Who knows anything about a bone stimulator?? - Foot Problems Message Board

sorefootsophie · 01-16-2006, 10:22 PM

Well guys (JD, Wtwct, Rose,and all others whose name doesn't come immediately to mind but who I also think about)... I had my early doctor appointment today

(So glad I didn't wait another week). I am back in a nwb fiberglass cast!!

I can't believe I already returned the wheelchair!! Now I'm stuck trying to figure out other ways to bring tea to the sofa!! I wish that was my biggest worry. The doctor is going to get authorization from my insurance company for a bone stimulator. He says this is not a non union but a delayed union!! Who has used one? Can I use it with the cast on?? I know the cast will be on about 2 more weeks at least. After that I'm not sure. How long does someone use a bone stimulator for?? I'll post more tomorrrow but I wanted to let everyone know what is happening. Thanks for your support. JD, You were so right on with that one. I think he knew at the last visit when he told me he wasn't convinced of a union. He said it really wasn't my fault. Tried to make me feel a little better!! Will post more tomorrow. I hope someone can relieve my fears!! Sophie

Midwest-JD · 01-16-2006, 10:59 PM

Oh, no ((((Sopie))) I'm so sorry! I wondered if he had mentioned anything about bone stimulator before. I haven't used one, but know a little bit about them - it is an electronic device that you wear - it will strap on to your leg or foot, or maybe you'll sit with your foot on it - they can differ, depending on what body part they're for... Anyway, they kind of vibrate and help stimulate your bone to grow/fuse better. I know they're very expensive, which is why he has to get the OK from your insurance co. - pre-authorization is pretty typical with them. Depending on your doc and your need, he could have you use it anywhere from 2 hours per day up to all day long if needed (or maybe at night?)

I'm really sorry to hear that you're back in NWB cast... and with no wheelchair - even worse! (I know that using the wheelchair was the ONLY way I could get my morning coffee over to the computer so I could sit down and visit!)

Well, geee.... Do you suppose your family with GET IT now??? And quit expecting you to be all normal and totally "all-better"?? (Ya think???)

I hope things will start to improve for you SOON!

JD

sorefootsophie · 01-17-2006, 09:08 AM

Good morning! Only a couple more things. The doc didn't put much padding into this cast and it's much tighter than the last. Not tight...that's probably the wrong word. More like it really keeps my foot still and no wiggle room.

Also wanted to say that my doc (who I really like and trust) had me sign a form that this op may not relieve all symptoms...he fully explained risks and complications....explained the 6 weeks nwb and possibility of more nwb due to complications...has always been at the appointment himself...has always let me come in earlier if necessary and has always been available by phone within 5 minutes if I said it was an emergency question. Even if I just called the office with a question, he was the one to call me back!! Always listens to me and my explanation of symptoms. Never brushes me off! SOME DOCTORS ARE GREAT! I feel really horrible for some with the horror stories!

JD, Sorry I forgot to ask about the screws. Getting this cast back on threw me for a loop

and I think I forgot to ask a lot of things. I was there for quite a while as I had my appointment and then he went to see the next person, then came back to put the cast on!! Doesn't let anyone else do it. So now I'm forced to relax! Saw a nice walker at the goodwill but can't get there to get it as I CAN'T DRIVE AGAIN!!! They told me that very strictly. (Driving hurt my foot anyway!)

Hope everyone has a great day.....so sorry for all the rambling on...Sophie

SoCalSharon · 01-17-2006, 09:53 AM

Hi There Sophie

,
I used a bone stimulator on my hip where the bone was removed for the graft and on the foot at the (1st mtb) fusion/graft site. I didn't get it until a few weeks post-op, I don't remember how long exactly. You cannot feel it at all. For several weeks I used it for 20 minutes, twice a day on each area while kicking back in my favorite place, my new best friend, the recliner. You put ultrasound gel on the end piece and just set it on the scar over the spot that is in need of stimulating. They'll show you where you should place it. That was the absolute easiest part of my treatment. In fact, so much so, that it was hard to believe anything is happening. Hocus pocus. By the way, I expected to be NWB 6 - 8 weeks but only was for 5 before moving into the slanted boot thingy (did the stimulator help?). Let me know how things go. Hope this was helpful.
Sharon

sorefootsophie · 01-17-2006, 05:53 PM

Thanks so much Sharon. I don't know if my insurance will cover it now or if I will have to wait until the three months have passed. That is apparently the time to conclusive delayed union. I'll wait and see if my doctor can get it authorized now.

I think the cast will have to be removed. The pain has gone down so substantially from yesterday to today that I would rather wear the cast for a while longer and have so much less pain. It's not gone but SO much more tolerable. I think this is the first day I haven't had to take motrin!! :

JD, Did you read my previous post in this thread. Sorry I forgot to ask about the screws but I was reading on another site about the lapidus procedure (Why...I'm not really sure except I was trying to find an answer for you). It said the screws are not taken out except at the request of the patient and generally after 6 months and signs of definite healing. Hope that helps some. Sophie