anyone else have this done to their leg?

[hughc]

Originally Posted by Tobra

It will be a while. If you smoke, stop, today.

I'm curious as to why in this particular case that you recommend that person stops smoking immediately. Does smoking have an effect on healing?

[Tobra]

Smoking has a rather profound adverse effect on healing. It appears to be particularly significant on bone healing, according to the studies I have read.

To the OP: Do as much range of motion stuff as they will allow you to do, as soon as they will let you, but do not bear weight prematurely. Eat as healthy as you are able, plenty of zinc, vitamins C and E, getting it in your diet is probably better than a multivitamin. Not a bad idea to wear support stockings, at least on that side. I believe for the femur fractures thigh high, rather than calf length is preferred. When all is said and done, have someone who knows their business check you for a limb length discrepancy. With committed fractures, the shattered bone they talked about, it is fairly common to end up a bit short on the injured side.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by stevej37

More than a couple weeks? I don't smoke..5'10 weigh 155...but I am almost 64yo

Hmmm. Sounds like you're going to die. Probably after another 20 years have passed...

Seriously, may the healing go well.

[stevej37]

^^^ Thanks..I was hoping to get a few more years!

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by stevej37

So why did they take it out? My Doc sounded like it was staying there in my femur.

I believe it was the possibility of future injury.

Break the leg again in a manner that bends the hardware, and its nearly impossible to remove it and save the leg. Surgery would be so invasive that amputation of the leg is a likely result.

Tobra, Moses et al will be along shortly to let you know if I'm a maroon.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by Tobra

.... a limb length discrepancy. With committed fractures, the shattered bone they talked about, it is fairly common to end up a bit short on the injured side.

As I was laying in the hospital, leg in traction awaiting surgery, I was told my days in construction are over.
They cannot guarantee the length of the leg, and I will most likely have a limp the rest of my life.

My sister, who is a nurse, knew this doc had a less than stellar reputation.
She made bunch of phone calls, until after midnight, and lined up an highly respected orthopedic surgeon to perform the surgery.

A year later, I get a call saying it's time to remove the hardware. My response- We have to wait until I'm done framing a house. I'm not going to leave this contractor hanging.

Can't thank Dr. Ozolin enough for taking the extra care. Absolutely no issues whatsoever after the healing process.

[cstreit]

Jeez that drilling procedure is barbaric.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by cstreit

Jeez that drilling procedure is barbaric.

when I was wheeled into the operating room, the first thing I noticed was the large human vise connected to the operating table! It was just like an oversized bar clamp.

[Tobra]

DO NOT watch youtube videos on surgery that is going to happen to you. It will freak you the hell out.

You need to talk to the surgeon, but you are probably a couple months on crutches/walker/wheelchair before you are walking. When they do send you to physical therapy, bear in mind they are trying to help you, not kill you.

[Dantilla]

It took a full year before I regained the full range of motion in the knee.

Crutches for several weeks, but began physical therapy on the knee long before bearing any weight. I did whatever I was supposed to do, and have great results.

[stevej37]

^^^ Yeah...they are sending therapy people to my house. First one yesterday. He wasn't too hard on me because I had just been released from the hospital. Next one is due here tomorrow and will be rougher.

[stevej37]

Thanks...fixed it!

[JackDidley]

You are probably aware of this but during this time, keep the rest of your body working. I did stretches, sit ups and other light work outs during the 3 months of incarceration of no weight on the leg. Good luck on the recovery.

[Jim Bremner]

This was September 12th this year for me. 50 yrs old no smoke plates and screws are to come out in a few weeks 95% mobility 65% strength.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

You are probably aware of this but during this time, keep the rest of your body working. I did stretches, sit ups and other light work outs during the 3 months of incarceration of no weight on the leg. Good luck on the recovery.

Yep...trying to do as much as possible and I can already notice an improvement. Fourth day after surgery and I can almost put full pressure on the leg when standing. The only bad thing I've noticed...the more I do..the more the legs swells up. Might have to back off a little.

[Jim Bremner]

Did your Dr. do a bone scan on you ?

My Dr said to stay away from milk products due to your urine becomes more acidic and you leach out more calcium That and to stay away from Sodas.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

Did your Dr. do a bone scan on you ?

My Dr said to stay away from milk products due to your urine becomes more acidic and you leach out more calcium That and to stay away from Sodas.

I don't think he did..just reg x-rays.
I normally am not a milk prod user anyway...so that is easy.
Been drinking all water or juice since home.

[Tobra]

Bone scan is not really indicated for this, and what you are thinking of is not called a bone scan, I think they call it a dexa scan.

I am not kidding about wearing a support stocking on the injured leg, it will help quite a bit

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Tobra

DO NOT watch youtube videos on surgery that is going to happen to you. It will freak you the hell out.

Yep yep
Neuro that did my laminectomy showed me pictures in his office. I freaked out and fainted.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Bone scan is not really indicated for this, and what you are thinking of is not called a bone scan, I think they call it a dexa scan.

I am not kidding about wearing a support stocking on the injured leg, it will help quite a bit

I will do that.
Thanks.