| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
Well...last week I screwed up. I know better, but I managed to injure myself anyway. Can't remember if we have any doctor-types here on Badweb, but since we have a little of everything I figured I'd ask  I was unhooking my 26' cargo trailer from my truck, last Monday. I use weight distribution bars to equalize the load. The unhook procedure consists of placing a 2-foot long 1" pipe (as a "handle") over a pin, then using the pipe to lever down on the piece that a chain hooks to. The "right" way to do it is to use the tongue jack to lift the front of the trailer and the rear of the truck, which reduces pressure on the chain and reduces the "snapping" down of the pipe. I...was tired. And stupid. And in a hurry. And covered in sweat from yardwork. I didn't lift with the jack, I "short-cutted" it...the pipe slipped out of my hand and flew downward into my right inner ankle. Think...baseball bat. I was able to walk on it, despite pain and swelling. I wrapped/iced/elevated. Worked all week, no crutches required, progressively better each day until yesterday when it started hurting again. A lot. The "walk on it" part makes me think it's not broken. The "getting angry again yesterday" makes me wonder. I just started the new job and am in the "no insurance" window of a new hire. But I'm leaning towards getting an x-ray to be safe, so at least I "know". Any medical-types here who can shed some insight? Thoughts on broken/not broken? I've spent plenty of time dealing with busted limbs - many of you may remember my experience with 2 shattered legs back in '08 - so I know how to care for injuries but this one has me stumped as to identification...I can flex everything. No crunching or grinding. Toe-wiggles are good. it can take weight (evidenced by working all week, no crutches). I can use my toes to trace a 'circle' by pivoting my ankle up, down, left, and right. I can do toe-stands in reps of 30 (been doing those in the shower to keep flexibility). So...I *think* it's not broken. But...that nag in the back of my head says I should spend the money on a film or two to be sure, since it *is* one of the only two feet I have, and I'll (hopefully) be needing them for years and years to keep walking around... Any thoughts? | ||
| Hootowl |
I'm not a doctor, but I did play one on TV. Well, not really, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Actually, I didn't do that either. But I do have experience almost breaking bones, and I think your pain is a bone bruise and soft tissue damage. Sorry...the only medical doctor I know hasn't posted here for over a year. He's probably off riding his S1000R. Pretty sure he still has his XB12S though. | ||
| Two_seasons |
What ever you decide to do...pay cash and let them know you are paying cash. No insurance forms (and getting paid WAY later from ins. co.) for them and a nice discount for you! | ||
| Crusty |
Go get it checked out. As you say, you've only got two feet. Knowing if there's an issue that needs attention is worth the monetary expense. It really would suck if there was some corrective action you could be taking, but because you didn't take it, permanent painful damage resulted. I live with nearly constant ankle pain from having a Jersey Barrier fall over on me, crushing my ankle 20 years ago. Trust me; if you can get it fixed, you should. | ||
| Etennuly |
Most small walk(or limp)in clinics now have X-ray machines in house and sometimes work cheaper for cash. Eat blueberries and Dark cherries, good for joint pains. | ||
| Ourdee |
If they talk prescription, ask if they have samples that you can use. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Well..no breaks. Took forEVER (joys of the free Urgent Care clinic...), but at least there's peace of mind for me that nothing is broken. My main concern was that the pipe had hit one of the screw heads that holds my rod into my tibia, and potentially ••••••••••••••••• the bone. No signs of fractures though, no breaks, nothing that alarmed them. No meds, sorry R.D.  Just ibuprofen. I didn't tell them but I do still have some of my old 222 in reserve - Canucks know what I'm talkin' about! And yea, they did a 25% discount for cash on the visit. X-rays were taken in-house but bill separately through the imaging company, so that'll be another bill in the mail soon enough. I can't wait. | ||
| Hootowl |
Glad you're not broken, Joe. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Just to clarify...the *ankle* isn't broken. We didn't really do a full search to check anything else on board...  | ||
| Hootowl |
Did you have a cat scan to find out whether you have claustrophobia? | ||
| Cupcake_mike |
The pain a week later sounds like it might be a clotting issue from a deep bruise... | ||
| Madduck |
Worst case from a deep bruise, gangrene and/or sepsis. Watch for discoloration, swelling and or warmth. This can be lethal in a very short time period so be very careful. | ||
| Alfau |
In the last days of WW11 the German army recruiters fired a shot into the air! If you dived for coveR, You hearing was good, Your reflexes were good, Your perception was good. Your Fit for action. Suck it up sook. (Message edited by alfau on June 20, 2017) | ||
| Ratbuell |
The pain a week later was all my fault, I got greedy and quit wrapping, wasn't wearing a sneaker (wore a sandal with no cushion), and was walking full heel-toe instead of locked-ankle like I had been. Too much too soon. A day wrapped and in sneakers (yesterday) and I already feel better. I just pushed too hard. Bruising is already 80% gone but swelling will take some time because that leg has crappy circulation to start with, from my compound fracture (tib-fib) in 08. But, I'll keep an eye on coloration and temp just for paranoia's sake | ||
| Court |
 | ||
| Zacks |
ahhhh... 222's. I remember them from my earlier drinking days and working up north. Best hangover cure. | ||
| Ourdee |
Do what you know to do Joe! |
