2nd Year of Recovery

Now one year of “weight bearing”.  Frustration and disappointment.

Walking and climbing stairs with a cane. Pain in left knee the same.  Femoral nerve pain in right leg has subsided a bit, less in medial knee and quad area but still pain in groin area. “Flossing” exercises are effective. A lot of arthritis pain in both knees and lower back that subsides with exercises. 

Some sort of “mechanical” issues inside right legs as I hear clicking and feel things dragging.

I am noticing that cold weather increases discomfort. 

Also noticed that knee pain has improved slightly—mostly noticed as less pain when putting on socks and shoes. Also less pain when doing partial squats. 

The right leg should be strong enough but still weak in hip joint and groin area despite exercises. Shocking how slow the healing process is. Still quite uncomfortable to stand on right leg only. 

April 2024, now 15 months of weight bearing-1 year and 5 months since accident. Finally, walked more than 1/2 mile without cane. (Walking an average of 0.8 miles per day. Able to do deep knee bends at about 50% range. Essentially no progress on left knee pain when bending knee past about 60 degrees—assuming IT band is dragging on knee bone or screw. Legs are stronger but still sore after use—Ibuprofen necessary twice per day.  Sit to stand from 24 inch seat possible but with sharp pain in left knee. Generally feel more mobile—bought two pairs of new shoes for better fit and ankle support. 

Volunteer Chaplain at UPMC Hanover Hospital once a week—lots of walking and standing. Relating well to patients experiencing pain.

May 2024, clicking in right leg is now concentrated to right knee. While descending stair, I seemed to twist knee and developed severe knee pain when bending. Strange that there is little pain while full weight bearing—it is when I release weight from knee when I feel pain. Rotating lower leg around knee while bending at knee lying on stomach produced substantial mechanical clicking sensation. Suspect femoral nerve or other nerve issue.

This “referred” pain showing in lateral calf frontal lower leg appears to be most likely to a pinched nerve coming out of L2 vertebrae. In addition, femoral nerve pain likely related to shift of femer shaft into upper head section. This “fracture” is multifaceted and is loaded in shear and compression. Stretch exercises seems to relieve femoral pain related to L4 and right side of L2. 

A examination X-ray and CT scan shows a broken section of titanium rod above lag screw. While it appears some movement occurred, it does appear bone is healing and remodeling with resulting pain. Both femers probably more fragile than previously thought.

Visit to Neurologist and X-ray indicates right leg has compressed in length and is now 5/8” shorter than left. Shoes with 1/2-5/8” addition have been introduced with good effect.

CT Scan of vertebrae does not indicate serious issues other than known compression fractures of L4 and L2. Both have osteophyte growth and S1-L2 show signs of moderate stenosis.

Sleeping with pillow under and between knees seems to be helping. Have ended regular use of Ibuprofen. Now taking only aspirin and Tumeric for inflammation and pain. Continued but limited success attempt to lose weight.

New Physical Therapist noted weak glute muscles and recommended helpful strengthening exercises. Also suggested regular McKenzie “necklace” back bow exercises to reduce some femoral nerve pain. Continue with PT and Neurologist. 

Going into July, now 19 months since accident. Gait is better. Some knee squat exercises possible but walking still uncomfortable and painful. Left knee pain result of screw tip dragging on IT band-only removal of screw would correct. 

Mid July, walking is becoming less painful as glutes are strengthened. Opening up vertebrae on right side with stretch seems to help as it also flosses femoral nerve. McKenzie back arch stretches also helpful. Sit to stand maneuvers are becoming easier. Still need cane for walking and climbing steps.

Have given up on dreams of traveling long distances, camping and hiking in our Class B CrossFit 22 C-EB motorhome. While I seem to be recovering to the point that I can walk short distances with cane, very unlikely long walks will ever be possible. Thankfully, I am comfortable driving. 

A recent two day trip to Delaware’s Cape Henlopen State Park and Lewis, DE beaches forced me to confront reality. I was not even capable of walking thru the 100 yards of sand to reach the water. I just sat on a bench next to the parking lot and watched the waves from there.

So we are selling the motorhome-a process that is sure to be frustrating. Buyers are really flakey-tire kickers with dreams and curiosity but not enough funds. The number of buyers seems to be shrinking fast just as more supply is being listed. The end of COVID, high gasoline cost, and high interest is slowing sales.

Recognizing “permanent” disability in combination with declining function with aging is tough, for me and my children. I pray “thy will be done” and count all my other blessings daily.

We were able to sell the motorhome quickly on Facebook Marketplace. 

Now at 22 months since accident and am progressing slowly. Tested for low testosterone and found am very low, so Urologist likely to start Testosterone Replacement Therapy soon. Some risks but hopefully manageable and may help build muscle and bone.