proceedings. Get your lawyer to confirm the other side have accepted liability or get those proceedings to cover your arse - you need to cover your arse we’ve seen enough of it!
I’m not making any decisions until I’m back to “normal”. The potential long term issue is ill not only have different leg lengths, but also my knees and ankles don’t “match”. This may (or may not) cause issue with stuff like my annual fitness test at work (shuttle “run”), although there is the possibility of doing a treadmill test instead.
Uneven joints will mean more wear on the ones that are in the right place, as well as my hip. It’s taken a lot longer than I initially thought, but fir me now, it’s a bit like flying to the US, having flown to Australia. I used to think 7/8/10 hours on a plane was forever, now it seems like a shuttle flight. So two weeks in hospital is nothing compared to three months... most of my surgeries have only meant a couple of nights in any case.
A “few months” now, up front, might be worth it in the long term. As I said, I’m going to get back to walking unaided and then have some “time off”, do a few bits of European travelling (city break type stuff) and just be normal for a while. I’ll then speak to the consultant, but I’ll take my GF with me, as she is much more knowledgable about medical stuff and also retains/understands what the options are better than I do (she’s a vet, so although I’m not cute or furry, she does know her stuff).
The PI claim is ongoing. The other side have denied liability. This potential for extra surgery may throw a spanner into the works for any settlement, but on an unrelated plus side, I’ve just got an unexpected PPI refund, which would cover the cost of a new (to me) bike, with plenty left over for the house deposit fund. It was definitely worth me spending 10 minutes filling in the online form before the PPI claim deadline back in August, as the bank have said “Yes, you had PPI, we’re not investigating it, but here’s your money back, plus interest, minus inc9me tax”. Thank you very much. I’ve ended up with quite a chunk of cash I really wasn’t expecting.
I shall spare you and everyone else from pictures of my arse. I actually don’t have much “right arse” (or quads) going on at the moment. The physio had a good old squeeze of various bits of me while I was walking round the gym last week. She’s absolutely lovely and I just laughed at the fact she was grabbing my butt and saying “Yeah, that’s rubbish, we’re really going to have to do some work there”.
I know I’ve said it before, but the staff at hospital are all still bloody brilliant. I see the physios at least weekly and they really do work me, but I’m definitely improving, even if only marginally at the moment. I’m also waiting for the police treatment centre at Harrogate to book me in for a fortnight and that will massively help as well. They have a lot more equipment, full gyms, “weightless” treadmills, swimming pool, hydro pool, Pilates, yoga... but no bar!
elanfan said:
Dibble said:
Two years, six months, three weeks and five days. Roughly...
The PI claim is ongoing. The other side have denied liability. This potential for extra surgery may throw a spanner into the works for any settlement.
Dibble, please make sure your solicitor is on the ball in getting proceedings issued as you’ll miss out completely otherwise. I fail to understand why liability hasn’t been established so long after the incident. Has the TP been prosecuted? If not why not? If your solicitors can get an admission of liability it would be better but otherwise the courts will decide.The PI claim is ongoing. The other side have denied liability. This potential for extra surgery may throw a spanner into the works for any settlement.
As to any settlement you would be foolish to accept until the full extent of your costs (keep a note of everything!) loss of earnings and future level of disability including likely future arthritis, knee replacements being more likely, are fully established. You’ll be in for one hell of a payment all in all. Once liability is admitted there’s no reason you cannot ask the insurers for substantial interim payments which will go a long way towards a house.
Did I say...Don’t let the issue of proceedings expire!
Keep us informed.
The solicitor is on the ball and is sorting the issuing of proceedings. The delay has been down to the fact I spent so long in hospital initially and to be honest, a claim wasn’t top of my “to do” list.
The other driver wasn’t prosecuted (I don’t know why, to be honest, the shoddy police response could be a thread all on its own...).
I know not to accept the first offer, or indeed any offer, until I know what the long term prognosis is. I’ve been keeping a record of everything, don’t worry - in my line of work, I’m used to “evidencing” absolutely everything!
Meh.
The good news is, I had two solid weeks at the Police Treatment Centre at Harrogate. I can “walk”, but it’s not pretty, particularly when I’ve no shoes on to build up the difference in leg lengths. I can’t walk far, either, just a few metres and that’s it. I wore the pictured tee shirt on the first day, which helped ensure people didn’t speak to me unnecessarily.
That’s pretty much made up my mind for me that I’m going to have to have some further surgery to either lengthen my duff leg or shorten the good one and as I know what’s involved in lengthening, I’m currently thinking that’s what I’ll go for, even though it’s probably slightly longer and more involved than having my left femur shortened (which would mean a permanent nail in my femur). Yes, I’ve the risk of further infections, but with permanent metal in my left femur, there’s a risk there too.
I’m off to see Kings of Leon in the Netherlands at the end of June, so the earliest for any surgery would be early July. Well, it would’ve been, without all this Coronavirus malarkey. I’ll just have to wait and see what happens. I’m next due to see the consultant in May, or at least I was, without all this Coronavirus malarkey... there’s little point stressing about it, because there’s plenty of people with much more serious stuff having their elective surgery postponed/cancelled. I’ll just have to grin and bear it, even if we are rapidly approaching the three year anniversary (the PI claim is still ongoing and getting proceedings started is in hand).
At the moment, I’m still thinking I’ll get another bike, but realistically, it’s not going to be for another twelve months. That just gives me extra time to save up/decide what I want. I just miss having my Scandi trips and I was due to go to Copenhagen at the end of March for 7-10 days with my nephew, but the Danes have decided to close the country. At least I hadn’t booked anything.
The good news is, I had two solid weeks at the Police Treatment Centre at Harrogate. I can “walk”, but it’s not pretty, particularly when I’ve no shoes on to build up the difference in leg lengths. I can’t walk far, either, just a few metres and that’s it. I wore the pictured tee shirt on the first day, which helped ensure people didn’t speak to me unnecessarily.
That’s pretty much made up my mind for me that I’m going to have to have some further surgery to either lengthen my duff leg or shorten the good one and as I know what’s involved in lengthening, I’m currently thinking that’s what I’ll go for, even though it’s probably slightly longer and more involved than having my left femur shortened (which would mean a permanent nail in my femur). Yes, I’ve the risk of further infections, but with permanent metal in my left femur, there’s a risk there too.
I’m off to see Kings of Leon in the Netherlands at the end of June, so the earliest for any surgery would be early July. Well, it would’ve been, without all this Coronavirus malarkey. I’ll just have to wait and see what happens. I’m next due to see the consultant in May, or at least I was, without all this Coronavirus malarkey... there’s little point stressing about it, because there’s plenty of people with much more serious stuff having their elective surgery postponed/cancelled. I’ll just have to grin and bear it, even if we are rapidly approaching the three year anniversary (the PI claim is still ongoing and getting proceedings started is in hand).
At the moment, I’m still thinking I’ll get another bike, but realistically, it’s not going to be for another twelve months. That just gives me extra time to save up/decide what I want. I just miss having my Scandi trips and I was due to go to Copenhagen at the end of March for 7-10 days with my nephew, but the Danes have decided to close the country. At least I hadn’t booked anything.
Don’t get overexcited... there’s no news. It’s three years today since I had my “slight off”...
Still a way to go yet, but all non urgent surgeries are on hold. Hopefully there will be some movement soon. Irritatingly, I held off on the next round as me and my GF were supposed to be going to see Kings of Leon in The Hague at the end of June, but of course, that’s been cancelled because of coronavirus as well.
Ho hum. It just gives me more time to save up for another bike. I made the mistake of watching some YouTube motorbike travel stuff Over the weekend. It’s just reminded me how much I miss biking in general, as well as my annual Scandi jaunts.
I’m lucky though, I’m still employed, I’ve only had one close(ish) family member die from it (one of my brothers in law), although several of my nieces and nephews have also had it. I still have a roof over my head and food in the cupboards. Three years seems like a long time, but put in perspective of everything else that’s happening... things could be a lot worse.
Still a way to go yet, but all non urgent surgeries are on hold. Hopefully there will be some movement soon. Irritatingly, I held off on the next round as me and my GF were supposed to be going to see Kings of Leon in The Hague at the end of June, but of course, that’s been cancelled because of coronavirus as well.
Ho hum. It just gives me more time to save up for another bike. I made the mistake of watching some YouTube motorbike travel stuff Over the weekend. It’s just reminded me how much I miss biking in general, as well as my annual Scandi jaunts.
I’m lucky though, I’m still employed, I’ve only had one close(ish) family member die from it (one of my brothers in law), although several of my nieces and nephews have also had it. I still have a roof over my head and food in the cupboards. Three years seems like a long time, but put in perspective of everything else that’s happening... things could be a lot worse.
elanfan said:
Hope proceedings have been issued or liability admitted otherwise you are now too late to sue.
The other side have agreed to an extension of three months, due to the CoViD stuff, so it’s in hand.By chance, I’ve been contacted by the medical experts today for an appointment with an independent specialist, which is being done by video call, so it shouldn’t take too long for the consultation.
Bobberoo99 said:
NNH said:
Dibble said:
elanfan said:
Hope proceedings have been issued or liability admitted otherwise you are now too late to sue.
The other side have agreed to an extension of three months, due to the CoViD stuff, so it’s in hand.By chance, I’ve been contacted by the medical experts today for an appointment with an independent specialist, which is being done by video call, so it shouldn’t take too long for the consultation.
"Well you see, love, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for why I had my trousers down and was showing my arse to the webcam..."
I saw my own orthopaedic consultant on Tuesday. As usual, it’s a bit of a mixed bag! Before all the Covid shenanigans, GF and I were due to go to The Hague at the end of June to see Kings of Leon and Snow Patrol. It’s taken me five years to be able to get KoL tickets and the concert was the same week asGF’s birthday, so we were both really looking forward to the trip. Of course, the concert was cancelled, because of the aforementioned Covid. f
ksake.The downside (other than missing the concert) is that I’d postponed my next lot of surgery until after the concert, so rather than getting it sorted back at the start of the year, I was provisionally booked in for July. Again, Covid has scuppered us! The limb reconstruction team haven’t been doing any elective surgery since March, when the lockdowns started. The orthopaedic surgeons have still been dealing with trauma cases and dealing with patients already in the process, but of course, that didn’t include me. All the outpatient physio has been suspended as well, along with my next scheduled visit to the Police Treatment Centre at Harrogate for more residential rehab. There is obviously now a backlog of elective patients. Double f
ksake. My ongoing issues at the moment are that my injured leg is still about 28mm short, which sounds like nothing, but you’d be surprised what a difference it makes. Because of the limitations on the previous pin site placement and the effect this had on my bone regeneration, the top end of my femur has a bit of a kink in it. My knee is also not working properly. I’ve a few options to sort all this out and each of the options has pros and cons. The “simplest” fix is to shorten my left femur, to match my right femur length, but this means messing with an as yet unfiddled with limb, together with a permanent nail in my leftt femur. My body seems to take an instant dislike to foreign objects, so I’m not wild about this option. It also wouldn’t solve the “kinky bone”/dodgy knee. It is the least invasive option, just as long as infections don’t appear... thrice f
ksake. Option two is to lengthen my right tibia and fibula, but again, this means messing about with bits that haven’t been messed with so far and again, no knee/alignment solution. Additionally, I’d be mechanically uneven, as my knees would be at different heights, so not an ideal fix. Double double f
ksake.Option three is to lengthen my right femur, with two “sub options”, these being either more of the same, ie another external rail, or a fancy new(ish) product called a Stryde nail. Whichever of these I have, the plan (at the moment) is to take a wedge of bone out of the top of my femur, which would then straighten it up, solving one issue. Additionally, my consultant thinks this will also help with my knee function as the alignment of my femur will help with alignment of the knee joint, solving issue number two.
Again, the issue with the Stryde nail is that it’s another foreign body inside me, so the usual risks of infection are there. It’s also a reasonably new procedure, so I need to look into the long term outcomes/prognosis. It’s a fancy bit of kit though! Basically, they break the bone, then insert the nail down the inside of the femur, with each end of the nail fixed with screws. It’s all internal, so nothing poking out through skin. There is a control unit with a magnet, which you then place over a specific point of the nail, which then turns a magnet inside the nail, lengthening it. New bone then grows across the gap that is created at the rate of 1mm per day. I’ve only 28mm or so to make up the difference, rather than the 120mm when they started the reconstruction. I’ve linked a couple of YouTube videoS below, which makes more sense and there are plenty of online articles about the Stryde nail (the video I’ve linked is actually for the forerunner of the Stryde nail, called the Precice nail, but it’s a similar concept).
However (there’s always a “but”), my consultant wants to know whether I have any hideousness and feculence still lurking within me, so she wants me to have a PET CT scan before we decide the next step. I get to go to the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the hospital, where they inject me with some radioactive isotopes, which If there is any infection, will bind to the white blood cells and show up on the radar. Luckily, I won’t be flying anywhere any time soon, because they give you a covering letter, as the radioactive stuff can apparently set off airport detectors!
The consultant can’t give me any timescale for my next surgery of course, because of sodding Covid. I’m due to see her again 4 weeks from yesterday, once I’ve had the PET CT scan, so I’ll hopefully find out then what is happening and more importantly, when. I think we’re up to quintuple f
ksake now. fking fking fking fking fking fksake. https://youtu.be/E_X8PFJGrtA
This one is a bit more graphic (actual surgery). Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/C4Hmq4WEpjA
FiF said:
"my consultant wants to know whether I have any hideousness and feculence still lurking "
Clearly she's been reading FEB and takeaway threads.
Otherwise seconding the FFS^(n+1) sentiments.
Amazed at the "magic nut and bolt" arrangement
Just re-read the OP to remind myself how a stupid mistake by a 3rd party can have long term major consequences.
All the best.
I’ll always have bleakness and dark lurking within. Mostly my soul, but the odd (and I do mean odd) bit elsewhere...Clearly she's been reading FEB and takeaway threads.
Otherwise seconding the FFS^(n+1) sentiments.
Amazed at the "magic nut and bolt" arrangement
Just re-read the OP to remind myself how a stupid mistake by a 3rd party can have long term major consequences.
All the best.
elanfan said:
Dibble sorry to keep on but have your solicitors got an admission of liability yet? If not you must be dangerously close to your right to sue going down the pan. Instruct them to issue proceedings. You ought to be able to get a sizeable interim payment which might be useful.
That clever nail thing sounds like the way to go.
No apology needed. It’s heartening that people are interested enough to read and reply to my ramblings. It’s quite cathartic just getting stuff written down, even if people don’t respond.That clever nail thing sounds like the way to go.
The independent consultant recommended I see a psychologist, as part of his questioning about how it’s all affected me was how it’s made me feel, which is a bit worse than “mildly cheesed off”. My solicitor has sent the report to the other side (who are still denying liability) and they want me to see a psychiatrist, rather than a psychologist. I’ve no problem with that, so it’s in the process of being arranged. Proceedings have been issued, so the solicitor is on with that side of things, although it’s not going to be resolved any time soon, as the next stage of surgeries/treatment/rehab is going to be at least another six months, with no actual start date as yet.
As for whether or not I end up with the magic magnetic amazing extender, that’s still up in the air as well. So far, my body hasn’t been a big fan of bits of metal being inserted, so any decision to go down that route will depend to a large extent on the result of the PET CT scan - if there’s any infection still there, it’ll probably be a no-go from the off. On the plus side, I know what the external rail involves, how much it hurts/inconveniences me and any infection does seem to leak out of the pin holes pretty quickly, rather than being tucked away inside, out of sight. The external rail is much more of a known quantity and the Stryde/Precice nail is still quite new within the NHS, so there’s not a lot of available data on outcomes.
Thanks for all the replies/comments over the last couple of days. I’ll try and answer the questions/points raised, but apologies in advance if I miss any.
stubert_ funnily enough I may have lived in Leyland a little while back... Although I was quite badly injured, it’s all relative. I could have been killed, paralysed, permanently in a vegetative state, had limbs amputated. Worst case scenario is that I don’t get any better, but I can walk without crutches/stick and I can drive. Hopefully, there will be at least some improvement fr8m where I am now and anything “extra” is a win, as far as I’m concerned.
If I end up without another bike, I’m tempted to get a 4x4 with a roof tent or a camper and travel around in that. I’m desperate to get back to Scandinavia, but obviously the CoVid pandemic is making travel difficult for everyone. It’s just a bit frustrating that just as I was getting “properly” mobile, things started going into lockdown. I’ll just have to hide my time and hopefully in another 12-18 months things will be better for us all.
Tango13, I have still have metal where my food would be if I was a lady. My pelvis is fully healed, but it’s less risky to leave it in than remove it, so it’s staying in. If anyone starts waving their “wand” near me, airport security or otherwise, I’ll be not very impressed...
Vickers VC10, yep, it’s been a bit of a journey, but hopefully the next 6-12 months (once the surgery starts) should see me somewhere further in than I am now. It’s taken longer than anticipated, but I still can’t fault the limb reconstruction team who are treating me now. I’m less impressed with my original consultant, because despite repeatedly asking for the referral to the limb recon team, I was constantly fibbed off with “Let’s see what happens over the next six weeks”. I wished I’d pushed harder, sooner. That still doesn’t mean I want people waving wands near me,
WinstonWolf, I have now got a pair of boots and a pair of trainers sorted from the orthotics people. I’ve given them a decent go, but they aren’t a long term solution for me, at least while I have the option of some further surgery, which might improve things from where I am now. I realise I’ll probably always have some issues, but I’m really struggling at the moment and the consultant feels she can improve things “mechanically” by evening me up a bit. The orthotic shoes/trainers definitely help, but not as much as I’d like. And they look st!
Krikkit, you’re right, it sounds counterintuitive that open wounds are less of an infection risk, but the issues so far are that any bugs have been inside me, rather than travelling in from the outside. Although I had a load of pins in the femur, the problem was at the “knee end”, where the gap was. The top end was fine. The issue with the Stryde nail is that it’ll be on the inside of the bone, with a much larger overall surface area than the pins, IYSWIM. Basically, there’s a bigger breeding ground for gunk to grow on. The other benefit of pins is that they provide routes “out” for any gunge created internally... you didn’t like the squashed plums photos, so don’t make me repost the “mayonnaise leg” ones...
I had the letter through from the Department of Nuclear Medicine this morning, asking me to give them a call, which I did. They’ve got a slot tomorrow, so I’m due in to see them at 4.30pm for the injection, then the scan happens about an hour later and should take about 45-60 minutes. I have to fast from 10.30am, but at least I can drink water! I’ll just make a butty and leave it in the car for when I’m done.
stubert_ funnily enough I may have lived in Leyland a little while back... Although I was quite badly injured, it’s all relative. I could have been killed, paralysed, permanently in a vegetative state, had limbs amputated. Worst case scenario is that I don’t get any better, but I can walk without crutches/stick and I can drive. Hopefully, there will be at least some improvement fr8m where I am now and anything “extra” is a win, as far as I’m concerned.
If I end up without another bike, I’m tempted to get a 4x4 with a roof tent or a camper and travel around in that. I’m desperate to get back to Scandinavia, but obviously the CoVid pandemic is making travel difficult for everyone. It’s just a bit frustrating that just as I was getting “properly” mobile, things started going into lockdown. I’ll just have to hide my time and hopefully in another 12-18 months things will be better for us all.
Tango13, I have still have metal where my food would be if I was a lady. My pelvis is fully healed, but it’s less risky to leave it in than remove it, so it’s staying in. If anyone starts waving their “wand” near me, airport security or otherwise, I’ll be not very impressed...
Vickers VC10, yep, it’s been a bit of a journey, but hopefully the next 6-12 months (once the surgery starts) should see me somewhere further in than I am now. It’s taken longer than anticipated, but I still can’t fault the limb reconstruction team who are treating me now. I’m less impressed with my original consultant, because despite repeatedly asking for the referral to the limb recon team, I was constantly fibbed off with “Let’s see what happens over the next six weeks”. I wished I’d pushed harder, sooner. That still doesn’t mean I want people waving wands near me,
WinstonWolf, I have now got a pair of boots and a pair of trainers sorted from the orthotics people. I’ve given them a decent go, but they aren’t a long term solution for me, at least while I have the option of some further surgery, which might improve things from where I am now. I realise I’ll probably always have some issues, but I’m really struggling at the moment and the consultant feels she can improve things “mechanically” by evening me up a bit. The orthotic shoes/trainers definitely help, but not as much as I’d like. And they look s
t!Krikkit, you’re right, it sounds counterintuitive that open wounds are less of an infection risk, but the issues so far are that any bugs have been inside me, rather than travelling in from the outside. Although I had a load of pins in the femur, the problem was at the “knee end”, where the gap was. The top end was fine. The issue with the Stryde nail is that it’ll be on the inside of the bone, with a much larger overall surface area than the pins, IYSWIM. Basically, there’s a bigger breeding ground for gunk to grow on. The other benefit of pins is that they provide routes “out” for any gunge created internally... you didn’t like the squashed plums photos, so don’t make me repost the “mayonnaise leg” ones...
I had the letter through from the Department of Nuclear Medicine this morning, asking me to give them a call, which I did. They’ve got a slot tomorrow, so I’m due in to see them at 4.30pm for the injection, then the scan happens about an hour later and should take about 45-60 minutes. I have to fast from 10.30am, but at least I can drink water! I’ll just make a butty and leave it in the car for when I’m done.
WinstonWolf said:
Built up shoes are st, I had one that looked like a club foot shoe...
Inserts are infinitely better IMO, they allow your foot to work over a much wider angle and you can walk with a more natural gait.
It's certainly worth giving one a go if you get a chance.
Good luck!
I’ve got an orthotic insert of 12mm for each shoe and then the sole is built up by 16mm. The boot definitely works better than the trainer, as I don’t get my heel lifting out the same way. They’re ok, but not great. While I’ve options to try and improve length (oo-er, Matron), I’m going to go as far as I can with that. I’ve the additional issues with knee function and alignment at the top of my femur to try and get sorted and hopefully, the surgery will improve those areas as well. It’s a bit of a three for one deal and even minimal gains with knee function/bone alignment will be better, even if the length doesn’t change. t, I had one that looked like a club foot shoe...Inserts are infinitely better IMO, they allow your foot to work over a much wider angle and you can walk with a more natural gait.
It's certainly worth giving one a go if you get a chance.
Good luck!
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