Alright...I confess. I'm still obsessed about finding out as much as I can about my broken leg. Some of the info is useful. Like the reason why I don't have water retention is maybe because the injury to the soft tissues, including the lymphatics, is not so serious. Thank God. I keep worrying my leg will be shorter and cause limping. But it was my choice not to go for surgery since I was given an option. OK, just move on and think positive.
Inspirational book that I read: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. About this professor who has terminal cancer and is writing a book about lessons in life for his three young kids. He has such a beautiful wife and kids. It is such a warm, funny, witty and poignant book. He's such a remarkable and inspiring person. One of a kind. Don't know if he's still living. I should check out the website he mentioned. Reminds me why I shouldn't be complaining.
My aunt has just undergone an operation to save her husband's life. She has given her kidney to him. They're of two different blood types. He's O, she's B. They've done this procedure in Europe and Japan. But it's the first time they've done it here in Singapore. Latest news is he's going to be moved out of ICU soon. Both are in stable condition. Yesterday, I felt such pain and sadness just to imagine the pain and sacrifice she has to go through. But I guess it's fated. Her husband and kids are lucky. I would have done the same thing if I had to.
Two weeks prior to 23/5/2008:
Heel bone was throbbing day and night. Agonising. Couldn't sleep. Panadol didn't help. The toe massages that used to work didn't. What helped was standing up for a while and sleeping on the couch with my cast resting on a kiddy chair. Yes, I slept in the living room. The next day, found a detachable arm rest to put on the kiddy chair so I could sleep in bed since the height between the chair and the bed was manageable. I realised I couldn't put my leg up on two pillows any more as that caused the heel pain. Maybe because too much weight was on the heel causing poor circulation. All I know was the pain felt like broken glass pressing against the heel. Called the nurse to ask if my cast was loose - she said it was normal.
23/5/2008
4th visit to doctor. My heart sank when he looked at the words my hubby had written on the cast (Heal quick!) and said: "Not so soon, you know. Not much bone growth", as he studied the latest X-ray. I asked if bone growth stimulators worked. He said they don't help. Well, pretty depressing. He looked at the X-ray, said that it was too early to see calcium deposits but there seemed to be slight shadows around the displaced bone. That could indicate some healing going on. Hah! Finally, something encouraging! But if he doesn't see enough bone growth soon, he would recommend a bone grafting operation because he doesn't see the point spending so much time in a cast. OK, not that encouraging.
Then, he said he'd put me in a knee cast in two weeks time. Yeah!!!!! No boot/air cast because of the nature of my injury (spiral, slightly displaced). Well, at least I can bend my knee. He didn't prescribe an injection (painkiller) as it wouldn't hurt (unlike the last time it was casted) because the injury would be 8-weeks-old by then. What a relief. I knew, from what my cousin told me, that it would hurt when they bend my knee (what do you expect, 8 weeks without bending it?) but have decided to brave it.
I pushed the doctor for a date when I could return to work. He said three months. Somewhere in August. At that point, I was just happy that he could put a time frame because he refused to give me one the last time I saw him. (Initially, both doctors I saw said 6-8 weeks. Yeah, right! I'm wondering why they said so when they had my x-ray)
He said I should take 1g calcium daily, excluding food, when I asked.
Feel lighter these days. Don't feel as tired when I move out of my room on crutches. The leg aches when I put my leg down too long and feel the whole weight of my cast. Feel pain when I try to carry my leg up from the left-hand side - that's where I twisted it. But I have to expect more pain. My friend's leg was in a cast for two months for an uncomplicated tibial break. Walking was more painful than when she broke it. Ouch! She couldn't walk straight because the leg was so weak. I've read about how it will swell and ache when I start walking on it.
24/5/2008
Went to see the TCM doctor. She said even though I didn't have much water retention the last time I saw her, it looked like the slight swelling of the toes of my casted leg had gone down. She checked my blood pressure and found it was low. She told me to get my blood checked. Told her it had started since my 2nd pregnancy. I had to take iron tablets during pregnancy. Have had nausea which lasted a few hours when I over-exerted myself. So far, it has happened 6 times. The most recent incident, I had a headache, nausea, vomitting and my eyes hurt. I think it is a combination of sinusitis (bright lights) and low blood pressure that caused it. But my blood pressure went up when I started taking a iron supplement. Stopped recently. Have been feeling nauseous last few days come to think of it. Think I better top up the iron and maybe see doctor to have my blood checked if it doesn't stop.
She gave me a massage to get circulation going. Said that people sometimes forget that they overrely on the non-injured leg that it causes problems for that leg later on. It's good that I'm going to be in a knee cast soon so she can do accupuncture above the knee.
Some advice she gave: I must get some morning sun (7am to 11am) because it is then that the calcium binds with the vitamin D. Am I taking it seriously? Yup. I am getting some serious sunshine every morning now at the day bed near the living room window. Before this, I did get some sun but didn't go into the bright sunlight.
Must self-massage like she taught me because it's better than someone doing it for me. Also wriggle toes for circulation. She gave me herbs to boil (which includes calcium) to take twice a day for blood clots, healing and strengthening the bone. Luckily, it isn't so bitter. A bit sour. We bought an $8 claypot to boil it in.
Yesterday, my shoulder bone really hurt. I massaged it the whole day, it finally went away in the afternoon. Has happened twice already. I guess because I lean to my left-hand side to do stuff like use this computer. Or maybe I haven't been getting enough calcium? I am finally able to sit up putting my casted leg on the kiddy chair+big rectangular arm chair cushion, laptop on low computer table. But just a few minutes ago felt nauseous. Got to find out more about this low blood pressure thingy.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Nice Visit
Two of my students (from Myanmar) visited me. Their families are safe and weren't affected by the cyclone that has killed about 100,000 people and affected about 1 million living in the Irrawady area. Really had a nice time showing them my photos and talking to them. Both say they wish they could have the "peaceful life" they used to have in their own country because life in Singapore is stressful!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I'm on leave, damn it!
Think nice thoughts, not work! Have updated the nice message that pops up whenever people email me -"I am on hospitalization leave." Shall hereby resolve not to open email unless someone calls and asks me to check email because have finally come to the realization that working is stressing me out. I feel guilty but doing work is not doing my body favours. Yeah, it's just my leg but I need the rest of my body to help me heal. I'm not doing a good job convincing myself. But my hubby and a few friends have said I shouldn't be working. So, I shall listen to them.
Have managed to avoid going to the doctor. Nurse said it's normal for the cast to loosen.
My student has helped me a lot because he understands what I'm going through. He knows how I think negative things when I'm alone. He is such an inspiration. He went through much, much worse. Fell six storeys. Injured seven parts on his spine. Thought he wouldn't be able to walk. He's fine now although has some metal parts in his thigh and ankle I think. Which sometimes hurts. He spent one month in the hospital. Anytime I need to talk to someone, he will be there for me. Aww...so sweet. (Just like my long-suffering husband who sacrifices his sleep when I can't sleep and need to talk.) It's a miracle that my student can walk after falling seven storeys while his peer, who fell three storeys, is paralysed neck down.
Have managed to avoid going to the doctor. Nurse said it's normal for the cast to loosen.
My student has helped me a lot because he understands what I'm going through. He knows how I think negative things when I'm alone. He is such an inspiration. He went through much, much worse. Fell six storeys. Injured seven parts on his spine. Thought he wouldn't be able to walk. He's fine now although has some metal parts in his thigh and ankle I think. Which sometimes hurts. He spent one month in the hospital. Anytime I need to talk to someone, he will be there for me. Aww...so sweet. (Just like my long-suffering husband who sacrifices his sleep when I can't sleep and need to talk.) It's a miracle that my student can walk after falling seven storeys while his peer, who fell three storeys, is paralysed neck down.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Tickled Pink
Tickled pink because I did a "Which generation are you from?" and was declared a Generation Y-er (normally 15-31 yrs) even though I an from Generation X. They said it's not about age but how you live life. I think it must be my students' influence!
Dreamt for second time that I walked as if I had healed (forgot I hadn't). Hubby dreamt I'd recovered. Maid also dreamt twice I'd recovered.
Had severe heel bone pain twice a day since Wednesday. Went away after toe massage and moving position I rest my heel. Told a nurse. Now doctor wants to check if cast is too loose. Now lying down I can fit my whole hand in cast and touch top of my knee unlike previously. Am not liking the thought of MORE pain if I have to change the cast.
Dreamt for second time that I walked as if I had healed (forgot I hadn't). Hubby dreamt I'd recovered. Maid also dreamt twice I'd recovered.
Had severe heel bone pain twice a day since Wednesday. Went away after toe massage and moving position I rest my heel. Told a nurse. Now doctor wants to check if cast is too loose. Now lying down I can fit my whole hand in cast and touch top of my knee unlike previously. Am not liking the thought of MORE pain if I have to change the cast.
Monday, May 5, 2008
House arrest
Good news: Read in a study that TCM healed broken bones in 30 days compared to Western medicine (45 days).
Bad news: Malunion (bones don't heal in exact original position) may cause future knee problems which may need surgery to correct.
Good news: Electro-magnetic waves helped to unite bones that weren't healing.
Bad news: Where to get here? I'm getting too obsessed with reading medical reports which doesn't help!!!
Good news: I feel less tired when I walk out of my room. Is the germanium-magnetic bracelet I got working? Or the TCM self-massage or medication to unclot blood and strengthen bones? (Note: Absolutely no medication given by doctor other than the first week.)
Bad news: Why are there websites started by people with broken ankles, knees but none with broken tibia? (Excluding mybrokenleg.com where anything goes)
Good news: Lots of people with broken legs out there.
Bad news: Can't find somebody with spiral tibial fracture with slight displacement who decided against surgery
Yesterday, my insurance agent came by to do the car insurance. He has no grandchildren and so loves kids running around. Well, they can be irritating but today the kids were a joy to have around. So adorable...So nice to hug! At least I'm not all alone!
Unhealthy food tally: 1 Junior BK whopper, 1 BK Big Fish, 6 slices of Sarpino's pizza, 1 small packet of fries, 3 Cheezels (offered by daughter), 8 slices of potato chips
No of days survived post-injury: 19 (Wow, that long already?)
Which Jane Austen heroine am I? (Facebook): Amusing results to this quiz. I am like Catherine Morland, Northanger Abbey. Loves to read. Check. Bookworm. Childlike. Check. I'm a natural child, what can I say? Calvin & Hobbes is my favourite cartoon. Adventurous spirit. Check. Like to roam around on my own. Will try all kinds of food, alternative therapies, etc. Love travelling (hate packaged tours) and don't mind getting lost. But totally unsporty. Imaginative. Check. Tomboy, less likely to gossip in a corner. Check (Somewhat). More like nerd. In primary school: The one who spent the least time in front of the mirror unlike other girls who would check/comb hair in mirror (unlike other girls). The girl most likely to get into trouble and get punished (It was rare but the other girls were like angels, what can I say? I'd forget to bring a textbook or talk at the wrong time though I was not a chatterbox). The one who fought with a boy. Now that I think of it, I think I kicked him. Hahaha. In secondary school: The one most likely to spend the least time looking in the mirror while other girls were busy putting on their eyeliner, etc. Post-uni: The one who, at Versailles Palace, Paris, got frustrated 'cos all her friends wanted to do was to get out, sit down and gossip in the courtyard outside. Naive. Check. Just ask my friends....
Bad news: Malunion (bones don't heal in exact original position) may cause future knee problems which may need surgery to correct.
Good news: Electro-magnetic waves helped to unite bones that weren't healing.
Bad news: Where to get here? I'm getting too obsessed with reading medical reports which doesn't help!!!
Good news: I feel less tired when I walk out of my room. Is the germanium-magnetic bracelet I got working? Or the TCM self-massage or medication to unclot blood and strengthen bones? (Note: Absolutely no medication given by doctor other than the first week.)
Bad news: Why are there websites started by people with broken ankles, knees but none with broken tibia? (Excluding mybrokenleg.com where anything goes)
Good news: Lots of people with broken legs out there.
Bad news: Can't find somebody with spiral tibial fracture with slight displacement who decided against surgery
Yesterday, my insurance agent came by to do the car insurance. He has no grandchildren and so loves kids running around. Well, they can be irritating but today the kids were a joy to have around. So adorable...So nice to hug! At least I'm not all alone!
Unhealthy food tally: 1 Junior BK whopper, 1 BK Big Fish, 6 slices of Sarpino's pizza, 1 small packet of fries, 3 Cheezels (offered by daughter), 8 slices of potato chips
No of days survived post-injury: 19 (Wow, that long already?)
Which Jane Austen heroine am I? (Facebook): Amusing results to this quiz. I am like Catherine Morland, Northanger Abbey. Loves to read. Check. Bookworm. Childlike. Check. I'm a natural child, what can I say? Calvin & Hobbes is my favourite cartoon. Adventurous spirit. Check. Like to roam around on my own. Will try all kinds of food, alternative therapies, etc. Love travelling (hate packaged tours) and don't mind getting lost. But totally unsporty. Imaginative. Check. Tomboy, less likely to gossip in a corner. Check (Somewhat). More like nerd. In primary school: The one who spent the least time in front of the mirror unlike other girls who would check/comb hair in mirror (unlike other girls). The girl most likely to get into trouble and get punished (It was rare but the other girls were like angels, what can I say? I'd forget to bring a textbook or talk at the wrong time though I was not a chatterbox). The one who fought with a boy. Now that I think of it, I think I kicked him. Hahaha. In secondary school: The one most likely to spend the least time looking in the mirror while other girls were busy putting on their eyeliner, etc. Post-uni: The one who, at Versailles Palace, Paris, got frustrated 'cos all her friends wanted to do was to get out, sit down and gossip in the courtyard outside. Naive. Check. Just ask my friends....
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Confessions of An Unfortunate Couch Potato (Who Broke Her Leg)
Apologies but for now, my maiden blog is going to be mostly about my broken leg (tibia).
Official medical term: tibial spiral fracture with slight displacement. In other words, I broke my shin bone. The big, long, leg bone.
Have decided to keep a diary for two reasons: 1) To encourage myself when I see some progress 2) To encourage others who may have the same injury because I really can't find anyone with exactly the same condition (people I read about broke both tibia and fibula, or had spiral tibial fracture without displacement).
It happened on 13th April. After three rollerblading lessons, two of which later led to sinusitis attacks (nausea, headache, dizziness, blocked nose, low blood pressure), I foolhardily went for our last lesson after a two-week lesson break. This time round, I promised myself I would skate for shorter period of time because of the sinus attacks it triggered previously (possibly due to the hot sun).
Feeling nervous about the slightly descending slope, I began skating then promptly realised that I had forgotten how to brake. As I was heading straight for a 1-metre-high wooden signboard, I held on to it to break my fall (something I'd been told never to do to avoid injury), I heard a "Twack!" sound as I twisted my leg above the boots before falling. "Take it off! Take it off!" I screamed, after sitting up. My husband and the skating instructor didn't think it was serious yet. Luckily, they were able to put ice on my right shin almost immediately. Had to be carried to the car and subsequently, to the hospital. Three hours, two doctors, two-x-ray later, I discovered I had a fractured leg. The doctor recommended surgery but bandaged my leg (splint) which surprisingly, didn't hurt, maybe because I'd taken Panadol?
Official medical term: tibial spiral fracture with slight displacement.
In other words, I broke my shin bone. The big, long, leg bone.
14/4/2008
Went for a second opinion. Got the same recommendation from the orthopedic surgeon. Leg was put in a cast from above knee downwards. Excruciating. I was screaming. Luckily, it took less than a minute. Or was it a minute? Whole leg was swollen and blue-black. Nurses commented I looked pale. Well, had been having sinusitis almost every day for a month.
Regret, regret, regret!!! My motto is "Try anything". Now, I think it should be "Try anything. If it suits you!". Sigh. Should have stuck to a skate-scooter I think. My body is just not meant for certain sports.
Did I enjoy the lessons? Yeah, I was proud of myself. It was strenuous but fun. As a couch potato who almost never...alright...never exercises, I thought I'd redeem myself by joining hubby and son for rollerblading lessons. Alas...in-line skating is NOT the same as rollerskating..(I used to rollerskate weekends as a teenager)..It's harder. Plus, that was then..this is now (I'm 36). And it helps if you're shorter (like my 7-year old son. I'm 1.61m) as you're nearer to the centre of gravity. Reality bites!!! Too much.
21/4/2008
A week later, saw the doctor again. About time because my ankle felt like it was resting on broken glass. I had to take Panadol for the throbbing, pressure sore a few times. At first, I'd been told I'd recover within 6 to 8 weeks. This time, the doctor said the tibia is an area which does not receive much blood supply so recovery could take 4, 5 or 6 months. (My reaction: "When am I going back to work?"') My tibia (shin bone) is slightly displaced. Surgery would mean the bone would grow in the exact position. No surgery would mean it would grow back, not perfect but "acceptable".
Hearing stories about people who regretted putting in screws and rods because of the pain it causes, I didn't want to go for surgery. Plus, my cousin refused surgery (which doctor said was her ONLY option) but she's fine now after weeks in a cast although her knee will never be as strong as before, after two injuries. Of course, that was a good excuse to avoid the scary surgery.
Before they casted my leg for the second time, I was given an injection (Voltaren, a painkiller). What I will never understand is why they didn't give the injection time to work (5 minutes when the nurse said it'd take 30 mins) before they cut open my fibre-glass cast and put a new one on. The swelling had gone down making the first one loose. That's why they had to put on a new one. It was another excruciating. They moved the leg here and there around the ankle and shin area to make it straight. I was moaning in pain. Wished I was unconscious. Thankfully, it took a few minutes. The male nurse was comforting as he was very jovial. Told me to exercise and keep my spirits up. He'd broken his leg a few times. Had even gone fishing in a cast.
After a few days, the pain lessened. So, am not taking any medication. But doing research, I got myself worried sick because:
a) Tibial fractures are notorious: the bones take a long, long time to unite. At first, I considered getting a bone stimulator device. But it costs a few thousands and what if I got a second-hand one from overseas and it was faulty?
b) What happens if a part of my bone sticks out permanently? Is it going to cause long-term pain?
c) Would I have to go for surgery if it doesn't heal properly?
Of course, there were cases where people had gone for cast 'cos the angle of displacement was less than five degrees. Luckily, according to research, it doesn't cause arthritis but may cause ankle problems. In which case I'll get those electro-magnets ready! They're proven to help. Well. some say they do. Some say they don't.
Will my right leg be shorter? Was told it was anyway when I went to buy orthopedic shoes last year. No wonder I've always felt my left leg was stronger since I was small. Doctor said it's easier to set if the tibia AND fibula (supporting leg bone) are both broken. I just hope I don't limp!
Studies show surgery for those with tibia shaft injury makes the leg stronger but then, it doesn't say if the patients are hurting due to the metal parts. In some cases, they weren't allowed to take it out and were asked to wait for two years even though it hurt.
Luckily my sister recommended a TCM specialist who could answer my questions. The bone, if it juts out, will cause pain only if it hits a nerve, in which case, it could be massaged (to correct it or something like that). You're still young, don't worry, she said. She saw my X-ray so I was assured since she didn't say something like "I think you better go for surgery!" She said, well, since I'd already opted against it and managed to endure the cast for two weeks....
No water retention (great) she said. She taught me how to massage my face, scalp, torso and legs to keep circulation going (to do daily) and told me it would be good to walk around once a day. Would help circulation. I realised that already when I walked on crutches from my room to our house entrance and I got SO tired. The reason why I've stayed put in my room so long was because on the fifth day of my injury, I nearly fell. Let one crutch go and stepped on my injured leg before someone caught me. Which got me worried that the bone would get more displaced (thank God it didn't but my leg did begin to hurt more. Didn't know if it was due to this or because the cast had gotten too loose as swelling had gone down). That's when I learnt crutches are dangerous. The reason why I don't like crutches: Can't multi-task. Nearly missed footing several times 'cos I was thinking about other things!
The TCM doctor told me to try to catch the morning sun (better than the evening sun) from 7am to 9am if I could - vitamin D for the bones, to be patient and stay positive. No spicy food because it creates wind and causes sinusitis. Shucks! No overloading on all sorts of vitamins and calcium because it would send my kidneys and liver into overdrive.
So..now I've consulted a naturopath (gave me homeopathic tissue salts for the bone and stress)..a TCM specialist..and two orthopedic surgeons. That's four doctors. Yeah, I know, I'm paranoid. Anything goes to heal faster (except for surgery). The older I get, the more paranoid I get about pain. That's after one sinusitis-cum-tonsillitis operation, three child births (one emergency Caesarian operation, two labours without epidural because the nurse tells you to hold on for "a little while longer" by which time it is too late to ask for it, post-delivery bleeding (forgot what it's called), pelvic injury where I broke a bone or ligament, several bouts of mastitis (40-41 degrees Celsius fever twice) and a sprained back (twice - couldn't get up till next day and pain was like labour pain). Yes, I'm a real coward about pain.
Pros about having a broken leg:
1) No work deadlines! Yippeee!
2) Discover the joys of Korean drama serials (better than expected!) which otherwise I would never have the stamina to watch
3) Get to see my three adorable kids more and get more hugs!
4) Get more sleep. Have been seriously sleep-deprived for the last seven years...because of 3 kids and work
5) Can watch TV and read all I want (but sadly, have to ask someone to get them for me)
6) MAYBE less dark circles under the eyes
7) I WILL recover unlike other illnesses. At least I don't need to have it cut off. It's not life-threatening. Thank God!
8) Really become an authentic couch potato and people can't criticise me for it
9) Will eat healthier food and more protein (veggies and fruits) than I ever had (to build bones) in my whole life
10) Zero shopping = Zero money spent
11) Surf Internet as much as I want
12) Can get away with ordering people around
13) Can finally, MAYBE, finish a diploma for trainers I'm working on. Provided I can overcome crick neck from having to use notebook lying sideways or get a suitable small table for bed that won't put weight on my legs/thighs
Cons about having broken leg:
Official medical term: tibial spiral fracture with slight displacement. In other words, I broke my shin bone. The big, long, leg bone.
Have decided to keep a diary for two reasons: 1) To encourage myself when I see some progress 2) To encourage others who may have the same injury because I really can't find anyone with exactly the same condition (people I read about broke both tibia and fibula, or had spiral tibial fracture without displacement).
It happened on 13th April. After three rollerblading lessons, two of which later led to sinusitis attacks (nausea, headache, dizziness, blocked nose, low blood pressure), I foolhardily went for our last lesson after a two-week lesson break. This time round, I promised myself I would skate for shorter period of time because of the sinus attacks it triggered previously (possibly due to the hot sun).
Feeling nervous about the slightly descending slope, I began skating then promptly realised that I had forgotten how to brake. As I was heading straight for a 1-metre-high wooden signboard, I held on to it to break my fall (something I'd been told never to do to avoid injury), I heard a "Twack!" sound as I twisted my leg above the boots before falling. "Take it off! Take it off!" I screamed, after sitting up. My husband and the skating instructor didn't think it was serious yet. Luckily, they were able to put ice on my right shin almost immediately. Had to be carried to the car and subsequently, to the hospital. Three hours, two doctors, two-x-ray later, I discovered I had a fractured leg. The doctor recommended surgery but bandaged my leg (splint) which surprisingly, didn't hurt, maybe because I'd taken Panadol?
Official medical term: tibial spiral fracture with slight displacement.
In other words, I broke my shin bone. The big, long, leg bone.
14/4/2008
Went for a second opinion. Got the same recommendation from the orthopedic surgeon. Leg was put in a cast from above knee downwards. Excruciating. I was screaming. Luckily, it took less than a minute. Or was it a minute? Whole leg was swollen and blue-black. Nurses commented I looked pale. Well, had been having sinusitis almost every day for a month.
Regret, regret, regret!!! My motto is "Try anything". Now, I think it should be "Try anything. If it suits you!". Sigh. Should have stuck to a skate-scooter I think. My body is just not meant for certain sports.
Did I enjoy the lessons? Yeah, I was proud of myself. It was strenuous but fun. As a couch potato who almost never...alright...never exercises, I thought I'd redeem myself by joining hubby and son for rollerblading lessons. Alas...in-line skating is NOT the same as rollerskating..(I used to rollerskate weekends as a teenager)..It's harder. Plus, that was then..this is now (I'm 36). And it helps if you're shorter (like my 7-year old son. I'm 1.61m) as you're nearer to the centre of gravity. Reality bites!!! Too much.
21/4/2008
A week later, saw the doctor again. About time because my ankle felt like it was resting on broken glass. I had to take Panadol for the throbbing, pressure sore a few times. At first, I'd been told I'd recover within 6 to 8 weeks. This time, the doctor said the tibia is an area which does not receive much blood supply so recovery could take 4, 5 or 6 months. (My reaction: "When am I going back to work?"') My tibia (shin bone) is slightly displaced. Surgery would mean the bone would grow in the exact position. No surgery would mean it would grow back, not perfect but "acceptable".
Hearing stories about people who regretted putting in screws and rods because of the pain it causes, I didn't want to go for surgery. Plus, my cousin refused surgery (which doctor said was her ONLY option) but she's fine now after weeks in a cast although her knee will never be as strong as before, after two injuries. Of course, that was a good excuse to avoid the scary surgery.
Before they casted my leg for the second time, I was given an injection (Voltaren, a painkiller). What I will never understand is why they didn't give the injection time to work (5 minutes when the nurse said it'd take 30 mins) before they cut open my fibre-glass cast and put a new one on. The swelling had gone down making the first one loose. That's why they had to put on a new one. It was another excruciating. They moved the leg here and there around the ankle and shin area to make it straight. I was moaning in pain. Wished I was unconscious. Thankfully, it took a few minutes. The male nurse was comforting as he was very jovial. Told me to exercise and keep my spirits up. He'd broken his leg a few times. Had even gone fishing in a cast.
After a few days, the pain lessened. So, am not taking any medication. But doing research, I got myself worried sick because:
a) Tibial fractures are notorious: the bones take a long, long time to unite. At first, I considered getting a bone stimulator device. But it costs a few thousands and what if I got a second-hand one from overseas and it was faulty?
b) What happens if a part of my bone sticks out permanently? Is it going to cause long-term pain?
c) Would I have to go for surgery if it doesn't heal properly?
Of course, there were cases where people had gone for cast 'cos the angle of displacement was less than five degrees. Luckily, according to research, it doesn't cause arthritis but may cause ankle problems. In which case I'll get those electro-magnets ready! They're proven to help. Well. some say they do. Some say they don't.
Will my right leg be shorter? Was told it was anyway when I went to buy orthopedic shoes last year. No wonder I've always felt my left leg was stronger since I was small. Doctor said it's easier to set if the tibia AND fibula (supporting leg bone) are both broken. I just hope I don't limp!
Studies show surgery for those with tibia shaft injury makes the leg stronger but then, it doesn't say if the patients are hurting due to the metal parts. In some cases, they weren't allowed to take it out and were asked to wait for two years even though it hurt.
Luckily my sister recommended a TCM specialist who could answer my questions. The bone, if it juts out, will cause pain only if it hits a nerve, in which case, it could be massaged (to correct it or something like that). You're still young, don't worry, she said. She saw my X-ray so I was assured since she didn't say something like "I think you better go for surgery!" She said, well, since I'd already opted against it and managed to endure the cast for two weeks....
No water retention (great) she said. She taught me how to massage my face, scalp, torso and legs to keep circulation going (to do daily) and told me it would be good to walk around once a day. Would help circulation. I realised that already when I walked on crutches from my room to our house entrance and I got SO tired. The reason why I've stayed put in my room so long was because on the fifth day of my injury, I nearly fell. Let one crutch go and stepped on my injured leg before someone caught me. Which got me worried that the bone would get more displaced (thank God it didn't but my leg did begin to hurt more. Didn't know if it was due to this or because the cast had gotten too loose as swelling had gone down). That's when I learnt crutches are dangerous. The reason why I don't like crutches: Can't multi-task. Nearly missed footing several times 'cos I was thinking about other things!
The TCM doctor told me to try to catch the morning sun (better than the evening sun) from 7am to 9am if I could - vitamin D for the bones, to be patient and stay positive. No spicy food because it creates wind and causes sinusitis. Shucks! No overloading on all sorts of vitamins and calcium because it would send my kidneys and liver into overdrive.
So..now I've consulted a naturopath (gave me homeopathic tissue salts for the bone and stress)..a TCM specialist..and two orthopedic surgeons. That's four doctors. Yeah, I know, I'm paranoid. Anything goes to heal faster (except for surgery). The older I get, the more paranoid I get about pain. That's after one sinusitis-cum-tonsillitis operation, three child births (one emergency Caesarian operation, two labours without epidural because the nurse tells you to hold on for "a little while longer" by which time it is too late to ask for it, post-delivery bleeding (forgot what it's called), pelvic injury where I broke a bone or ligament, several bouts of mastitis (40-41 degrees Celsius fever twice) and a sprained back (twice - couldn't get up till next day and pain was like labour pain). Yes, I'm a real coward about pain.
Pros about having a broken leg:
1) No work deadlines! Yippeee!
2) Discover the joys of Korean drama serials (better than expected!) which otherwise I would never have the stamina to watch
3) Get to see my three adorable kids more and get more hugs!
4) Get more sleep. Have been seriously sleep-deprived for the last seven years...because of 3 kids and work
5) Can watch TV and read all I want (but sadly, have to ask someone to get them for me)
6) MAYBE less dark circles under the eyes
7) I WILL recover unlike other illnesses. At least I don't need to have it cut off. It's not life-threatening. Thank God!
8) Really become an authentic couch potato and people can't criticise me for it
9) Will eat healthier food and more protein (veggies and fruits) than I ever had (to build bones) in my whole life
10) Zero shopping = Zero money spent
11) Surf Internet as much as I want
12) Can get away with ordering people around
13) Can finally, MAYBE, finish a diploma for trainers I'm working on. Provided I can overcome crick neck from having to use notebook lying sideways or get a suitable small table for bed that won't put weight on my legs/thighs
Cons about having broken leg:
1) Suddenly, lifts are terrifying things because you worry your leg will get caught in between the doors.
2) You need help to get around in crutches and to go the toilet. Bathing is a hassle because you can't get the cast wet. Until you find a plastic cast cover.
3) Have to endure pain (although at the moment it's not hurting much thank God). Sigh.....
4) Have to endure pressure sores and itch caused by the fibre-glass cast
5) Electricity bill will go up. Fan/air-con constantly aimed at the cast to let air in so it won't itch. A necessity because of the very humid weather in Singapore.
6) Medical bills
7) Get frustrated and depressed more often because tired of having to endure this condition
8) Poor circulation and back ache
9) Will put on weight easily so have to eat less
10) Have to forgo family holiday
11) Will get to hear my children squabbling every day
12) Road to recovery is lllllllooooooooooonnnnnnnnggggggggggg
13) Leg will never be the same. Maybe ache more. Ahhh....main thing I can walk!!!! That's the main purpose of havin' legs. Thank you God!
Sigh..the cons will always outweigh the pros. But what can I do now? Worry for what? Just gotta have faith. HEAL...HEAL... HEAL... Actually one study I read did say the ones who believed this, healed faster. Hmmm...I should have my own affirmation then:
I am healing well :) Every day I'm getting stronger. My bones are going to join up perfectly. Yes, they are!
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