Me & My Leg

Since April 30th, I have lived with an external fixator. This is an orthopedic device used to keep the bone still and suspended in space (similar to being in traction). I learned that this device was developed by a veterinarian as a twisted plot to punish animals.

Here are a few photos of the fixator currently on my leg -

The device has two large anchor pins attached to my bone right below my knee. There are two graphite poles that attach to bolts on a pin that goes through my ankle. The foot is held still by a fifth pin that is attached to the foot between my big and second toes.

It doesn't hurt, it's just uncomfortable. The ankle pins (or Frankenstein pins as we call them because it looks like the monster's neck pins) prevent me from rolling my leg left or right and the two long pins below the knee keep me from sleeping on my stomach. This is why I am always on my back.

Knocking into a pin is like pinking a tuning fork. The sensation flows right up my leg.

This is due to be removed on July 18th.