Success Rate Of Ankle Microfracture?
I had ankle debridement and microfracture 2 years ago and still have significant pain in the ankle. Some previous activities are limited due to the pain. The next step for me would be an MRI and then possibly another microfracture or OATS or an ankle fusion. Are there people who have "been done this road" and took the next step? What did you do and how successful has it been?
View 1 RepliesSuccess Rate For Ankle Microfracture Surgery?
By way of background, I was a long jumper/triple jumper on the track team in college and banged up my right ankle pretty badly a couple times, though nothing that resulted in long term pain. In January of this year I stupidly jumped off a rock on a hike and sprained it more severely, likely magnifying an already existing OLT.
(note this was right after the injury, pre-crutches, when there was still a lot of edema)
I'm now one month removed from a 6 week NWB stint on crutches for a 1.2cm OLT on my right ankle. I've been doing PT, yoga and general strengthening for about a month. I can jog with minimal pain and can walk/bike without any pain, but I cannot play the more intense sports I love like basketball, flag football etc.
I have a follow up appt with my orthopedist in a couple weeks, and am debating microfracture. I want to play basketball again, but I am worried about the long-term uncertainty of the procedure. Is the potential upside of the surgery worth it, given the current state of my injury?
Flat Foot Reconstruction Surgery - Success Rate?
I have suffered with flat feet all my life. I have had pain for at least 5 years now and within the last year, my condition has deteriorated. My ankles are now rolling in on both feet. I have been to see both Dr Deland and Dr Ellis (he takes my insurance) and they both agree that I need the surgery on both feet (eventually). My questions to everyone who has had this surgery are what has been your success rate? Has it changed your life for the better or the worst? Would you do it again? What was the worst part? And finally, any diabetics out there that have had this surgery? How was your recovery with the diabetes? Any and all answers are greatly appreciated! I am scared out of my mind, but living like this is scaring me even more.
View 14 RepliesProstate :: My Results After A PAE Procedure
I had a Prostatic Arterial Embolization (PAE) procedure done at the University of Miami on June 2, 2015 by Dr. Shivank Bhatia. Prior to the procedure I had completely lost my urinary function and was wearing an in dwelling Foley Catheter. I had been told by a prominent Urologist at UM that I would never urinate on my own again, I needed to learn how to self catheterize and that if I chose to have the PAE procedure I should expect it would not be successful. My prostate was over 100 grams, I was not a candidate for the TURP and I should go home and have a nice weekend.
My attitude was I had nothing to lose. If the PAE did not work I was no worse off than if I did not try. Dr. Bhatia was an expert in this procedure so I took a shot. My results have been nothing short of miraculous. The procedure was done on 6/2/15. I never had one ounce of pain, either during or after the PAE. I continued to wear the Foley, but it was horrible. I went for my first follow-up 10 days after the PAE. I still could not pee on my own. Dr. Bhatia wanted me to continue wearing the Foley for another week, but I just could not. He was understanding of my discomfort and I was shown how to self catheterize and went home without the Foley, thank God!
I used the catheters approx. every 6 hours or 4 times per day. Each time I used them, I would try to urinate on my own. On June 25th at around midnight I attempted to pee on my own and 6 drops came out. It was a revelation. I then used the catheter and went to bed, arising at 6 am. This time when I went to use the catheter 12 drops came out. Each time I went to use the catheter things would improve. From a weak stream to ultimately a regular pee. I reduced using the catheter from 4 times per day to 3, then 2, then I was comfortable knowing I did not need them at all. On July 1, 2015 I stopped using catheters. I never have looked back.
Three months post procedure I had an MRI. My prostate had shrunk from 0ver 100 grams to 72 grams. My PSA had gone from 8.7 to 2.5. I no longer had any symptoms that would indicate prostate or urinary issues. I sleep through the night. I pee when I have to go, but can go 6-8 hours in between bathroom breaks. I have no discomfort, no pain, my sex life is outstanding and I am 66 years old! Dr. Bhatia has given me my life back.
My suggestion to anyone who is having symptoms: Explore ALL OF YOUR OPTIONS!! I am certain the PAE will become Standard of Care in the future. Try and understand what the potential side effects are of the "traditional" surgical procedures. They may be acceptable for some, but they were not acceptable for me. I take no drugs or medications. The PAE had no side effects. There was no possibility of becoming incontinent or impotent or having an orgasm without an external ejaculation. Find a facility that is doing clinical trials with the PAE and a Dr. who is experienced. Peeing through a straw for the rest of my life was a real possibility. Now I function like I was 40 years old, not 66 years old. I highly recommend Dr. Shivank Bhatia of the University of Miami. He learned this procedure from the man who invented it and he trained with him in South America to perfect it. You have very little, if anything to lose, and you have getting the rest of your life back to normal to gain. Happy to answer any questions or inquiries. Good Luck to all.
Hemorrhoids :: HAL-RAR Procedure Experiences?
I have been suffering from some internal Hemorrhoids that prolapse after a bowel movement for almost a decade. After they prolapse i gently insert them back into where they belong and it has been ok and hasn't affected my life much.
However the past a few days ago after making a bowl movement i noticed when they prolapsed they were very inflamed and large and painful, i couldn't put them back inside me. I waited until the next morning but unfortunately the couldn't go in so i had to go to a hospital. The doctors managed to insert them back in when they applied some gel but it was painful and not easy.
Then 2 days after same problem but they kept on bleeding, had to go back to the Hospital and same thing.
I hope they get better more manageable soon but i doubt it.
Anyway i really want to avoid the traditional Hemorrhoid surgery as i have read the horror stories on here about being in pain for 4-8 weeks, complications and also i can't afford to take so much time off work.
Hence why i am considering the HAL/RAR Procedure, from my research it is less painful and hypothetically you can be off work for only 48 hours.
has anyone experienced this procedure? What was the pain like?
Hemorrhoids :: Had THD Procedure 9 Days Ago
I had THD (sometimes known as HALO) procedure 9 days ago, the last couple of days it feels like i have external haemorrhoids back, my husband says they look like them, large and inflamed!... I'm so upset and frustrated, had been feeling ok as was recovering quite well. Very uncomfortable and painful after bms but i was expecting this and had prepared for it mentally and physically. I've not had to strain when going to toilet, in fact going regularly since 2nd day, so no constipation. I've also had a stitch come out today after bm (surgeon said all my stitches were internally) Has anyone else had any similar experiences??...
View 10 RepliesHemorrhoids :: Recovery From THD/HALO Procedure?
I had a haemorrhoidectomy about 4 years ago with a very painful recovery and problem now back so going for the Halo/THD procedure very soon.
Has anyone had this done and how was the recovery from it?
Hemorrhoids :: My THD Procedure Recovery Experience Normal?
For approx. 10 years I've been dealing with internal and external haemorrhoids (rhoids) and the occasional prolapse - too embarrassed to seek medical attention I've just tried my hardest, despite the discomfort, to carry on regardless. After a recent defining moment in the bathroom I decided enough was enough and booked a visit to see my GP, which to my surprise was not as embarrassing as I thought it would be. Following a digital examination the GP confirmed that the usual solutions would not suffice and a referral to a Consultant was needed - fortunately I have private medical insurance and my appointment came through quickly.
At my first appointment the Consultant completed a digital examination for himself and deduced that my rhoids were “quite large”. At this stage he suggested a Sigmoidoscopy (lower bowel camera) and ligation (banding) to see if that would help - whilst I was told the procedure is uncomfortable and not painful I opted for sedation on the basis that why would anyone choose to be in any discomfort when they really don’t need to be!?![/color]
Having researched the procedure online I returned to the hospital some 3 weeks later. I have to say the enema was a surprise in more ways than one – I now understand it’s a necessary requirement, but given the reason it’s being administered is it unreasonable to assume they would be a little more gentle? #Wowzers! Anyway, I waited around all morning and I was eventually taken to the Operating Room (OR). At this point I have to say Sedation is wonderful - I remember nothing between the fluid being injected in the cannula and subsequently being in the recovery room. Given I had been tinkered with all I can remember at this point is feeling as though I needed to go to the toilet. I was subsequently transferred back to my room where I remained for a couple of hours in a little discomfort, but I recall being in pain – the Consultant came to say he would see me at my follow-up appointment and I was eventually released by a nurse that said “it looks like you’re coming back to see us” and I spotted THD on her paperwork.
It was about 2-3 weeks when I had a follow-up with my Consultant, which gave me lots of time to read up on what THD was etc. – compared to the rhoidectomy of yesteryear it sounded like an absolute gem of a procedure. The Consultant asked how I had got on with the ligation and I explained there had been no real change however, he said he didn’t think it would work given the size of the rhoids – so we discussed returning for a THD in 2 weeks’ time. So, there is the background…
I returned to the hospital for my THD last Friday and, given the procedural information I had read on line, I was feeling quite good about it. Having had another fairly uncomfortable enema (by the hands of the person that delivered the previous one! #Ouch) I was told that I was 2nd on the list and would be seen quite quickly – it was roughly mid-morning when I walked to the OR. At this point I was given the cannula etc. before the GA was administered. Quick question: Is it just me that likes that dizzy lightheaded feeling you get with a GA? I’ve had a few in my time and I really enjoy it!
]The next thing I remember is waking up in the Recovery Room with an overwhelming feeling that I needed a bowel movement (BM) – I’m talking that real desperate need somebody has when they have a stomach upset. I recall one nurse saying it’s probably the packing and the other said the consultant did not use any – I was then told somebody was on their way to transfer me to my room but I could have a bed pan if I needed it. I was quickly returned to my room and I asked if I was able to go to the toilet – I was told I could, but needless to say I actually couldn’t do either of the things one usually does when they visit the lavatory!
After a good hour or so I asked if any pain relief was available as I was really quite uncomfortable. I was subsequently given codeine, which did help – mainly because I fell asleep if I’m honest! I was woken by a nurse wanting to take my obs – I said I needed the loo first and the nurse agreed to return within several minutes. I managed to urinate however, upon returning to the room the nurse had quite a fright as found me lying on the bed looking as white as the pillow case, feeling dizzy and sweating – I was given Oxygen for a while. I was given more codeine later on and, after more sleep, I eventually saw the Consultant who said that he would see me again in a couple of weeks, but with regard to that day I could stay overnight or go home. Being tired as I was unable to get any decent sleep, I opted to go home at around 18:30. Upon check out I was prescribed Fybogel (to be taken Twice Daily) and Paracetamol (as and when) – due to other ailments I have access to Co Codamol 30/500 and Tramadol hence I was good to go. The journey home was not too bad however, the left side of my rectum was particularly sore hence I sat with all my weight on the right bottom cheek for the duration. When at home I pretty much spent the evening sleeping, thinking about the toilet or trying to go to the toilet!
I woke up several times in the night with the feeling that I needed to go to the toilet, so I eventually got up to watch TV at around 04:30. Feeling the need to go to toilet lasted all day – other than briefly after passing wind or a short while longer after taking a Tramadol. I eventually went for a very small BM however, it was quite painful to be honest and I wondered if my body was telling me I needed to but my head was telling me not to – I was literally having spasms, such a weird feeling that happened several times throughout the day. The good news was that whilst I still felt rough, I was more mobile and thought THD may just be the best thing since sliced bread.
Pretty much mirrors Day two having woken up at 04:00. I went downstairs and eventually managed to go to the toilet for a small BM however, it was soooo painful I felt exhausted afterward. I returned to bed mid-morning for a couple of hours and then remained in the confines of my house for the rest of the day.
Woke up at a reasonable time and managed to potter around the house all day. Took a 40 minute drive to take my child to school and back and noticed that the desperate urge to go to the toilet has been replaced with a fullness/weight feeling and there is now an aching on the left side of my rectum. I managed to do the smallest of BM’s, which, in the main, was probably my body dispelling some of the Fybogel! In cleaning myself I noticed a small lump on my rectum, which I can only liken to an external rhoid – brilliant, just brilliant! By the afternoon I actually felt like I was in pain until I read about and decided to take a sitz bath – temporarily relieving the pain, until I took more Tramadol
Today. I’m feeling somewhat down about my post THD experience. It doesn’t seem to be consistent with the majority of literature that says you’ll be running marathons within 48 hours (slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean)! I’ve got what I think is an external rhoid, the left side of my rectum is uncomfortable, and when I sit down or stand up I can feel pressure - like you do when the rhoids are playing up…not to mention that after I drove my child to school today I felt like I’d received a swift kick up the arse when I got back to the house. I had a BM this afternoon and it was painful…AGAIN…I ended up elevating my feet on a footstool to making the passing of the BM more comfortable!
Having got all that of my chest, I’m hoping somebody can offer an opinion on the following…[/color]
Could the lump on my rectum be linked to the procedure and shrink over time? I’m wondering if I’ve not noticed before as I previously had a prolapse?
Could the lump be a new rhoid or hematoma given the constant feeling of requiring the loo and then my associated attempts to go?
Given I’m now at Day 5, should I really have an aching feeling where I think the procedure was completed?
Given I’m still uncomfortable, would you contact the GP or carry on taking the tramadol for now?
I’m off work at the moment, but I will need a sick note in 2 days – is it likely that I’ll be ready to go back at this point?
Many thanks for reading and, where you can, replying with your comment(s).
Hemorrhoids :: Removal Procedure After Child Delivery
So as a result of some difficult child deliveries I have Hemorrhoids. I do not have internal issues but I have some on the outside. They look like dried up grape clusters and make it very difficult to clean properly. They bother me tremendously! Is there any procedure to remove them?
View 1 RepliesHypothyroidism :: Success With Going Gluten Free?
I am also coping with hypothyroidism and I've been searching for the best possible ways to get my health (and life) back. The doctor I have been working with has made the suggestion to go on a gluten free diet. She didn't go into great detail about it, but mentioned that she'd like for me to nix the gluten. I have also read numerous times on the internet about how gluten is a thyroid destroyer. I have tried countless times to go GF, but boy is it hard. I tested negative for gluten and dairy allergies but my doc (a naturopath) was still adamant that I give up the gluten. I feel like such a failure because I only manage to stay gluten free for about 2 weeks at a time until I cave and have something like a slice of pizza or some pasta or bread. There are gluten free alternatives to these items but sometimes they are hard to obtain or are a pain to cook. I have a very healthy diet for the most part but I've found that removing gluten entirely isn't easy. I've also lost weight while going gluten free, which I did NOT want to do. I'm actually already a little bit underweight.
Does anyone have any tips for me? Has anyone out there successfully gone gluten free long-term, and did it affect your condition in a positive way? I feel like a failure because I keep trying to give it up but it never works out in the long run. I always slip up.
Atrophic Vaginitis :: HRT - Success Or Failure?
I really don't know what to do, i just made another apt for second opinion on hrt. I have alot of symptoms and much anxiety and don't know what to do. Both success and unsuccessful tries of these hormones will be much appreciated.I
View 24 RepliesAcne Free Success Story
In order to be acne-free I remove all makeup with a fragrance-free wipe. I then wash my face twice a day with something containing salicylic acid (currently using Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Mask) (apply it to wet skin and wash it off with cold water to open up the pores). I also use it on my torso and back. I then apply Boots Tea Tree Witch Hazel Toner with cotton wool to remove any excess dirt, do this twice a day. In the morning I then apply Nivea Moisturizer - I don't use this at night as it makes it difficult to apply a gel prescribed by my GP (Du-ac Daily Gel Benzyl Peroxide). I am also on the contraceptive pill which makes a huge positive difference to my acne. I always ensure I wear fresh clothes, especially my bra. I had severe acne for 10 years and since i've been doing all this I have been spot free for 4 years.
View 4 RepliesTTC With PCOS + Metformin - Any Success Stories?
I'm 21 and been TTC for 2 years I know some people say it's young but I feel ready, I got diagnosed with PCOS when I was 15 I have never been pregnant, my periods are normally 2 month apart. I'm a healthy weight too.
My doctor put me on Metformin 1 week ago I'm currently on 2x 500mg I'm also taking folic acid and vitamin b6, i just feel like I'm never going to be a mum.
Has anyone got a success stories of taking metformin?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica :: Enbrel Success?
Acquaintance with a different condition has had success with it. Just wondering if it is prescribed for PMR?
View 1 RepliesAlcohol Consumption :: Detox Success At First Attempt?
I have just got through a one week detox using Chlordiazepoxide prescribed by the doctor after 6 months in counselling. I've drunk or misused substances for 15 years. The problem is as I can't sleep I'm still drinking. I'm not sure what to do next, another detox..? Bern keeping distracted so only drink in evenings after 7pm. Has anyone else struggled or succeeded at detox first attempt?
View 1 RepliesTemporomandibular Joint Replacement? Success Stories - Anyone?
I've had TMJ/TMD issues for 33 years after a dog bite at 12. In total I've had 5 surgeries on both sides of my jaw with a 6th to repair an ear canal and eardrum that a surgeon cut into while in surgery. The last time I had surgery it was a 10 hour surgery with 2 doctors, one on each side. So needless to say I'm not looking forward to any more.
I seem to grow bone in the left joint space (my disk and ball joint are long gone) and the right side my body absorbs the tissue they put in and I', bone on bone. Therefore I'm living with daily chronic pain for the last 20 years.
I've heard that the joint replacement has gotten better. It doesn't take away all pain, but it's a different pain.
Uterine Fibroids :: Chinese Medicine Success ? TCM, Acupuncture And/or Herbs
I'm curious if anyone has had success in treating fibroids with TCM, acupuncture and/or herbs?
Vasectomy :: What To Ask Doctor Before Procedure?
As much as I have read about this procedure, I feel somewhat prepared going into my consult visit with the Dr.
I am wondering if there were any questions/discussions anyone feels they should have asked BEFORE the procedure?
Colonoscopy :: Worried About The Procedure
I too am terrified of having a colonoscopy scheduled for this Friday. I have read the different experiences and don't know what to think as the experiences are so varied. Last year I had a flexi sigmoidoscopy without sedation, or pain relief, which was okay - just a bit uncomfortable. A polyps was found and therefore the doctor wants to check for more higher up. But the colonoscopy seems to be more undignified and painful. I do not want to be sedated as (a) I need to keep my memory for work; (b) I do not like being out of control; and (c) I have read some awful experiences of people being sedated. Therefore I am just going to have the pain relief. During the flexi I was embarrassed at the sensation of wind needing to be released and regardless of being told it is part of everyday work for the medics - it is not for me. This adds to the undignified process. So, although intellectually I know that having a colonoscopy will save my life, I am still very worried about the prep, the procedure and of course the results.
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