Next Steps for Recovering from My Femur Fracture
In January 2024, I sustained a femur fracture and underwent Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery. Unfortunately, the healing process was not progressing as hoped, prompting a second procedure in November 2024. During this surgery, the original rod was removed, the bone was reamed, and a larger rod was inserted. After six months of recovery, I have undergone a CT scan and am scheduled to meet with my orthopedic surgeon in two weeks. My doctor has indicated that the structure of my femur appears to be stable, and I should be able to run and jump once I am healed. Currently, I am making good strides in physical therapy. My quadriceps strength shows approximately 70% symmetry with my unaffected leg, and I have been using the Alter-G treadmill, performing at 95-100% of my capacity. I do experience intermittent pain, which tends to fluctuate throughout the day, predominantly on the upper left side of my thigh, but it does not seem to be related to the muscles themselves. I am a 27-year-old male, standing at 5'11”, and I don’t smoke. I am not taking any medications at this time. As I consider the best path forward, I am aware that a bone graft could be a possibility if I decide on a third surgical intervention. I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations regarding my situation and recovery plans.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 5:30:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's encouraging to hear about your progress following your femur fracture and surgeries. Your commitment to physical therapy and your advancements in strength are promising signs of recovery. Given your situation, here are the key points and guidance for the next steps in your recovery:
Main Points:
- Monitor Pain and Adjust Therapy: Pay attention to the fluctuating pain in your thigh, especially since it's not linked to muscle soreness.
- Continue Rehabilitation: Focus on your physical therapy program and communicate closely with your therapist.
- Prepare for Your Upcoming Appointment: Consider questions for your orthopedic surgeon regarding your recovery and any potential surgical options.
Explanation:
It seems you're recovering well, but the intermittent pain you're experiencing might be related to a variety of factors, including the surgery itself, inflammation, or possibly ongoing adjustments in bone healing. Engaging with your physical therapist about this pain will help in reassessing your recovery plan and possibly adjusting your exercises to better target the areas contributing to discomfort.
Next Steps:
-
Pain Management: Track and journal your pain intensity and any triggers. This information will be valuable for your upcoming appointment. Consider using ice therapy after physical therapy sessions, as it can help reduce inflammation and pain.
-
Physical Therapy: Stay consistent with your physical therapy sessions, focusing on exercises that enhance strength and mobility without exacerbating pain. Discuss any exercises that may be aggravating your discomfort.
-
Appointment Preparation:
- Write down questions for your orthopedic surgeon—such as possible causes for your pain, the potential need for a bone graft, and expectations for your progression.
- Discuss your readiness for activities like running and jumping, including when it's appropriate to start.
-
Listen to Your Body: If pain worsens significantly or if you have new symptoms, make sure to communicate that with your healthcare team before your appointment.
Your proactive approach to your recovery is crucial, and staying in close contact with your healthcare team will support your healing. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance!
Related Questions
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.