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Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery times? - 11/2/2011 2:56:18 PM

tolovetolaugh

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I had reconstructive foot surgery on July 22. A bone graft, a plate and four screws, and an extra bit of tendon are now in my left foot. When I was consulting for what doctor and surgery to get, I made it very clear to each doctor that I could not afford to be out of work for more than 3 months. That is what I had been able to save for, and also what I felt I could take emotionally.
One main reason I agreed to the surgery I did(other then the whole threat of landing permanently in a wheelchair, and possible removal of constant pain) was that my doctor told me I would be back at work in three months. Not just walking. At work.
It is now November 2nd. I am still using one crutch, or two and a boot if I am planning to be walking(or in my case crutching) around for a good bit of the day.
Not even yet walking, let alone near working as a server.
I had honestly thought since I am younger than the vast majority of a podiatrists patients, as well as a all around quick healer, I would heal faster than the three months! Now my savings are starting to run out, and I am inwardly freaking out about it. If the doctor was wrong about the time, could he also be wrong about how effective the surgery would/will be?
I have yet to feel much of a difference walking, and my foot still looks flat as all hell.

I am also wondering if my... activities while crippled is extending my recovery time. I have bowled, been a zombie who crutch ran and dived after people for 5 straight hours in a 5k zombie race, did a zombie walk, walked almost all day a few times, traveled a bit, went to a paintball weekend and whatever else I can find to do. I don't feel like these should affect it, but decided to mention for clarity. Cabin fever is a real and terrible thing.

Please! Anyone been through a similar surgery or have any idea about recovery times who would like to share their thoughts?

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 3:37:37 PM

tazzygirl

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Umm... Im going in for a simple achilles tendon repair... and a removal of a spur they found... and my foot and ankle fella said one month in a cast... and 2 months at PT.

You had far more work done. What did the other surgeons tell you?

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 4:20:09 PM

LafayetteLady

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Did the doctors tell you that you could be doing all those things during recovery? Sounds very much like you are hindering your own progress.

How long were you COMPLETELY off your foot? And by completely I mean that your foot didn't touch the ground unless you lost your balance when going to the bathroom. From your posts here, you have been out partying and pretty much doing whatever you wanted, just hobbling along in the process.

I had foot surgery in 2009. I still have pain not only at the surgical site but on the top of my foot as well. I did do a bit more than the doctors adviced, but it was out of necessity, not fun. My kitchen was on a lower floor of the rest of the house and I needed to get down there to eat. I also lost my balance turning around on my crutches to go to the bathroom (hence the example). Excruciating pain and pee everywhere, not a pretty sight, lol.

In any case, these are questions you should be asking your doctor.

Everyone heals at a different pace. Because I am a diabetic, the healing time is expected to be longer. If you aren't going to follow the doctor's instructions, the healing time will not only likely be longer, you could have done irreparable damage.

You made a choice to party rather than heal. If that has adversely affected the surgery results, that is all on you. Even too much drinking can slow your healing. But, hey, you had a good time, right?

(in reply to tolovetolaugh)

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 4:27:07 PM

tolovetolaugh

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I was a good girl for the first two months. The first month and a half I was in a wheel chair and cast. It wasn't until about a month ago I started leaving the house and going out to do things again. Neither the doctor nor my PT has expressly forbidden me my activities. I asked the doc before I went to paintball, all he did was make a joke about not telling him.

Both my doctor and PT have been aware of all my activities. I have told them of every one, and other than advice that I should rest my foot now and than, they have not made any negative comments. I feel if it was a problem they would flat out tell me to stay on my ass. And if they said that, I would listen.
As they have not, I can only assume it is not a problem. When out having fun, I wear the boot for extra protection.

< Message edited by tolovetolaugh -- 11/2/2011 4:39:18 PM >

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 4:30:21 PM

tolovetolaugh

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As for drinking, I drink socially. Other than at paintball, I have been drunk maybe three times, and the only "party" I went to, other than a retarded game of fork apple, I stayed sitting.
I am not a partier aside from paintball events. I just have to get out of the damn house or I will turn very morose and depressed.

_____________________________

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 4:44:49 PM

tazzygirl

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Well since you are going to ignore my question....

you were shopping for a Doctor who told you what you wanted to hear.... that was your first mistake. I have a feeling the other surgeons were more honest with you.

good luck

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RIP, my demon-child 5-16-11
Duchess of Dissent 1
Dont judge me because I sin differently than you.
If you want it sugar coated, dont ask me what i think! It would violate TOS.

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 5:12:43 PM

TheFireWithinMe

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Four years ago I had surgery on my hip. I was told that after the tendonitis was addressed I would be 100% back to normal. Well it's four years, three courses of physio, one cortisone shot, and multiple doctors later and if anything it's worse. Sometimes things just don't work out as planned.

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 5:19:15 PM

tolovetolaugh

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To Tazzy- in answer to your question I went to three doctors for opinions, the first I waited for over an hour, to have about 15 minutes of his time, and was offered a surgery that was minimal and basically consisted of a ankle implant and would take 3ish months of recovery.
The second I waited for 15 minutes, got ovefr an hour of his time, and he also called in his senior partner to take a look and talk to me for a few minutes- which actually turned into a good bit of time, with plenty of explanations and answers to my questions. Also told me three months.
The third suggested a more major surgery that would reconstruct my entire foot and take 6 months to a year to heal from, something that I simply could not afford.

I chose the second.

ETA
When it comes down to it, I have no medical knowledge, or any way to know what the hell is wrong with my feet other than what doctors tell me. When I go to three doctors and all three have a different take on what to do, I went with my gut, which was the option I could afford, as well as the doctor who gave me the most time and answers to my questions.

< Message edited by tolovetolaugh -- 11/2/2011 5:22:02 PM >

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That which yields, is not always weak. —
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I wrote a porn!
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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 5:24:28 PM

tazzygirl

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The reason I asked is because my son went through something similar... no plate, but he had the bones in his foot shaved and wired... bless his heart, his club feet were really bad. Anyways, between that, the tendons being elongated once again, and healing time.... took about 6 months.

_____________________________

Telling me to take Midol wont help your butthurt.
RIP, my demon-child 5-16-11
Duchess of Dissent 1
Dont judge me because I sin differently than you.
If you want it sugar coated, dont ask me what i think! It would violate TOS.

(in reply to tolovetolaugh)

Post #: 9

RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 5:30:48 PM

tolovetolaugh

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Poor thing.

I hope all went well and it fixed the problem?
I don't know how extreme flat feet rates to that. Apparently mine comes from some unknown rare hereditary disease dozens of docs have never been able to figure out.

All I know is what I was told, and both myself and my boss are anxious for me to get back to work!

_____________________________

That which yields, is not always weak. —
Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel's Dart)

I wrote a porn!
http://www.collarchat.com/m_3840531

(in reply to tazzygirl)

Post #: 10

RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 5:39:15 PM

LafayetteLady

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From: Northern New Jersey
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quote:

ORIGINAL: tolovetolaugh

I was a good girl for the first two months. The first month and a half I was in a wheel chair and cast. It wasn't until about a month ago I started leaving the house and going out to do things again. Neither the doctor nor my PT has expressly forbidden me my activities. I asked the doc before I went to paintball, all he did was make a joke about not telling him.

And the joke made you think he was just being funny? Really?

quote:

Both my doctor and PT have been aware of all my activities. I have told them of every one, and other than advice that I should rest my foot now and than, they have not made any negative comments. I feel if it was a problem they would flat out tell me to stay on my ass. And if they said that, I would listen.
As they have not, I can only assume it is not a problem. When out having fun, I wear the boot for extra protection.

It would seem they are the type that figures no matter what they say, you are going to do it anyway.

As for the drinking, I just know about your posts here getting drunk and falling down in the mud with your crutches. I wouldn't call that taking care of yourself.

The bottom line is this. "Activity" doesn't amount to running around playing paintball, running a marathon or anything of that nature. I've been through ankle surgery, had the ligaments in my ankle reconstructed. When the cast came off, I went to PT and I walked with the boot when I went out, but in the house without it because it aggravated my back injury. I didn't engage in any kind of active activity that was going to aggravate my ankle.

You admit you engaged in activities that would aggravate it and now you are wondering why. I can appreciate you chose the middle surgeon because that was what you could afford. What was his prognosis for after the surgery? For that matter, what does he say now?

It really sounds as though you are asking questions looking to find out if you have a malpractice suit against the doctor. Let me assure you, with your activities, that is dead in the water.

You want to get better, sit the hell down, put your foot up and rest. I know how it is going stir crazy, so go out. In a wheel chair if necessary. The choice is yours. Do what is needed to get better or learn to live with how it is and don't complain.

(in reply to tolovetolaugh)

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 6:08:36 PM

tazzygirl

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quote:

ORIGINAL: tolovetolaugh

Poor thing.
I hope all went well and it fixed the problem?
I don't know how extreme flat feet rates to that. Apparently mine comes from some unknown rare hereditary disease dozens of docs have never been able to figure out.

All I know is what I was told, and both myself and my boss are anxious for me to get back to work!

From the way it sounds, you may have another 2 months to go.

_____________________________

Telling me to take Midol wont help your butthurt.
RIP, my demon-child 5-16-11
Duchess of Dissent 1
Dont judge me because I sin differently than you.
If you want it sugar coated, dont ask me what i think! It would violate TOS.

(in reply to tolovetolaugh)

Post #: 12

RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 8:30:17 PM

Soyokaze

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Both wisdom teeth removal and ethmoidectomy took longer to recover than estimates although I had issues afterwards with each that caused it. I don't know how accurate they can really be, but estimates are estimates for a reason.

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 9:01:06 PM

tazzygirl

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Yes, estimates are there for a reason. One told her 3... one told her six... one practically didnt even diagnose her properly. As I said, im looking at an achilles tendon repair... spur removal.. which isnt even close to what she had done... and its 3 months... at least.

_____________________________

Telling me to take Midol wont help your butthurt.
RIP, my demon-child 5-16-11
Duchess of Dissent 1
Dont judge me because I sin differently than you.
If you want it sugar coated, dont ask me what i think! It would violate TOS.

(in reply to Soyokaze)

Post #: 14

RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 9:03:06 PM

bemyslut

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A standard recovery time for surgery is 6 weeks; the reason is: tissue strength has reached its near maximum in 6 weeks. This does not mean you will be asymptomatic at this point or that you will be back to your preinjury status. It merely reflects the time it takes for tissue strength to be maximal. There are however a number of factors that can grossly extend recovery periods: smoking, obesity, poor diet, diabetes, hypertension, over activity, pre existing health conditions, etc etc etc.....every person is different. For some time i practiced pain management and would see countless patients who would come to the clinic with pain that was worsened, not improved, with surgery. While there are a number of ways to treat chronic post operative pain, the results are often suboptimal in a small percentage of patients.. Best thing to do, listen to your doctor, follow his guidelines and if you have questions ask!

(in reply to Soyokaze)

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/2/2011 9:04:47 PM

littlewonder

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I dunno. I think it just depends on the person. The doctors just give rough estimates and averages. That's all.

When I had my tubal the doctor told me to give it about 3 days at least to return to work. I was back the next day.

When I had my 4 hour breast reduction, he told me in no uncertain terms was I supposed to return to work or do anything strenuous for at least 6 weeks. I was up and doing things in 2 weeks and back to work in 3 weeks.

I'm the type of person who recovers pretty quickly from almost anything and I'm normally a pretty quick healer. I push myself to get better because I don't want others having to help me out any longer than necessary.

But not everyone is able to do that. Their bodies heal differently. Their may be other underlying reasons why they cannot.

So when a dr gives me a time I look at that as an average among others who have had similar procedures, not a definite.

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/3/2011 3:09:11 AM

TheFireWithinMe

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quote:

ORIGINAL: bemyslut

A standard recovery time for surgery is 6 weeks; the reason is: tissue strength has reached its near maximum in 6 weeks. This does not mean you will be asymptomatic at this point or that you will be back to your preinjury status. It merely reflects the time it takes for tissue strength to be maximal. There are however a number of factors that can grossly extend recovery periods: smoking, obesity, poor diet, diabetes, hypertension, over activity, pre existing health conditions, etc etc etc.....every person is different. For some time i practiced pain management and would see countless patients who would come to the clinic with pain that was worsened, not improved, with surgery. While there are a number of ways to treat chronic post operative pain, the results are often suboptimal in a small percentage of patients.. Best thing to do, listen to your doctor, follow his guidelines and if you have questions ask!

Heh, I was sent back to work one week post-op despite having to climb 30-40 stairs. Ten days post-op he refused me more pain meds and time off work even though I told him about the stairs. His comment was something along the lines of "so stay home" I asked him if he would write a note so I would be paid. He said no. I asked him how I could stay home. He shrugged and walked away. So yeah followed his instructions to the letter but I still have pain 4 years later. He wouldn't listen to me at all and in fact turned from nice to nasty when I didn't heal when HE said I should have.

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/3/2011 4:20:47 AM

DarkSteven

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quote:

ORIGINAL: littlewonder

I dunno. I think it just depends on the person. The doctors just give rough estimates and averages. That's all.

Agreed.

I had throat and nose surgery and told my doctor I would be back to work in a week. He laughed at me. I was back to work in a week.

My ex had just the nose surgery alone, to widen her sinuses. She was convalescent for several weeks.

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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/4/2011 5:39:37 AM

tolovetolaugh

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Thanks for the replies :)

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That which yields, is not always weak. —
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RE: Do you feel doctors under or over diagnose recovery... - 11/4/2011 5:26:18 PM

kalikshama

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quote:

I feel if it was a problem they would flat out tell me to stay on my ass. And if they said that, I would listen. As they have not, I can only assume it is not a problem. When out having fun, I wear the boot for extra protection.

I think you should clarify with your doc and PT.

(in reply to tolovetolaugh)

Post #: 20

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