Changing Consultants
After finding a consultant who uses an Early Weight Bearing protocol, I got my GP to refer me to him, the initial response wasn’t good the first free appointment he had for NHS patients was in February, (not much use for EWB). However my GP said she’d fax the consultant to see if he could fit me in. After a couple of phone calls to the GP’s secretary to make sure the fax had gone, I contacted the Consultants secretary to see how the referal was progressing.
Again initially not inspiring, whith her explaining how he was very busy and NHS patients wouldn’t be seen for a number of weeks. I once again explained the situation that I was now in a full leg cast for more than two weeks and looking for somebody who was willing to put me on an EWB protocol, that really should be happinging now, and that I knew the consultant was “trying” EWB for ATR’s.
His secretary said she’d have a word with him and get back to me………
Littarally 5 minutes later she phoned back sying I was a very lucky chap. The consultant was impressed that I even new that he was treating ATRs with EWB, and said I’d already been in a cast too long. To that end he was willing to start his clinic early and fit me in at the beginning.
SO I now have a new consultant and will be getting my early weight bearing protocol, my appointment with him is on Tuesday (17th Dec) so only another couple of days wearing my Full leg Cast before being fitted into a medi.ROM Walker http://www.mediuk.co.uk/orthopaedics/anklewalkers/protectpneumatic-rom-and-fixed-walker.html
I know it s not the VACOped but I’ll talk to the consultant and see if he’d be willing to let me use a VACOped if I buy one, even if he doesn’t I’m still well chuffed to be moving onto an EWB protocol in week 3.
This should keep my target of getting onto skis in week 15 almost still in sight. I’m so happy now. I’m looking forward to phoning up the RVI cancelling my appointment and discharging myself from their care.
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Your new guy is probably quite switched on and it is therefore probable that his boot of choice is more than adequate. However, IF you have the nerve, ask Oped (VACO) if they are able to provide your consultant with a sample for evaluation, in your size of course.
Some practices, including Exeter, recycle these boots when the patients have no further use for them, simply replacing the liners and certain other components, therefore continuing to save money compared to serial casting or even constant boot buying.
It looks like a good hinged boot, similar to the one I have. Not space-age waterproof plastic like the Vaco, and wringing out the fabric liner would be too complicated, IMO. Also just one (rocker) sole, though I don’t really understand the function of the Vaco’s flatter sole (& it seems some users don’t either, or don’t love it?). I’d probably use it and save the $ — or £!
I also had an AirCast which also has the air-bladders for a firmer more conforming fit, and I stopped using them. Good enough fit for me just with Velcro straps, and I found the plastic bladders hot and sticky for my taste — like a hospital bed with the plastic sheet under the bottom sheet. YMMV.
And congrats on being an excellent Squeaky Wheel!!
A good GP is a precious asset, too.
Had my surgery yesterday. It had been 4 weeks since I suffered a complete rupture and was worried that I would’ve had to go with the reconstructive surgery. Luckily, it was a clean tear and the tendon did not retreat into the calf muscle. The doctor said the tendon re-attached nicely and was an easy fix. Big sigh of relief and I have my first post op on Friday. The doctor did a great job. The meds have kept the pain at bay although I did get nauseous a couple of times. So now my recovery begins. I have 17 days off from my office job to give the tendon as much rest as possible.