I Got Some New Parts Today

MountainDon · March 09, 2011, 06:57:35 PM

I didn't really want them, but it's necessary for a while. My mandible plate had to be removed because of some biofilm infection issues going on since last April. But the bones are not fully connected at the ramus or hinge end. So I have some Frankenparts. Four pins into the bone with some titanium clamps and a 4 mm rod on the outside.

Like this, but only the right side.

http://www.usamma.army.mil/assets/docs/startup/6515-01-560-5745_MANDIBULAR%20EXTERNAL%20FIXATION%20KIT%20W%20CASE_HANDBOOK_INSERT_STARTUP.pdf

ScottA · March 09, 2011, 06:59:27 PM

Try explaining that to homeland security the next time you fly.

March 09, 2011, 07:11:34 PM

Hate to read that Don. I was thinking all was on the mend.

Hope it does not feel like it looks like it would.

Get better quick!

peternap · March 09, 2011, 07:16:31 PM

Quote from: rick91351 on March 09, 2011, 07:11:34 PM
Hate to read that Don. I was thinking all was on the mend.

Hope it does not feel like it looks like it would.

Get better quick!

+1

Don_P · March 09, 2011, 07:21:40 PM

Ditto on the above Don.
I sure hope you get better soon, this sounds like bad stuff.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no2/donlan.htm
What're they telling you?

March 09, 2011, 07:24:57 PM

Several times I had wondered what the status was but each time I was away from the computer to send a PM of inquiry. That often happens when to try to restore an antique.

Hope this will head you in the right direction.

MountainDon · March 09, 2011, 07:48:13 PM

Thanks for all the best wishes.

A friend of mine is a radiologist. He's a tell it like it is kind of guy. He's not a bone specialist but is good friends with the head of the orthopedic radiology department. He says the only sure cure for a biofilm infection is removal of the implanted device. It is not all that uncommon apparently; happens with knee and hip replacements too. Removal is a virtual guarantee for a cure.

My oral maxillofacial surgeon told me the same thing. I checked with my friend Bob to see if there was anything the surgeon left unsaid.

After removing the plate my surgeon placed a row of slow release antibiotic beads in the area before suturing. The mandible doesn't get a large volume of blood delivered to it which can lead to problems with getting enough oral or IV antibiotics to the site.

Friday I'll find out more about this; timeframe and whatever.

ScottA · March 09, 2011, 07:57:36 PM

I hope you get better real fast Don. I hope you don't think I'm a total ass for making a joke. I kinda feel like one.

MountainDon · March 09, 2011, 08:51:40 PM

Not a problem Scott. Actually this should be easier as it's visible.

And heck if we can't joke about this kind of $hit we'd be in a sorry state. When it's healed to where the dressing can be left off it's going to be interesting to see the preschoolers reactions. One of them got a peak today and said "Wow!"

March 09, 2011, 09:08:10 PM

Glad you're back home already. Take care of yourself!

Now that it's visible, people will feel sorry for you... when no one can see it & it's hurting they don't have as much sympathy.

You're gonna be the "show n tell" object for awhile with the pre-schoolers

sparks · March 09, 2011, 09:10:11 PM

Best Wishes and may you heal soon.

sparks & family

glenn kangiser · March 10, 2011, 02:33:02 PM

I don't want to switch places with you, Don. I hope the mend is quick and relatively painless. I'd say painless but I think you are beyond hoping for that.

archimedes · March 10, 2011, 03:43:02 PM

That looks like a medievil torture device.

Hope you have a quick recovery.

MountainDon · March 10, 2011, 03:48:59 PM

That's what a lot of folks say

Today is a much better day than yesterday.

March 10, 2011, 09:53:44 PM

My prayers for a speedy recovery!
TT

Sassy · March 11, 2011, 02:01:36 PM

How are you doing, Don? Hopefully each day stronger & less pain. How long did you say you have to wear this?

MountainDon · March 11, 2011, 03:17:47 PM

Well, here's the rest of the story. I saw my surgeon today. He filled me in on the details of the operation. When he went in he found the bone insert had not connected at all to my own bone. It was "floating". I had grown some new bone from the forward section of the resection back towards the ramus over top of the inserted bone. It was not connected to the insert though, nor connected to the ramus / hinge point. So the inserted bone is history and the external fixment pins and rods are holding my jaw together.

In a few months, at a convenient time, I'll have another surgery. That will be to take some of my own hip bone and place it in the mandible area that still needs filling. That should connect readily as long as infection is kept at bay. What I grew is just about good enough for implant teeth to be installed to. Maybe I'll grow enough of my own. We have no idea right now. Oh, and the titanium plate that was removed would likely be replaced. We'll have to wait and see what future chapters bring.

The good thing is it doesn't hurt much at all. Looks odd though.

Thanks all.

Squirl · March 11, 2011, 03:22:42 PM

I am happy to hear you are not in pain. I hope you get betters soon.

MountainDon · March 11, 2011, 03:38:46 PM

Thanks squirl. The new pins even screwed into the same holes that secured the plate, same pitch, etc. Just a few ibuprofen since 18 hours after surgery. Doc says I'm tough but I have no way to compare.

peternap · March 12, 2011, 10:29:23 PM

That sounds like good news all around Don.
Keep us updated please.

March 14, 2011, 12:51:04 PM

For the curious...

It only hurts when I forget it's there and bump it.

(click image)

Redoverfarm · March 14, 2011, 03:30:47 PM

If you grow back your beard it will hardly be noticable.

Looks like sleeping could be a chore.

John Raabe · March 14, 2011, 03:41:04 PM

Thanks for the update Don! I just sent a pm so you don't need to reply to that.

You are a handsome dude - in a Frankenstein kind of way!

Good to have you back here. I expect that those bolts are extra body parts you will be glad to say goodbye to.

MountainDon · March 14, 2011, 03:52:12 PM

So I was out doing an errand just now; seeing how the world looks at me. Lots of stares, lots of quick lookaways. A woman in line infront of me at Sams Club couldn't keep from turning and looking back all the time. I told her it was the new Jphone; that just came to me out of the blue.

I think I embarrassed her as she never looked back again.

Sassy · March 14, 2011, 04:15:27 PM

Good one! I get used to seeing people in all sorts of conditions at the hospital so nothing really surprises me. I'd be more apt to ask a person about something like that.

My brother had a cancerous tumor on his neck & had radical neck surgery, chemo & radiation. He had incisions from behind his ear right down to his chin along the jaw line & also one down to his clavicle & along that. It is amazing, you can't even tell unless you really look for the scars & know that they're there. At one point the doc refused to let him have his scheduled course of chemo - he told my brother "I can't let you have chemo, your face is falling off." He was so burned from the radiation.

Looks real good, no signs of infection in that picture. I can imagine that could be really painful, accidentally bumping it