I was away from the boards for a few days. I went back to MA for 4 days so I could re-visit with my PCP (until my "new" PCP here in NH takes over in November), some other docs, and especially, to see my orthotist who was fitting me for a WalkAide, which is an external stim device for drop foot.
For the device to work, the peroneal nerve must be accessible and in-tact. I did not have a "complete" spinal cord injury, so the hope was that when the pressure was relieved in the spine, the nerve regeneration would include the return of my dorsiflexion.
She couldn't access the nerve at all. Nothing. She concluded that when I fell in 10/2012, and landed squarely on my shin/calf, (I still have scars and what appears to be bruising and demarcation), that I injured the nerve directly. This means I am not a candidate, my only "option" continues to be an AFO brace.
When I fell, of course the ER said other than my "back being a mess," that I just sprained my ankle, nothing was broken, and "that's why" I couldn't move my left foot.
I had my back surgery 2 months after that fall, but that whole area around the peroneal nerve stayed swollen, bruised, numb,...for several months. (Still is).
She believes there may be 20% chance at this point that if I did not damage the nerve directly, and if this is solely because of my lumbar spine,....that maybe the WalkAide will work, and I should be reassessed in January. She confessed she doesn't really hold out much hope but that 20% is better than nothing. Her opinion is that there's an 80% chance the damage is permanent.
The PA who "Dx'd me" in the ER after I fell told me I sprained my ankle and I knew, intrinsically, that he was not right.... Meh, who am I to argue? After all, I'm just the patient, not a doctor.
I went down to MA with such light and hope and confidence.
I came home feeling crushed. (Add that to my doc's change in meds). Yippee, what a ride....The current is starting to look more choppy.
Merrida
Post Edited (Merrida) : 9/26/2013 12:10:26 PM (GMT-6)