Author Topic: Well, lets rebuild an ankle!! (Read 15692 times)

JR · « **on:** March 11, 2016, 08:42:06 PM »

As many of you I am getting surgery on my right ankle. A total rebuild actually removing chips, floaters and using cadaver tendons to repair what I have left. This was all caused by rolling both ankle many times. You could hear the poping and snaps, but was never really considered bad until I pushed. This is how the ankles look at the end a normal day when I take it easy on em.

I went in on March 4th at 0600, on the table at 0800 and had no less than 3 Drs on me.

Went in through 2 points on the top orthoscopically removed the floaters and pieces between the ankle/tibia and drilled holes in the ends to allow the body to rebuild the cartilage naturally.

Incision and along the outside right to reattach 3 tendons ripped off the ankle that had pulled chunks with them. My ripped tendons were woven cadaver tendons then reattached by pulling them though a hole and attaching with a SS screw.

All this takes 6 weeks to "set" so there can be no body weight placed on the ankle, hense the "scooter" They will give you crutches, right,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I got home at 1800 that evening after getting all the meds I could there. That night I really wondered if it was worth it, I think getting it ampt. would have hurt less.

Keeping it up helps a lot and after a week have really backed of the Narcs pretty good, well until last night when they wife actually ran into the ft when I was still on the scooter. Just took on today and keeping it up and sleeping works good.

Boy have I been hitting the movies all of late. Not much reading posting until now after the first week, couldn't relax or get clear headed enough.

Tuesday got the splint and dressing changed and they put me on antibiotics as the swelling is still up there some. Scooter is working great, came close to falling once so far. Well I did but the bed and dresser kept me tangled vs falling.

I am told I will get back around 90% use when fully rehabed.

A few pics in order, back in on Tuesday at 1600.

KensAuto · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2016, 08:50:19 PM »

Man, as bad as that looks, they still look better than before the surgery, or at least less swollen.
Dang that's gotta hurt.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2016, 09:42:28 PM »

Oh boy. That looks like a hard way to go. A coworker tried really hard to get his dr to cut his ankle off. The long list of things that go bad with that type of removal was extremely shocking. One that stuck out the most is that you have to keep getting the bone shaved down after it is cut off because it continues to grow

Raising boys into RealMen!!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2016, 10:11:23 PM »

I'm still sayin YE-Ouch!

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2016, 10:48:59 PM »

I wish I had the pictures of my dads ankle fusion. Three ti screws and the bottom of the fibula cut and ground up into a paste used to fuse the ankle bones. Xrays were freaky.

Speedy recovery to you JR!

JR · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2016, 01:18:17 AM »

2 things can go wrong. Rejection of the tendon or messing it up by putting pressure on it to soon.

Swelling is an issue, but it is less right now.

Pain, it is there. I will leave it there.

Thanks for anything thrown my way in advice or other.

Sammconn · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2016, 01:23:58 AM »

...and here I thought there might be some rebuild action shots.

Looks nasty, in a better way now, hope it goes well for you.

All I can suggest is do what they say, and don't rush into the rehab too soon.
Our bodies are an amazing thing, but some things take a long time to get back to normal.

I'm not looking forward to 60, they say I've broken mine "at least" 3 and 4 times.
I'm stubborn, and ignore most things, so never a cast. Passed 40 a few years ago, and well, it's all starting to catch up now. I see this as one of my future rebuilds also.

JR · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2016, 02:46:26 AM »

If I had broke these they have heald some if not better. I tore so much loose they had to get in there.

I saw a few xrays and MRIs and will get some copies, someway. I think the only real pics during surgery is the camera on the head of the orthoscopic probe.

Since I am not walking on the left it has gone to normal size after 4 days also. Looks fairly normal?

cudakidd53 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2016, 08:27:00 AM »

We're sending prayers your way JR-

Advice- keep the overhauled ankle elevated and follow the rehab plan. Might ask about flexing/wiggling toes while casted to maintain blood flow to the area without any real load to aid healing etc. While seated doing that, flex and move the "good" one to minimize atrophy - actually probably good that you have to give that one a break too!

Act like an OLD MAN now, so you don't have to be like one when that cast comes off and DONT try and finish some strenuous project because you feel guilty about sitting on you butt so long. Gotta heal completely before you try to reenact scenes from The Six Million Dollar Man!

Watch Lonesome Dove, Band of Brothers, Boston Legal........you know, those lengthy "Mope-Opera's"

JR · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2016, 01:02:48 PM »

Yep, got the order on the toes.

Left is getting a workout, but no real weight bearing.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2016, 10:06:52 PM »

Quote from: JR on March 12, 2016, 01:18:17 AM

2 things can go wrong. Rejection of the tendon or messing it up by putting pressure on it to soon.

Swelling is an issue, but it is less right now.

Pain, it is there. I will leave it there.

Thanks for anything thrown my way in advice or other.

Soaking in warm epson salts???

JR · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2016, 10:42:14 PM »

Can't get wet yet. A shower would be nice too.

Nate · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2016, 11:36:56 AM »

JR, I think I hinted to this before, but ill post it again.

you should probably see about getting one of these machines with the ankle sleeve. I had one of these when I had my reconstruction and it was a life saver.

http://www.gameready.com/

Flyin6 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 13, 2016, 04:28:07 PM »

Quote from: JR on March 12, 2016, 10:42:14 PM

Can't get wet yet. A shower would be nice too.

Of course...

But when you can, there is a lot of wisdom pointing to the use of the salts (in water!)

cj7ox · « **Reply #14 on:** March 14, 2016, 02:05:53 PM »

Hoping for a speedy recovery for you, JR! Keep doing what the docs tell ya, and you should be good. Hopefully they sent you home with one of those ice water circulating wraps to aid in the swelling. It helps with the pain, as well.

JR · « **Reply #15 on:** March 14, 2016, 04:33:07 PM »

Thanks all (and for the link). Go in tomorrow and hopefully get a splint/cast style to drive.

Off the hard meds for couple days now and feeling better.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 14, 2016, 07:43:12 PM »

Quote from: JR on March 14, 2016, 04:33:07 PM

Thanks all (and for the link). Go in tomorrow and hopefully get a splint/cast style to drive.

Off the hard meds for couple days now and feeling better.

How's the pain levels?

JR · « **Reply #17 on:** March 14, 2016, 07:49:10 PM »

About 2-3 now, was a solid 10 the 1st-2nd day.

cj7ox · « **Reply #18 on:** March 15, 2016, 11:55:34 AM »

Getting off the pain meds as soon as you can is a good thing. Keeps you careful, and reduces the chances of getting hooked. Also, better for your liver. I tended to sleep better when I wasn't on the pain killers through all 3 of my surgeries.

JR · « **Reply #19 on:** March 16, 2016, 11:33:28 AM »

Went in yesterday and had to get resplinted again. Little to much swelling and the stitches still weren't quite ready for removal. (10 days now)

Grabbed a few pics but nothing really shows. Found out I had 4 Dr's on me for this ( 2 residents-2 specialists) with all the cranking and such. Screws were composite vs SS and don't show on the Xrays. They were amazed at how much junk they found. They said they left several pieces that will not be any issues.

On the side xray you can see arrows pointing chunks gone and spurs growing.

At least the scar has a BIG smile,,,,,,,,,,,,

EL TATE · « **Reply #20 on:** March 16, 2016, 12:20:25 PM »

These xrays are all pre or post op JR?

Nate · « **Reply #21 on:** March 16, 2016, 01:49:13 PM »

What did they say about the game ready machine?

JR · « **Reply #22 on:** March 16, 2016, 02:39:37 PM »

The xrays are post. You can see the splint.

I didn't ask Kaiser about the GR item. It looks like a top of the line product and they don't go there. Kaiser gives you crutches, rest is up to you.

stlaser · « **Reply #23 on:** March 16, 2016, 03:42:44 PM »

So per ankle how much therapy are you going to have to go through to be 100%?

Sorry I haven't posted much I'm not big on looking at this stuff on other people. If it were mine it wouldn't bother me at all, dumb I know.....

Hope you recoup quickly JR

EL TATE · « **Reply #24 on:** March 16, 2016, 05:27:37 PM »

I was asking about the xrays because I thought part of the process you were going through was the removal of the bone spurs, but I guess those were some of the pieces they were referring to?

JR · « **Reply #25 on:** March 16, 2016, 05:44:14 PM »

The spur above is a non issue. Doesn't rub on anything nor affect the nerves (unlike the couple in my neck)

Funny, I can look at others with no issues too. Seen autopsies, bullet wounds, hangings and even a train suicide with no problem. Mine are hit and miss, most of the time nothing but have been caught off guard and had that light feeling.

Not sure about therapy time yet. I was told it could take up a year and that is for around 90% of pre injury strength. I see a lot of bike riding and pool use to help with this.

OldKooT · « **Reply #26 on:** March 22, 2016, 07:18:23 AM »

How are you doing JR?

JR · « **Reply #27 on:** March 22, 2016, 11:34:24 AM »

Well, will be getting the stitches out today for sure. Hopefully a cast I can drive the blazer with. Been being hauled around in a an older camry and I tell you falling in and getting out is a pain! My wifes suv is much easier but for me but she keeps so much junk in it using all the seats is not normal and the kids hate all being in the back together.

Pain is pretty much gone, but it is uncomfortable enough sometimes to keep me awake and my sleep schedule is gone. Still almost 4 weeks to go like this.

I am looking at putting some grab handle in the garage so I can get up/down the 2 steps. I am starting to go stir crazy and need to clean and work on something a little.

cj7ox · « **Reply #28 on:** March 22, 2016, 12:05:04 PM »

I think the stir crazy part is the worst. Been there. Hopefully they'll give you a removable boot, that way you can let it get some air, and wash it. That is they only relief I had when I busted up my leg.

JR · « **Reply #29 on:** March 23, 2016, 01:22:46 AM »

Got a regular cast today and the stitches out, all 14. Stuck in a regular cast until 4-19 when I get a walking cast.

Swelling is way down, Dr is happy but sure looks black and blue.

Tomorrow I will see how driving goes.

cudakidd53 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 23, 2016, 06:54:37 AM »

Swelling looks MUCH better JR! Best of luck with the stir crazy issue.......sure gets old quick laying around.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #31 on:** March 23, 2016, 08:40:13 AM »

Colorful Cast...

You a UT Texas, or UT Tennessee fan?

Atkinsmatt · « **Reply #32 on:** March 23, 2016, 09:00:52 AM »

Not hunting season is it?

cj7ox · « **Reply #33 on:** March 23, 2016, 09:22:45 AM »

Ankle looks much better!

JR · « **Reply #34 on:** March 23, 2016, 08:55:03 PM »

Nope, to early to hunt and we don't do the orange thing in Ca anyway. Daughter had to be the first to decorate it, big Giants fan.

I think getting the stitches out were the trick, way less pain now!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 23, 2016, 09:01:30 PM »

Get a few more signatures on that thing and you'll have to get it mounted and hang it somewhere!

EL TATE · « **Reply #36 on:** March 24, 2016, 11:01:33 AM »

That's a fitting statement considering it will smell like a dead animal by the time it comes off, might as well mount it like one, or better yet, have it bronzed!

JR · « **Reply #37 on:** March 24, 2016, 04:06:50 PM »

I already do smell like a dead animal. I need to find a bag to take a shower, sponge baths don't fully cut it!

Nate · « **Reply #38 on:** March 24, 2016, 04:18:39 PM »

shave your upper leg, and wrap the crap out of the garbage bag with duct tape and make sure that you tape on to the shaved skin so that it provides a water proof barrier

JR · « **Reply #39 on:** March 24, 2016, 04:55:38 PM »

What, shave my leg!!!

Much of the issue is balance. No hand grabs in the shower, guess I will try that suction handle from HF.

cj7ox · « **Reply #40 on:** March 24, 2016, 05:46:31 PM »

Quote from: JR on March 24, 2016, 04:55:38 PM

What, shave my leg!!!

Much of the issue is balance. No hand grabs in the shower, guess I will try that suction handle from HF.

What I did was put a folding chair in the tub, and sit on it to shower. I used a regular kitchen garbage bag taped up over my boot (I was fortunate and never got a hard cast). We also have a hand shower head, which made the above rather easy, if inconvenient.

Nate · « **Reply #41 on:** March 24, 2016, 07:13:03 PM »

this is just for you JR, now quit being boo boo lipped and go wash your nasty ass.........;D ;D

http://www.lowes.com/Bathroom/Bathroom-Safety/_/N-1z0z4ei/pl?cm_mmc=search_google-_-FY15%20Fashion%20Fixtures-_-Bath%20Fashions%20Exact-_-shower%20chair&k_clickID=08cdfc9a-fecd-42f8-9e24-b68e95c611f5

oh and they have this stuff in stock so you wont have to order it!

JR · « **Reply #42 on:** March 25, 2016, 12:31:36 AM »

Nate, You said you wouldn't tell! But glad you care

Drove a little today, got the taxes done (OMG) and still owe after adjusting and the big solar credit. Ka sucks
I do have a couple for the garage now, one was from a pool.

Mission accomplished, mo better.

JR · « **Reply #43 on:** April 20, 2016, 08:27:52 PM »

Well, Had the appt yesterday and got the cast off!!! I was expecting to get a walking cast, but NO. They gave me a walking boot, hurray!!!

Looks like I lost about 25% of the calf muscle and there is enough dead skin to make mulch. Then after a real shower I found a stitch that was not removed. So I wait for wifey to get home and have her remove it since it is on the outside of the ankle. I could feel it more than see it. So she ends up cutting just the knot off, not pulling it out. Hopefully this does not cause later issues.

The walking cast is so much better and easier to drive with. 3 weeks on this but I can put weight on it some and hopefully walk in a few days.

Wilbur · « **Reply #44 on:** April 20, 2016, 08:37:51 PM »

Amazing how fast the body atrophies when you're not using it. I broke my leg when I was 18. When I broke it I could only reach half way around my thigh touching middle fingers together (hockey player)...6 weeks later I could cross my thumbs across my femur and slide my fist down inside the cast almost to my knee. Buy it comes back. You'll be glad you did it in 6 months when the pain is gone and you don't have frankenankles. :)

Atkinsmatt · « **Reply #45 on:** April 20, 2016, 09:13:54 PM »

Great news. Be careful not to push too much.

Nate · « **Reply #46 on:** April 20, 2016, 09:22:06 PM »

this is a good development jr.

please (from personal experience!) keep the damned boot on and do not attempt the over workage. when I got my cast off and was put into one of those, I was so tempted hundreds of times to go with out it.............

Sammconn · « **Reply #47 on:** April 20, 2016, 09:30:26 PM »

Yes, as Nate said, enjoy the boot, but use it.
As you're aware, a lot of calf is MIA. Which equates to a lot of strength.

Slow and steady now will be far better in the long run.
You've done the time so far, don't blow it now.

And that's some nasty lookin skin too! :)

JR · « **Reply #48 on:** April 20, 2016, 11:24:12 PM »

Scooter is still in full use as well as the boot. Full weight is a way off, but I can climb into the Dmax now.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #49 on:** April 20, 2016, 11:27:26 PM »

youre turning into a lizard....

good progress JR glad to hear

Author Topic: Well, lets rebuild an ankle!! (Read 15692 times)

OldKooT