I guess this is the place for posting about medical issues so here goes;

[mysuzuki2]

on monday evening here in Milwaukee I left the house to walk my golden retriever. I slipped on the ice, twisted my leg in a very painful way. I managed to get back in the house and decided to wait it out and see if it got better. It didn't so the next AM I went to the ER. X rays showed I had what is called a Maisonnueve fracture. Basically the tibia and fibula are pulled apart, fracturing the distal tibia and proximal fibula. I had surgery that day with the usual wires, pins etc and spent 2 days in the hosp. I actually enjoyed the hosp. They gave me good meds, the food wasn't bad and the mostly female and attractive staff were very nice to me. Surprisingly I have been in almost no pain since the original fall. Unfortunately I am home now and facing 6-8 weeks off my feet. My adult son lives with me and that is the issue. He is supposed to help care for me. He is disabled and is a very active alcoholic. So far, so good but I am concerned that things may not go well over the long term.

[bluesbassman]

1. Sorry to hear about your trouble brother.

Sounds like they took care of the damage, so it's not so much a medical issue as a life issue at this point. You have any other friends or relatives you can rely on for help around the house?

[Aristus]

2. If you have a good insurance plan, they may pay for in-home care for what are called

the Activities of Daily Living. Check your plan and see. A professional in-home care-giver will almost certainly be more reliable than your son (I'm sorry to say...)

[csziggy]

3. I'm glad you're doing good so far

Before things go south with your son, just in case, see what social services are available to you. Even if things are going well and keep doing so, it might be good anyway. Lots of insurance companies and some social service agencies will send out home care people that can teach you and your family ways to cope while you are laid up.

Often they teach basic things, such as how to dress yourself when you are not fully mobile, how to use whatever walking aid you were given (crutches, walker, etc.), how to maneuver around your house, especially kitchen and bathroom, etc. After my knee replacements, I got that kind of training at the rehabilitation hospital even though my period of limited mobility was going to be short.

Knowing how to help you do things will make it much less stressful for your son which will take pressure off of him. And having the contact information for the service agencies will help you if he is not able to assist you for whatever reason.

I would start with whatever insurance company you have. Many now have 'nurse lines' that can put you in contact with the right people at the company. Then move to state and local agencies and see what help they offer.

Good luck and I hope you heal quickly!

[siligut]

4. Yes, you definitely have to keep weight off of that leg

I agree, see if you can get home care until you are allowed to be up. It is very important that you keep weight off of that leg. You also need good nutrition to heal, protein, zinc and calcium are most important. Will your son walk the dog?

[riderinthestorm]

5. Does your son have "better" times in the day when he's fairly lucid and responsible?

Some alcoholics are capable of helping but it would require some coordinating around their drinking schedule....

Does he ever have a couple of clear hours in the am for example? Could you set a time that he can "work with"?

I agree with the others that you need to see if you can find some social services. Your doctor's office may be able to help you, or the hospital (I'm surprised they sent you home without social services checking that you DID have reliable help at home first...). Are you a member of a church? Sometimes volunteers can be found to help in these kinds of situations.

I am so, so sorry about the fall!! Sounds really painful! Please take care and let us know how you are doing!

We need all loungers hale and healthy for the upcoming war on Easter!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. Why were you not discharged to a rehab facility for at least 14-30 days?