Chris' Surgery Is DELAYED!

[theweaves_dad]

**EDITED MARCH 9, 2012**

Chris went to his pre-op today and when we got home, there was a message on the phone from his surgeon's office. They did not have enough room for his surgery on the 22nd, so now he goes Monday March 26, still at 11:00 am.

This is okay with Chris as it ensures he makes his careless driving date on the 23rd without worrying about being either in pain or higher then a kite! This way he has the weekend, and then goes in on the Monday. So a minor delay but it works out good for all of us! So long as they do not do it again!

I am going to keep this thread going instead of starting yet another one (by the way, this must have been moved, it used to be in the Tea Room!).

For those who you who are in the loop, has his surgery booked for Thursday March 22 at 11:00 at Hamilton General Hospital!!!!

He went today to see his surgeon to discuss exactly what will be done then. He has agreed to do remove the hardware from his left knee and do a knee manipulation and possibly clean up the scar tissue in there as well. Also he is going to take on one screw from his left femur that is rubbing on his skin and take some stuff out of his left ankle that is bothering him as well.

He said that if all goes well, Chris will be home the same day. If not, he will stay one night in the hospital and be out early the next day. Chris figures if this is the case, he might as well sleep in his own bed and get a good night rest instead of a fitful sleep in HGH then be out at 7 in the morning!

So the next step is this Friday when he gets his pre-op done in Hamilton. That day he will find out exactly what time he has to be at the hospital the day of surgery. We are guessing around 9:00 or so.

So in the end, Chris got the wishes he wanted. He is hoping this makes a big difference in his recovery!!! However, he knows the rehab after will be even more grueling and tough... hopefully he will find some more strength in being able to move the knee more and be more aggressive with the physio!
It is funny because we were just talking about this last week before he ordered our Jays tickets on Friday for the home opener. After he ordered them, he said to me, "You watch, my surgery will be booked for April 8th!"... I told him that it might be because it sure would not be in March if he had not got the call by now..

Turns out that his surgery is March 22 and his Careless Driving Trial is scheduled for March 23!! But in talking with his paralegal today, that is probably going to be postponed anyways.... looks like it will be postponed in any event now!



**EDIT**

I was going to start a separate thread but thought why bother, just put it here.

It is hard to believe that tomorrow will mark one year since I got the infamous phone call that Chris had been in a car accident. Little did I know just how much my and his life had just changed. At first I thought, oh it's just a fender bender or something, leave it to him... Then I got the call that he had beeen taken straight to Hamilton General which is our closest trauma centre. Suddenly my heart dropped as I knew this was no fender bender anymore.

Needless to say, the story is pretty much known around here, so I won't bother repeating it all again.

Just suffice it to say that he has made progress in leaps and bounds, although some days he still gets frustrated and down because of the pain and that his knee won't bend. Thus the hope of the next surgery to help or hopefully cure that all!

The best thing to say that is that he is still here. One year ago could have been a totally different story.... one without a happy ending at all.

So please, hugs your kids. You never know what is going to happen next in life. Life is short, live it every day to it's fullest, cause it just might be your last.....

Carl and Chris

[ING_rep]

That's great!! I'm happy for you! Let me know if you have questions, I work in orthopaedics!

[Lynn49]

We'll be away, but I wish him a very successful surgery and quick, full recovery!

[walkonby]

Oh that is terrific news for Chris! Let's hope all goes well.

[theweaves_dad]

ING:

You work in Ortho?? Here we thought you worked in insurance!!! (looking at your username) *LOL*

Chris has a few questions for you then:

1. If he just had the hardware taken out of his knee and the scar tissue broken up, would that involve him staying overnight or is it day surgery?
2. If his surgeon accepts Chris' request to remove stuff from his femur, what are the chances of getting the actual rod taken out and not just the screws?
3. If he gets any or all of the above done, will he require a leg brace, knee brace, cast or all of the above?

He hopes you can shed some light on the above!

[sheetsofemptycanvas]

That is great news! Sending lots of prayers to both of you

[theweaves_dad]

Sheets:

Thanks for the kind wishes! Just noticed your status, when did you become a PSW??? I am one too! Became one at the young age of 59!

[cushiebunny]

I'll be praying.

Please continue to keep us informed dad.

[$power]

Good news weaver men...you know I'll be praying for you guys

[glowworm2k]

glad to hear the surgery is booked! Here's hoping that all goes well

[ING_rep]

Haha you would think!! Nope, not an insurance broker! I'm an Orthopaedics clinical rep

1. If he just had the hardware taken out of his knee and the scar tissue broken up, would that involve him staying overnight or is it day surgery?
It really depends if they need to make a large cut in the leg, if they need to open at many places and if it needs to be done under anaesthesia. If they use drugs to do a femoral block and don't need to put Chris under general anesthesia, he might not stay overnight. Yes you can hear what's going on on the other side of the drapes and it doesn't sound good, but you can ask for a light sedative (lorazepam) and bring your Ipod so that you don't hear. Also, if they can do the procedure arthroscopically (without opening, just using small cuts and cameras) you probably won't stay overnight. Usually, they keep people overnight when there is a risk of hematomas or bleeding, when they think there is a risk of infection or if the person's health is not so good (like older patients). For the scar tissue removal, they use an electrocauter to remove the scar tissue (basically they cut it out with an electrocauter device instead of a scalpel to make sure it doesnt bleed). This part is pretty simple. As for the hardware removal part, it all depends on the hardware placed in and if the patient's bone has healed enough to support the patient's weight without the hardware.
2. If his surgeon accepts Chris' request to remove stuff from his femur, what are the chances of getting the actual rod taken out and not just the screws?
I understand Chris suffered from a femoral fracture. If the femoral neck was sectioned, and a gamma nail was inserted, he will not want to remove it.
The picture above shows a gamma nail. The femoral neck is not strong enough to support the wieght of the leg after a severe fracture. However, if we are talking about plates and screws, you have a good chance of getting them out.

If Chris's case looks like the x-Ray above, he might accept to remove the plate and screws since Chris is young and most probably had good bone stock.

Finally, if you are talking about an IM rod (intramedullary rod and nails) he will either remove everything or nothing at all. If you want to remove it because it is painful, he will evaluate your case and if the bone has healed properly he will probably remove it.

Chris's femur was probably fractured at several points for the surgeon to put an IM rod, screws and possible cables as well. I would speak to the surgeon and explain that it is painful and that you are probably not very confortable sitting for a long time. I am sure he will understand and remove it if the bone is strong enough!

Finally, they will not remove the screws without removing the plate or rod. If I were you, I would make sure your son takes calcium supplements and vitamin D. You know...put all the chances on your side!

3. If he gets any or all of the above done, will he require a leg brace, knee brace, cast or all of the above?

If the surgeon accepts to remove the hardware, it's cause he believes the bone has healed and is solid enough. He probably won't need a brace and definitely won't need a cast. Chris would have to be careful until the holes in the bone caused by the screws would heal and for the muscles to ajust to that. Now, if Chris is not walking at the moment, he might need a leg brace until the muscles are back to normal. Physio usually helps a lot.

I hope my answers help clarify what is coming for Chris, in now exactly 1 month! If you think if other questions let me know!

K

ING:

You work in Ortho?? Here we thought you worked in insurance!!! (looking at your username) *LOL*

Chris has a few questions for you then:

1. If he just had the hardware taken out of his knee and the scar tissue broken up, would that involve him staying overnight or is it day surgery?
2. If his surgeon accepts Chris' request to remove stuff from his femur, what are the chances of getting the actual rod taken out and not just the screws?
3. If he gets any or all of the above done, will he require a leg brace, knee brace, cast or all of the above?

He hopes you can shed some light on the above!

[theweaves_dad]

Haha you would think!! Nope, not an insurance broker! I'm an Orthopaedics clinical rep

1. If he just had the hardware taken out of his knee and the scar tissue broken up, would that involve him staying overnight or is it day surgery?
It really depends if they need to make a large cut in the leg, if they need to open at many places and if it needs to be done under anaesthesia. If they use drugs to do a femoral block and don't need to put Chris under general anesthesia, he might not stay overnight. Yes you can hear what's going on on the other side of the drapes and it doesn't sound good, but you can ask for a light sedative (lorazepam) and bring your Ipod so that you don't hear. Also, if they can do the procedure arthroscopically (without opening, just using small cuts and cameras) you probably won't stay overnight. Usually, they keep people overnight when there is a risk of hematomas or bleeding, when they think there is a risk of infection or if the person's health is not so good (like older patients). For the scar tissue removal, they use an electrocauter to remove the scar tissue (basically they cut it out with an electrocauter device instead of a scalpel to make sure it doesnt bleed). This part is pretty simple. As for the hardware removal part, it all depends on the hardware placed in and if the patient's bone has healed enough to support the patient's weight without the hardware.
2. If his surgeon accepts Chris' request to remove stuff from his femur, what are the chances of getting the actual rod taken out and not just the screws?
I understand Chris suffered from a femoral fracture. If the femoral neck was sectioned, and a gamma nail was inserted, he will not want to remove it.
The picture above shows a gamma nail. The femoral neck is not strong enough to support the wieght of the leg after a severe fracture. However, if we are talking about plates and screws, you have a good chance of getting them out.

If Chris's case looks like the x-Ray above, he might accept to remove the plate and screws since Chris is young and most probably had good bone stock.

Finally, if you are talking about an IM rod (intramedullary rod and nails) he will either remove everything or nothing at all. If you want to remove it because it is painful, he will evaluate your case and if the bone has healed properly he will probably remove it.

Chris's femur was probably fractured at several points for the surgeon to put an IM rod, screws and possible cables as well. I would speak to the surgeon and explain that it is painful and that you are probably not very confortable sitting for a long time. I am sure he will understand and remove it if the bone is strong enough!

Finally, they will not remove the screws without removing the plate or rod. If I were you, I would make sure your son takes calcium supplements and vitamin D. You know...put all the chances on your side!

3. If he gets any or all of the above done, will he require a leg brace, knee brace, cast or all of the above?

If the surgeon accepts to remove the hardware, it's cause he believes the bone has healed and is solid enough. He probably won't need a brace and definitely won't need a cast. Chris would have to be careful until the holes in the bone caused by the screws would heal and for the muscles to ajust to that. Now, if Chris is not walking at the moment, he might need a leg brace until the muscles are back to normal. Physio usually helps a lot.

I hope my answers help clarify what is coming for Chris, in now exactly 1 month! If you think if other questions let me know!

K

Oh my goodness! What a reply!!! Pictures and all!!! Now that we didn't expect!

To answer what you said:

1. Chris says NOT A CHANCE for a local with him! He is going to be asked to be knocked out cold for this. He doesn't think he could handle laying there while they do all that to him, plus he doesn't own an IPOD! So he is going for the full sedation if he can!

2. Chris is pretty sure he had a nail, plates, screws, and rods put in, to the best of his recollection. He knows there are screws and a rod, as the surgeon has said that directly post accident, and you can see the rod in the X Rays he has had done. Last time he went, the surgeon pressed on the side of his leg and Chris said "Owww!" and he said that was a screw pressing against his skin, so we know that is there for sure. Good point on the Viamin D an Calcium. He is already taking Calcium every day, but not Vitamin D, but we have some here!

3. You say "If Chris is walking..." Where ya been the past 7 months honey??? Chris has been home from the hospital since June 1, 2011 and came home using a walker (one with the skiis on it), then changed to a 4 wheel rolator soon after and is now walking around the house with nothing at all and only using a cane when goes out for support in walking up and down curbs etc...! Just teasing you btw!

As for physio, Chris has been going twice a week now for a while. He was going 3 times a week, then went up to 5 and is now down to 2. He is hoping that post surgery, he can go back up to probably 4 times a week since we are away all day on Wednesdays for now... That is something he has to talk to his physiotherapist about when he sees her Friday. By the way he says he might go back there in case he gets shot! There was a police incident in the same plaza where he has his therapy done yesterday and the cops fired 2 shots at the car as it tried to get away! Chris said it's bad enough parking in that lot, let alone being shot at!

One more thing.. Chris wants to know if he can print out your reply and take that to the surgeon with him!!!!!! Also, can you come to Hamilton that day and take care of him??? I think he would like that!

Thanks for the info, and yes it is one month tomorrow!!!! Maybe a ticker is in order here!

Carl&Chris

[Bamboo_Shoots]

Awww ING Honey you are awesome

Its you bday soon

Good luck Chris, I wish I had answers for you, but let's just trust ING heh-heh

[ING_rep]

Hello Chris and Carl,

Hehe yes, usually when people know what is coming they ask for full sedation. Considering the procedures I expect your surgeon will do, it would be too long to keep Chris awake. I would want to be knocked out too.

Haha I know! I just met you guys! I met you first Carl, when you posted under theweaves_dad for the first time, telling us about the trial date being set! I used to hang out in the Coupons, Freebies and P&P section until I found you here! I am glad you are walking Chris, this is good news. When patients are walking, they put pressure on the bones and that’s how they solidify (kind of like muscles, the more you work them, the stronger they get, same for bones.)

It’s great that you are disciplined enough to go to your physio appointments.. a lot of people stop going the second they get better...

Wow this is crazy, don’t get shot please! How dumb are those cops! I mean... who shoots at a moving car in a full parking lot... A sad incident happened in Montreal a few months ago, cop shot at a homeless guy (he was threatening them) downtown on a busy street and a nurse was walking to work and he got shot too.. Wrong place and time. It’s so sad.

Sure you can print what I wrote above! Haha I would make sure to use it wisely tho, surgeons have huge egos... you don’t want to show hi you are seeking an other opinion because he will be insulted. I would use it to know what hardware is in your leg. If you have a smartphone, take shots of your X-rays and send them to me! I'll tell you!

Awww too cute haha. I can’t be there with you Chris, but if you have questions on what the surgeon says, let me know, I will translate hehe! I would definitely come in the OR for the surgery if you lived closer. You know... just to make sure everything goes well!

If you have more questions, Chris or Carl, feel free to ask!

Less than a month now... Tic-Tac-Tic-Tac..

K

[theweaves_dad]

Okay who's b day are you referring to here??? Mine is gone and Chris' is a long way off too! *LOL*

By the way, Chris had a home visit from his Occupational Therapist today and she said that his need of in home care is now $0.00!!! She also said that his insurance adjuster is stupid for ordering this one done now, with surgery one month away, then having to do another one after the surgery! That is what Chris tried to tell him yesterday too!!! *LOL*

Here's hoping that ING replies back soon! Thought she would have been on by now! Edit: Okay skip that, we posted over each other! ROTFMAO! Note to ING: I did PM you as well with more in depth stuff.