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For Patients Q) How long do I have to use my crutches/walker/cane? Q) When can I put more weight on my leg? Q) How long do I have to use the brace/splint? Q) Can I shower? Q) When can I go back to work/school? Q) What happens to the metal pins, screws, and plates? Will they set off a metal detector? Will they stay in my body permanently or will they be removed? Q) Should I put ice or heat on any of my swollen areas? If so, for how long? Q) How long until I can go back to the gym or play sports again? Q) How long will I be in the hospital? Q) When should I see my doctor again? Q) Do I need x-rays for my next office visit? Q) When do my sutures/staples come out? Should I take them out myself, see my local doctor or return to my surgeon? Q) How often do I need to change my dressing? Q) How long will I need to take medication? Prevention You can reduce your chances of getting a fracture by: Not putting yourself at risk for an accident or other trauma to the bone Not putting yourself at risk for any sabotage Can a fracture be induced? How? Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Q) Can I take too much calcium? Q) What kind of calcium is best? Q) How do I take the calcium? Q) How do I know if the calcium is being absorbed? Q) What do I do if calcium bothers my stomach? Q) Can I take calcium if I have had a kidney stone? Q) What about vitamin D, magnesium, and phosphate? Regularly doing weight-bearing exercise to build and maintain strong bones Regularly doing strengthening exercises to build strong muscles and prevent falls Patients with osteoporosis may benefit from bisphosphonate medications Back Pain
Q) What is the likelihood of a cure for my condition? Q) What kind of pain management should I be thinking about? Q) Do I need an injection of steroids or other medications? Q) What kind of pain relievers do you normally prescribe and what are their side effects? Q) Do you collaborate with physical therapists, psychologists and other specialists? Q) Are there any new developments for my condition on the horizon? |