More on the Knee Saga... and, advice, please.

[kerilli]

Today i finally got 2nd opinion, from top knee surgeon.
whole sorry saga so far is here in case anyone really cares:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/5294523/Main/5294303/

drove up to Sheffield with MRI scan and x-rays on disc.
he couldn't get the password for the computer in his office, so didn't even get to look at them today, but took the history from me and examined the knee thoroughly.
first comment: "this is very unstable." (Uh oh.)
turns out that the Op done 8 yrs ago on same knee is now not done like that, as after 5 years the ligament weakens again... so, it's amazing it lasted this long, and it was a ticking timebomb waiting to go off.
it's not going to get any better as it is. (in spite of what specialist here seems to think.) the damage explains the acute pains i keep getting in the middle of the joint.
I need another Op, booked for next Friday. probably reconstruction of both cruciates, meniscus, and medial collateral ligament, but he'll see what needs doing when he gets in there.
and then.... 6 more weeks in fixator splint thingy to let ligaments heal AGAIN.
i nearly cried with frustration as i walked out of the hospital but managed to hold it together.
so, my girls aren't going to get ridden soon by me. they are both 5 this June/July, already backed and ridden away but that's all.
should I - leave them as they are, another few months makes no difference.
sell them as they are, for nothing like their true value. also, this would break my heart..
paying to send them away to someone else is just not an option at present, i couldn't afford it.
they're kept at home so it wouldn't be a sale for financial reasons, but is it fair to keep them doing naff all for even longer when they should be starting out properly, going to little shows, etc etc.
i won't even be able to lunge them etc for about 2 months i think. won't be able to drive horsebox to take them to friend's daily to go on walker for a few weeks, as i'd planned...
advice please. (other than to go and strangle the first specialist who obv didn't give a damn about me, ignored what i've been saying for the last 11 weeks, etc etc.) this is my worst nightmare and exactly what i feared 11 weeks ago.
i wonder if i could get a bit of compensation, seriously. i'm not litigous but honestly, i really do think this has been shabby treatment. i could have had this Op 6 weeks ago and be nearly ready to start working it again by now.
Aaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhh. I am SO annoyed i don't know what to do with myself.
Thanks, and fish and chips and hot choc to anyone who got this far, as that's going to be my Cheering Myself Up supper!

 

[KatB]

I would just sit tight and leave your girls to be horses for a bit longer. It wont make the slightest bit of difference to them, and that length of time is nothing in the grand scale of things tbh! If it was a year on the other hand, it would be a bit different

Chin up, life likes to deal blows, but very soon you will be back up and better than before

Fingers crossed all goes smoothly for you

 

[LEC]

What a pain about the knee - it sounds like a nightmare.
Leave the horses it will not affect them and you clearly really like them. What is another couple of months if you tend to hold onto them for life? Maybe just get a friend to lunge every now and again to remind them of work and having a saddle on.

As for lawyers get a 30 min appointment for free with a recommended solicitor and see what the verdict is. It will do not harm to explore the options.

 

[BBs]

Im really sorry to hear this news K, this really was the outcome I was dreading for you.
As for your girls.... is it really that bad if they stayed out in the field and get started again later? sometimes a bit longer to mature wouldnt hurt.
You said yourself selling would break your heart, is it worth it if you love these girls so much?
Could you afford to have one sent away to be competed/started off?

Fingers x for the operation next Friday.

 

[ecrozier]

Ouch poor you sounds very very painful.
Re your girls I would def leave them be! Another couple of months is nothing at all!

 

[BigRed]

I am sorry about your knee, just leave your girls for another few months, it will not matter to them. I had to have 8 weeks off riding myself this year because of an op. It is a bummer, but you will come back stronger afterwards. Good luck.

 

[kerilli]

thanks so much everyone, that's what i was hoping to hear, i'm sure they really don't care if they don't start eventing till they're 6!
BBs, i can't afford to send 1 away at the moment, if/when i can, i might well do that with the naughty one...

 

[TableDancer]

Bummer, K, really sorry to hear that

Echo everyone else about the girls, don't fret they'll be fine...

 

[FigJam]

Agree with everyone else, girls won't have a clue they're "supposed" to start doing stuff right now.

Total PITA about your knee though, not surprise you're equal measures of gutted/angry.

It will all be a distant memory this time next year when you're back to fitness with two, lovely, fresh horses ready to attack some BE!

 

[alwaysbroke]

What a total nightmare, you have my full sympathies.

Easier said than done, but chin up, it sounds like things are now eventually going in the right direction re your knee.

Dont sell your horses, they wont know if they should be eventing now, later in the year or even next. Just let them chill and mature in the field.

Will pm you a number to call that might be useful.

 

[wizoz]

*Waves* Hello K, not been on here much but knew you had bust your knee

Just read through your previous post about your consultant, arrogant tw@t, how bl00dy annoying and frustrating for you

My gut feeling on your "girls" is that you should just wait until you are back up and fighting fit and do them yourself. I'm not sure that age matters too much, you'll do the same work with them no matter what age they are and lets face it, does it really matter?? You're not going to be out of it forever, it's a setback but i'm sure the girls don't mind!

 

[camilla4]

Really sorry to hear things are so b----y tedious Kerilli - I do second those who say leave the horses. A few months really is nothing - only you will feel the frustration and they will be fine except for being a few months behind your expectations. Don't worry about it - concentrate on getting through the op and your recovery and the neddies will be waiting for you!

 

[pootler]

Really good news about your knee, I say that because at least you now have a definitive answer and can plan ahead. These surgeons don't hang around do they

Also the assumption is that by the summer you will be fighting fit and back to normal. Based on my own experience you will be looking back and be thankful that you had the op and took the time to heal properly.

In the meantime, leave your girls to it for a bit longer, the extra time to mature will do them the world of good. No need for any knee jerk reactions ('scusing the pun).

 

[loopeepee]

Your knee sounds horrible - you poor soul

Hopefully this new operation with really help.

Re your horses. I can take one of your hands

... my stables are seriously lacking ponies at the moment!

 

[daisycrazy]

Sorry to hear this.

My gelding was unbacked as of August in his 5th year and it really hadn't done him any harm - he simply progressed very rapidly once in work. I don't think it will do your two any harm at all to chill out and wait for their mum for a bit a longer.

If it makes you feel any better, I have been unable to ride ever since being pregnant (very, very sick) and now the sickness is just about gone (after 4 months), I find that my pelvic ligaments have slackened and riding is now agony (or rather, it's agony when I get off and for a week afterwards!). Since my horse is supposed to be kept in work to keep his neck supple, I am more than a little worried and frustrated! Oh, and add to that the endless problems with livery - just be glad yours are at home!

I hope the next op puts you on the road to recovery for real this time.

 

[Baydale]

I'm so sorry K, that's gutting, to say the least.

Ditto the others, leave the girlies in their blissful world of eating and sleeping and worry about them when you're better. I'm sure you'd much rather do them yourself anyway rather than farm them out to someone who doesn't know their quirks and foibles.

 

[now_loves_mares]

Aw K that sucks

but as others have said, a plan of action is better than no plan!

Totally agree with everyone else, just leave the girls be. I'm getting used to having field ornaments, it's not so bad

Well ok it is, but it's not forever, and you may find it's a blessing in disguise. I think a lot of horses start out eventing well at 5 but it secretly scares them

That's what I'm telling myself as my nearly 6yo has only done 2 dressage comps and 3 jumping clinics in her life!

Lots of vibes for a successful op and speedy recovery.

 

[Britestar]

Rubbish, but hopefully it'll mend well.

As for your girls, only one of mine was started before 5 yrs old, and I personally believe that an extra year at the beginning is worth 3-4 at the other end, if you see what I mean.

I'm sure a lot of the lameness problems folk experience is due to doing too much too young. Your girls will be stronger and more mature for leaving them that extra six months.

 

[Keltic]

Aww what a pain! im sure the time will fly by, you always have us to chat/moan too. I dont think the horses will mind waiting another few months, dont do anything with them just chuck them out and give yourself something to look forward and work towards

 

[lizzieb]

Really sorry to read about your knee but at least this consultant cares about you and is acting quickly rather than letting you sit at home waiting for another few weeks.

I agree with the others that a few more months won't make any difference with your horses and you will get far more satisfaction doing them yourself than sending them away.

 

[Coffee_Bean]

How awful, what a nightmare

I would agree with the others of leaving the girls be, they'll be fine, sure they're enjoying being horses for a few months

 

[TarrSteps]

Ugh, how incredibly frustrating and awful. What a pain - literally and figuratively.

I wouldn't worry about the horses. If they hadn't been started at all it might be slightly more of an issue but they've both had good starts so it won't hurt them to just chill and grow up a bit. Much better than doing something rash you'll regret or getting into a mess you're in no position to worry about right now.

Best of luck with the op! Do what the surgeon says and do your exercises.

Soon this will all be an annoying but distant memory.

 

[meardsall_millie]

Oh how frustrating. Still, at least once you've had the op it will be more stable and you know you'll be able to crack on with the girls.

I can only echo what everyone else has said. Leave them chilling in the field, they'll be none the wiser! Also bear in mind it's only February and even if it takes you 3 months to get back in the saddle it will only be May - that will still give you plenty of time to get them going and still get out to shows through the summer.

 

[Stinkywellies]

Sorry to hear about your knee.

I agree with everyone else i would just let them be a for a while longer.

I asked similar advise at the end of last year due to impending spinal surgery... I turned my mare away and she is better for it.

I rode for the first time last weekend since October last year! It was lush!

You will get there, try not to stress they will not care two hoots about stuffing thier faces with grass for a while longer. Dont give yourself a hard time!!

xx

 

[kit279]

K, very sorry to hear that but to be a bit Pollyanna here, at least it's crummy muddy February and not half way through the event season etc etc. I doubt your girls will mind at all and they may even be the better for it

The other thought I had was if you had a local pro (not sure of any round your neck of the woods), would they maybe be happy to come and keep the horses ticking over for you instead of you having to pay full livery somewhere else?

 

[TheMule]

Oh rubbish- poor you

If you know someone you trust who'd enjoy playing with one or both of them for a few months on a loan basis then that might be an option?
Otherwise I'd leave both doing nothing, an extra few months will do no harm

 

[nijinsky]

K - they're babies, they have plenty of time and for you, it's only February, you'll be back on track soon enough. Don't torture yourself about working them, they really don't care what they're doing, I know you've had a wasted couple of months but you'll be fixed soon enough, stay positive.

 

[MegaBeast]

oh hon, so sorry to hear that. Like everyone else has said your girls will have no objection to a few months of idleness before starting grown up life, a few months is nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Thank goodness you've finally got a consultant who cares and is prepared to get you sorted. You'll be fighting fit n no time at all.

Must admit I don't blame you for thinking about compensation, I don't what your arrangements are for looking after your horses but it could potentially be costing you a small fortune all thanks to the shoddy care you appear to have received

 

[Chloe_GHE]

Argh that is NOT what I wanted to read!

I'm so sorry you have been messed about so much. Good luck for the op and well done for being pushy and getting a 2nd opinion just imagine how bad you would have felt had you believed the first guy and the real extent of the injury had not been realised! Totally shoddy treatment I feel for you but deffo don't sell the girlies, they won't even notice the extra holiday and on the bright side it should be warmer and lighter when you get back in the saddle

Chin up chick x

 

[FrecklesMum]

For various personal and financial reasons, I left my 5 yr old in the paddock all of the summer - He was very happy and to be honest, I was astounded at how much he has grown!

It will do them no harm at all and being left alone totally is probably better for noth you and them. They are babies and they are at the stage where they will test boundaries. Better to wait untill you are fully ready to cope ather than putting them on the walker, etc.

Have sent my boy off to boot camp now for 6 weeks and will get back a big grown up lump! Dont sell and dont panic - it will be June asap!

Re sueing - Talk to a NHS specialist lawyer - sounds like they should bloody pay for messing you about. Make sure you go to a NHS specialist though and not just some random. No win and no fee is not worth it either!