Sat night we came home from one of our great nieces graduation from Western Carolina University. Our little poodle is over 14 years young and has a mind of her own. It had been hours since she had been out but it was wet and cold and she kept wanting to come in. I decide to take her up our little embankment where she will typically go for me. Bit mistake and I mean big mistake, she didn't go and as I was coming back down the little hill my left foot slipped, in trying to catch my balance I ended up on the ground. i couldn't get up and ended at the emergency room where I was diagnosed with a complete ligament tear of my quadracepts muscle. I found this out Sat night, was at home n crutches all day Sunday and had some trouble getting the doctor I wanted on Monday, his nurse dept insisting I go to the Doctor who was on call that night. I hadn't seen him and had an appointment with the doctor I wanted for my shoulder on Jan 2. I finally managed to use that as leverage and at about 1pm Monday got a call to quit eating or drinking anything and head to the hospital in Sylva that is about 25 miles away and the doctor was going to operate that evening. After doing a check to make sure it was necessary that is indeed what happend. I just got home with a cast from my foot to 3/4 of the way up my leg. It's going to be there 6 weeks or longer as this is along recovery. It's the same injury MCG had a little bit ago but his is not a complete tear and he is getting a more conservative treatment. He was kind enough to exchange some experiences he had with me by e-mail when suddenty I got the call to go to the hospital. I've only had one other serious operation in my life, 80% of my stomach removed in 1972, so I don't know quite how to react. I'm not sure if I will be visiting here more or less. But right now I have to rest and then make m choices for the football contest. Just thought I might let you know why I've been missing a couple of days. And please forgive any typos I've made. Later Gator Bill
Bill, Part way down the list of topics is one entitled "Gator Bill" started by MCG which contains well wishes from many of us. I will repeat my wish for you to have a safe and comforting recovery. I've never been in the situation you are in (Knock on wood) so I don't know the problems you are facing. I hope it goes as well as possible for you.
The poodle is just fine Terry. She doesn't understand why I'm not getting up to take her out though. Sid, I'll look down the list of topics.
Bill, I thought something was up when I didn't hear back from you. Sounds like they did the "within 48 hour" surgery that they in fact first prescribed for me. I probably would have submitted to it except for my cardiac issues which make me more leery of undergoing surgery when other treatments could work. In my case I do have some of the quadricep tendons completely ruptured but I still had some unknown quantity intact. I believe that my choice to repair it non-surgically has been right for me and I think/hope it is going to be successful. I don't understand exactly how it works but it seems to be working. Right now I have this immobilzer brace on for another 3 or 4 weeks I guess and it is set to go up to a 90 degree flex position next week. After the brace is off then it is a rehab period of months.....in time for May golf I hope. Keep in mind I did this on Sept. 28th so that does indicate how long it takes. I will be available at any time if you have questions and good luck Bill.
Thanks MCG for the thoughts and posting the other topic. I am sure the 48 hour thing was a major factor in the way it developed. The Dr. took one look and said an MRI wasn't necessary but that he would do it if I wanted. I didn't and just wanted to move on. You know many times people say negative things about their doctor. This guy was not even my official doctor, but he fit me in late in the day when he ad started operating at about 7am. He didn't finish about 10 pm, and he didn't even know me. He has my gratitude.
Wow 15 hours in the O.R. Yikes!! I don't know how those guys do it to tell you the truth. I've worked about 6 hours on one patient and I was worn out when I was done. So was the patient. Of course you were asleep but still. Terry