Resting a broken patella

Next week I’m hoping to be able to use the sewing machine again and go on the bus.

A 60⁰ bend is quite optimistic so soon, something to aim for! Good to hear you're progressing. Are you using crutches?

I wonder how much your treatment would have cost in the USA?

I was pretty lame a few years ago and am facing having a knee replacement at some point. I’ve been thinking about how lucky I am in that, if housebound for a period of time, I can watch DVD’s, watch catchup tv. Could subscribe to Netflix etc. Have podcasts to listen to ( so many that I struggle to listen to all of them). And, yes, I don’t live in fear of not being able to afford to have necessary medical work done.

I fractured my patella in 2011 and it was such a bad break that I had to have it repaired by wiring under a general anaesthetic.

I was determined to get back on my feet ASAP and be able to walk without a stick but it was hard, slow process.

I had to have the wires removed eventually and my knee now works just as well as the uninjured one.

I hope you make a full and speedy recovery.

Ouch! Poor you - I hope you'll continue to improve. You won't know yourself when you're up and about kicking a football again.

Allira

A 60⁰ bend is quite optimistic so soon, something to aim for! Good to hear you're progressing. Are you using crutches?

I wonder how much your treatment would have cost in the USA?

This is what I was told and I now have the appointment for Wednesday. It will move to 90 degrees a couple of weeks later. I presume I will then have an X-ray to assess progress of the mend. If all is well I may get rid of the brace afterwards but it will depend on the consultant and my knee progress. The medical profession told me they try not to operate as it is not as successful as the natural healing process.

I dread to think how much this would have cost in the USA. I certainly want our health service to remain free at the point of delivery. The European Insurance systems are firmly regulated unlike the USA. In Germany health care has to be provided and both employer and employee pay in.

I was chatting to the patient transport staff last time I went. At one point years ago each trip was costed at £50. I dread to think how much it would cost today.

My great aunt lived in California and it was great to visit her in San Bernardino. She had regular medications but her medical insurance had run out and she was unable to have at least one of her prescriptions until it kicked in again. She had to wait a couple of weeks. Heaven forbid the USA health system is introduced here.

Crutches. I only have one now but I can walk better and faster without it. I have one and I take it with me just in case I need a bit more support.