Just got back from an appointment with the Sutter orthopedic podiatrist. I am wearing a new, rigid, state-of-the-art walking boot up to my knee. You'll recall I found out my foot was broken on Friday afternoon and I was referred to orthopedics. They called me at 8:45 am this Monday morning and said they could get me in today at 2:15 pm!
Sutter Orthopedics gets an A+ from me. The doctor was great. More on him later but first Sutter Urgent Care's "Gaga grade" has been lowered to a D-. First, that doctor said he thought it was a sprain but he would call me if it was broken. Still haven't received a call from them. I self-treated with ice, ibuprofen and an old boot from a stress fracture years ago after seeing the results online. AND their referral said it was the third metatarsal (it is the second) on the left foot (it is the right foot). What the HELL!!?!!?
This doctor showed me the X-rays and gave me four options. Option 1 - The fracture is displaced a noticeable amount but both ends of the bone are touching and it is raised up slightly. He said it will heal on its own and probably be fine for my activity level provided I stay totally off it until it is healed. Option 2 is put a pin down from the top of my toe to mid foot but the toe won't bend at all. Option 3 is open it up and put a plate with screws but the toes will bend. Option 4 is to bend my toes straight up during surgery and put a pin (which is removed after a month) into the bone beneath my toes that will stick out and I will be totally on crutches the whole healing time. I was definitely leaning towards Option 1.
After thinking about if for a minute I said, "Okay, here's my question...." He had a fun sense of humor and says, "Oh, no, you're going to ask me what I would do if it was me or my wife." I said, "Yep, what would you recommend your wife do?" He replied, "My ex-wife or my current wife who I love?" We both laughed out loud. He went on, "My current wife would hate her toe not bending and I know she couldn't be on crutches for a month. My ex-wife maybe I'd suggest go kick a curb with it." Lots more laughter.
After some serious discussion I suggested let's do the boot and let it heal then if it doesn't we can put the plate and screws in. He told me that was a smart decision. I will wear the boot religiously and go back for an X-ray and office visit in a month. Hopefully, I'll be well on the way to recovery. If not, it will be outpatient surgery with local anesthesia. Then maybe someday I'll be injury free for awhile. Sigh....I can only hope.
Laughing so much with the doctor today got me thinking how much like my father I'm becoming. Not just dealing with several health issues but the joking. My dad used humor every time he was in ER or at the doctor. My favorite example which I know I've shared previously was the time he was in ER for something pretty serious. The nurse was working on him and the doctor was assessing him. Noticing his partially amputated foot the doctor asked, "Why did you have your foot amputated?" My father's quick reply was, "For fun!" I giggled, the nurse laughed out loud and the doctor semi-glared at all of us like we were nuts.
In closing, I never thought I'd have something in common with Jimmy Garoppolo but, alas, I do. In case you're not a fan, he's the 49er quarterback who is my favorite player and was having a great season. Yesterday he broke his foot and will have season ending surgery.
No comments:
Post a Comment