Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery

[Schmoopie]

The day it happened, it was unseasonably warm (ie. 12 degrees celcius). The day I went home from the hospital, it was a snow storm. My worries were not how I was going to get home, but what I was going to where, because nothing would fit over the Zimmer splint. At home, I'm wearing mens boxer shorts, cause they're nice and light and I can fit them on my leg. I've got five steps to the front porch and going to the ortho clinic next Thursday, my biggest worry is who is going to shovel the steps and walkway? I have a feeling that I will be a hermit this winter, until the leg is better and I feel comfortable on it.

At the park, when the dog hit me, I drove home, but did it two-footed; right foot for gas and left foot for the brake. I am anticipating being off work at least for the next 3 months of no weight bearing. If I can't drive, the only way for me to work is a taxi, which will cost me about $12 each way to work, each day.

I have no exercises at this time. The only thing I've really been doing with my right leg, is the foot pumps. Unfortunately, back in April, I had a grade 2 sprain with torn ligaments in the right ankle, so even these foot pumps are hurting. I no longer have an ankle on my right leg, it's a "cankle". My knee looks like a sausage about to burst its casing, but the bruising is starting to subside. I can honestly say that a week and a half after the injury/surgery, the pain is ok. I'm still taking the extra strength tylenol, but not every 4 hours anymore. The worst is when trying to hoof up the stairs to the washroom. Last night I slept in my bed for the 2nd time since being home, and trying to get the leg comfortable and moving it around, made it sore, always around where the surgery was. The staples are itching like crazy and feel like they're pulling on the bandages, so I'm looking forward to all 40 coming out on Thursday.

Tinka333: I'll let you know how the bum scooting in the snow/slush works out for me. I'm anticipating a wet and cold bum.

[skiplct]

Hi All, I haven't posted in quite a long time (-- but I read every single post from everybody at least twice...), partly because I don't have great news from down here in Hurricane Sandy state of NJ... I'm almost 17 weeks post-op from not just TPF but also severe open mid-shaft fx and fibula. Wish I could report better progress. I am supposedly FWB but I still use the crutches and cane often-- much less painful to use the devices. Saw a specialist in New York City who studied my x-rays and said bones were not healing at the expected pace-- I go back tomorrow to be evaluated by another specialist in non-union trauma fx's for possible therapy using a bone generation promoting drug-- it is called Forteo I think. Anybody out there have experience w/this?

My biggest problem at this point remains the nerve damage. The leg sensation is completely messed up;-- it just doesn't feel like a leg, it feels like it is filled with lead, or like I am dragging around an oak log. Docs are all very evasive about nerve damage: they say it's difficult to diagnosis, even w/expensive MRIs, and even if they can see the damage they often can't do anything about it; that sometimes nerve damage heals on its own and sometimes it doesn't and they (the medical profession) can't predict whether or if or when it will heal for any particular individual. That kind of leaves me up in the air, you know???? Wondering if my current situation is about as good as it will ever get. I walk, but I look like I'm 90, not the very athletic, agile 58 year old I was on Aug 1... See, I told you my post would be a Downer... Also saw a pain management specialist who is suspicious of CRPS-- too early to tell yet-- put me on Neurontin. Anybody have experience w/that?? And seeing a neurologist on Thursday to consult about nerve damage....

As many of you know, the stress and anxiety of this type injury produces other health problems that then cascade... I seem to be developing an ulcer and acute ERF (esophageal reflux disease).

Wish there was a time machine to go back in time but there isn't, the only way to move is forward. The best mantra/slogan I've been offered so far is:

Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can.

Love and support to every one of you-- You are the ONLY ones who understand.

[smilybeck]

My Rom is now 128 - getting better - with better movement i.e. not forced.

Walked home without the crutch(es) last night - so sore...paying for it today. Didn't use the crutches at all on the weekend either...

Also, I have gained a new found respect for the permanently disabled. People can be amazingly obliviously to the fact you have crutches.

Tinka333 - I've been hanging out to go on the beach!! We are planning to go camping Australia Day weekend at Bribie.

Skiplct - With your nerve damage have you considered asking your physio to dry needle you? (similar to acupuncture). My nerve pain has dulled considerably.

Schmoopie - I was in hospital for 3 weeks, had a week at home before I went back to work. Admittingly, they sent me home after a week for another week at home. I have a desk job (with a lot of moving around)...and have an ottoman under my desk to put my leg up.

Snowmobiletpf - that's awesome news. So can't want to get back out to train again. I've decided 2014 will be my comeback year for tri's. My friends are also trying to convince me to get into roller derby - prior to the accident, I was all for it...now my invincibility seems a bit shaken

[Schmoopie]

Surgery took place almost two weeks ago on Nov. 22nd, within 6 hrs of injury. Has anyone had any issues with pins and needles when their leg is extended? I've been walking with a walker because my balance on crutches is not the best (fell while on crutches in April and gave myself a black eye, to go along with torn ankle ligaments). When I'm hopping with the walker, I'm getting pins and needles in the bottom of my foot, not all of the time though. And to add to this, I think I'm developing a reaction to the daily injection of blood thinners. I've been doing the injections for the past ten days, and am now breaking out in itchy rashes all over. The last day, I've had chills and a bit of a fever, but the nurse that comes in checks the incision and staples (all 40 of them), said everything is good; no increased swelling, pain, redness or heat.

[totaliboard]

i never had a reaction to the blood thinner, but my fracture wasnt a plateau fx (mostly just a clean tib-fib break above ankle). ill bet if the nurse says youre good, youre good..

[cbrou571]

I have been reading the posts for quite some time now and it has been very helpful in my recovery so thank you everyone for sharing your stories.
I am currently almost at 10 months post fracture (TPF with spiral Type VI) plus ACL PCL partial tear. I am still in a lot of pain and find it very hard to sit for longer than 10 minutes without getting knee and IT band pain. Has anyone else experienced this?
I also have troubles standing and walking for longer than 10 minutes..it is so hard to keep my spirits up when I feel like this injury is never going to heal. I am only 29 and was quite active prior the this skiing accident in Feb 2012.
I just found out last week that I will be getting my hardware out (it was too big) and they will also scope my knee. Can anyone tell me about the recovery on hardware removal and scoping of the knee?
Good luck to everyone and wish you all the best with healing

[Casper2012]

Schmoopie-Since youre only two weeks out from surgery pins and needles in your foot aren't uncommon. I experienced the same and still do 8 months post injury since I'm still not FWB and still have to use a walker to get around. I'm pretty much at a plateau, no pun intended, till I get my knee replaced next month....hopefully. Be patient, I'm sure you can tell from the many posts that this injury recovery takes a long time.

[Casper2012]

Cbrou571- I had two plates and a dozen screws removed in September, 6 months post surgery. I was home the same day and recovery is fairly quick, even easier if you've been FWB. I have less discomfort in the calf and shin since the removal although it took a few weeks for my patella to stop feeling like it was slipping and sometimes locking but my knee is messed up big time and is partially collapsed. My condition is beyond scoping but maybe others have some experience Good luck to you

[LondonScot]

I'm new to this site, and live in London UK. I suffered an outside lat tib plat fx, but no soft tissue damage, ski-ing in Breckenridge in April. Plate, 8 screws, bone graft etc. Extremely well put together by your fantastic surgeons. I'm due back on the slopes at the end of March, and reckon I should get a brace. However every site I look at seems to be catering for ligament damage rather than busted bones. Do any of you skiers out there have any recommendations for manufacturers or specs for suitable kit ? I think it's healed pretty well, but is sore most of the time, and for confidence purposes I think having a brace would help me somewhat. Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

[cbrou571]

Casper2012-Thanks for the reply to my questions. I can't believe they took the hardware out at 6 months, my surgeon told me I would have to wait a year to ensure the bone has healed. How close are you back to your previous lifestyle? can you run or walk for long periods?
Hope you heal fast and take care of yourself.

[Casper2012]

Removal after a year was the original plan. It was moved up because my knee colapsed due to necrosis. I won't be able to walk with full weight on my leg until my knee is replaced. So no I'm not even close to back to normal at 8 months post surgery, not walking without a walker, can't do more than one stair. Last X-ray a couple of weeks ago showed that the screw holes are filling in nicely so far. The bone completes healing in 5-7 months. After that the hardware serves no purpose..

[dnabike]

I realy is crazy how different everyone's recovery is for this injury. Sorry to hear you are dealing with your shoulder and knee. How did you get around while NWB? i'm guessing crutches were out of the question and would imagine even the walker must have been hard.
I went to my first real physio today at the hospital. My rom was 75 and ext was -5 when i laied it flat on the bed but only -25 when i tried to extend it myself. My prob is the loss of quad muscle is stoping me from extending my leg and what quad muscle i do have is so tight it is stoping my flexation.... go figure!!

My injury was latteral (outside of the knee) but when i flex all the pain and tighness that stops me going further is on the medial (inside). Anyone know why this is??

Anyone got any good quad exercises for NWB. I am doing the rolled towel under the knee (and wish i started doing it earlier!!) but would love some variety!!
Also, anyone know a way to stretch the quad when you cant flex (eg: pulling heal to bum is out of the question)

Im cleared for 20kg WB so physio said i can walk normaly in the pool in chest deep water, Cant wait to get back to the pool and do that!!

kmrrdb - congrats on the "breakthrough" you are having, so glad you are feeling so great and hope it keeps getting better for you!!

Got around with NWB for my entire left side. Used a one handed walker (the handle is in the middle) and hopped on my good leg. I'm glad that is over!

Best of luck to you.

[dnabike]

The day it happened, it was unseasonably warm (ie. 12 degrees celcius). The day I went home from the hospital, it was a snow storm. My worries were not how I was going to get home, but what I was going to where, because nothing would fit over the Zimmer splint. At home, I'm wearing mens boxer shorts, cause they're nice and light and I can fit them on my leg. I've got five steps to the front porch and going to the ortho clinic next Thursday, my biggest worry is who is going to shovel the steps and walkway? I have a feeling that I will be a hermit this winter, until the leg is better and I feel comfortable on it.

At the park, when the dog hit me, I drove home, but did it two-footed; right foot for gas and left foot for the brake. I am anticipating being off work at least for the next 3 months of no weight bearing. If I can't drive, the only way for me to work is a taxi, which will cost me about $12 each way to work, each day.

I have no exercises at this time. The only thing I've really been doing with my right leg, is the foot pumps. Unfortunately, back in April, I had a grade 2 sprain with torn ligaments in the right ankle, so even these foot pumps are hurting. I no longer have an ankle on my right leg, it's a "cankle". My knee looks like a sausage about to burst its casing, but the bruising is starting to subside. I can honestly say that a week and a half after the injury/surgery, the pain is ok. I'm still taking the extra strength tylenol, but not every 4 hours anymore. The worst is when trying to hoof up the stairs to the washroom. Last night I slept in my bed for the 2nd time since being home, and trying to get the leg comfortable and moving it around, made it sore, always around where the surgery was. The staples are itching like crazy and feel like they're pulling on the bandages, so I'm looking forward to all 40 coming out on Thursday.

Tinka333: I'll let you know how the bum scooting in the snow/slush works out for me. I'm anticipating a wet and cold bum.

Please don't take any chances in the snow and ice. It sounds like you are not getting PT? If you staples are coming out Thursday you should be getting something.

Best of luck

[dnabike]

Hi All, I haven't posted in quite a long time (-- but I read every single post from everybody at least twice...), partly because I don't have great news from down here in Hurricane Sandy state of NJ... I'm almost 17 weeks post-op from not just TPF but also severe open mid-shaft fx and fibula. Wish I could report better progress. I am supposedly FWB but I still use the crutches and cane often-- much less painful to use the devices. Saw a specialist in New York City who studied my x-rays and said bones were not healing at the expected pace-- I go back tomorrow to be evaluated by another specialist in non-union trauma fx's for possible therapy using a bone generation promoting drug-- it is called Forteo I think. Anybody out there have experience w/this?

My biggest problem at this point remains the nerve damage. The leg sensation is completely messed up;-- it just doesn't feel like a leg, it feels like it is filled with lead, or like I am dragging around an oak log. Docs are all very evasive about nerve damage: they say it's difficult to diagnosis, even w/expensive MRIs, and even if they can see the damage they often can't do anything about it; that sometimes nerve damage heals on its own and sometimes it doesn't and they (the medical profession) can't predict whether or if or when it will heal for any particular individual. That kind of leaves me up in the air, you know???? Wondering if my current situation is about as good as it will ever get. I walk, but I look like I'm 90, not the very athletic, agile 58 year old I was on Aug 1... See, I told you my post would be a Downer... Also saw a pain management specialist who is suspicious of CRPS-- too early to tell yet-- put me on Neurontin. Anybody have experience w/that?? And seeing a neurologist on Thursday to consult about nerve damage....

As many of you know, the stress and anxiety of this type injury produces other health problems that then cascade... I seem to be developing an ulcer and acute ERF (esophageal reflux disease).

Wish there was a time machine to go back in time but there isn't, the only way to move is forward. The best mantra/slogan I've been offered so far is:

Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can.

Love and support to every one of you-- You are the ONLY ones who understand.

Hi skiplct, nice to hear from you again. I have been taking Gabapentin (the generic name for Neurontin) since June. It's main use is for epilepsy but they have found it helps with pain associated with nerve regeneration. I would have these star bursts of pain in my leg from both the accident and spinal stinous. It works well for me, so I have assumed that I have nerves regenerating. You can stay on it a long time and take a lot of it. I was on 1800 mg a day but have been able to cut back. I'm also told that it is a mood stabilizer though I have no personal evidence of that.

As you know I'm 28+ weeks out and my leg is just starting to feel more like a leg than a log. Only in the past week have I been able to take some steps (like 10-20) on my own carrying the walker. I have had more improvement in my leg in the past three weeks than in the prior 25. It takes time. I'm told at least 2 years before you are as good as your going to get, so just hang in there.

You might want to try Manuka honey for acid reflux. Many people swear by it. Things like Prilosec work well but may contribute to brittle bones, not what we want.

Just hang in there. This too will pass.

Jim

[dnabike]

Surgery took place almost two weeks ago on Nov. 22nd, within 6 hrs of injury. Has anyone had any issues with pins and needles when their leg is extended? I've been walking with a walker because my balance on crutches is not the best (fell while on crutches in April and gave myself a black eye, to go along with torn ankle ligaments). When I'm hopping with the walker, I'm getting pins and needles in the bottom of my foot, not all of the time though. And to add to this, I think I'm developing a reaction to the daily injection of blood thinners. I've been doing the injections for the past ten days, and am now breaking out in itchy rashes all over. The last day, I've had chills and a bit of a fever, but the nurse that comes in checks the incision and staples (all 40 of them), said everything is good; no increased swelling, pain, redness or heat.

Wow, you are up and about quickly. Getting the surgery so quick is very good, stops a lot of swelling etc. The pins and needles might be nerve pain. Ask your doctor about Gabapentin, it might work and my doctor at Spalding Rehab Hospital told me it was harmless and worth a try. It worked for me although my pain was more like a star burst.

Good luck to you.

Jim

[Schmoopie]

I got my staples out today! Yay for the being out, boo to how much it hurt. I had to apologize after for the selective language that I used. I saw the X-rays today and the doctor ended up putting an L-shaped plate and 6 screws in, as well as a bone graft. He also said that the bone was depressed about 1cm. He actually used the word "mangled". There is no order for pt yet. I'm in the zimmer splint for 3 months. He said I can take the splint off and do very, very light range of motion exercises, to get a bit of movement in my knee. I go back in another six weeks.

On a side note, it poured out of the heavens and got rid of all the snow on Tuesday, and then last night we had another snow storm, and then another storm today. The surgeon said I could go back to work in 6 weeks, but I have no way of getting there. The company that decides if my claim to be off work will be supported (ie. paid), said that work can arrange a way for me to get to and from work (ie. a taxi). Unfortunately, no one will pay for or arrange snow removal. It's now been decided that I'm more of a liability for my work, going up and down my snow covered stairs and walkway. Tentatively, they have me off of work until I the end of January,which is when our winter will be in full swing. Oi vay!

[dnabike]

Removal after a year was the original plan. It was moved up because my knee colapsed due to necrosis. I won't be able to walk with full weight on my leg until my knee is replaced. So no I'm not even close to back to normal at 8 months post surgery, not walking without a walker, can't do more than one stair. Last X-ray a couple of weeks ago showed that the screw holes are filling in nicely so far. The bone completes healing in 5-7 months. After that the hardware serves no purpose..

Hi, I would disagree with your statement the bone completes healing in 5-7 months. There are three phases to healing and doctors are looking for phase two for weight bearing. They can see the hard calcium on x-rays. It took 7 months for that to show up on my x-rays. Even then he told me it was like egg shells, not very strong. After they technically healed they under go a remodeling phase that takes 3-6 years. Then it is totally healed. My hardware is rather extensive and some of it will come out a year before they determine I need a knee replacement. That is currently estimated at 5-6 years, although as you have found out things can change quickly. When I asked my surgeon when they typically take hardware out, he replied they take it out only when they have too. If it is not bothering you or in the way of something like a knee replacement they just leave it in.

I am almost 8 months out and not close to normal (still with walker, no stairs). I just try to accept that it is a slow process and try not to make any mistakes or rush anything. I had a lot of complications with the leg early but lately my luck has been holding. Hopefully you get some breaks from here on out. It sounds like you have had a bad time of it.

Best of luck

[kmrrdb]

14 weeks post op. 2 Weeks FWB. Transitioned to one crutch or cane this week. Can walk on my own slowly but not for long distances. Doing a lot more in PT and therefore pretty sore on off days. Went into grocery store on my own and walked out with something in my hand, which was first time since August. Flex is 140 and extension less than 2. Haven't concurred steps without out assistance, but think may get there this week. Getting there.

[kmrrdb]

Conguered steps

[ejk725]

Been a few weeks since I dropped by this forum... Sorry to see all the new members! Welcome, but sorry that you're here too.

I'm now just over 5 weeks post accident and surgical repair for my Type 2 TPF with 1' depression and split kneecap.

Saw my OS yesterday for the first followup and he said I can stop wearing the Zimmer Splint and start PWB. He didn't give me a percentage or amount of weight I can bear though. Otherwise, he seems pleased with the progress...

I've been having my brace off as much as I can stand since I got "home" (I'm living with my Grandmother until after Christmas), but it hurts waaaay too much after a few hours to keep it off any longer than that. Right now I'm doing 2 hours on, 2 hours off... had to wear the brace overnight last night because I was maxed out on Dilaudid and Tylenol and was still in pain and unable to sleep without it. Going to try to sleep without it tonight... hoping that I will be able too!

Weight-bearing doesn't feel too bad... really weird though!!! Not putting a lot of weight on the leg, and I have to physically make myself put my foot flat on the floor when weight bearing while standing. In a chair is ok... easier to put my foot down flat, anyway. If the chair is high enough, I can almost bend my knee to 90 degrees (?) like how my other knee is when sitting, but if it's too low i can barely bend it at all.

Doing my at home PT exercises twice a day... up to 24 reps of each exercise, which is up from 3-5 reps when I left the hospital. So, that's going well. Some days my ROM with the knee bending is good, other days it's abysmal! I have one more at home PT visit on Friday, and then I'm going to have to find a PT to go to. OS wants me to start stationary cycling, but I'm absolutely terrified of how much that's going to hurt... Almost sick to my stomach thinking about it.

Anyway, long reply today, but I guess that's warranted since it's been awhile. OH YEAH!!! I found this facbook group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/368618886485089/, that's mostly broken ankles... but they are all so nice and welcoming and supportive... it's a closed group too, so you can vent without people seeing and the weirdos are locked out. lol If you're on Facebook, check it out (and if you do, I'm Eliza).

Happy recoveries everyone... Best wishes!

[tinka333]

I've been back at work for 2 days now and apart from having to do 2 flights of stairs aprox 4 times a day (broken lift) all has gone pretty well. I have my leg up on a box under my desk most of the time and im allowed to have a break every 2 hrs to do my exercises/ice my leg.

I got to 90 degrees flex at PT yesterday (yay) but still struggeling with unassisted extension. My quad just doesn't want to pull my knee all the way straight. I have started yelling at it when doing my exercises... see if it helps. lol

I was cleared for FWB and have started taking a few steps with 1 crutch. It's hard.
My knee bends under my weight when i step, my ballance is really off, my ankle is not taking my weight well and is twisting and i now have a bruise on my arm from leaning too hard on the one crutch. Oh well, its progress and im sure i'll get better at it the more i do it.... main focus is to keep my leg straight and dont let the knee bend. It takes sooooo much concertration!!

quick time line:
22nd oct - TPF with 6mil depression, plate and 7 screws
Week 3 - zimmer splint off
Week 5 - PWB 20kg, ROM 75deg flex/-10 ext (assisted) -25 unassisted
Week 7 - Back to work -FWB as tolorated- 1 crutch as tolorated - ROM 90 & -5 (assisted) -20 unassisted)

[itsdeenah]

Hi cbrou571,
I just had my right knee scoped Friday morning. It was a huge success!! I'm so glad I did it. The part of my meniscus that we thought was good was now torn to pieces from FWB and sticking out the front and back of the knee and apparently pushing on a nerve. I had been limping quite a bit and pain was about an 8 since Sept. The OS cut out 75% of the cartilage removed most of the scar tissue and shaved down the bone graph. Two hours after surgery my pain was a 1 or 2. I was 1 crutching it on Sat & Sun and started walking on Monday. If feels great today I returnted to work and am barely limping at all. I can finally strike my heel and feel like I'm truly walking again. What a relief!! Hope it goes well for you, hang in there!!

Date of Injury 4/20/12
Surgery 4/27/12
Type IV TPF with 1+" communited depression of the plateau surface
1 - Fx's Tibial Shaft
Shattered medial meniscus

I have been reading the posts for quite some time now and it has been very helpful in my recovery so thank you everyone for sharing your stories.
I am currently almost at 10 months post fracture (TPF with spiral Type VI) plus ACL PCL partial tear. I am still in a lot of pain and find it very hard to sit for longer than 10 minutes without getting knee and IT band pain. Has anyone else experienced this?
I also have troubles standing and walking for longer than 10 minutes..it is so hard to keep my spirits up when I feel like this injury is never going to heal. I am only 29 and was quite active prior the this skiing accident in Feb 2012.
I just found out last week that I will be getting my hardware out (it was too big) and they will also scope my knee. Can anyone tell me about the recovery on hardware removal and scoping of the knee?
Good luck to everyone and wish you all the best with healing

[cbrou571]

Hey itsdeenah,
Thanks so much for the reply it really helps me have a positive outlook when hearing others experiences. Im so glad to hear that your surgery went well you must be so happy and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
I hope this next surgery is the final step towards getting back to a pain free life, as I have worked my butt off in Physio. I hope I get the phone call soon to have the surgery as right now I don't have a set time, they are just going to squeeze me in when they have an opening.

Merry Christmas and enjoys the holidays!!
-Christy

Accident: Feb 10, 2012
Surgery: Feb 12, 2012
FWB: August, 2012
Type VI Fracture
Still in constant pain

[skiplct]

Big hello to all my tpfx buddies-- w/extra hugs for concurrent mid-shaft fx folks. 18 weeks post-op today. Walking-- very slowly-- sometimes w/cane, sometimes w/1 crutch. sometimes 2 crutches-- depending on how I feel. No good access to a pool where I am so my favorite thing is the treadmill at the gym (becasue I can regulate how much weight to put on the legs by putting weight on my hands on the side bars), and the recumbent bike (whihcis NWB).

Specific shout-outs:

SCHMOOPIE: If pain was killing you, why did you decline the morph and percocet? That's waht it's for.. You asked for help\insight, here's what I have to offer... take the painkillrs when you need them! Also you mentioned big difficulties getting to the bathroom: I encourage you to investiate the use of bedpans and bedside commodes at night, and a toilet chair placed over regular commode during day time. I could not imagine surviving the first weeks without these tools and none are expensive.... Why did you decide to use walker only rather than crutches?? I lived on crutches for 8+ weeks.... Yes, the degree of bone depression does affect the length of NWB.... What exactly is a Zimmer splint?? Heard alot about it on this board but don't know what it is. I was given a post-op brace for 6 weeks post-op, nothing after that... I used enough ace bandanges to buy stock in the manufacturerer... I am impressed that you can drive-- My injury was to L leg and I have a standard trans so didn't drive at all until the past few weeks an still... prob. should nt be. Not very safe.... Worried about when you return to work, pain level, driving, coping with sairs withut crutched??-- you can't do stiars w/a walker!!Keep in touch...

[skiplct]

Shout out to DNABIKE:

Very interested in your post toCasper2012 that the bones take more than 6 mos. to heal fully. I too am eyeing a 1 yr post-op for hardware remova-l whihc would be Aug 2013... Sooo happy that you are making such excellent progress. Happy that Neurontin is helping you; definitely is helping me too. On 400 mg/day now; F/u w/pain managemett doc on Friday-- maybe he will raise dosage. best part of your post for me was that you are slowly regaining sensation as a "normal" leg, not a ship anchor.. The dreadful feeling of dragging around a log filled w/lead rather than a human leg is actually worse than the pain... Although every Wednesday, when I go to the PT Orto rehab and sit on a table near a young handsome guy upon whom I have a slight crush and who is patiently learning to walk on his 2 new prosthetic legs, I pretty much shut my own mouth.. Think I read a post from you that you have had shoulder trouble too?? NOT FAIR!.. What's spinal stinuous> Part of original accident? Was greatly comforted by your post that we won't really know what :final" recovery will look like until 2 years out-- huge morale boost for me to hear that-- everyone I meet seems dumfounded that I broke my leg 4.5 monhts ago-- "--and your STILL not all better??.."-- they seems amazed and like I'm really just not trying..

Can't wait to try Manuka honey--will Google tomorrow.

Warm wishes to all, more shout outs tomorrow after I sleep...