Pico - Inadine

Plastics are happy with the progress of the wound and suggest changing the Pico to a more conventional Inadine, non-adherent dressing. Doesn't look like I'll need a skin graft now which is a great relief. I've made some neoprene padding to go on my crutches as the hard plastic handles are causing a bit of grief.

12 weeks on crutches

according to the consultant I can put up to a third of my weight on the left leg. I've checked on the scales and this is not much but wouldn't want to do even this on a regular basis at the moment. Diet of painkillers and sitting on my backside with my leg elevated. Some leg raises and theraband stretches to stop my Achilles shortening and lots of sleep. The bone should show signs of mending in four weeks so a return visit to Orthopaedics booked for then. In the meantime regular visits from the Outreach nurses to change my dressing, and weekly visits to see the plastics.

Pico

The plastic have reviewed the wound and think its doing OK so have changed the Vacuum dressing to a small pocket sized Pico - Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System powered by two AA batteries.   I've been given the OK by the OT's and Physio's as I've managed the stairs on crutches, so I can go home :-)

titanium

The following morning I have a 5/6 hour operation to insert a titanium rod,  I'm surprised there is no external cast or metal work. 

Another shorter operation but still under general anaesthetic is required on the 26th to try and close the wound, which is not completely successful and there is talk of maybe needing another operation for a skin graft but for now I've a vacuum dressing and expanding socks!

Oooops

A twisting fall from the top of Derby's new bouldering wall saw me on the mat with an open tibula fibula fracture.  Thanks to the staff, paramedics, other climbers and Dan for all the help, encouraging words, morphine, gas and air, and the lift out to the ambulance.

The Paramedics were fabulous and stayed with me through A&E while I had my leg straightened and a temporary cast put on it.

Bradley

Bradley from Tim on Vimeo.

Lakes, Hawes & Whitby