Time for an update

A few weeks ago my long term disability insurer wanted medical update on me. I got an email asking me to set up an appointment for a phone call and I had a missed call. I phoned back and got her voicemail saying she would be on vacation for a week and back on March 31. I said phone me any time and left it at that. I do not hear from them in months and then I am the last call of the day before heading out the door for time off. They can chase me.

When I finally did a call I got asked for a medical update. I asked with who and what kind. I also got asked about a possible return to work. As boring as it is being home and walking the halls I am nowhere close to being able to return. Turns out they wanted me to see my original surgeon. I phoned his office fully expecting it to take weeks before getting an appointment. I got one five days later on April 9.

My last operation on my legs was February 26, 2024. I have had follow up appointments on May 15, 2024, June 26, 2024, July 30, 2024, September 11, 2024, and December 4, 2024. I am getting full value from the Canadian health system. I was at one of the many buildings at the University of Alberta Hospital area. Arrive, go to the second floor, check in, down to the basement for multiple x-rays on both legs, back to the second floor to meet the doctor to review, then home.

They are efficient. Any time I have been there I have arrived about thirty minutes early and the process gets started with minimal waiting. I took a cab there and used a walker. I use crutches now but for the longer distances I needed the walker. Prior appointments I needed help getting on the x-ray table. I can do it with no problem now. I can even twist myself into the various positions so the can get different x-rays of the doctor’s work. With all the walking and movement I was not used to doing I was in pain and had to take some painkillers when I got home. 

The verdict is I am looking at about a two year recovery from the date of the accident. Possibly longer. He is confident that I will eventually be able to walk independently. There is less bone in my left femur but it is well supported by the metal. My left leg is a bit weaker than the right. This should get better in time. The doctor was even good enough to fill out my paperwork to claim a disability credit on my tax return.

I am feeling good overall and looking forward to getting better. Progress will be slow but there will be progress.