outoftheboxs

A bone stimulator is a device used to promote bone growth if the bone has shown signs of non-union. It can be worn outside of the body, which I tried for about five months without success or it can be implanted within the body which has a higher chance of success. It sends very small electric shocks from the battery pack through the guide wires into the bone which creates micro-fractures within the affected area which seems counterintuitive but it actually stimulates an increased blood flow which helps to heal the fracture.

Right, for some reason this massive fracture seems like to much work so by creating a whole bunch of teeny tiny ones the job suddenly seems much more obtainable.

My health insurance actually refused to cover the internal stimulator because they see it as "needless and unproven" despite the fact that my surgeon has placed over 50 of the with a lot of success. So he had to figure out a way to code the procedure so that they thought they approved it. It was a very sneaky thing. They did cover the majority of the cost for the 3 surgeries but I was stuck with a good amount of the bill. I had to wait for a bit while trying to get into see him but my mom knew someone who worked in the same foundation so it helped. He was very interested in the case so that helped too. Thank you for your well wishes!

The stimulator does hurt just because it stretches the skin on top of it and it has caused some bruising. It also sometimes shocks me and I can feel the electricity shooting through the wires which is really bizarre. My feelings have changed many times throughout this process. I was very excited to get the first surgery done because it took me a very long time to find a surgeon who was willing to actually do the procedure. I was expecting a 3 month recovery and to be able to work as a lifeguard over the summer but my main goal was to walk across the stage at my HS graduation without a boot or a cast. That didn't happen so I decided to become more positive and really have decided to be as positive as possible and just to roll with the punches and take life as it comes! Thanks for the well wishes!

First off, thank you for taking the time to respond. Secondly, there is no long term solution. It is different for each person effected by the condition and what kind of procedure they have gone through. I elected to go with a partial fusion, which means the remove the joint spaces and screw them together which removes the ability for the bone to create friction which causes the pain. Right now I am unable to move the foot in a left to right motion. I also had a tendon transfer done in one of my toes which helps because clubfoot causes shortened tendons. I also had my calf lengthened and a four inch screw placed up through my heel to anchor the fusion in place. If these surgeries do no help as much as needed, I could either get my ankle completely fused which means I have no motion in any direction or I could have the foot amputated, and amputation would be the route I would probably go. Lastly, no unfortunately I do not have a button, the stimulator works 24/7 for 6 months and then the battery dies and I will have it removed because it is uncomfortable.