Surgery in Mexico - Joel 4/10/2013

Hola all, We had originally planned on writing part three of our trip blog, but then things happened so fast we are now writing on Joel's upcoming ankle operation.

We had talked to the Dr. before we left for our central Mexico vacation about the possibility of an operation. When we came back to Mazatlan on March 31, we decided to go forward with the operation. When you think of Mexico you think of things moving slow. In this case there was nothing slow about it.

On Monday, April 2 I took my Drs. instructions to the radiologist. Multiple x-rays were taken of my ankle. On Tuesday I took the x-rays to my Dr. He explained the operation to both of us. He gave instructions for lab tests for Wednesday April 4th and a cardiologist appointment on Thursday April 5. The lab tests turned out great with low cholesterol, normal blood sugar and low triglycerides. At my cardiologist appointment there was an EKG and check x-ray of my chest. At the end of the appointment the Dr. said I was healthy enough for the operation. Later on Thursday April 5th my primary Dr. e-mailed and told me and said he had already talked to the cardiologist and was going forward with the operation for Tuesday April 10th.

I have been using a cane for the last 2 1/2 years due to severe arthritis in my right ankle. It is the only arthritis I suffer from. There is no cartilage in the joints. I have been told this is the result of me continuing to run too soon after some ankle injuries.

The operation will have a team of three Drs. There will be one of two procedures depending on what they find when they are in the ankle. The first will include a plastic plate and screws inside the ankle. There will be bone removed from my hip to replace some damaged bone in the ankle. The other procedure will also have bone from the hip. In this one most of the pins and screws will be external and there will be a large contraption around my lower leg. Either procedure will result of my being in the hospital three days and then being off my feet for several weeks. As my walking has resulted in an uneven pressure on my legs they will have me go through physical therapy to teach me how to walk right again, so there is even pressure when I step. Recovery and the physical therapy will take about three months.

The operation will take place in a surgical hospital in Mazatlan. Several gringos have had positive experiences at the hospital. Also, my primary Dr. was recommended by several expats that have been treated by him. He is a rheumatologist and a fellow Marathon runner. He won't guarantee it, but is hoping that I will be able to run short distances.

Although we have Medicare and a Medicare advantage plan, we decided on having the operation in our hometown of Mazatlan. After factoring the co-pays and high cost of living for several months up north it was about a wash on costs. The idea of being able to recover at home and the competence and reputations of the medical professions tipped the scales to Mazatlan.

We also are moving on April 29th to our condo on the Malecon, so Janice is hiring a woman to help here with packing, unpacking and cleaning and whatever else will take the extra load off of Janice. Many friends have also volunteered to help and to visit me in my recovery and share a cerveza with me once I am off the pain medication. (UPDATE: THE MOVE DATE IS NOW APRIL 11 WHILE JOEL IS IN THE HOSPITAL, WE ARE ROCKING AND ROLLING)

Prayers and best wishes are solicited and welcome. When Joel is up to company everyone will be notified. La vida es buena still in Mazatlan!  (note from me, Janice.  If you would like to send Joel your best wishes, his email address is jus-ducky@hotmail.com Thank you also to those who have volunteered to have me over for dinner, or to bring dinner to us during this time.  We can use all the help we can get right now. This has meant so much to me, and to Joel knowing how much our friends care about us.)