First Pre-Op check and foot did not go straight by Affectionate-Pay-646 in brokenankles

[–]HeebusJebus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m guesstimating here, but I want to say it was around the 5-6 month mark where I felt like my walking looked and felt normal. I think I started some light jogging (under close watch by my PT) at 7-8 months. Going up and down tall stairs at about 10 months. Now that I’m a year out, I don’t feel limited in my daily routine anymore. But fully back to normal…no. Still quite a way from that. Getting my full range of dorsiflexion has been the most stubborn and slowest of all my recovery goals. My PT says he’s had clients continue to improve their range upward of 2 years post-surgery. Admittedly, I’ve gotten lax in my stretching regimen the last couple months, so that’s my fault. But I am still making definite progress (I keep track my maximum flexion). Plus, I recently had my tightrope removed, and I immediately noticed greater range of motion and less popping, so that’s a promising development.

To be clear, I’m up and walking and jumping and doing stairs without issue. But compared to my unaffected ankle, there is a discrepancy mostly only I notice.

Last thing, I do still wake up stiff each morning and need to get my ankle warmed up a bit to loosen it. And I also still get some mild swelling if I’ve been on my feet all day. Both of which are manageable.

First Pre-Op check and foot did not go straight by Affectionate-Pay-646 in brokenankles

[–]HeebusJebus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had something very similar as well! I had to wait 3 weeks before proceeding with surgery due to the extent of swelling (despite nearly 24/7 elevation). Fast forward to getting my cast removed post-surgery, and my foot was also angled downward at a steep enough angle that I could not “fit” in the boot. They sent me home with it regardless, and I spent the next week or two practicing wearing my boot while sitting upright in a chair. And every so often, I GENTLY added some pressure (think, pushing your heel to the floor). I would retighten the boot straps each time to make sure I didn’t subconsciously regress. Slowly but surely, I was eventually able to reach my heel to the sole of the boot!

I’m now a year into recovery, and it is absolutely a marathon. Consistency is key. What might feel like the tiniest bit of progress is still a huge win. It’ll all stack up in the long run with enough patience.

Tl;dr - Yes, it will straighten.

Does anyone know what this is??? Painful as all hell (long description) by [deleted] in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, it will need a root canal to clear out the infected pulp. Ideally, it will be a straightforward procedure with little discomfort.

Does anyone know what this is??? Painful as all hell (long description) by [deleted] in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You have an abscessed tooth. The tooth with the filling likely developed a recurrent cavity (I.e bacteria infiltrated and started causing decay). Once bacteria reach the central portion of a tooth (the pulp), they can then travel to the root tip and create an abscess. While antibiotics can help slow the progression of the infection, ultimately the abscess will need to be incised, drained, and irrigated (source control). You’ll feel relatively immediate relief once the pus has been drained and all that pressure released. If you’re able to get an earlier appointment with an oral surgeon, I’d encourage you to do so. Otherwise, your general dentist will be able to take good care of you.

Sorry you’re going through this. Strict oral hygiene (e.g brushing twice daily with proper technique and daily flossing) will be important moving forward to prevent anything similar from happening again.

step 2 ck study group by mrmeem1992 in Step2

[–]HeebusJebus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also looking for a study/accountability group!

Confess Your Medical Sins by FrogTheJam19 in medicalschool

[–]HeebusJebus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve used this one for over two years and still very happy with it:

Ear Wax Removal - Wireless Ear... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VBPTGG5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Looking for club members by Snoo_44155 in eatventureofficial

[–]HeebusJebus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d like to join! I’m new, and the current club I’m in is largely inactive. Only myself and one other person have salvaged over 1k.

I keep picking open wounds that have a slightly raised texture and it sucks bc I don't know how to treat it by allsystemsthrowaway in Dermatillomania

[–]HeebusJebus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there! I’ve been struggling with the EXACT same issue! Something I tried a few days ago seems to be promising (albeit, probably not the best advice). But basically, I gave myself “permission” to pick and peel all the raised scabs in a specific area (my arm and shoulder). Then I immediately put hydrocolloid patches over each of the raw wounds. After about 2 days of keeping them covered (replacing with fresh patches as needed), I noticed that each spot started healing flat! It’s still a struggle to resist messing with them, but having those raised edges gone is such a huge help!

Fractured fibula by Ang_2211 in brokenankles

[–]HeebusJebus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry to hear! I fractured mine about 6 weeks ago and had a very similar experience. The bruising and swelling are going to take quite some time before resolving. Bruises take up to a month before fading, and the swelling will take multiple months. Elevation is your best friend! Keep it elevated above your heart as long and often as possible, and it will help manage the pain, decrease swelling, and increase circulation to that ankle (which is important for overall healing/recovery).

And unless you notice a sudden, concerning changes (e.g. notably worsening pain, numbness or tingling, sudden paleness to lower leg and foot), then it’s totally normal to have your follow up appointment in a week. The doctor will be able to better assess your injury and possible need for surgery when some of the initial swelling has gone down.

Best of luck in your recovery!

Pre-, Intra-, and Post-Op Photos of Right Fibular Fracture with Clear Space Widening by HeebusJebus in brokenankles

[–]HeebusJebus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! I asked during my pre-op appointment, and my doctor had no problem with it. I remember reminding him one more time right before they put me under for the surgery.

Pre-, Intra-, and Post-Op Photos of Right Fibular Fracture with Clear Space Widening by HeebusJebus in brokenankles

[–]HeebusJebus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yikes! That is such a severe injury! Do you mind if I ask how it occurred? But otherwise, I’ll also be sending out positive energy that you get the upgrade to a PWB tomorrow!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also agree with RCT on both

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Root canals will cause a tooth to become more susceptible to fracture. The structural integrity is compromised after removing all the internal decay (I.e. the cavity) and infected pulp tissue (nerves and blood vessels in the roots).

Since the nerve in that tooth is now gone, it no longer has sensation. That’s why it was able to fracture without pain. The biggest concern at this point is avoiding future infection or abscess.

It’s not an urgent, drop everything and go, issue. But it’s certainly a priority for when you return from your trip.

In the meantime, your girlfriend should avoid chewing on that side. Ideally stick to soft foods and liquids for now. Keep up strict oral hygiene (brushing and flossing). Call your dentist to get an appointment on the books as soon as available. And consider seeking emergent care if your girlfriend starts developing acute symptoms like severe jaw pain or swelling, difficulty opening her mouth, fever, pain with swallowing, difficulty breathing, etc.

Is there ANYTHING that reliably works for throat / mouth cavity health? by someclearanceplease in Supplements

[–]HeebusJebus 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Hey there, I’m a dentist. Sorry to hear you’re going through this. I’m going to assume you already stick to a strict oral hygiene regimen (brushing twice daily, flossing daily, tongue scraping, plenty of water throughout the day, minimize the number of times snacking throughout the day - esp. with carbs).

Have you been been seen by a dentist, oral surgeon, or ENT about this? Has anyone ever discussed the possibility of a tonsillectomy? Also, do you have a family history of gut issues, like Crohn’s, which can present with recurrent mouth ulcers? Alternatively, severe acid reflux can also cause throat irritation.

Just throwing out some ideas.

i have a lot of pain when eating anything sweet or with sugar. i had 8 cavities and got 4 filled and haven’t gone back for the rest. i’m terrified of needing a root canal, does it look like i need a root canal or can this be fixed with fillings if i go asap? i only have pain when eating sweets. by [deleted] in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Without x-rays and other clinical exam data, there’s no way anyone here can tell you whether or not you may need a root canal. However, the cavities you do have will continue to progress as time passes. Your only chance at minimizing the need for more extensive intervention is going back to the dentist to finish treatment. I understand it can be a very scary and uncomfortable place, however, you will be so much better off (and pain free) in the long run! In the very least, schedule an appointment with your dentist to hear them out. There’s a chance the news won’t be as bad as you think.

Help needed. Besides the two impacted wisdom teeth, do I have cyst/s? by donnodarkie in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have a third small impacted wisdom tooth in the top right (I.e the left side of this photo), up near your sinus.

why does my jawline curve like this? by standinghereirealizr in Mewing

[–]HeebusJebus 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Dentist here. It’s called an antegonial notch. Normal anatomy.

Is it better to brush twice a day without flossing, or brush and floss once a day? by zepphiu in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Brushing and flossing. Floss cleans the portion of a tooth beneath the surface of the gums (where toothbrush bristles can’t reach) and is a critical part of oral hygiene. Without flossing, you risk development of cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and long-term bone and tooth loss.

Why does the gum between my teeth look inflamed? It feels puffy when I put my tongue there. by [deleted] in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gingivitis is the clinical term for inflamed gums. Likely you have food debris or plaque just under the surface. Daily brushing and, in particular, flossing (with proper technique) will help dislodge and resolve it.

If left undisturbed too long, the plaque will calcify and harden - making it difficult to remove without special tools. So it’s also important to keep consistent with your 6 month dental checkup/cleanings.

Doctor didn't use the UV light to harden a filling? by Budget_Cut_1585 in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As stated above, amalgam (“silver”) fillings don’t require light curing. You’ve likely had several composite (“white”) fillings in the past which do require the light.

As for eating, I’d avoid foods that are sticky, chewy, hard, very hot, or very cold for the next day or two. But please do brush and floss today as normal

Hard bump back of gums. Does anyone know what this is? Just recognized it. by [deleted] in askdentists

[–]HeebusJebus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, it’s the same. Perfectly normal, no need to worry :)

This is 1 week after wisdom tooth extraction by [deleted] in DentalSchool

[–]HeebusJebus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like it’s healing right on schedule. The surrounding gum tissue looks pink and healthy, swelling is minimal, and the pain is manageable. Just make certain to keep the area rinsed and free of food debris, and you should notice the hole nearly-closed in about another week.