BajaNomad - Soft tissue injury in BCS, where to go?

Soft tissue injury in BCS, where to go?

dtbushpilot - 10-17-2010 at 10:45 PM

I find myself at a crossroad...at the age where I'm not ready to give up my alpha male status but at a time when it gets harder to retain it. I find that my reputation, imposing size, shaven head and menacing demeanor is usually enough to keep the younger bucks at bay but feel that any sign of weakness might bring my downfall.....this is my story, bear with me.....

Today we rode the quad into town for lunch. As I was pulling into the parking lot of the restaurant/bar the quad quit shifting....stuck in neutral and that was it. I tried everything, even got out the manual but no luck, it wouldn't move. So, we had a leisurely lunch, tried it again with the same result and set about finding a ride home. I hooked up the trailer and headed down to pick up the quad. The trailer has a ramp and the quad isn't all that heavy and despite Jill's insistence that I get help I decided that I could do it myself. I'm at that age where I find it necessary to prove myself physically, you know, don't want the young bucks to think they can challenge me for the alpha male position, don't want them to think they can "put me out on the ice....or on the roof".

So I backed the trailer up to the quad leaving enough room to get a run at it. I lined everything up and started pushing. When the quad hit the ramp I gave a mighty shove and something in my left calf popped....I think I actually heard it.....

Anyway, I had to stop pushing, the quad came back down the ramp and tried to finish me off. By the grace of God I was able to somehow hobble out of the way of the charging quad....talk about a you tube moment....

I looked around to see if anybody had seen it. Satisfied that my dignity was intact I folded up the ramp and went home to lick my wounds. Jill was sympathetic but I could see that "what a dumb s&it" look in her eyes. She suggested that I enlist some help from a couple of able bodied ALPHA MALES to push the quad on the trailer. Of course, I couldn't do that, I was determined more than ever to load the thing myself....my manhood and position in life depended on it. I figured if I could get it done with a devastating injury any potential challengers to my Alpha status would shrink back into the shadows. I found an old boat winch in the garage and a couple of ratchet straps, I knew I could winch that sucker somehow onto the trailer even if it took me all afternoon. I drove back to the restaurant/bar and backed up to the trailer. I noticed a couple of half drunk guys at the bar and walked over, offered them 100 pesos (about 9 bucks) to push the quad on the trailer which they were happy to do. 5 minutes and 100 pesos later I was headed home with the quad, my dignity and alpha male status intact.

Now I'm not sure what to do about my fu@ked up leg. It hurts like hell but I can still walk on it as long as I don't move it in certain directions. I had Jill look at it compared to the other calf as I flexed in every direction looking for evidence that a muscle might be bunching up because it isn't attached to anything any more. She said they both look the same but my left calf is a bit swollen. I doubt that I can get any orthopedic care here unless I have a bone sticking out of my skin...makes it a lot easier to diagnose. I put ice on it but it seemed to make it hurt more when I tried to walk, probably because it tightened up the muscle. I think I'll take some Motrin and man up, don't know what else to do........pity that you can't own a firearm in Mexico....they shoot horses don't they?

Does anybody have a suggestion for a hospital or private orthopedic doctor/surgeon in La Paz or Cabo that might be able to help? Should I try to find a gun so that Jill can put me out of my misery? Should I resign myself to be an old guy that has some youngster carry my groceries to the car?.....I wouldn't have asked my fellow Nomads if I didn't think you could help.....dt

Baja&Back - 10-17-2010 at 11:46 PM

Ouch!! My sympathies.

I went to an excellent Orthopedic specialist at Fidepaz, the purple hospital at the dogleg on Mex 1 about 2 miles from downtown La Paz. Can't remember the guy's name, but his office was top floor in the 2 story building to the right of emergency. Really knew his stuff. Ask at the front desk. I got in to see him in a half hour with no appointment.

Lotsa luck.

Barry

re: Dear Abby letter

Mulegena - 10-18-2010 at 12:42 AM

Abby replies:

Dear Gentle Reader, I totally laughed my totally buffed totally alpha-female bunz totally off! Totally! That's some good story-telling. Made me feel I was right there watching your dog 'n pony show.

Cereally, uhh, seriously though I'm sorry you're in such pain. I've seen these injuries and they're not so nice. Can take weeks to heal up. You need to be concerned about throwing a blood clot, so you need to prevent that from happening.

Here's a link that may help: Calf Pain from a Pulled or Torn Calf Muscle
The most common cause of calf pain in athletes is a pulled calf muscle
By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com Guide
Updated June 19, 2010
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Pain that occurs in the calf muscle on the lower part of the leg often is the result of a pulled or torn calf muscle. This is called a calf strain or a calf pull. It occurs when part of the muscle of the lower leg (gastrocnemius or soleus) is torn away from the Achilles tendon.
A calf strain is similar to an Achilles tendon tear or rupture, but occurs higher up in the back of the leg. A sign of a calf strain is similar to that of an Achilles tendon rupture - you may think you've just been hit in the leg and hear a "pop." There is sudden pain at the back of the leg, pain, swelling or bruising in the calf muscle, and you have difficulty standing on the toes.

This injury happens during acceleration or changes in direction. The torn calf muscle may spasm, and contract forcefully. The toes will point down. Bruises show up in the foot and ankle due to pooling of blood from internal bleeding.

Calf strains may be minor or very severe and physician grade the injury according:

Grade 1 Calf Strain : The muscle is stretched causing some small micro tears in the muscle fibers. Full recovery takes approximately two weeks.
Grade 2 Calf Strain : There is partial tearing of muscle fibers. Full recovery takes approximately 5-8 weeks.
Grade 3 Calf Strain : This is the most severe calf strain with a complete tearing or rupture of muscle fibers in the lower leg. Full recovery can take 3-4 months and, in some instances, surgery may be needed.
Treating Calf Strains and Pulls

The first treatment is R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Wrap the calf to keep the blood from pooling in the foot, and keep it elevated for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling . Anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce pain. Eventually, the muscle reattaches to the tendon; however, and the calf is often shorter than before the injury and prone to repeat injury.
A visit to a physician and or a physical therapist is recommended to ensure in fast rehab.

Typical rehab for a calf strain depends upon the severity of the injury, and includes the following.

Rest the Muscle. Avoid activities that cause pain. Avoid impact activity or excessive stretching (no running, jumping, or weightlifting). Do not return to your sport until you are pain-free.
Range of Motion Stretching Exercises. When acute pain is gone, begin stretching the muscle moderately with passive range of motion stretching. Gently pull your foot and toes up with legs straight if possible to stretch the calf muscle. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 5 to 10 times.
Progressive Calf Stretching Exercises. As you heal, you can begin using a regular stretching and flexibility program to gain range of motion and prevent future calf injury. Follow the advice of your therapist when beginning these exercises.
Progressive Strengthening Exercises. Start with exercise tubing or a band and hook it under your toes and press down gently using light resistance. Point your foot down against resistance and then slowly return to the start position. Do 10 reps, rest and repeat 5 to 10 times.
Achilles Tendon Strengthening. Once you have healed and experience no pain with basic strengthening exercises, consider strengthening your Achilles tendon to prevent related lower leg injuries.
The goal of rehab is to return to normal activity as quickly as possible without any long-term effects. If you return too soon, you risk developing a chronic injury. Keep in mind that everyone recovers at a different rate, and your rehab needs to be tailored to your needs and your progress not the calendar.

You can safely return to your sport when you meet the following conditions:

You have your physician’s “okay.”
You are pain-free.
You have no swelling.
You have full range of motion (compared to the uninjured side).
You have full or close to full (90 percent) strength (again, compare with the uninjured side)
You can jog straight ahead without pain or limping.
You can sprint straight ahead without pain or limping.
You can jump on both legs without pain and you can jump on the injured leg without pain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's hoping you're hopping around soon,
but until then grab an adult beverage of choice and kick back. Hey, its Baja. You can do this.

BigWooo - 10-18-2010 at 06:51 AM

If you think you do have a ruptured tendon, don't wait too long to have it checked. A few years a go I ruptured my pec. tendon. The doctor told me I had 6 weeks to have it re-attached before it was no longer viable. I had surgery within a couple of weeks.

Bruising can happen during a strain, but bruising is also a good indication it's at least a partial rupture. I've ruptured a bicep and Pectoral tendon, the pec rupture had good amount of bruising at the site, but the bicep rupture had only a little.

Russ - 10-18-2010 at 07:23 AM

Ouch!
Hope you heal up quickly. In the meantime...........
Get the quad fixed and go fish. You may have to double up on the cold meds you're on though. Explain to Jill & Peanut your slurred speech is the meds you're on. It may work :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 10-18-2010 at 08:05 AM

Here's some reading material to occupy your time in convalescence. :lol:

.

Jes Kiddin'. I know how you feel.
------------------

How to Grow Old with Grace
By Arthur Gamble, eHow Contributor

Age is a bit of a conundrum. Americans spend countless billions each year on various types of elixirs of youth, products meant to turn back the clock on aging. We all want to live long lives, and yet we lament and downplay the process of aging that must accompany longevity. While some of us look forward to the day when we can pull out our cantankerous side when no one can do a thing about it, the majority of us want to know how to go through the aging process gracefully. Here are some tips.
.Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions.1
Keep in mind that life is a series of losses from the day we are born. We lose the comfort and safety of our mothers’ warm womb for the uncertainty of life outside of the womb, which incidentally takes place by being passed through a hole the size of a garden hose, and followed up with a shake or a smack designed to make us cry. Then, just when we get the hang of that, people larger than us start telling us words like “No!” Life is a series of losses, but it is also a series of gains. Elderly people are faced with a loss of control, loss of health, loss of certain abilities, loss of memory and more. There is no doubt that the aging process is as painful in some ways as the process of being born, but the fact is that it’s just a part of the game. Focusing on the losses will make you cantankerous and miserable. Focusing on the opportunities will make you graceful. Celebrate the stage of life you are in. If you wish to live a long life, it will do you no good to spend time lamenting about that which is lost, for when it comes to youth, the end of it is permanent.

2
Accept the things you cannot do, and move on to the things that you can do. For example, you may not be able to keep up with your grandkids on their roller skates like maybe you could once upon a time, but you can sit with them and take the time to listen to them and to guide them where appropriate. Old age may be a time of less physical activity, but it is also a time when you can most appreciate life if you choose. After all, who has a more accurate perspective on life than those who have lived through a long one? Discover the things you can do, for the things you used to do are no longer relevant to your day to day activities.

3
Understand that there is no way to grow old without coming into contact with health issues that accompany the wearing down of a body. Everyone knows that. There is, however, a difference between acknowledging your limitations and complaining about them. Unless the person you are speaking with is your doctor, just accept the fact that your arthritis is going to hurt. Telling others about your aches and pains may be good for you, but think about how you felt when you had to listen to old folks go on about pain to you when you were in your youth. Choose to focus in on how others are doing. Complaining about how you feel, will serve you poorly. Let’s face it; if you have gotten old, many of your friends have failed to get old. Would you rather have some pain throughout the day or would you rather have died young as they did? Be thankful for the life you have, and just suck up and deal with your medical problems. It’s part of the aging process.

4
Keep a goal in mind. Always strive to get things done that you are able to get done. Whether it’s weeding a single flower box, or mowing your own grass at 86 just because you can, push yourself always to do the things you can still do, while being wise enough to let go of the things that are now beyond you.
.West Coast Turf de Mexicowww.westcoastturf.com/demexico
Golf course quality hybrid bermuda sod and stolons for Baja

Growing old gracefully is about enjoying the life you have, being thankful for the things you have for the moment, and striving always to improve upon those things that you can improve upon. Do those things, and whether you grow old or not, you will have lived gracefully. May you live long and find your joy to be lifelong..

Read more: How to Grow Old with Grace | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4443916_grow-old-grace.html#ixzz12is...

mulegemichael - 10-18-2010 at 08:16 AM

it was only a matter of time, dt....so sorry...i have found myself in that position for the last coupla years now and it's not a pretty picture...i'm afraid you've dropped from alpha to beta...whether you like it or not, keep it iced..fer shure!

DianaT - 10-18-2010 at 09:08 AM

OMG ---

First, I do hope you find the proper doctor and receive good care---and I hope nothing is torn.

Second----LMAO at the way you tell the story---such a familar story. Love the alpha to beta. :lol:

A quote from one of my favorites--- words that make sense, but not so easy to live with. :biggrin:

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. "

Mark Twain

vandenberg - 10-18-2010 at 09:13 AM

dt,......welcome to the "mature male club" :yes:

Osprey - 10-18-2010 at 09:14 AM

I think "Soft Tissue" tells the whole story. I think the medical term is FFS, Flacid Flesh Syndrom. In Baja it often happens when older fisherpersons drive their beach quads, stop only when they see a fish, throw a couple of times, get back in the vehicle then say they "fished the beach for a couple of miles and caught a few jacks".

longlegsinlapaz - 10-18-2010 at 11:41 AM

dt, well, all rightee then!! Now that you've pretty well established that that macho alpha male crap is a bunch of hooie, have you seen this current thread:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48423

Me thinks you should be making your way to the Fidepaz Hospital in La Paz. I recommend that you save just a tiny bit of that macho alpha male crap to help you make your way up the flight of stairs to the second floor office with a pseudo alpha male smile on your face!! :bounce:

If you'd like to meet a few La Paz Nomads while you're here, just say the word & we can make arrangements to break bread somewhere.

bajalinda - 10-18-2010 at 11:47 AM

Recommended orthopedic doc/surgeon in La Paz: Dr. Mondragon.

My significant other went to him for a knee problem and a neighbor/friend also went to him for hip surgery. Both were very satisfied with this doctor.

However, I noticed that the last time we were in La Paz that his office location has moved - I will try to find out his new location and post it.

mulegemichael - 10-18-2010 at 12:17 PM

dt...has this injury affected your arm bending at the elbow???....now THAT would be an emergency!....get well soon, amigo.

bajacalifornian - 10-18-2010 at 03:27 PM

Bone guy, Dr. Osuna (Oscar I think) Fidipaz. Put two bones back together in my sons leg after a motorcycle injury. Excellent physician, equally fine facility . . . should you need him.

bajalinda - 10-18-2010 at 03:58 PM

The new location for Dr Mondragon is:

1025 Cuauhtemoc between Primo Verdad and Marcelo Rubio (behind the big San Diego furniture store on 5 Febrero).

Phone 122-4264

Hope this helps!

BajaBlanca - 10-18-2010 at 04:10 PM

laughed hysterically at the story .... do hope you get better fast, even if it requires breaking down and visiting the medico. I gotta tell ya, as a female I cannot fathom why a man, alpha supreme, can not use his noggin to figure out that asking for help is OK ???? :no:

Les is the same. Just the same.

dtbushpilot - 10-18-2010 at 08:35 PM

I knew I could count on my Nomad brethren and sisteren to help me out in my time of need.

I've decided to let nature take it's course on my leg injury. I don't think a doctor would tell me any different. I'm taking it easy, keeping it elevated and trying not to complain too much. I can get around pretty good although I can't walk in the sand without considerable pain. Guess my morning walks on the beach with my sweetheart are out of the question for a while.

I'm not however ready to be put out to pasture. I've had some time for reflection the last 24 hrs and have decided that it's time that I got back in shape, time to cut back on the beer and get some exercise. Riding up and down the beach and reeling in an occasional fish isn't going to get it (thanks to Osprey for pointing that out). I'm not ready to accept beta status.

A while ago my beautiful understanding wife Jill came over to me and handed me a hand full of 20 peso notes. "What do you want me to do with these" I asked. "Keep them in a separate place in your wallet" she replied, "you'll need them for the kids at the grocery store when they carry the groceries to the car......what a gal...

Thanks again for all the great replies.....dt

mulegemichael - 10-18-2010 at 09:04 PM

jill...dump this guy...he's getting mushy...i have some friends.

mulegemichael - 10-18-2010 at 09:08 PM

not many, let it be noted, but a few

mulegemichael - 10-18-2010 at 09:21 PM

jest kiddin', dt...you know that

mulegemichael - 10-18-2010 at 09:24 PM

you scare the crap outta me man, with that shaved head and all.....jest kidding again..but..we love your gimpy ass.

dtbushpilot - 10-18-2010 at 09:35 PM

Thanks mike, I always know I can count on your support......dt

mike odell - 10-18-2010 at 11:28 PM

DT,
Nuther idea for you,
You and Jill can come over to La Trinidad, We will put you in the rocking chair,
Felipe will bring you cold medicinal beverages, help you with the 20 peso's
problem, I might be able to get Osprey to help me tell you old fishing tales, as
you fade off into the alfa male sunset! Maybe we can Pompano down here
before it's to late for the Wake!
P.S. Can I have your new beach rod and reel? I already have broken quads.

Bajatripper - 10-19-2010 at 03:17 PM

Sorry to hear of your pain, dt. As an older guy, I can relate. But the silver lining on that cloud is that--should your condition be permanent--you could always start developing a career as a short-story author, you have a nack.
Very funny!

KurtG - 10-19-2010 at 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper
Sorry to hear of your pain, dt. As an older guy, I can relate. But the silver lining on that cloud is that--should your condition be permanent--you could always start developing a career as a short-story author, you have a nack.
Very funny!

Sorry, but on this board you just don't qualify as an "older guy." At 66 I'm not even sure that I do and I know I have a number of years on you!

SoCal-Bob - 10-19-2010 at 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot
When the quad hit the ramp I gave a mighty shove and something in my left calf popped....I think I actually heard it.....

I've ruptured my left achilles tendon... twice.
I heard a similar pop a few years ago with my hamstring.

You need an orthopedic to see if further diagnostic (MRI) is necessary. Nothing was necessary for my achilles, it was totally detached and it was obvious. An MRI revealed my hamstring was just strained, even though I heard a very loud pop and I couldn't sit down because of the pain in my hamstring for a day or two. It also bruised up pretty well.

And I don't have old age to blame. Achilles when I was 21; hamstring when I was 31.

toneart - 10-19-2010 at 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KurtG

Quote:

Sorry, but on this board you just don't qualify as an "older guy." At 66 I'm not even sure that I do and I know I have a number of years on you!

Correct! There are no "older guy(s)" on this board. :no:

bajateresa - 10-20-2010 at 08:09 AM

i second the recommendation for Dr Gonzales Osuna at Fidepaz (the purple hospital) in La Paz.

18 months ago, my husband shattered 2 bones in his foot, and Dr Gonzales performed surgery on him in the evening after a long day in the operating room. the multi-hour surgery required 3 pins that had to be removed 6 weeks later.

we were back in the U.S. by then, and went to a California ortho doc to have the pins removed. he took an x-ray and pronounced the surgery excellent, then spent one minute removing the pins.

Dr Gonzales's fee: US$800. the Santa Cruz ortho doc's fee: $3500.

DENNIS - 10-20-2010 at 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper
you could always start developing a career as a short-story author,

"SHORT" is the operative word here. May be too late to begin that epic you've been considering forever. :lol:

Bob H - 10-20-2010 at 09:56 AM

Red Cross.... excellent and efficient.

http://hacienda-sol.com/REDCROSS/

maspacifico - 10-20-2010 at 11:57 AM

Fidapaz for the injury, and as a former United baggage handler, I feel your pain.......Is the quad still stuck in gear? If it's one of those thumb shift Honda's, there is a emergency shifter in a molded slot where your tool kit hides. You can't really ride with it, but it gets you out of gear....or in gear when the electronic gizmo fails....again, and again, etc. I had a foot shifter welded there and the electronic stuff disconnected. Not as convenient but never fails to shift.

dtbushpilot - 10-20-2010 at 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by maspacifico
Fidapaz for the injury, and as a former United baggage handler, I feel your pain.......Is the quad still stuck in gear? If it's one of those thumb shift Honda's, there is a emergency shifter in a molded slot where your tool kit hides. You can't really ride with it, but it gets you out of gear....or in gear when the electronic gizmo fails....again, and again, etc. I had a foot shifter welded there and the electronic stuff disconnected. Not as convenient but never fails to shift.

I took the quad to a guy in Buena Vista who was highly recommended. After I dropped it off I went on line and found out all that I could about the potential problem. I was worried that the guy that I put in charge might not have a grasp of all the info available on the net.

He called me a while ago and said it was fixed....the code that was flashing indicated a bad "shift angle sensor" failure but actually there was a gear broken off of the gear that connects to the electric shift motor.... "I rotated it to a position that the broken gear won't be a factor in the future, serviced everything else and it should be OK now".....He showed me the broken part and then opened a closet with a computer monitor and brought up the mechanical schematic of my quad, showed me the part and how it intermingled with the other parts....

"How much" I asked....650 pesos he replied....I'll be on the beach tomorrow...

If anybody in the East Cape area needs a quad mechanic u2u me for details.....dt