Random Thoughts 15: Crystal Clear 2021 Edition

[BCClone]

The original damage I did was destroying all of the ligaments on the outside of my ankle. I have a piece of my achilles tendon there to replace them. The doc can't just clean up the spurs & osteophytes (the common, simple fix method) because the arthritis is severe enough that they are pretty much what is holding the ankle in position, even as they restrict its movement. The tendon replacement trick has lasted for 45 years but is weakening.

My second option was an ankle fusion. That basically freezes your ankle in a flexed position for the rest of your life. No thank you.

The replacement joint they are using on me is a fairly new design (10 years or so, I think he said). It is designed in two parts that are held together, with a silicon "donut" between them acting like the cartilage cushion. I should have nearly normal range of motion, side to side & flex/extend after it heals. I still may have some issues with sudden side stops (like when you jump to the side while playing table tennis, for example), but that is as much a function of the original injury as it is of the new joint.

If you don't like what your orthopedist has suggested, I strongly recommend you get a second opinion, even if it means going to another city. I have found that it's not uncommon for doctors in the same practice to stick to similar procedures for their patients.

FWIW...Fredericks here in Ames is pretty good, & well-respected.

Fredericks of Ames? Moved from Hollywood?

 

[ImJustKCClone]

Fredericks of Ames? Moved from Hollywood?

Wrong one. But he IS kinda sexy...and he wears cowboy boots when he operates.

 

[VeloClone]

Wrong one. But he IS kinda sexy...and he wears cowboy boots when he operates.

Nothing more sterile than **** kickers in the OR.

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

No there aren't.

If you even had a rudimentary understanding of analytics you would know I'm right.

 

[Ms3r4ISU]

The original damage I did was destroying all of the ligaments on the outside of my ankle. I have a piece of my achilles tendon there to replace them. The doc can't just clean up the spurs & osteophytes (the common, simple fix method) because the arthritis is severe enough that they are pretty much what is holding the ankle in position, even as they restrict its movement. The tendon replacement trick has lasted for 45 years but is weakening.

My second option was an ankle fusion. That basically freezes your ankle in a flexed position for the rest of your life. No thank you.

The replacement joint they are using on me is a fairly new design (10 years or so, I think he said). It is designed in two parts that are held together, with a silicon "donut" between them acting like the cartilage cushion. I should have nearly normal range of motion, side to side & flex/extend after it heals. I still may have some issues with sudden side stops (like when you jump to the side while playing table tennis, for example), but that is as much a function of the original injury as it is of the new joint.

If you don't like what your orthopedist has suggested, I strongly recommend you get a second opinion, even if it means going to another city. I have found that it's not uncommon for doctors in the same practice to stick to similar procedures for their patients.

FWIW...Fredericks here in Ames is pretty good, & well-respected.

So, is this what’s featured in the most recent Mary Greeley magazine? Just read the “new” ankle replacement article yesterday.

 

[wxman1]

While we are discussing ailments. Been battling a gout attack for almost a week. If I still have it on Monday I will give in to MrsWx wishes and go in.

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

While we are discussing ailments. Been battling a gout attack for almost a week. If I still have it on Monday I will give in to MrsWx wishes and go in.

I've been dealing with plantar fasciitis since September of 2019. It sucks.

 

[BCClone]

While we are discussing ailments. Been battling a gout attack for almost a week. If I still have it on Monday I will give in to MrsWx wishes and go in.

They told my mom to eat cherries (even that pie filling stuff will work they say) to help prevent/get rid of it.

 

[wxman1]

They told my mom to eat cherries (even that pie filling stuff will work they say) to help prevent/get rid of it.

Haven’t tried those yet. Been trying to stay as hydrated as possible and taking vitamin C.

 

[BCClone]

Haven’t tried those yet. Been trying to stay as hydrated as possible and taking vitamin C.

If it’s uric acid, drink lemonade also. That breaks down uric acid.

Oh yeah, lots of sex helps also.




Show that to your wife.

 

[ImJustKCClone]

So, is this what’s featured in the most recent Mary Greeley magazine? Just read the “new” ankle replacement article yesterday.

Ha! Just looked it up online. And yes, that's the one I'm getting. I don't have any previous hardware in there so it should not be as involved as his. As a matter of fact, Dr. Cain told me at my last visit that we could expect about 3.5 hours for the surgery, and when I expressed surprise (don't think I've ever had one longer than 1-1.5 hours), he told us about the one discussed in the article. Eeep!

The cool part about this ankle replacement joint is that it lasts much longer than the knee/hip replacements. The basic unit doesn't get a lot of wear. The little cushion in the middle does, though, on some people. But the beauty of the design is that the surgeon can simply make a small incision in the front, pull out the damaged cushion, insert a new one, and you're good to go. No rehab, maybe a few days of soreness from the incision, but you don't have to go through the whole replacement procedure again.

If anyone is interested, here's the magazine. Click on the link to the "Full Metal Ankle" article, just below the "Health Connect" banner.

 

[NWICY]

@WooBadger18 Congrats on the Wi VB championship.

This Baylor/Oregon game is good.

 

[VeloClone]

Ha! Just looked it up online. And yes, that's the one I'm getting. I don't have any previous hardware in there so it should not be as involved as his. As a matter of fact, Dr. Cain told me at my last visit that we could expect about 3.5 hours for the surgery, and when I expressed surprise (don't think I've ever had one longer than 1-1.5 hours), he told us about the one discussed in the article. Eeep!

The cool part about this ankle replacement joint is that it lasts much longer than the knee/hip replacements. The basic unit doesn't get a lot of wear. The little cushion in the middle does, though, on some people. But the beauty of the design is that the surgeon can simply make a small incision in the front, pull out the damaged cushion, insert a new one, and you're good to go. No rehab, maybe a few days of soreness from the incision, but you don't have to go through the whole replacement procedure again.

If anyone is interested, here's the magazine. Click on the link to the "Full Metal Ankle" article, just below the "Health Connect" banner.

Link?

 

[BCClone]

Link?

https://giphy.com/gifs/Q1LPV0vs7oKqc

 

[pourcyne]

Ha! Just looked it up online. And yes, that's the one I'm getting. I don't have any previous hardware in there so it should not be as involved as his. As a matter of fact, Dr. Cain told me at my last visit that we could expect about 3.5 hours for the surgery, and when I expressed surprise (don't think I've ever had one longer than 1-1.5 hours), he told us about the one discussed in the article. Eeep!

Wishing you a very successful surgery, and a speedy and as pain-free-as-possible recovery.

 

[ImJustKCClone]

Link?

Health Connect Magazine | Ames, IA - Mary Greeley Medical Center

Health Connect Magazine is published for residents of central Iowa by Mary Greeley Medical Center.

www.mgmc.org

 

[ImJustKCClone]

Wishing you a very successful surgery, and a speedy and as pain-free-as-possible recovery.

Thanks. I'm just hoping it actually happens this time. This is the fourth time it's been on the schedule since mid-October.

 

[BoxsterCy]

Imagining a world without coffee. Shudders.

 

[ImJustKCClone]

Imagining a world without coffee. Shudders.

I got NOOOO problem with that. Unless that includes Kahlua. If so, then I got a BIIIIIG problem with that.

 

[BoxsterCy]

Hermit Life Sunday Confessions:

I wouldn't mine sitting down with some people over the holidays and sharing some wine and good food. Not going to happen. Did get my holiday pity invite from a married couple I'm good friends with who probably won't give me COVID if I accept. They make great meals but favor bloody awful fruity sweet wine and fruity sweet beers. The sweeter the beverage the more likely I am to absolutely hate it. I usually bring a good wine or champagne for them but it's sort of a waste of effort and money.

Miss going down for family holiday, at least my sister and nieces didn't object to drinking better wine. That's off though, BIL is not doing well. Going to be a very tough Christmas for them.

Still on my wine "diet". Actually have a measuring cup out. Rode exercise bikeski yesterday. DND.