Update Number 47
Updated 7/27…
Greetings all.
I have about an hour or so at a shot to answer emails before it’s beddy-bye time for Bonzo. I’ll explain.
This Friday I will be having some long-needed surgery performed to have an “ossicle” removed from under my pattelar tendon. This is a ‘disease’ (really a condition) known as “Osgood-Schlatter’s”.
See the picture below?…
That is Osgood, as it normally appears.
My ossicle on the other hand is about 2/3 the size of my kneecap. This is…not good…and very painful as you may imagine. (picture below)
The ossicle is just sitting in there collecting bursitis for a hobby.
The condition has been aggravated by the fact that I cannot walk. The severity of the tear that occurred about three weeks ago, where the ossicle ‘shifted’ to the left and took a few important knee thingies with it, induced a lovely attack of gout — in both feet, no less.
UPDATE: Well, turns out that the feet were not “gout”…just an attack in the big toes. I was skeptical of that diagnosis, to be honest — although it was correct re: the toes. The gout was brought on by ADVIL, not by alcohol or a high-purine diet…just in case anyone had any questions.
The pain was two-fold: a gout attack from trauma and Advil, and tendonditis in the extreme in both feet due simply to walking funny because of the knee. So, there you go…I’m not so gouty after all… : )
Still…picture that scene from “Misery” where James Caan gets hobbled, and there you go.
One more pic, just for fun…
Lovely!
I can’t walk. I’m just rolling around in a chair for a while until the blood starts to creep into the feet and cause extreme pain, then it’s back to bed. And…repeat.
UPDATE: I am walking now…kinda. First day without crutches. Painful, but doable. Funny thing…the knee doesn’t hurt “at all”. It’s all about the damn feet!
It will be a very trying few weeks. I have some dear friends who are considering driving down from Seattle, picking me up, and hauling me back up there so I can be looked after a bit. Let me tell you, ya find out who your friends are during times like these.
So, many thanks to the ones who have helped with food, hauling me to the hospital (yea Mike and Kelly), and others for helping the way you have. Thanks to everyone else for being concerned…that means a lot to me right now.
I’ll keep you all posted.
Back to bed…{10}
Archived in Just Jon.
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Comments (25)
Greg said:
Bingo,
Not sure if I should be praying for you, or TO you—either way, sincere pleadings for your swift recovery will be wafting skyward from Frisco.
Your condition looks extremely painful. Is that edema and bruising I see?
Relate anecdotes of your procedures when you’re done. I need to have something similar (but probably not nearly as serious) done soon. Bet you’re missing the gym right about now, and that Honda…
Posted on Jul 26, 2006 02:57 PM
Jon Benson said:
Thanks Greggo.
The edema in the knee is mostly blood — or was, 2 weeks ago, and was considerably larger. The knee is actually “normal” now (that’s just the way the damn thing looks with the ossicle) except for water bloat (edema in the classic sense.)
The bruising is the consequence of gout.
Fun, fun…and yes, the gym is like a distant memory. Ditto my car. Haven’t been in it in weeks…and won’t for weeks.
Posted on Jul 26, 2006 03:02 PM
Jon Benson said:
Oh, one more thing: one of my friends said, “I don’t see anything!”
I suggested a hammer to the kneecap and both feet…you know, for “sympathy pain”.
Geez. How anyone could miss THIS is beyond me. There’s a f—king second kneecap there. Go figure…
Posted on Jul 26, 2006 03:04 PM
Greg said:
Bingo,
Can’t see it???
Get a red Sharpie and encircle the ossicle.
Posted on Jul 26, 2006 03:46 PM
Ana said:
My sympathies and prayers for a speedy recovery. That looks just hideous made worse by being immobile.
This too shall pass. Had my own health challenges. You will heal and be better than ever. I did and am.
Am in Seattle too (one of the centers of naturopathic healing I might add. I have sent a number of my premed students to Bastyr. My doctor, a prof there, is a genius instrumental in my own healing. If you want any help there, send me a message).
It is gorgeous up here right now. You will enjoy the environment (at least that, right?).
You are indeed blessed to have such good friends.
A rapid and successful healing to you,
Ana
Posted on Jul 26, 2006 04:28 PM
Ginger said:
Ouch!
So sorry that you are going through so much right now. Know that thoughts and prayers will be headed your way for a speedy and full recovery. Do keep us posted on your surgery and the road to recovery.
Posted on Jul 26, 2006 04:59 PM
Jan said:
Jon, Bastyr College is just a few blocks away from my house…
Posted on Jul 26, 2006 08:02 PM
kerri said:
Dear Jon,
Prayers are sent your way with alot of love as well. Yet i just know you won’t be kept down for long…your just too needed and too strong. Please take care..xxxxxx kerri :)
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 02:19 AM
Greg said:
Hey Jon,
So basically you have bone growing through your tendon.
Ow.
Has anyone brought up the possibility that HG may be causing the inflammation at your tibial tuberosity? Or maybe routine, heavy stress of the quadriceps?
Just a thought… I read that the syndrome is most common in boys 10-14 YOA. And usually resolves itself with no intervention after the tibial epiphysis fuses.
How common is this condition in men over 40? Maybe your doctor can publish your case!
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 07:32 AM
Mickey said:
Hang in there, Jon! It sucks that you have to go through this.
Sending good vibes your way.
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 07:46 AM
Jayne Holden said:
Jon,
I’m a day late but the vibes the same, you are in my thoughts. In the spirit of nagging…I hope you take up your friends offer for some good old fashioned lookin’ after. It’s good for the soul as well as the body. Please take care and know that we are all wishing you the best.
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 08:28 AM
Cherie said:
Jon-how did you keep your quads so amazing with so many malfunctioning lower body parts? You must live what you preach! (those pics look very painful) I’m praying for the best possible outcome for your surgery. As a nurse I stay with all my friends that have surgery. Take your friend up on the offer! TLC is a great thing!
XOXOXO
Cherie
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 08:49 AM
Greg said:
Jon,
Always check this first:
http://reg.tsbme.state.tx.us
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 09:02 AM
Jon Benson said:
Greetings all…thanks for the kind words and support!
Greg…
When you say “HG”, are you referring to HGH, or growth hormone? If so, I have not taken that for years…although I should be on it given my recent blood work.
As most of you know, I have a funky pituitary. All primary hormones are really low — some off-the-chart low, like GH.
It’s doubtful that this is the case as I’ve had issue with this throughout college and my 30s, long before HGH.
Very rare in men over 20, let alone 40. It happens…usually with pro athletes who never give their lower body a break. Could also be a metabolic issue, which would not surprise me as I have a bazillion of ‘em.
Also, Dr. Highgenboten is the king of knees in Dallas…or one of them. He’s listed on the Board of course. I personally don’t like him as a doctor…but as a surgeon he is supposedly quite good. No bed-side mannor.
Cherie…
Thanks…but honestly I’m at a loss as to what you mean.
Yes, when healthy, I most certainly practice what I preach. However, I have been “unhealthy” hormonally-speaking for several years.
No one is to blame but me.
I got slack with my thyroid. The result was a hormonal cascade. I’m now back on it religiously and my levels have normalized again. It’s just something I cannot be casual about.
We ‘think’ that is what was causing all the post workout dizziness. Without thyroid, required by every cell of the body in quantity during any physical activity, you’re hooped. Your body is writing checks your endocrine system cannot cash.
In theory, this could lead to massive problems during and after a workout.
So, for 1.5 years, I have not had a really serious leg workout.
No kidding.
I haven’t had one at ‘all’ in several months due to the obvious knee issue.
So, my quads do ‘not’ look like they did…not even close. However, they still look “okay” due only to years of consistent training and good genes for legs. (It’s the ONLY damn thing I gain by genetic gift, so bugger off if you’re bitchin’ about it… : )
With that being said — I can tell you that I’ve battled Osgood since 12, and I’ve had dozens of spells of extreme tendon pain during my most active training.
My solution was to blast through it. It worked until the ossicle shifted. Now, there’s no blasting that will help.
The stress fractures (re-read my post), again, is a hormone issue. Low testosterone means ‘weak bones’…look it up. So, it’s back to the HRT until my body can stabilize.
Yeah, I’ve had it very hard physically with hormones, obesity, blah blah…but I know so many people who have had it more difficult. Guys in wheelchairs, guys with cancer — you know. You have to look at it somewhat objectively or you get really depressed.
I’ll be back — my “mind muscle” has always flexed with fierce determination.
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 09:24 AM
Greg said:
Well, it must be a sight colder down there south of LBJ, ‘cause we’ ain’t got no ossciles up here.
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 11:59 AM
Jon Benson said:
This just in from Health911: “Having sex prevents men from getting gout. It seems that increased sexual activity reduces uric acid levels in fertile men.”
I’m open…any takers? : )
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 12:41 PM
Greg said:
Jon,
One more thing: Be careful if your doctors want you to take lots of tests.
Because just as osscia can make ossicles, tests can make…
You get the picture. Last thing you want hanging off your knees.
Now go and get healed, ya knucklehead.
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 04:17 PM
kerri said:
Greg..how do you think these things up?? Also how does your live with laughing all the time!!!:)
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 08:35 PM
kerri said:
Greg..how do you think these things up, you constantly have me smiling..:)
Posted on Jul 27, 2006 08:37 PM
Wendy said:
Jon, you know my thoughts and “good vibes” are with you. Your mind is stronger than anyone I know. It has overcome, overcome, and overcome these pesky ailments time and time again. You are UNSTOPPABLE.
Posted on Jul 29, 2006 12:48 PM
Jon Benson said:
Look everyone — no surgery.
I’ll explain in another blog. I did not go through with it…and for good reason.
Meanwhile, my “sex cures gout” post is still available.
With my sex life, that means I’m stuck with this crap for the next 80 years.
Maybe I’ll do an N-Sync…I’ll decide I’m gay.
Nah…
Jon
Posted on Jul 29, 2006 12:54 PM
Kay said:
Jon,
So sorry to hear you are suffering again.
You’re in my prayers and thoughts too.
Keep us posted with your updates and progress!
Uh yeah, sex would be a great distraction for alot of things, but then there’s all the conquences for using it as a distraction! Ahh, if only there WAS somebody for everybody!
Take care!
Posted on Jul 29, 2006 01:08 PM
Jon Benson said:
Hi Kay;
Thanks very much…doing much, MUCH better, thanks.
The sex bit is serious: it’s listed as a legtimate aid to gout. The biochemical happenings during the Monster Mambo create conditions that favor the secretion of uric acid.
Besides, it’s kinda cool. : )
Posted on Jul 29, 2006 01:37 PM
Paul said:
Hang in there Jon…I think an intimate realationship that includes love and sex can benefit most if not all ailments.
Just got back in from the 200 mile backpacking trip…worn out and have a nasty chest cold…lost 8 pounds..skinny as a rail..feel like crap…I think I used 7 to 8K calories per day and could only carry half that in the pack…fun eh..it was but i’m ready for a rest.
Take care Jon!
Paul
Posted on Jul 29, 2006 02:00 PM
Clare said:
Sorry to hear you’re in pain, Jon. It gets pretty wearing after a while.Hope it is a distant memory soon.
Peter(7 yo son) and I spent Saturday afternoon “teaching doctors how to be doctors”.Actually being pretend patients for doctors wanting to be paediatricians. Quite amusing in its way. Didn’t mention naturopaths, kineiseology, aromatherapy much at all considering. Still they gave Peter a cool certificate ,all the donuts he could eat, and paid for us to go to the show, so we tried to be pretty good sports.
Got a laptop? I’d really like to hear more about your progress through all this.
Posted on Jul 30, 2006 03:19 AM
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