• Hi all and welcome to TheWoodHaven2 brought into the 21st Century, kicking and screaming! We all have Alasdair to thank for the vast bulk of the heavy lifting to get us here, no more so than me because he's taken away a huge burden of responsibility from my shoulders and brought us to this new shiny home, with all your previous content (hopefully) still intact! Please peruse and feed back. There is still plenty to do, like changing the colour scheme, adding the banner graphic, tweaking the odd setting here and there so I have added a new thread in the 'Technical Issues, Bugs and Feature Requests' forum for you to add any issues you find, any missing settings or just anything you'd like to see added/removed from the feature set that Xenforo offers. We will get to everything over the coming weeks so please be patient, but add anything at all to the thread I mention above and we promise to get to them over the next few days/weeks/months. In the meantime, please enjoy!

Well, that day didn't go to plan.

Dinna what’s yer fess aboot . You’ve got a spare.

Seriously….fingers crossed
 
I went into hospital on crutches in a bandage-wrapped plaster cast, and I came out 10 hours later on crutches in a bandage-wrapped plaster cast. Stuff happened in between which I'm told went well. The huge disappointment, though, is that I face 6 weeks in plaster before transferring to a boot. Six weeks of non-weightbearing. Turns out the (exceptionally pleasant and helpful) chap who did my operation is one of the leading foot experts not just in the country, but in the world......so of course I will do precisely what I am told. I can't stand un-aided for 6 weeks. I can't drive for 8 or 10 weeks. I can't fly for 12 weeks. I can't ride my bike for 5 months. The reality of the situation is daunting.
 
Tendons are not your average tissue, regretably Mike. They grow (repair) at a sloth-like rate compared to others, hence the restrictions.
I won't offer platitudes re the frustration you're feeling, but instead encourage you to stick with it. My friend Robin.is a water polo player, snapped his Achilles straight in half and followed your recovery route. It bugged the daylights out of him, as an athlete, but he regarded that as preferable to a permanent "dropped foot". It took him the better part of six months to get back in the water, but he did.
 
Well, it sounds like it went as well as could be expected Mike. Mrs AJB and I hope you manage to endure the recovery. You might have to take up sowing or embroidery for a temporary hobby! Or become an artist.
 
Hi Mike, great news that it all went as planned however daunting the recovery regime is and being the sensible chap you are you will be fully aware of the potential consequences of short circuiting the process. You'll need a lot of physio during and following boot removal as well but as a sportsman you'll be well used to that.
It's comforting to know you're in the hands of the master not the apprentice. My wife's surgeon was also one of the leading experts though he's now retired and not only did he perform miracles for her on both feet, he was directly responsible for short circutting the system to get her a knee operation when the NHS were seriously pushing it away.

One of the aids that helped her quite a lot after the boot removal was a little cycling action gizmo that you "pedal" while sitting in a chair so not weight bearing. It's in the loft so can't easily take a pic but might have the details on my laptop somewhere.

Edit
Found a pic of a similar one on the internet
 

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Mike can Mrs G manage to keep the garden in check while you are laid low? When I spent the spring/summer season of 2021 without the energy to even mow the grass we got a gardener in to cut grass, trim hedges etc. MrsP could do it but finding the time on a regular basis was too much.

I think we should all take it upon ourselves to give Mike something interesting to read on here to help pass the time.
Lets see if we can up the project count.
 
AndyP said:
Mike can Mrs G manage to keep the garden in check while you are laid low? When I spent the spring/summer season of 2021 without the energy to even mow the grass we got a gardener in to cut grass, trim hedges etc. MrsP could do it but finding the time on a regular basis was too much.
Click to expand...

Yes, she's always been the gardener. I do the heavy stuff, and the mowing. But she can do the mowing once I'ce started the mower for her, which I can manage.


AndyP said:
I think we should all take it upon ourselves to give Mike something interesting to read on here to help pass the time.
Lets see if we can up the project count.
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Oh yes.
 
I think Mike should invest in a new laptop, download some fancy CAD/CAM software, research the net for serious hobby or even pro CNC machines and be ready to start a whole new hobby when the boot comes off. 😁
 
Mike, I share your frustration, every moment of it.

I've just had the second spinal op of the year (stitches out yesterday). Access to the cervical vertebrae involves coming in from either the front or back of the neck. My issue necessitated the back (which, counter-intuitively, is actually worse for the patient, apparently), which in turn means cutting through muscle, and presumably tendons, between the shoulder blades at the top.

Presently, lifting anything heavier than a half-full kettle of water ist offiziell strengstens verboten.*

I learned the hard way last time, and I think I also did something stupid two days ago, roughly three weeks after the second op.

The problem comes when you begin to feel better, but you're really not. Codeine helps the pain, but it also disguises your vulnerability. And convalescence is staggeringly frustrating.

On the more entertaining painkillers: codeine I like to keep well under the allowed quantity, for two reasons. I hate the thought of addiction, and not dulling the pain completely also gives me a reminder to be cautious. I'm also on Pregabalin (nerve-painkiller), which is also addictive, and entertaining in its own right: "maximum of three per day, as needed." I only ever take two, with one embarrassing exception: early on after op #1, I took the last two of the day, together, at bedtime, assuming that would help me sleep. 4am; need a pee; try to get up; legs just won't cooperate at all - like rubber. Yup, 'twas the Pregabalin shutting off all messages...

... Given your own op, you might need to carefully plan for that little issue arising, also for the effect codeine and other opiate painkillers have on the bowel. I recommend not just a Senna-based laxative, but a stool softener such as Dulcoease - you can always not take stuff, but the converse isn't fun. OK, Waaay too much information, I know...

Anyway, I truly do share your frustration, but at least you know things will improve. In my case there's no guarantee, and statistically it's unlikely. I should still be able to drive (eventually), but the limp may well be fun forever.

As others here, especially one particular now-absent friend, would immediately say, "KBO".

*"officially very forbidden." [c] Google Xlate.
 
Mike, glad you are over the op and into recovery, although a long time.
Will you manage the stairs or sleeping on the sofa?
Look after yourself.
 
Lons said:
.....One of the aids that helped her quite a lot after the boot removal was a little cycling action gizmo that you "pedal" while sitting in a chair so not weight bearing. It's in the loft so can't easily take a pic but might have the details on my laptop somewhere.

Edit
Found a pic of a similar one on the internet
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm familiar with those, in an office I used to work in. It's a great way of keeping reasonably healthy legs when you have to sit a lot. I'm at the stage of trying to avoid swelling, so it's too soon for me just yet, but I'll definitely bear it in mind for when I get into the boot.
 
Is sitting down doing some carving an option to while away some time Mike, I know from my own time spent incapacitated finding something constructive to do is so good for mental health & certainly helps the days & weeks pass much quicker.
You could also design some handrails for your saw horses 😜 best wishes mate.
 
Eric the Viking said:
........On the more entertaining painkillers: codeine I like to keep well under the allowed quantity
Click to expand...

Achilles tendons are odd things. I haven't take a single painkiller in the entire process. There is very little in the way of nerve connectivity in the area. They've given me a bottle of codeine, but I know now that it will be returned unopened....not from some macho posturing, but literally because my pain score hovers between 0 and 1.

Eric the Viking said:
Anyway, I truly do share your frustration, but at least you know things will improve. In my case there's no guarantee, and statistically it's unlikely. I should still be able to drive (eventually), but the limp may well be fun forever.
Click to expand...

I sincerely hope your rehab goes well, and you get a better result eventually than you fear.

Eric the Viking said:
As others here, especially one particular now-absent friend, would immediately say, "KBO".
Click to expand...

Kuiper Belt Object? :)

Yep, he's right. There's lots of merit in just Keeping Plodding(sic) On.
 
Doug said:
Is sitting down doing some carving an option to while away some time Mike, I know from my own time spent incapacitated finding something constructive to do is so good for mental health & certainly helps the days & weeks pass much quicker.
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I think whittling wouldn't be impossible, but I don't really have the kit or the skills. I could get my wife to hack something out of the woods with a pruning saw, and then have a play with a marking knife. I've just pruned the grapevine in the greenhouse, so I'm not completely useless.

Doug said:
You could also design some handrails for your saw horses 😜 best wishes mate.
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:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

.
 
Malc2098 said:
I think Mike should invest in a new laptop, download some fancy CAD/CAM software, research the net for serious hobby or even pro CNC machines and be ready to start a whole new hobby when the boot comes off. 😁
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Yeah, I just don't think I'll ever be quite THAT bored!
 
How about learning to play a musical instrument? Write a book or a series of short stories.
 
Glad you got through the op ok, it seems daunting the amount of time but it will be worth it.
Good to know you pain level is so low you don’t need painkillers.
When I did my quadriceps tendon it seem like it was a very long time while I had the leg brace on, but once it was off I got back to the gym, it took a long time but now it hardly bothers me at all.

Keep us up dated.

Pete
 
Mike G said:
Achilles tendons are odd things. I haven't take a single painkiller in the entire process. There is very little in the way of nerve connectivity in the area. They've given me a bottle of codeine, but I know now that it will be returned unopened....not from some macho posturing, but literally because my pain score hovers between 0 and 1...
Click to expand...

I spoke way too soon! I slept from 4.30 to 9.00 last night (this morning), because of the pain. I reckon it must have been a block or local anaesthetic wearing off but it got unpleasant as I went to bed, and I ended up taking codeine a couple of times in the night. They give it to you for a reason, I guess.
 
I was taking codeine before my hip was done, I took mophine on the one bad day after wards, no lasting drug problems 👍
 
Glad to hear it went well Mike, hope the pain subsides soon.

As EtV mentions, Codeine is AWFUL stuff for the bowels so pre-plan for something to help with the inevitable constipation that comes with it.

I refuse to take the stuff for that very reason and I managed to get some Tramadol instead. It's a lot stronger and they don't like to give it out because often it sends people loopy as a side effect while on it. Personally it didn't have that effect on me at all so I was fine, and it helps with the pain.
 
Phil said:
Try and avoid any NSAIDS pain killers if possible.
They are for very short term use.
They stuff up the kidneys. :cry:
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Seconded. My bete noir was Naproxen. Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3, function down to 50-odd %. I did recover, but it was unnecessary - poor medical monitoring.
 
Ibuprofen is an NSAI, and kidney problems aren't listed as a side effect. And the bonus of Ibuprofen is that it can be combined with paracetamol, each to their dosage limits, and reduce the need to rely on codeine. I took codeine in the night, and I feel too squiffy to eat breakfast. I hope that's the last codeine I need to take.
 
In 2020 when I broke my ankle rather badly, I was forbidden to bear weight on it for 4 weeks. It is surprising what you can do on one leg and/or a tall stool when needs must. I managed to do make my UKW Secret Santa gift; I was minded that Phil who was organising managed his woodwork without legs, so I had no real excuse ! I'm sure you'll find ways Mike.
 
Mike G said:
Ibuprofen is an NSAI, and kidney problems aren't listed as a side effect. And the bonus of Ibuprofen is that it can be combined with paracetamol, each to their dosage limits, and reduce the need to rely on codeine. I took codeine in the night, and I feel too squiffy to eat breakfast. I hope that's the last codeine I need to take.
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I am not a doctor, so do your own research, but:

Kidney damage from ibuprofen is dose & duration dependent. Instructions on timing are usually pretty detailed partly because of kidney effects & part of the reason for the limits is to avoid irreversible kidney damage. There’s no hard threshold when negative effects start: dosing balances the negative effects on the kidney & its ability to recover against the benefit of the drug. People with low kidney function are told to avoid ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen is processed by the kidney whereas paracetamol is processed by the liver which is why they are complementary in some circumstances. Similar reasons for dose limits, but different organs affected (& liver and kidney are not the only organs affected by these drugs).

Don’t stress about taking the drugs according to your need and following the detailed timing instructions, but treat them as serious drugs. If you have known kidney or liver problems, then take that into account, talk to a doctor.
 
I had to take Ibuprofen with paracetamol for a number of years because of the ongoing pain in 1st/ my left wrist before undergoing a TFCC operation to it and then, before and after, operations to each hand/thumbs; trapeziectomies. I didn't become addicted. I was also using Ibuprofen gels along with the pills - keeping to dosage limits.

Best wishes Mike for your recovery.
 
Ibuprofen is useful for occasional or short term but potential kidney issues are definitely there.

An extreme case was my mate who had chronic back and shoulder problems and to live with that he swallowed Nurofen several time a day, every day for years. Eventually he suffered kidney failure and was forced to go on dialysis three times a week. He died less than 2 years after diagnosis. The consultant told him in no uncertain terms that Nurofen was the cause.

I have some kind of alergic reaction if I take ibuprofen and paracetamol together and come out in itchy lumps for a few hours so can't take it.
 
Mike G said:
Ibuprofen is an NSAI, and kidney problems aren't listed as a side effect. And the bonus of Ibuprofen is that it can be combined with paracetamol, each to their dosage limits, and reduce the need to rely on codeine. I took codeine in the night, and I feel too squiffy to eat breakfast. I hope that's the last codeine I need to take.
Click to expand...
It does pass - the way to get value from codeine is to ramp up to a regular dose, then ramp down again. If you just take it once, you'll feel weirdly carp: nauseous, balance problems, possibly bunged-up too. It will hit the pain, but only the once. continued regular use does actually minimise those symptoms (apart from being bunged-up - you're stuck with that!).

The prescription I had recently was pretty crazy: 30mg, x2, thrice per day. Waaay too much for me, but they're really defining peak usage.

I maxed out at half that, then down to one morning and evening. I'm presently way down on 15mg, twice daily (cutting tiny tablets in half is a PITA, so I'm using up some old 15mg ones). At the end of the week it'll be 15mg once pd, and then after a few days, quit altogether (admittedly with Cocodamol, which is 8mg codeine per tablet, as a fallback). And yes, having paracetamol around is jolly helpful.

Final thought - there should be a post-op specialist nurse support number you can call. I've need ours once - left a message; they called back quickly and were very helpful about optimizing pain relief.
 
I have chronic kidney disease. It will get me eventually. I’ve been told it’s okay to use ibuprofen for a day or two to treat short term issues but to beware of using it regularly or it will exacerbate my kidney problems.
 
SamQ aka Ah! Q! said:

New In Pill Cutter Splitter Half Storage Compartment Box Medicine Tablet Holder HS88 Household Merchandises Items : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

New In Pill Cutter Splitter Half Storage Compartment Box Medicine Tablet Holder HS88 Household Merchandises Items : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care
www.amazon.co.uk

Eric, we've had one of these for 8 years now; recommended by chemo team. Makes halving a doddle and the design retains each half-pill securely behind a 'snap' lid.
Click to expand...

Thanks Sam, I’ve been cutting tablets in half for my daughter with scissors for years, they are oblong rather than round but that looks like a very useful gadget.
 
You are very welcome Andy. I've cut many an oblong pill with ours, no problem

Like you, we tried a few domestic techniques, but maintaining sterility was tricky and at one point the LOML was totally immuno-suppressed, so said sterility became a massive issue.
Secondly, medication - as pills - can sometimes have a very brittle binder for the drug. Cut with a knife, the shrapnel goes everywhere! The closed nature of this gadget prevents projectile 'escape' and, it can act as a pill container for travel where necessary. It's small, has a 'clickable' lock, slips into in a pocket etc.
 
Kitchen scissors which have a curved notch close to the pivot have been the go to tool but the dexterity required to hold the tablet while cutting is beyond her and she’s left handed. One of those pill cutters just added to my shopping list.
 
AndyP said:
Thanks Sam, I’ve been cutting tablets in half for my daughter with scissors for years, they are oblong rather than round but that looks like a very useful gadget.
Click to expand...
We have been using this type of pill cutter for years, they work really well.
 
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