I bent my WheelHorse Tractor & Me!

[9zero1790]

After having that ultra-sound a few days ago, my hemotoma on the inside left knee appears to have become infected. Off to the Doc this AM for antibiotic shots in the @ss. Go for 2 more rounds in the next two days. 6 total.

First one didn't hurt. The second one hurt... a lot! So much fun. Both legs now bruised all the way down to the toes. Doc mentioned that I must be anemic! That I lost a great deal of blood internally.

I am beginning to feel slightly better. But I can no longer use the ice to remove swelling until I get the all clear on the infection. "It'll feel better when it quits hurtin!"

keep fighting tony!

Sponsored

 

[Tracy Bowman]

Hope you are continuing to improve & that infection is better.

 

[TJC]

The wound on the hand has been opening up at the wrist joint too much, so it wrapped in gauze and stabilized with a carpal tunnel wrist sleeve until it heals. It can still breath this way.

The right leg is growing stronger each day and is well ahead of the left leg. The swelling in the left leg is going down on the back of the leg, but the inside knee is where Doc thought there might be a deep infection and it has not gone down much at all.

Back in for the last round of shots tomorrow, and we wait a week after that to see if the antibiotics worked.

If it is still swollen I'm going back to icing it, as when I did that the swelling dropped. Doc warned me that icing does lower swelling but ultimately hinders healing....slowing blood flow.

I am feeling minor shoulder pain on my left side where it impacted the ground, but it is simply an annoyance.

He also mentioned that I must be anemic based on the amount of internal bleeding in my legs. And finally that I was very lucky to have survived the incident. He also warned me that as the blood is reabsorbed by the body, that iron deposits would be left behind in the tissue resulting in black spots where the deep bruising was. I asked if there were any negative effects from the iron deposits in the tissue. He replied not in the short term, but it can cause cancer in the long term. Say 15-10 years out. I am 68 and not too worried about long term effects! Most of my mother's people are gone by the mid 80's. and my father made it to 93.

Heart felt thanks for those of you thinking about me, and praying for me! This is largely a good bunch of quality human beings.

 

[9zero1790]

The wound on the hand has been opening up at the wrist joint too much, so it wrapped in gauze and stabilized with a carpal tunnel wrist sleeve until it heals. It can still breath this way.

The right leg is growing stronger each day and is well ahead of the left leg. The swelling in the left leg is going down on the back of the leg, but the inside knee is where Doc thought there might be a deep infection and it has not gone down much at all.

Back in for the last round of shots tomorrow, and we wait a week after that to see if the antibiotics worked.

If it is still swollen I'm going back to icing it, as when I did that the swelling dropped. Doc warned me that icing does lower swelling but ultimately hinders healing....slowing blood flow.

I am feeling minor shoulder pain on my left side where it impacted the ground, but it is simply an annoyance.

He also mentioned that I must be anemic based on the amount of internal bleeding in my legs. And finally that I was very lucky to have survived the incident. He also warned me that as the blood is reabsorbed by the body, that iron deposits would be left behind in the tissue resulting in black spots where the deep bruising was. I asked if there were any negative effects from the iron deposits in the tissue. He replied not in the short term, but it can cause cancer in the long term. Say 15-10 years out. I am 68 and not too worried about long term effects! Most of my mother's people are gone by the mid 80's. and my father made it to 93.

Heart felt thanks for those of you thinking about me, and praying for me! This is largely a good bunch of quality human beings.

Days ago I read what you posted after the accident and I thought, "why is he not in the hospital getting checked for internal damages?" But it sounds like your Doc has things in hand. I would bet your knee that is swollen / infected has some joint damage like torn meniscus or something that is really inflamed. Great that you seem to have a positive attitude and are seeing some improvements!

 

[TJC]

It actually isn't my knee per se, but where the inner thigh meets the knee. The knee cap is fine. If I bend my knee at 90 degrees, and draw a 45 degree line from my inner knee join to the middle of the knee cap, the swelling is all in the inside of thigh starting 8" from the 45 degree line, and continuing to that 45 degree line. There is an abrasion half the distance and swelling the entire 8". The knee functions fine except for the swelling, which is severe enough to cause stinging pain. The bleeding occurred primarily on the back side of my legs in the thighs, and has been migrating slowly to my feet. I had tendon and muscle strains on my right leg, which are healing nicely. I still can not apply too much pressure but I can now walk without pain on my right leg unless I use too much pressure (as in walking up stairs or inclines).

The left leg looks just as bad from the back as the right one and that is healing as well, but this area inside the 8" is still swollen and puffy, and my lower leg and foot is swollen, even with compression socks (which are terribly painful to put on!). Doc is hoping the infection will relieve the swelling, but we won't know for another week.

I do know that the day prior to seeing the Doc I used a very effective ice pack wrap that contained a 4" x 10" blue gel pack. and it worked wonders on the swelling and pain. And the knee movement was fine with no pain! I had just begun using it (1 day only for a couple of hours) when we went in to investigate the possibility of the infection. We did get a sample from the wound and the results should be back in the next day or so confirming the infection bacteria type.

The wheel horse has a steel console that you straddle when riding it. I fell off the terrace on the left side and I think the console slapped my inner left thigh pretty hard on impact. I know the seat back pivoted up (it is hinged in the front) and pinned my upper thighs against the steering wheel as I went over, and on impact the set top was thrust into my upper thighs just below my butt. The seat top is bent at precisely the angle of the bruises across both thighs.

The pictures are pretty graphic and I won't post them due to privacy concerns.

I had extensive xrays the day of the accident, and the next morning was checked over thoroughly by my doctor, head to toe (I trust him completely). The the ultrasound and blood flow check of both legs revealed good flow and no blockages. I think i may have gotten the infection from the ultrasound device as the technician moved the device directly over the wound with quite a bit of pressure.

After my shots yesterday, I was able to walk slowly in a grocery store pushing the cart (Using it as a walker). We were not there long, and getting in and out of the car was an ordeal, but walking slowly was quite nice. But I was ready to stop within 10 minutes, the amount of time we were in there.

 

[TJC]

This Saturday afternoon will be 2 weeks since the accident and things are finally progressing well. I have finished up the daily 2 shots of antibiotics! (YEAH! The stuff was thick and burned going in - even with added lidocaine ).

I have 75% function in my right leg, it feels almost normal except when I over use it. The swelling is down in the right leg by 75%. Bruising is beginning to dissipate. I can walk normally at a slow pace on level ground. I feel the hamstring and muscle strain going up inclines (even slight), when climbing stairs I need the strength of my right arm to assist my right leg, and when bending over to pick something up or put on socks.

I have perhaps 35% function in my left leg. The contusion on the inside of my thigh has been slower to heal, but it is also slowly shrinking. I have much pain in the left leg still, but I can now stand from a sitting position by myself. It hurts, but it is possible.

This is very good progress. I think in another week and I will be able to do moderate household chores and light work.

One of the first things up. Repair my Wheelhorse!

And my Ranger needs the oil changed, tires balanced and rotated, and TW one piece driveshaft slip joint lubed.

The Mazda CX-5 Turbo now has 3,000 miles on it and it is time to change the oil in it too.

It is hot here in central NC. We've been in the upper 90's for the last week and it looks like it is going to stay there for at least another week. Bit I am ready to get back to work! That alone is a good sign! My wife is insisting that I take it slow. Well, a little more than insisting!

Thank you all again for your support, kindnesses, and prayers.

- T

 

[9zero1790]

This Saturday afternoon will be 2 weeks since the accident and things are finally progressing well. I have finished up the daily 2 shots of antibiotics! (YEAH! The stuff was thick and burned going in - even with added lidocaine ).

I have 75% function in my right leg, it feels almost normal except when I over use it. The swelling is down in the right leg by 75%. Bruising is beginning to dissipate. I can walk normally at a slow pace on level ground. I feel the hamstring and muscle strain going up inclines (even slight), when climbing stairs I need the strength of my right arm to assist my right leg, and when bending over to pick something up or put on socks.

I have perhaps 35% function in my left leg. The contusion on the inside of my thigh has been slower to heal, but it is also slowly shrinking. I have much pain in the left leg still, but I can now stand from a sitting position by myself. It hurts, but it is possible.

This is very good progress. I think in another week and I will be able to do moderate household chores and light work.

One of the first things up. Repair my Wheelhorse!

And my Ranger needs the oil changed, tires balanced and rotated, and TW one piece driveshaft slip joint lubed.

The Mazda CX-5 Turbo now has 3,000 miles on it and it is time to change the oil in it too.

It is hot here in central NC. We've been in the upper 90's for the last week and it looks like it is going to stay there for at least another week. Bit I am ready to get back to work! That alone is a good sign! My wife is insisting that I take it slow. Well, a little more than insisting!

Thank you all again for your support, kindnesses, and prayers.

- T

best news i have heard all day Tony! Amen glad you are getting back to normal. go easy in this summer heat. ive got some family in nc i dont get to see much but last time i was in the area it was about 95 but it feel like 120 with all the humid air and damn mosquitoes.

 

[AzScorpion]

Glad to hear you're on the road to recovery! Remember though don't try and push/rush it we're not young anymore and things now take time (a long time) to heal properly. We have you in our thoughts and prayers and you'd better listen to your wife, or else you're really going to be in some pain. ?

 

[TJC]

It's been two weeks and I have good news and some not so good news.

The good news is that I drove my old 4G Ranger today! Took some time to get in, but once in things were normal. Getting out not too bad either! All in all I had a good time.

The not so good news is that the left knee/thigh culture came back positive for heavy growth of both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The first bacteria is extremely antibiotic drug resistant.

The previous 6 injections barely dented the infection, and I am now on a 10 day regime of Cipro. Doc says to call him if it shows any signs of spreading overnight. I see him on Monday.

This may clear up quickly, or could just as easily become very serious. Of all the antibiotics available, cipro appears to have the best chance of stopping the spread.

Other than this big swollen knot on the inside of my knee I am feeling rather well!

Whatever happens happens... My faith is strong. "The Lord gives. The Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

- T

 

[9zero1790]

It's been two weeks and I have good news and some not so good news.

The good news is that I drove my old 4G Ranger today! Took some time to get in, but once in things were normal. Getting out not too bad either! All in all I had a good time.

The not so good news is that the left knee/thigh culture came back positive for heavy growth of both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The first bacteria is extremely antibiotic drug resistant.

The previous 6 injections barely dented the infection, and I am now on a 10 day regime of Cipro. Doc says to call him if it shows any signs of spreading overnight. I see him on Monday.

This may clear up quickly, or could just as easily become very serious. Of all the antibiotics available, cipro appears to have the best chance of stopping the spread.

Other than this big swollen knot on the inside of my knee I am feeling rather well!

Whatever happens happens... My faith is strong. "The Lord gives. The Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

- T

keep us updated Tony. got you in my prayers

 

[TJC]

Latest update: I am walking rather gingerly. Back from the Doctor yesterday. The net of it all is this.

I have a serious internal hemotoma on my left inside knee. I most likely have a torn muscle and damaged an artery which caused a very deep big hemotoma which is pressing against the return vein to my left leg. So blood goes down the artery, but the hemotoma is pressing against the vein restricting blood returning from the leg, causing the leg and foot to swell.... a LOT! I keep a heat pad on 3x / day, and keep it elevated above my heart 5 x / day for an hour or so. I confess that I am bored out of my mind.

The infection appears to be getting better, and we are closely monitoring it. The Cipro appears to be working on the infection as the redness is fading. I have at least another month of this pain ahead and the Doc says it may take 3-4 months to fully heal. The swelling will last at least that long. I have to watch out for Thrombosis issues due to the inhibited circulation.

The right leg bruising is finally starting to fade, but the muscles and tendons were stretched. I can walk but if I place too much pressure on the leg the tendons scream at me. Cipro exasperates this issue as it softens the tendons for months after taking it.

The Doctor again stressed how fortunate I was that this was the full extent of my injuries.

I guess God watches over even fools such as I.

I do feel fortunate, and as always, I thank God for each day that I am here with my bride.

Life is very good!

 

[Big Blue]

Glad to hear you progressing in the right direction. Sounds like you still have quite a road back to go yet.

You are right God does watch over us fools. I also believe He keeps us around for a reason. That was something that really struck me when I went through my liver transplant 3 and a half years ago. Without which I'm sure I wouldn't be here now. I just wish He would be a little more clear on what those plans are. But. I just tell Him thank you every morning when I wake up to a new day and see where it leads.

 

[TJC]

My son in law is approaching 11 years on his new liver! Left on this earth long enough, we are all going to face adversity. There is simply no getting around it.

My mantra - Life is messy! It just is. Deal with it. Learn to love, forgive, and accept (Note that I did not say condone.) And be humble.

You ever look on the back of a Wall Tapestry? The fronts are magnificent, but the backs are a mishmash of threads going everywhere for no apparent rhyme or reason! Sometimes I get the feeling that we only see the backs of things and miss out on the beauty of God's creation.

There is a plan, a reason, even if we do not see it!

God is good...

 

[9zero1790]

My son in law is approaching 11 years on his new liver! Left on this earth long enough, we are all going to face adversity. There is simply no getting around it.

My mantra - Life is messy! It just is. Deal with it. Learn to love, forgive, and accept (Note that I did not say condone.) And be humble.

You ever look on the back of a Wall Tapestry? The fronts are magnificent, but the backs are a mishmash of threads going everywhere for no apparent rhyme or reason! Sometimes I get the feeling that we only see the backs of things and miss out on the beauty of God's creation.

There is a plan, a reason, even it we do not see it!

God is good...

All the time!

 

[9zero1790]

Latest update: I am walking rather gingerly. Back from the Doctor yesterday. The net of it all is this.

I have a serious internal hemotoma on my left inside knee. I most likely have a torn muscle and damaged an artery which caused a very deep big hemotoma which is pressing against the return vein to my left leg. So blood goes down the artery, but the hemotoma is pressing against the vein restricting blood returning from the leg, causing the leg and foot to swell.... a LOT! I keep a heat pad on 3x / day, and keep it elevated above my heart 5 x / day for an hour or so. I confess that I am bored out of my mind.

The infection appears to be getting better, and we are closely monitoring it. The Cipro appears to be working on the infection as the redness is fading. I have at least another month of this pain ahead and the Doc says it may take 3-4 months to fully heal. The swelling will last at least that long. I have to watch out for Thrombosis issues due to the inhibited circulation.

The right leg bruising is finally starting to fade, but the muscles and tendons were stretched. I can walk but if I place too much pressure on the leg the tendons scream at me. Cipro exasperates this issue as it softens the tendons for months after taking it.

The Doctor again stressed how fortunate I was that this was the full extent of my injuries.

I guess God watches over even fools such as I.

I do feel fortunate, and as always, I thank God for each day that I am here with my bride.

Life is very good!

Tony I am still a lil surprised you are not at a hospital. But, I am not a medical doctor etc. The progress is great! The swelling sounds rough. I remember RICE or something like that from school. rest ice compress elevate
maybe elevate the bad leg a bit if you are not already doing so. Excellent positive attitude my friend, keep that up. Good spirit goes a long way for recovering.

Sponsored