Unfortunately, that means I'm back in the big boot. It's been this way for a couple of weeks now. I tried the smaller boot for awhile, but I was still in pain and had to take a step back. Thank goodness we're having a cool summer because 90 degree weather and the boot would make me one seriously unhappy camper.
The medical term for what I have is a "non-union" or "delayed union" of the bone. One of the treatments for this condition is an Ultrasound Bone Healing System, or as it's more commonly known, a "bone stimulator". (Leave the jokes alone people. I've already heard them all.)
Once a day I squirt a little bit of that ultrasound goo on the device, strap it around my foot, push the orange button and let it do its magic for 20 minutes.
Other than watching the timer wind down, I can't tell anything is happening. It doesn't pulse or tickle. Nothing. I have to believe it's doing it's job. I just can't bear the thought of surgery.
Keep your fingers crossed for me. Thanks.
P.S. Once this whole thing is behind me, I will have a slightly used, very expensive machine. I will gladly sell it to you for a mere fraction of the exorbitant price I paid for it. But today, I won't bore you with yet another sad story of the state of health insurance in the US.
12 comments:
Yuck. I'm sorry this sounds like no fun. And as far as used medical equipment is concerned, I'd be happy to join a joint tag sale - in a few weeks, I'll have 3 knee braces that I won't have any use for that I've bought.
If I ever need a bone stimulator, you are at the top of my list.
I'm so sorry. I know this is demoralizing. And I know that it affects everything you do. It's hard to feel light and flighty and summery when you are wearing a big steal & velcro boot.
I'm a very selfless person. I would be happy to go to the sock summit with you and carry your books.
Speaking as someone who just has an ankle fracture that was also a non-union fracture, I understand what you are going through. I broke my ankle last September and the first ortho said it was healed even though he never took a second x-ray. I ended up seeing a second ortho who believed in taking x-rays. I had to wear a nice little brace until the end of May. And I got sit with my ankle resting every day for 20 minutes while that little machine did its magic.
The machine does work. Look at it this way - it is 20 minutes of knitting time when you can't move. I hope your foot heals up fast now!
Someone else already mentioned the 20 minutes of enforced knitting time, so I won't :) But you have my sympathies -- we take our bodies and our mobility for granted until we don't have them.
I broke my ankle in Ravenswood (alas, not in Paris) in February and while the bones healed, I'm still aching with soft tissue damage. Wishing you the best.
Grr, that is frustrating! I hope your foot eventually works itself out!
It just occurred to me...we've all heard numerous tales of people's BIG SOCK fiascos...you know, they knit a first sock that might be a little baggy on a club-footed giant. With gout. If anyone has a BIG SOCK, sent it on and it can be used to festively adorn what otherwise is a un-festive boot.
I know exactly what you're going through. I went through two major surgeries where I had joints fused in my instep and up into my ankle. (for arthritis) I used the bone stimulator both times, twice a day for 12 weeks. Trust me, it works and is well worth the time. Too bad I couldn't have given you mine....Happy healing. (I have also managed to break two of the screws that were initially put into my feet, so do exactly what the doctors say and don't try to do too much)
Our store manager, Sabrina, had a foot fracture that wasn't healing and had her own bone stimulator.
Despite it not feeling like anything, it ended up doing the trick.
Here's to a similar solution for you!
Rob @ ThreadBear
Nice blog you got here. It would be great to read more concerning this matter.
By the way check the design I've made myself Russian escorts
Hi Lorna,
I was researching the Exogen bone stimulator and I came across your blog. I suffered the same type of fracture back in August (now January) and have had 2 surgeries and am still on crutches with a non-union. My surgeon suggested a bone stimulator so I've been using a borrowed Exogen from a coach at work for the last week. Unfortunately, it works fairly spotty at best and is not reliable. I get the error exclamation point every time I turn it on and rarely ever finish the 20 minutes. Was wondering if you still have yours and would be willing to sell it. My insurance company will not approve such a device and I've been going bananas for almost 6 months now. I'm pretty desperate because we are expecting a baby in a couple months and I can't be out of commission the way I've been when the new arrival gets here. Feel free to call or email me. I curious if the bone stimulator has helped your recovery.
Best,
Jonathan
jonathan.rasca@gmail.com
503-409-0610
In case Lorna's Exogen has been spoken for, if you need an Exogen system, you can get a reliable, affordable pre-owned system for rent or purchase (with a warranty) from https://www.facebook.com/mountainfamilyrentals/. You can get more infomration from mountainfamilyproducts@gmail.com. Heal well and fast!
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