Ilizarov Fixator Discussion Forum |
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Keeping Your Leg Warm!
Started by Sara Lane |
Posted: January 6, 2010 at 21:58 | |
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Hello All, my husband has an Ilizarov frame on his lower leg following a fractured tib and fib 8 weeks ago. Frame has been on for 6 weeks and he's doing well but we want to know if anyone has any ideas for keeping the leg warm, especially in these artic conditions. He's mobilising on one crutch when indoors and making steady progress. Any top tips, encouragement and motivation would be welcomed! Thanks, Sara (and Adam) 832
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Re: Keeping Your Leg Warm!
Reply #1 by Beverley |
Posted: January 11, 2010 at 13:56 | |
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Hi Sara Keeping the leg warm is very important as the cold goes right through to the bone, i know ive had my frame on now for 16 weeks now. I use a hot water bottle, also wearing baggy stretch bottoms that over the frame helps. When I was out the other day i resorted to wrapping ling film around the frsame under my trousers and it helped brillinatly. You an also buy heat wraps from your local chemist i use these on my knee and foot. When your hubby is resting make sure he has a rug threw over his leg it will help keep the heat in. For top tips and motivatiuon he seems to be doing exceptionally well thats brilliant. Is he suffering from spasms in his leg due to the frame especially at night when trying to sleep can be really annoying you can get mediation for it speak to your gp or his surgeon. For me i dont take medication i use the spasm to my advantage and exercise through it. Boredom is a big factor as we are limited to what we an do keeping busy is a big yes. Anything from reading, drawing, torturing our loved ones, researching a topic, to srolling the internet for sites like this and giving advice to others who are in the same predictament can help fight the depression. When outside it is advisable to stay clear of escalators trust me lol it not a pleasant experience getting off one. As for the artic weather try not to go out unless you have too walking on ice is not recommended for us on crutches. Sara dont forget to give adam plenty of foot massages too lol i have my poor hubby tortured for them. Adam Im not sure how long you will have your frame on for it can be very daunting and hard to cope with mentally but it does get eaiser with time. Keep up with your physio it is so inmportant. Keep a dairy of ypour progress even a video dairy is a good way to document it. I wish you all the best and hope you recover fully quick and with ease. Hope my blabbering has helped lol take care 834
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Re: Keeping Your Leg Warm!
Reply #2 by N Dun |
Posted: May 23, 2010 at 10:51 | |
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I use microwave gel packs get them on amazon. Take care they can get very hot. They do leak after a while. Not made for repeted use. I tend to buy a lot of the 3 packs. I find the heat great and it can act like an instant pain killer.You can fit them inside the gaps in the frame. Helps to calm spasms. They can hold the heat for a while. 921
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Re: Keeping Your Leg Warm!
Reply #3 by Karen S |
Posted: May 30, 2010 at 11:09 | |
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My ten year old son has a frame on his lower leg for 3 months. We used a childs zipped jumper sewing the sides and removing the sleves and excess the zip makes it easier to get on and off the neck gives a good seal around the top of the leg. keeps his leg covered and warm. 924
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Re: Keeping Your Leg Warm!
Reply #4 by Dale |
Posted: May 31, 2010 at 20:40 | |
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Hi Sara + hubby, this is probably way too late but... in summer I could get away with a pair of long shorts (they would fit over my frame - on lower right leg - if I cut a couple of inches through hem). When autumn & winter came (still with frame unfortunately...) I I had a couple of pairs of trousers adjusted. Didn't cost very much but in effect they inserted a piece of material in the right leg & machined on two pieces of velcro to fasten right leg together. I ended up returning to work whilst still 'sporting' the Ilizarov so got good use from my sail like trousers. I used to harbour fantasies that I would create a trend & one day I would see people wandering around Newcastle upon Tyne with one baggy leg on their trousers!... you have to pass the 'healing time' somehow... 930
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