Third Year of Recovery

Now in November 2024, I am 2 years from the crash.

PT has helped but still experiencing significant post traumatic arthritic pain. Neurologist PA pretty much told me that was “permanent”. So quite depressing. 

I can navigate stairs with a cane. (Actually using both legs in an almost normal stepping going up and very careful slow descent.) I can walk without a cane, but use it to insure against a fall. So I am mobile but in constant pain. Despite the pain, being able to navigate stairs is HUGE.

I am continuing my weekly Hospital rounds as a Chaplain-using my rollator as it seems to reduce pain while walking and gives me a private seat when needed.

Back to regular iRacing in my Simulator which I neglected because it is in an upstairs room. Requires a lot of leg movement and force. No pain while racing but quite a bit afterwards.

Blood tests reveal no adverse affects from long term use of Ibuprofen but for safety I am limiting my NSAIDs to Aspirin-325 twice daily.

Taking testosterone replacement therapy with gel on shoulders daily-25mg per day. After a month, level rose from 220 to 350. Noticing some improvement in muscle development and no adverse side effects so far.

All in all I have reason to be thankful, but the thought of constant pain for the rest of my life is actually quite depressing. I can relate to the GI’s with battle injuries. Until you have experienced constant chronic pain, you cannot relate.

My hope now lies on two possibilities. That the screw in my left femur near the knee that protrudes into my IT band can be safely removed. That the testosterone replacement will lead to improved muscle development (with exercise) and bone remodeling. The only hope for pain reduction is stronger muscle and bone.

Another 3 mos have passed. Testosterone levels have risen to 450. Urologist has approved moving from 25mg per day to 37.5mg. Have noticed some small amount of muscle development-continue daily exercise regimen. Biggest improvement is ability to sit to stand from 25” seat without hands. Still need hand push off for standard chairs. Also, able to climb stairs with normal stepping using cane and one railing to assist.

Would very much like to see new X-ray images of fractures. I am not putting full body weight on one leg for any time other than walking. Fearful of another compression in the right femur fracture that resulted in the need for 5/8” shoe lift spacer.

Slight improvement in gait without cane. Using cane regularly for safe balance. Absolutely need cane for stairs.

Feel comfortable making plans for one week trip to Ireland using private limo. Pain level is constant but bearable, the twice daily aspirin helps a lot. Seems like there is inflammation after heavy joint loading after aspirin wears off. Maintaining stable weight.