Leg situation

Well, most know that I sustained a severe fracture of the left tibial plateau (basically, the bone surrounding the left knee) the day before Thanksgiving 2007. Since then, I have had surgery to implant screws in my knee and was then informed by my orthopedic surgeon that, due to continuing problems in my leg (from my original accident in 1993), the leg would require amputation below the knee as soon as the knee was healthy enough.

At any rate, Sabe and I got a second opinion on Feb. 6th and were told that, due to the RSD in my leg (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy), I am now not recommended for amputation. The explanation(s) is/are as follows:

First, RSD is basically a condition in which severe pain is involved. However, in my case, even though the bones have basically "healed" from my wreck in 1993, I am still feeling the pain that is associated with the original trauma. In essence, I am still feeling the pain associated with the original broken bones in the leg...this means that my brain is still receiving impulses from the lower leg that are telling it the bones are still broken, even though they are not.

Now then, as for the amputation, all would be well IF the RSD did not exist. What Sabe and I learned yesterday is that when RSD is involved, they can amputate, but the RSD remains...even in the stump . So, I would still be forced to endure the extreme pain, but now, since the [ain was in the stump, I would not even be able to wear a prosthetic leg, meaning that I would still have pain I do now, but would not even have my original leg, or a prosthesis to walk on, leaving me with just one leg and no chance of walking at all.

So, what does all of this mean for me and us? Well, it means a couple of things. It means that I should have allowed them to amputate some 15 years ago. But, since I didn't, it appears I am now going to be forced to live in pain. No biggie, really, as I have done so for 15 years. It's just that I had really gotten psychologically prepared for the amputation, and that I would lead a somewhat normal life again. Alas, that is not apparently meant to be. However, we have yet another appointment with yet another vascular surgeon today, so we shall see...stay tuned.

It's The PLayoffs, Baby!!!

Well, tomorrow is nearly here and the Dallas Cowboys willbe hosting the NY Giants for a trip to the NFC Championship game. Looks as if T.O. will play, adn then again, there is Eli Manning on the other sideline...Predition: Dallas 34 Giants 17 GO COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!