Sheefa Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Hi guys, I have been told by my orthopedic surgeon that I require ankle surgery in both ankles. This is as a result of the sprains I did in May 2006 and September 2006 that have never fully healed and has led to chronic ankle instability. I have tried Physiotherapy, bracing, taping, insoles, podiatory techniques, all sorts and nothing has solved the problem. The surgeon will perform what's called a modified Bostrom procedure where they cut the ATFL ligament, tighten it up and stitch it to the bone. The scar tissue that then forms around it effectively becomes the new stabilising ligament. Having the ops next week hopefully. I'll be in a full non-weight bearing hard cast for 3-4 weeks and then a partial weight bearing cast for another 3-4. Ankle brace will need to be worn for up to 4 months post-op too. I was due to start the RAF in May, and then July as I had to push the date back due to these problems. I'd passed all the necessary tests, and was due to join as an Officer. Now it looks like I'll be deferred again as full recovery takes between 3-6 months. More likely though I think they'll withdraw my offer of service as I'm 25, right on the age limit and clearly am having trouble running (which would essentially be my main role as part of the RAF Regiment). I feel absolutely sick. I know there's still hope and PMA and all that, but this has finally taken its toll. Looks like I'll be off work for first 3 weeks at least as both legs will be immobile. Wish me luck. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trig Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 gutted for ya mate know how much you were looking forward to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pot Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Damn unlucky fella, I know from your posts how much you want this, just don't let PMA get in the way of a full recovery after the op, after all, your health comes first... My fingers are crossed for you (I uncrossed them to carry on typing, but my best wishes are with you), did you ever get hold of my mate Steve? He might be able to look into any loopholed due to injury, seeing as you've passed all of the tests?... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_b Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Greg, that's a real sh*tter. I know how much you've wanted to join up. It's not over til the fat lady sings though! She ain't singing yet. Did the injury flare up as a result of physical tests for the RAF? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheefa Posted March 18, 2008 Author Share Posted March 18, 2008 Thanks guys. Pot - didn't speak to Steve mate, no. I think I'm going to get the Op out the way and then evaluate the situation in 3 months time. I need to go back for fitness and medical still you see, but that's out of the question now until summer. Thanks matey. Stevie - hard to explain mate. In June 2007 they both felt pretty good with just a mild sense of instability when doing the tests. Since I got back from Mexico in August and got back into the gym, they've been giving me non-stop probs. Pain normally when resting etc not whilst exercising which is the weird bit. I did a bit of treadmill running 2-3 miles about 4 times a week but nothing major. Been to see god knows how many podiatrists etc, and most have given me insoles which simply don't help at the moment. Thought I had my life mapped out to be honest. Either way I need to think about a plan B now. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraStar 3000 Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 yea, gutted for ya buddy,... but chin up, you still have a chance! And remember, Capt Douglas Bader managed fine with no legs. Good luck mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garetheves Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Dude sorry to hear that. Was waiting to hear how things went. Hope it doesnt affect the RAF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Sorry to hear that Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheefa Posted March 18, 2008 Author Share Posted March 18, 2008 Dude sorry to hear that. Was waiting to hear how things went. Hope it doesnt affect the RAF. Yeah I know Gaz. Thanks for all your help so far mate. I had the MRI done back in early Jan and whilst all the other joints/ligaments/bones seemed normal, it did say: "Evidence of chronic anterior talofibular ligament sprains, with some diffuse thickening from the normal 2.5mm to 4.5mm. The ankle joints appear to be well preserved bilaterally and there is no suggestion of anterior impingement syndrome". There is also just a trace of fluid in the ankle joints, but no sign of any loose bodies. A small focus of sclerosis is also noted in the tip of the left medial malleoulus which may relate to a previous impaction injury. There is no suggestion of bone bruising either" Surgery is my only option now. The RAF is a dream, but no dream is worth 24/7 pain. It's getting me too worked up and angry as well which isn't normally my nature and is hard to deal with. We'll see. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Christ, you must be gutted. To get so close only to be let down by something that most people wouldn't really notice. I know it must seem really hollow when people say chin up and all that but there's a community here that is wishing you well. I hope the operation goes well and, fingers crossed, that the offer is not withdrawn. All the best to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muffleman Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Holy crap Greg, sorry to hear this mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaymdee Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Bugger Greg! sorry to read this mate. Hope something works out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binkatt Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Had very slightly same thing as you, doing very well at rugby had trials for england coming up and was hopefully signing for saracens rfc. Basically due to too much training i broke away the cartilage in my talus, this then started to grind up into the tibia and started to break that up, used to be agony but never really took much notice, even when resting. After a load of physio nothing was working, had an mri scan and all became apparent. After 6 hours in surgery and 12 holes drilled into my ankle it was sorted lol, but could not walk for almost 3 months. Agony to start with. Has taken me almost 1 year to get back to normal, no more rugby for me. I know does not compare to you mate, but in time it will get better. Just do not rush anything. Sorry for long post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havard Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Feel sorry for you Greg but every cloud and all that!! I seriously hurt my ankle at footie 5 weeks ago and I am still having problems walking. I'd get the op out of the way and then be patient in your recovery. I could do with someone looking at mine but I can't afford any time off work at the moment as I only had my nose op in January..... Good luck mate!! H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Ah gutted for you greg Hope it all works out for you in the end which im sure it will! Keep your head up though mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Bad luck Greg, you must be really gutted. Fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bignum Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 You dont have much luck greg, sorry to hear about that, oh btw you werent in b,ham yesterday lunchtime were you mate, thought i saw you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraAyf Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 The surgeon will perform what's called a modified Bostrom procedure where they cut the ATFL ligament, tighten it up and stitch it to the bone. The scar tissue that then forms around it effectively becomes the new stabilising ligament. Greg mate, a good friend of mine had very similar surgery to what you now require. He was gutted when he first heard the news but that's because he wasn't aware of what the whole thing entailed. The idea of surgery doesn't sound good on paper (cutting and stitching etc) but the surgery is an easy job which is now performed to a standard which rectifies the problem 100%. More likely though I think they'll withdraw my offer of service as I'm 25, right on the age limit and clearly am having Is 25 the upper age limit for entry into Cranfield as you have to enter Sandhurst by your 30th Birthday. I know the RAF was in a similar recruiting lull to that of the army so you should be able to gain dispensation to enter Officer training 'during' your 25th year. The RAF Regt Officers are leaving in droves at the moment so I don't think they will turn a top candidate down like you mate;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colsoop Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Greg Im sorry to hear this but now isn't the time to get down about it. Get the surgery done and dusted make a proper recovery and then see where you are at ! There is no point getting down about something you can't control this will not help you with recovery. Please take it easy though and give the injury the proper time to heal or you will be back at square 1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supra steveo Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 PMed mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraAyf Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Please take it easy though and give the injury the proper time to heal or you will be back at square 1. This is the best advice ever as some people damage themselves through being impatient! On a real positive note Greg but if you do miss the entry timelines for Cramwell then you could always go to Sandhurst where the 'real' officer training is conducted:eyebrows: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kieren1234 Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Best of luck Greg. Hope it all goes ok for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheefa Posted March 19, 2008 Author Share Posted March 19, 2008 Just like to say thank you so much guys. Need the support right now, was in bits last night from it all. I am going to speak to the RAF tomorrow and let them know my circumstances. Hopefully they'll appreciate my willingness to join and get it sorted asap. I'm hoping they'll defer me to a later date like October. I will of course give it adequate time to heal properly. I don't intend on running for at least 4 months post-op that's for certain. My consultant did say that this is a fairly simple procedure as it's done via keyhole and only takes around an hour on each ankle. The trouble for me is having them both done!! I'll be like a new born foul when I stand up for the first time unaided by boots. Martin - appreciate the very kind words, thank you. PMA and all I agree, it's just hard when it's 'you'. Andy - Army has always interested me and if they do take on officers up to 30 I will certainly look into it. Not giving up yet, I know it'll be a rocky ride over the next few months but my long-term health does matter more than the RAF or Forces. Steve - appreciate the PM bud and will speak to RAF tomorrow. Col, Kieran, Ivan, Havard and all - thanks. Most appreciated. Bignum - yes mate, I was by the Hagley Road at about 12ish. Were you in a Supe? Thanks all. Will keep you posted when I know the date of the Op! Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supra steveo Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 thats ok mate the forces are crying out for people and the fair made me see how desperate some areas are getting, large bonus payouts left, right and center just to keep people in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konrad Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Sorry to hear this Greg as it was your dream for a long time Anyway, I think you will find different thing to do maybe even more exciting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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