Me and my leg

[sailor return]

First. a belated Merry Christmas and a current Happy New Year. Some of you may remember me from a few years back, before I backed out of stamp collecting - don't ask why, I can't remember meself.
Anyway, just had a nasty period concerning the lower port leg department. Was out shopping with Management when I had excruciating pain in the left leg. Called in to see the emergency doctor at 1615 and was in Southmead Hospital at 1800
CT scan showed a clot in the artery behind the Knee. So an op.to bypass the blockage was required, which was done a week ago . So now I'm hobbling around with a stick, learning to walk again and keeping an eye on the left foot,which aint half a funny colour! It puts a damper on metal detecting for a few months. The Barber Surgeon said I was fortunate as I could have lost my leg- but could still lose a few toes! It's a bummer really as NHS doe'snt provide a parrot to go with the crutch
Arr, JIm Lad!!
KeithM

[steeljam]

Welcome back.
Glad to hear you that hopping is optional.

[phalarope]

Aaarrrr! Ahoy Keith, good to see you back, and very glad you didn't lose the port propeller. Here's good thoughts for the toes!!

[Tonyblack]

Good to see you again!

[Basement]

Thinking positive, good circulatory thoughts for the port appendage!

[chrisboote]

Hi Keith

Are you by chance diabetic? I've been told by others, far wiser than I, that a simple clot, once removed, is extremely unlikely to cause further loss of extremities unless there's an underlying complication - e.g. diabetes

If you think you're not, might be worth getting a check - Type 2 can sneak up on anyone

But yo ho ho and drink a bottle of rum - or two bottles if necessary - until you can't tell the difference in colour between the feet

[sailor return]

Thanks for your good wishes, folks.
ChrisB not diabetic, so far!. I'm following your advice re. rum!
The op. involved taking a vein to bypass the blockage ,reversing it so the flap valves were operating in the right direction. (Who knew veins had flap valves???) Now have three gashes in the leg, each about 4inches long. Pain factor - minimal
Buggerance factor 5/10
KeithM

[annebn]

More good wishes for your toes from here Keith!

[sailor return]

About time I bored you all with an update.
Saw the surgeon on Fri 13th(!!). He has discharged me from face to face follow up, but will need to have regular graft surveillance every six months . That involves a doppler gizmo being used to check the circulation.
Am now walking well, though the leg is still swollen, which could last for several months until things have settled after all the internal cutting and pasting.
I dread to think how much the six hour op. would cost in the States.
So that's me sorted, but now Management has a leaking kidney problem! Consultant is trying to sort out the best dosages for the several tablets she needs to take.
Definitely not our year, medically!

KeithM

[Grace Speaker]

About time I bored you all with an update.
Saw the surgeon on Fri 13th(!!). He has discharged me from face to face follow up, but will need to have regular graft surveillance every six months . That involves a doppler gizmo being used to check the circulation.
Am now walking well, though the leg is still swollen, which could last for several months until things have settled after all the internal cutting and pasting.
I dread to think how much the six hour op. would cost in the States.
So that's me sorted, but now Management has a leaking kidney problem! Consultant is trying to sort out the best dosages for the several tablets she needs to take.
Definitely not our year, medically!

KeithM

Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better and hopefully your other half will be soon too Best wishes to both of you xxx

[Penners]

I hope you both make a full and speedy recovery.