Ouch (possible NSFW pictures of my rear to follow)

[Dibble]

Balls.

Post op follow up today with the consultant. The good news is, I’ve got really strong bones, which apparently took quite a bit of breaking (with an actual hammer and chisel, albeit some spanky surgical ones).

The bad news is that one of the new pins in my leg has got bent, probably while they were hammering away at my bones. Instead of my hip bit and “floaty bit” being aligned, there is a misalignment of just under 30°.

The good news from that bit is that is why I am still in a lot of pain, because of the misalignment. The other good news is that it’s a five minute fix, the only downside being that I’ll have to have it under general anaesthetic next week. They’ll whizz out the bent pin, “realign” the bone ends (imagine pushing down on the spine of a book that is face down...) then whack in a new, straight pin.

All it means is I should have started with the lengthening process today, now it’ll be another ten days after Tuesday. The consultant was very apologetic but I was just relieved that it’s not going to be this painful for the next three months. I’ve got some updated pain relief meds for over the weekend, and if anything, I’m more confident the consultant will sort me out.

It’s one of those things, a minor fixable setback and I know next week my pain will be massively reduced, so I’m feeling a lot better than I was at 6am this morning.

Hope you all have a great weekend and manage to get some miles in.

[Dibble]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Cheers toxic

Just writing it down helps, even if no one reads/replies to it.

It’s a bit irritating that instead of starting the winding/bone lengthening today, it’s going to be another couple of weeks off, but I’m just glad the pain I’m in at the moment is only temporary. Sure, it’s going to be uncomfortable even when it’s sorted, but knowing it’s not meant to hurt as much as it has been this last week has been a massive lift. Just getting down the five steps from my flat and into my GF’s car this morning took about 20 minutes and had me in tears, it hurt so much.

I’m still ahead of the game in as much as initially the consultant thought she’d have to remove about 15-16cm of bone but ended up,taking out just under 9cm. I’m still heading in the right direction and on the plus side, I’ve got really strong bones (which just goes to show how bad the accident was, to mash it up so much).

Kettle would always be on if anyone does ever want a brew. I can probably rustle up biscuits or cake as well!

[Dibble]

CoolHands said:

Bloody hell. But where there’s blame there’s a claim! I’m joking, but it does sound a bit st they bent it and didn’t realise.

It is just “one of those things”. Apparently the X-ray machine in theatre doesn’t have the same level of definition as the main X-ray department ones and couple with the fact they can’t always get as good an angle for the images in theatre, it’s easy to understand why. Then add in the amount of blood there is and the fact they’re working through quite a small incision makes things even trickier.

I’ve no issues at all with the consultant. She’s been absolute die straight about it, said it’s their fault, nothing I’ve done (I didn’t know if it was because I’d put weight in it, rolled on it or whatever) and they can sort it. She’s been absolutely candid and not tried to fudge it or cover it up. I’m more than happy, it’s a minor setback in the immediate schedule I had in my head, but in the grand scheme of things, (12 months and counting so far) a couple of weeks is neither here nor there, and as above, we are already ahead of where we initially thought we would be.

st, as they say, happens.

I’m still breathing but temporarily less upright! Lying down is about the only way I can get comfortable. Come Wednesday, we will be back on track.

[Dibble]

PIGINAWIG said:

An inspired bit of thinking from the op - good positive attitude throughout. Heal well fella.

Cheers!

Just woken up after about 5 or 6 hours sleep. That’s the most I’ve managed in weeks! My leg is still painful but at least the extra meds make it more manageable. The most difficult but is standing up or just before “touchdown” when I go from standing to sitting. Nowhere near as bad now though!

[Dibble]

redblade said:

Keep going Dibble.

Fantastic progress.

Cheers redblade.

A few people have commented on my “positive” attitude. I’m not so sure I have one, I’ve always been a bit of a “catastrophist”. I’m just lucky I’ve had some great treatment and I’m supported by my super GF, my family and friends. I’ve had some fairly bleak days and this last week since coming in it of hospital has been a pretty bleak struggle. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that things aren’t “right” at the moment, because I know this time next week I’m going to have a lot less pain to deal with.

I got a decent, uninterrupted amount of sleep last night and I’m only talking about five or six hours, which at the moment feels like the equivalent of a week in a luxury health spa! GF has already been and walked the idiot dog (and showered him after he decided to roll in fox crap), made me breakfast and a sandwich for lunch and will be back later for dinner (we don’t live together). This is on top of her full time job, all her own domestic and family stuff AND running her own small, but expanding practice (she’s a vet).

I’m beginning to wonder whether I will get another bike. I’m still leaning towards yes, but I less certain than I was a while ago. I’m not sure why I’m less sure. I think I’ll probably be a bit more defensive in my riding (initially at least). I don’t need a bike, so it is a toy/luxury item, even though I’d be using it for daily commuting. I do miss my Scandinavian trips though.

I’m wondering about something a bit smaller/lighter, like and older 750 Africa Twin, but I’m not one for home mechanics. The slip side is with something like that, there’s less electrical/electronic gubbins to go wrong, so I could learn the basics of maintenance.

Anyway, thanks for the message and have a good weekend.

[Dibble]

Bobberoo99 said:

Morning Dibble old chap

Bonjour!

[Dibble]

I kind of like your thinking there, defblade!

At the moment, I’m still leaning towards getting another bike. Of course, even if I do, there’s always the possibility I’ll get back on and either hate it or scare myself stless. I’ll have to wait and see I guess. Not something I need to worry about, certainly for the next few months at any rate.

On the plus side, after 24 hours on the increased pain meds, I’ve had a much better day today’s and I’m generally feeling more positive overall. Been watching a bit of the TT on the iPad and just being able to move without having to mentally work myself up to it because of the pain has been a big boost. I’ve even gig my appetite back. I ate nothing at all on Thursday because of the pain and those who know me will realise just how serious that was!

[Dibble]

Tango13 said:

Bit in bold...

Careful Dibble, she might be planning on using you for a bit of practice

Joking aside some orthopaedic surgeons can be very obsessive about their work, but in a good way. Sounds to me like your one is taking the fixing of your leg personally

Fortunately, my GF has been qualified long enough she doesn’t need practice. And I avoid getting injections from her, as she does them the same she would with livestock - not gently!

The surgeon did say to me early on she dealt with a lot of patients and in her words, “most of them aren’t really on the radar, some of them are and you are definitely high up on my radar. I am going to bloody well fix your leg”.

As I’ve said, she’s absolutely bonkers, but brilliant with it. I’m completely confident she does know what she is doing and I’ve every faith she will get this bloody leg fixed. I actually don’t feel like a patient, more like a person (if that makes sense?). I’m not just another number, she actually does seem genuinely passionate about her job.

[Dibble]

PorkInsider said:

How are you doing, Dibble?

I read the thread in its entirety and just wanted to add to those who've already said it: your strength of character is impressive!

Cheers, appreciate the good wishes.

I had the “repair” surgery last Tuesday and I was in and out in the day. It all went (mostly) to plan - knock me out, bent pin out, realign bone, new straight pin in, staple the leg up (again, think this is about the fifth time they’ve used the same scar, I should just get a zip installed until it’s all done). In for 7.30am, being collected just after 4.30pm and home by 6.

There’s been a bit of jiggery with the frame and the adjusters, and I can see now the pins all appear to be much better aligned. The “mostly” to plan comment was that I woke up with a new hole in the “top” of my thigh, which is basically where they’ve stuck an instrument (surgical equivalent to a pry bar!) down onto the bone end from my hip to line it up internally, then whack the pins in and tighten it all up.

I had the staples out for the bit of the scar they weren’t using while I was in on Tuesday, a bit of bleeding and swelling but nothing unusual. Lovely gf did a dressing change yesterday for me and just having it cleaned, even with a stinging alcohol wipe, feels great! I’m really fighting the urge not to scratch the scar.

I’ve got the remaining staples due out a week on Tuesday, either by my GF or the district nurses (that’s my one complaint, despite the hospital doing the referrals, they often don’t turn up, or call to let me know they’re not coming). My next physio is on Thursday and I’m thinking that will be when we start getting going with the Allen key...

Pain is definitely back under control, the only down side to the temporary increase in the oxycodone was that it did rather bung me up... again, that’s resolved now I’m back down to a much lower dose! I’m still pretty much confined to bed, although I can stand long enough to make a brew or similar. Sitting is still a bit awkward, but that’s due more to discomfort around the pin sites. I’ve lost a lot of the bend in my leg again, I was at around 95°, but nowhere near that now, and any bending is really sore under the bottom of my knee cap. It’s just tightness/swelling/tenderness if the tendons and soft tissue and will get back to normal eventually.

[Dibble]

Few pictures for the mechanically inclined amongst you!

“Old” setup of full fixation




You can see in this one how the pins closest to the lens aren’t aligned with the rest




All straight (side view)!




Underside view




Top view (white patch is where they stuck the pry bar in!)

[Dibble]

V10SWC said:

Went through Southport today and thought of this thread for some strange reason.

You should have called for a brew!

[Dibble]

PTF said:

Very sobering stuff.

Heal quickly.

Cheers.

I think after 12 months already, nothing is going to be quick! Not moaning (much, had a bit of a meh” day yesterday), there are lots of people out there worse off than me.

[Dibble]

Bobberoo99 said:

I still maintain that's the worlds most elaborate and expensive meccano set!!!! Heal quick my friend, then you can pop down for a brew and I can try to explain the 7axis fiasco!!!

As external fixators go, it really isn’t! It’s only working in one plane, for starters!

Explain the 7 axis? Screw that (see what I did there?)! I want a go on that big milling job to make something. Even if it’s only a pile of swarf!

[Dibble]

Eyersey1234 said:

Hi Dibble I've just read all this thread. I hope you are recovered soon and TPs insurance company don't mess you about, I'm not sure I would have been as forgiving.

Cheers Eyresy, appreciate the good wishes.

My personal injury claim has only just started. There’s no mad rush, having spoken to the solicitor about it at some length, it’s not going to be a quick resolution, even if there’s no shenanigans from the third party’s insurer. I’m fortunate that I’ve had six months’ paid sick leave and now I’m on half pay, I’m insured, which will make up the majority of the shortfall. I can imagine not having such decent terms or being self employed would be a huge issue in these circumstances.

Nothing will really get rolling until the full extent of my injuries and long term prognosis is known (which fortunately, seems to be pretty good for now).

Then of course, I slip today, bang my bad leg and burst the wound where the staples were taken out. I slipped about 3pm and it’s still “oozing”, mainly because I’m on anticoagulants, which of course reduce the clotting of my blood...

The pictures below show the new dressing put on by Lovely GF about 4pm and the second pad, which is still soaking up the ooze... the first one had a lot more blood on it (about 4 or 5 times the area - it was dribbling down my leg and off my foot as I hobbled back to the bedroom). It is slowing down though, thankfully.

It scuppered my plans to go out for some Fika with Lovely GF this afternoon, which has annoyed me, as I was really looking forward to some “us” time, out of the flat.

[Dibble]

Finally got to do some adjustments!

Quarter turn of each screw (top one getting longer, bottom one getting shorter, bit in the middle moving towards my knee from my hip), once in the morning and once in the evening. Each quarter turn translates to 0.25mm lateral movement.

We will be getting up to four quarter turns a day, but taking it slower to start with after a slight fall last Monday opened up one of the partially healed surgical wounds, which bled for about three and a half days.

Very dull video here:

https://youtu.be/w36GFSfMiWE

[Dibble]

tdm34 said:

Followed this thread since it started Dibble, can't imagine what you're state of mind must be like at times.
Just keep going forward mate. I'm a regular in Southport so if you can get out at all i'll happily buy you a pint
if your medication allows..

I’m always up for a beer or two! I’m not supposed to drink - in fact I’ve really cut down to practically zero and not missing it very much at the moment! That said, I do still have the odd pint, so give me a shout if you’re about.

As daft as it sounds, a few years ago (2013) I had work related PTSD and had a really bad time of things. I got some great treatment and got my head sorted out. I think having been through that has actually helped me cope,with this. Sure, I have “off” days, but we all do, even when things are “normal”. I’ve had great support from my girlfriend, family and some friends, the NHS continue to amaze me and I’m doing ok.

[Dibble]

stuthe said:

Good luck mate, exiting times to start cranking it out. Crossing fingers and toes for you

Cheers Stu. Still heading in the right direction, despite the minor couple of setbacks over the last couple of weeks. Actually beginning the adjustment feels like a huge step forward and has actually been quite a bit of a “boost”. I’m getting back into a routine in the flat and while I can still only manage a few steps on crutches, I’m managing a little bit more each day, even if that’s only dull domestic stuff like being able to stand up long enough to wash up a few dishes.

[Dibble]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Not so far... I “marked” the start position on the frame by scratching the carbon fibre with a penknife, so there is definitely movement.

As medieval as the frame/fixator looks, it’s nit actually painful, I’d say it was “sore” or “uncomfortable”. The most discomfort is the pin sites at the top of my thigh. When they attached it, I was obviously lying down in theatre, so when I sit up, it stretches my skin/fat/muscle around the hole, which stings a bit, but i wouldn’t go so far as to say it “hurts”.

It’s early days yet, but as the pins move down, there is a process known as “cheesing” (that’s the actual medical term!), which is the same as a cheese wire cutting through cheese, with the pin cutting through my leg. It’s only a small amount a day, so again, I’m guessing it will be uncomfortable/sore, rather than actually painful.

Dressing changes around the pin sites sting a bit too, but that’s purely the alcohol wipes/clorhexadine to kill off any bugs, the same as with any wipe on a cut/graze.

As well as the surgical scar, I’ll end up with a few small (<1cm) circular scars when the pins are removed, together with a 15cm or so scar from where the pins cut through my leg while the adjustment is going on. I wasn’t a supermodel before, so I think I can cope with that level of disfigurement!

[Dibble]

TooLateForAName said:

Does anything stop youturning them the wrong way?

T(e short answer is “no”! I’m a mechanical dullard, so that was a concern for me. There are spring loaded locking pins, which locate in the screw every quarter turn, so the process is press the blue “safety catch” in, start to turn, let the catch go and it pops into the next slot as I turn the screw.

Because of the way the screws are set up, I’m lengthening one screw and shortening the other, but working from opposite ends, so I start “horizontal” and turn the screw towards my leg. Because the heads of the screws are at opposite ends it’s basically a mirror image so I’m turning “upwards/towards my leg” on each screw.

My frame/fixator is pretty simple and straightforward. There are other patients with “Halo” or “Ilizarov” frames, with loads of screws, which have to be adjusted different amounts and in a specific order. I’ve got two screws, being adjusted the same amount and I do the top one first, then the bottom one. I could actually do it the other way round and it wouldn’t make any difference, because the adjustment is in one direction and one plane and is only a small distance.

[Dibble]

mckeann said:

I've read this every time there's been an update and never commented before for some reason. I'm glad you're in such good spirits and things are slowly lookin up. Keep up the good work dude

Cheers! I know this next bit is going to be at least three to four months, but then I realise it was 10 April when I had my first reconstructive surgery and the initial external fixator attached. That’s two and a half months ago now. I’m not suggesting that time has flown, but it’s been (mostly) manageable, so far.

I’ve a lot more confidence in my current consultant and I feel a lot more “involved” in the whole process, which I think is really helping me to deal with everything. I went into work for a few hours today and it was good just to catch up with colleagues and shoot the breeze for a coupe of hours. I’m hopefully a bit closer to being able to work from home before too much longer as well, even though initially it will only be a few hours a day.