Ilizarov or Taylor Spatial Frame?

[Philothei]

Hi, i am new on mumsnet. I am 34 and have a 2 year old daughter. I am just wondering if anyone has an ilizarov or taylor spatial frame on their leg? I am due to have one put on my leg and will have it on for 6 months.

I am worried sick about it and I can't seem to find anyone who has one or even knows anyone who has had one.

I'm interested to find out about the practicalities of life with a frame. Things like adapting my clothes, how far I will be able to walk,anything at all really.

I would be so grateful to hear from anyone with experience of this type of procedure as I am desperately worried about it.

Hi, I hope no one minds me asking this again. It's just that I have never met anyone else who has had this treatment and so I have no one to ask

hi philothei
my first post too! my husband had a tsf. he had to have his leg broken after nasty motorbike accident. it was 2 years ago and i remember altering the measurements for him for 30 days. you wont be able to walk without crutches. be careful when you walk down the stairs. he wore shorts all the time. the pins on the frame pulled on the sheets on the bed. he had a pillow between his legs to keep the frame off the other leg. i would say the worst thing about the tsf was the risk of infections as you have to be very careful because you have open wounds. the pin sites need to be looked after really well. hope this isnt too doom and gloom and i wish you luck. x

Hey, thanks so much! I haven't managed to find anyone who has even heard of one so am so pleased to get a response. Yes, it does sound a bit grim but I guess by the time you get to this sort of treatment, you have been through a lot anyway so am hoping it's not too bad.

Do you think i will be able to get trousers over it? Or shave my legss? I know it's shallow but I don't want to look rough for 6 months!

hi philothei
prob wont be able to get trousers over it. we bought some cheap tracksuit bottoms and cut up the inside leg for him. i wouldnt worry about shaving your legs. when he had hospital visits - saw women with tsf's on - they were more bothered about their nail varnish chipping!! i would get a nice pedicure. - can always cover up your leg! anyway, keep me posted and let me know how you go on

ok, thanks again. I will let you know after I've had the surgery