Charles’s Story

Site created on June 13, 2018

On May 16th, I was commuting to work on my motorcycle.  A SUV changed lanes quickly.  My Tibea Plateau broke, and all four ligaments in my knee were damaged.  After the first surgery, the skilled team installed external fixators to hold my bones in place while the swelling went down.  I experienced Orthostatic Hypotension.  Whenever I stood up, my blood pressure dropped 20 points, and I'd faint.  I was confined to bed till my second surgery where the fixators were removed, and my Tibea was plated and screwed together for a lovely reconstruction.

I cannot put any weight on my left leg, it has to remain immobile as more swelling reduces and eventually they can go in for a third surgery to repair/replace all four ligaments around the knee. (ACL, MCL, LCL & PCL)

After 2 weeks in the hospital, I transferred to a physical rehab center for PT and OT.   My second morning there, I decided "no more Orthostatic Hypotension" and just stood at the sink and shaved.   I did not faint, and pushed through that so I could begin the healing.  That team worked with me to help me out of bed, into a wheelchair, then a walker, then crutches.

I've been blessed with some great and dear friends locally and far away who have been helping, caring, supporting, and getting me through all this.

On June 12 I was released to the house, to continue exercising, healing, and letting the swelling reduce, so we can schedule the third surgery.   I slept so well the first night home - it was absolutely healing.

My pal Elaine wisely recommended I set this site up to help people scheduling visits and such - so here we go.

More in my adventures as I  drive forward


Newest Update

November 23, 2021

Journal entry by Charles Statman —

Well, its been 3 years,  and here is a quick update.

I am doing MOSTLY great - well, but my Tibia is trying to grow bone,  which is in a spike shape, trying to saw its way through my patellar tendon.   Walking hurts, my limp is strong, excercise is hard

BUT!  I never give up.   Working with Dr. Barry to schedule surgery to trim the bone back, smooth it out, and seal it all back up again.

alwasy be positve and move forward!

Read More of the journal titled "November 23, 2021"
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