Robert got into see the Orthopedic Doc today. Thank goodness we got a good explanation of what was going on from the PA before Dr. Arrogant came in. The PA explained that Robert is in excruciating pain due to the degeneration of the bone marrow in the ball at the top of the femur that fits into the hip joint. They believe one of 2 things is happening. There is no quick fix. The radiologist think he is suffering from Transient Oteoporosis of the hip. Dr. Arrogant "doubts" that, as he has not seen one case in a man in 10 years. (And if HE hasn't seen it, GOD FORBID it happen) In that case the bone marrow is degenerating and is self limiting. the less he bears weight on it the more it will heal. So he has been limited to no weight bearing for 8 weeks. At that time they will repeat the MRI in order to see if there is a change in the look of the degeneration. If at that time they see a difference in the surface of the ball or if the bone has begun to collapse on itself, we will have to do a hip replacement.
The other option eliminates the osteoporosis and goes straight to the collapsing. In that case it is a case of avascular necrosis. The bone marrow is dying and will not replace itself with time. It will get worse and he will have to have a hip replacement.
Either way, we wait for 8 weeks minimum. I just made a reservation for a swanky hotel in D.C. for our spring break trip 2 nights ago. I called and cancelled that today. No trips this Spring Break. I considered taking the littles to visit my mom in Florida while she is on vacation and decided against it.
So, we went to the DMV for a handicapped plackard, we went to get a walker and Dr. A. wanted Robert to get a wheelchair for home use so he would bear NO weight at all. In true insurance company fashion, it takes 8 weeks to get prior authorization for a wheel chair. I will remember for the future, if I think I may have an injury I will attempt to get prior authorization before the injury even occurs. Good to know. I also brought a twin bed down from the attic and downstairs (alone mind you) so that Robert can sleep downstairs. He is not allowed to go upstairs for 8 weeks. Oh my Lord, I am getting overwhelmed just telling you about it.
So it seems that my fear of him never being the same was slightly warranted. He may be fixed, it will just take some time. He may have lots of pain for 6 months to a year. He may be mobility limited for many months. Dustin will continue to push my buttons since his routine is going to be severely altered. I am not looking forward to this. But most of all, I want Robert to be pain free.
Good times. Good times.
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7 comments:
Dayum. That sucks. I am so sorry.
Hoping Robert will actually listen to the DR and keep weight off it. Most men would go, "oh, no weight 8 weeks?....I think I'll just start training for a marathon this afternoon."
Sending you a hug!
Hugs and prayers going out to all of you! It's got to be tough managing the household while Robert's on the DL. Hang in there, and I am here if you need me.
Shoot...I was overwhelmed by the first paragraph so I'm really feeling for you. That's so stupid about the wheelchair...just boggles the mind. Hang in there.
Hi Sherry,
Yep! It sounds overwhelming. Sorry to hear about this.
Prayers and best wishes for the best possible turn-out.
I hate insurance...
Oh my gosh! I am so sorry. Just reading it overwhelms me! I know the bulk of it all will fall to you. Praying you both will be strengthened to get through this.
Check with renting a wheelchair, the last time we rented it one, it was really cheap for a week or two.
Man Sheri, when it rains it pours!
I know you know this, but God doesn't give us more than we can bear. God also helps those WHO HELP THEMSELVES! Sheri, 8 weeks is a long time (I don't mean to be making you feel worse. I think if I were you I might be swearing at me by now reading this comment) and you need to round up some help. Asking for help is something we women don't like to do as we have somehow been fed the line that we should be able to do it all.
Call your church, heck call three churches. Ask them to supply help in the form of dinners, cleaning, laundry, littles watching. Take the stuff off your plate that you can so you have energy to take care of what only you can do.
I won't get started on the insurance companies or I might get arrested if anyone reads this comment, but I do have a wheel chair if you need it. Let me know on my blog and I can drive down and meet you half way with it.
You are loved and cared for Sheri!
Oh Sheri...I haven't checked in on your blog in awhile! I feel for you. I wish I could offer you some really great advice. I agree with Patty...you should probably ask for some help. I know you don't know me from Adam, but I would offer you some help. I am a normal mom...but I do have some time on my hands. I don't work outside the home and my kids are in school during the day. I could do your laundry one afternoon, bring you dinner a few times a week, clean your house (which I have done in past jobs), etc. Maybe just a few errands you need done. And I am pretty CHEAP because I wouldn't let you pay me. Asking is the hardest part and you don't even have to do that because I am willingly and happily offering you. PLEASE send me an e-mail. tdish6@verizon.net
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