Last weekend, my roommate, who is originally from Detroit, asked if I'd like to go see the Yankees/ Tigers game at Yankee stadium. One of the things I'm having trouble with is sitting in small spaces, such as theater or stadium seats for long amounts of time.
I can bend my knee past 90°, but not simply, so sitting with my knee down for a long period of time, with people pushing past in crowded rows, is just very difficult for me.
I told her that I would have some trouble with the seats, but that if she wanted to check into handicapped seats, I would definitely be interested.
So here is Yankee Stadium's policy on handicapped seats. Wheelchair only, $90 a seat. So, if you are on crutches, no dice. If you wear leg braces and can't do stairs, or fit into a seat, no go. And heaven forbid you have a tight budget, or are not rich, because $90 is the ONLY price range available.
Isn't it interesting that the Yankees built a $1.3 billion dollar stadium, that seats 51,800 people, as long as you're either able bodied, or very specifically in a wheelchair, with $90 a seat to blow. Their handicap policy, which should be a vehicle to make the stadium more inclusive, is actually quite the opposite.
I realize that I have a very short term issue, in the grand scale of my life time. I'll be able to get back into a stadium seat before the end of the season. But for people who don't have short term disabilities, people who deal with physical handicap for their entire lifetimes, they have no option. I find it atrocious that Yankee Stadium, the shining accomplishment of one of the most popular and well known teams in America, has such a limiting policy.
It proves without a doubt, in my mind now and forevermore, that the Yankees Suck.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Gym
I'm back at the gym. Back to my old friend/nemesis, the exercise bike. Back to 10:00 to 3:00, 10:00, 3:00.
I'm working on my range of motion, and I cant get all the way around the pedal circumfrence, so I have to go back and forth, back and forth to expand the range my knee will allow. It's really an exciting, stimulating exercise. Right up there with cheese grating for caloric burn.
It's good to be back in the gym, though. This weekend I did a little upper body work for the first time in a month. I've lost a lot of the strength I had, which is frustrating. I was able to do some incline presses, fly press, and bicep curls. My arms feel like lead weights, but I kind of like that feeling again, it's been a while since I've felt it. For some reason, the sore muscle feeling in my left leg is very different, so I've missed this feeling.
My scar is coming along very nicely. For not quite a month after surgery (tomorrow is 4 weeks) it's actually quite flat and smooth. Not too purple or twisted. A friend sent me a really good article on scars.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/health/21case.html?_r=1&ref=health
I'm working on my range of motion, and I cant get all the way around the pedal circumfrence, so I have to go back and forth, back and forth to expand the range my knee will allow. It's really an exciting, stimulating exercise. Right up there with cheese grating for caloric burn.
It's good to be back in the gym, though. This weekend I did a little upper body work for the first time in a month. I've lost a lot of the strength I had, which is frustrating. I was able to do some incline presses, fly press, and bicep curls. My arms feel like lead weights, but I kind of like that feeling again, it's been a while since I've felt it. For some reason, the sore muscle feeling in my left leg is very different, so I've missed this feeling.
My scar is coming along very nicely. For not quite a month after surgery (tomorrow is 4 weeks) it's actually quite flat and smooth. Not too purple or twisted. A friend sent me a really good article on scars.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/health/21case.html?_r=1&ref=health
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Here's the Poop
Ok, this is your warning. This next entry is about my gastrointestinal trials. If you don't want to read about poop, stop reading now.
Right after surgery, i had been warned about Vicodin and the effects it has on one's digestive tract. I'd been told to eat lots of fiber, as it constipates you horribly. I thought I got off lucky, because while it did take me 4 days after surgery to poop at all, generally, it was just a little firmer, and a little less regular than normal. The problem was that the longer I was on the vicodin, it continued with these two trends.
I was so relieved this week to get off the vicodin, (or at least cut way back, i'm still taking it in the evenings) and moving on to ibuprofen. Here's the problem. I seem to have gone completely the opposite way now. I'm still eating lots of fiber, but things have, to put it kindly, gotten soft. Really soft.
I have a list of goals that I keep in my head, through this surgery. some of them are small, (sleep through the night) some are larger (able to dance and my cousin's wedding in Sept). I never thought that one of them would be to have a comfortable, normal poop.
Right after surgery, i had been warned about Vicodin and the effects it has on one's digestive tract. I'd been told to eat lots of fiber, as it constipates you horribly. I thought I got off lucky, because while it did take me 4 days after surgery to poop at all, generally, it was just a little firmer, and a little less regular than normal. The problem was that the longer I was on the vicodin, it continued with these two trends.
I was so relieved this week to get off the vicodin, (or at least cut way back, i'm still taking it in the evenings) and moving on to ibuprofen. Here's the problem. I seem to have gone completely the opposite way now. I'm still eating lots of fiber, but things have, to put it kindly, gotten soft. Really soft.
I have a list of goals that I keep in my head, through this surgery. some of them are small, (sleep through the night) some are larger (able to dance and my cousin's wedding in Sept). I never thought that one of them would be to have a comfortable, normal poop.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Tough Week
This week has been particularly difficult.
On Monday, I went back to my first full day of work. Ugh, what a long day. I did ok until about 3:00. At that point, be it from exhaustion or vicodin, I was literally falling asleep at my desk. Like Narcolepsy style, unable to do anything to keep my eyes open.
The week progressed, and Wed, I started my process of weaning off both Vicodin and my crutch. I only take Vicodin in the evenings now, to settle the discomfort down and then put me to sleep. Wed was particularly tough, I'm using ibuprofen during the day to keep the pain manageable, but it really isn't the same as my pal Vicodin. I came home exhausted, basically passed out on the couch. I did some checking online, and found that there are no serious risks to combining Ambien and Vicodin, so I took an Ambien before bed.
Yeah, Ambien and me don't mix. First of all, I moved around in bed way more than normal. I also managed to sit up quickly and smack my face into the shelf next to my bed, and bruise the bridge of my nose. Secondly, while I did sleep for 8 hours, I woke up ridiculously groggy, and that grogginess didn't subside the whole day. I felt like I hadn't slept at all. Additionally, my knee ached and I couldn't get comfortable at all. I went ahead and went to work, however, and tried to make it through the day.
I only made it until 11:00. My knee ached, I was uncomfortable, and I couldn't focus. I went home, realized I was out of vicodin, and had to go to the pharmacy to get more. By the time I got home from that trip, I was truly miserable, and ready to lay on my couch and moan.
Friday was a little better, but still exhausting. Ambien is definitely not for me. Walking unassisted is totally and completely exhausting, not to mention I look like Quasimodo loping along. I slept for 10 hours last night, and finally, I feel somewhat rested.
On Monday, I went back to my first full day of work. Ugh, what a long day. I did ok until about 3:00. At that point, be it from exhaustion or vicodin, I was literally falling asleep at my desk. Like Narcolepsy style, unable to do anything to keep my eyes open.
The week progressed, and Wed, I started my process of weaning off both Vicodin and my crutch. I only take Vicodin in the evenings now, to settle the discomfort down and then put me to sleep. Wed was particularly tough, I'm using ibuprofen during the day to keep the pain manageable, but it really isn't the same as my pal Vicodin. I came home exhausted, basically passed out on the couch. I did some checking online, and found that there are no serious risks to combining Ambien and Vicodin, so I took an Ambien before bed.
Yeah, Ambien and me don't mix. First of all, I moved around in bed way more than normal. I also managed to sit up quickly and smack my face into the shelf next to my bed, and bruise the bridge of my nose. Secondly, while I did sleep for 8 hours, I woke up ridiculously groggy, and that grogginess didn't subside the whole day. I felt like I hadn't slept at all. Additionally, my knee ached and I couldn't get comfortable at all. I went ahead and went to work, however, and tried to make it through the day.
I only made it until 11:00. My knee ached, I was uncomfortable, and I couldn't focus. I went home, realized I was out of vicodin, and had to go to the pharmacy to get more. By the time I got home from that trip, I was truly miserable, and ready to lay on my couch and moan.
Friday was a little better, but still exhausting. Ambien is definitely not for me. Walking unassisted is totally and completely exhausting, not to mention I look like Quasimodo loping along. I slept for 10 hours last night, and finally, I feel somewhat rested.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bastards!
Tonight I went with a friend to see the show Tin Pan Alley Rag. It was extremely good, however sitting in a small theater seat for 2+ hours was NOT a good idea for my knee.
At intermission, I went to get in line for the ladies restroom. If you are female, and have ever used a restroom at the intermission of a show, you know that EVERY woman in the entire theater gets in line. As I move a little slow, I was toward the back of the line. I'm still using one crutch, and had a dress on, so my brace was very visible. I don't expect special treatment because of this, I'm certainly willing to stand in line. However, I do expect that people give me a touch more room in the line than normal. In my experience, when I see someone on crutch(es) I generally take a step aside, so that I'm sure not to bump him or her.
Apparently the lady in the white sweater doesn't subscribe to the same school of courtesy that I do, because she pushed right on by me, while I was at the top of the stairs, and thought nothing of it.
After the show, my friend walked me to the corner to get a taxi. We hailed one that was stopped at the light. The driver nodded to us, and we waited for the light to change, so he could pull up. Another couple crossed the street, the husband looked at me, then walked right past and peeked over his shoulder at me again as they walked up to my cab. Gold star to the taxi driver, he pointed at me, and told the guy to keep on moving, he already had a fare. The guy turned a third time and glared at me before walking on to the next cab.
Note that last sentence. There were two other cabs right behind mine. He either had to wait 20 seconds for the next cab to pull up a car length, or he had to walk a total of about 10 feet to that cab. What kind of person steals a cab from someone on crutches, when there are other cabs readily avaliable?
I'm not a very violent person, but things like this make me want to pick up that crutch and beat those people about the head with it.
At intermission, I went to get in line for the ladies restroom. If you are female, and have ever used a restroom at the intermission of a show, you know that EVERY woman in the entire theater gets in line. As I move a little slow, I was toward the back of the line. I'm still using one crutch, and had a dress on, so my brace was very visible. I don't expect special treatment because of this, I'm certainly willing to stand in line. However, I do expect that people give me a touch more room in the line than normal. In my experience, when I see someone on crutch(es) I generally take a step aside, so that I'm sure not to bump him or her.
Apparently the lady in the white sweater doesn't subscribe to the same school of courtesy that I do, because she pushed right on by me, while I was at the top of the stairs, and thought nothing of it.
After the show, my friend walked me to the corner to get a taxi. We hailed one that was stopped at the light. The driver nodded to us, and we waited for the light to change, so he could pull up. Another couple crossed the street, the husband looked at me, then walked right past and peeked over his shoulder at me again as they walked up to my cab. Gold star to the taxi driver, he pointed at me, and told the guy to keep on moving, he already had a fare. The guy turned a third time and glared at me before walking on to the next cab.
Note that last sentence. There were two other cabs right behind mine. He either had to wait 20 seconds for the next cab to pull up a car length, or he had to walk a total of about 10 feet to that cab. What kind of person steals a cab from someone on crutches, when there are other cabs readily avaliable?
I'm not a very violent person, but things like this make me want to pick up that crutch and beat those people about the head with it.
Silver linings
I try very hard to be a positive person. I look to find the silver lining in most things. As this knee surgery is generally a whole lotta crap, with not a whole lot of positive to it, I'm collecting a list of silver linings throughout the process. Here's what I have so far.
1. My tax return next year should be GREAT with all of the medical costs I can deduct.
2. Once I actually start drinking again, I'll be a cheap date, as I haven't had more than about 5 beers since May 16th, and none since my surgery.
3. Vicodin takes away my appetite. If I'm not losing weight, at least I'm not gaining.
4. Vicodin also makes cramps completely undetectable.
5. My cats are super happy, because I'm home so much.
6. My credit card company gave me a break because of my medical hardship. They're actually matching my next payment.
7. I've never been good at thank you notes, but had time to write 2 dozen to people that helped me out during my surgery and right after.
8. My mom made me frozen meals before she left, so I get to eat Mom's cooking whenever I want!
That's all I got for now, but I do have two small milestones to share. I am going to the gym today, for the first time since surgery! Not going to do much, but I"m really excited! Secondly, the CPM was picked up today! No more auto bending! Yay!
1. My tax return next year should be GREAT with all of the medical costs I can deduct.
2. Once I actually start drinking again, I'll be a cheap date, as I haven't had more than about 5 beers since May 16th, and none since my surgery.
3. Vicodin takes away my appetite. If I'm not losing weight, at least I'm not gaining.
4. Vicodin also makes cramps completely undetectable.
5. My cats are super happy, because I'm home so much.
6. My credit card company gave me a break because of my medical hardship. They're actually matching my next payment.
7. I've never been good at thank you notes, but had time to write 2 dozen to people that helped me out during my surgery and right after.
8. My mom made me frozen meals before she left, so I get to eat Mom's cooking whenever I want!
That's all I got for now, but I do have two small milestones to share. I am going to the gym today, for the first time since surgery! Not going to do much, but I"m really excited! Secondly, the CPM was picked up today! No more auto bending! Yay!
Friday, July 10, 2009
2 Week Checkup
I had my 2 week checkup yesterday.
I went into the doctor's office. I unfortunately had to wait 45 minutes to get into a room, but once in there, things went pretty quickly.
The nurse came in and removed my stitches, which is a really odd sensation. It doesn't really hurt, but it just feels creepy. Then the doc came in. He checked out a couple of range of motion things, an
d answered a few questions of mine. He gave me a couple of goals for my next visit, and easy peasy, I was done. My recovery is coming along well, I'm at a good place so far, and I need to keep up the good work.
The most exciting thing to me is that I no longer have to use my CPM machine. This is a huge relief to me, as I was struggling to find time as I got back into my regular daily routine. Plus, that thing is boring and uncomfortable. It's sitting in the corner of my living room, waiting for pickup tomorrow. I did find another use for it. Ok, I didn't find another use, my cat did. It sort of amuses me!
I went into the doctor's office. I unfortunately had to wait 45 minutes to get into a room, but once in there, things went pretty quickly.
The nurse came in and removed my stitches, which is a really odd sensation. It doesn't really hurt, but it just feels creepy. Then the doc came in. He checked out a couple of range of motion things, an
d answered a few questions of mine. He gave me a couple of goals for my next visit, and easy peasy, I was done. My recovery is coming along well, I'm at a good place so far, and I need to keep up the good work.The most exciting thing to me is that I no longer have to use my CPM machine. This is a huge relief to me, as I was struggling to find time as I got back into my regular daily routine. Plus, that thing is boring and uncomfortable. It's sitting in the corner of my living room, waiting for pickup tomorrow. I did find another use for it. Ok, I didn't find another use, my cat did. It sort of amuses me!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Back to Work
I went back to work yesterday, but I am only working half days this week. Considering I’m only there about 4- 4 1/2 hours, it’s absolutely exhausting. I come home, and usually take a 2 hour nap. I thought yesterday would be the worst day, but I was wrong, it’s actually today, because I’m so worn out from yesterday. I hope the week doesn’t continue on this trend.
To make things even more fun, I have PMS, which isn’t helping matters at all. The only silver lining I can pull is that I’m hoping that because I'm on vicodin, my usual cramps will be nothing.
I'm struggling with the commute issue. I really hate taking cabs to and from work. It's expensive. If I hit traffic well, and go straight to and from work (no PT, no other errands, appts) it costs me about $12.00 each way. I tried a public transportation route this morning, but it took me an hour and 40 minutes to get to work. Even with a 4 hour work day, that is a LONG day. I am thinking maybe a taxi/subway combo is the solution. Take a simple subway line up closer to my neighborhood, and then take a much shorter, cheaper cab ride. Not quite sure what else to do at this point.
All I know is that I need my vicodin to kick in, right now.
To make things even more fun, I have PMS, which isn’t helping matters at all. The only silver lining I can pull is that I’m hoping that because I'm on vicodin, my usual cramps will be nothing.
I'm struggling with the commute issue. I really hate taking cabs to and from work. It's expensive. If I hit traffic well, and go straight to and from work (no PT, no other errands, appts) it costs me about $12.00 each way. I tried a public transportation route this morning, but it took me an hour and 40 minutes to get to work. Even with a 4 hour work day, that is a LONG day. I am thinking maybe a taxi/subway combo is the solution. Take a simple subway line up closer to my neighborhood, and then take a much shorter, cheaper cab ride. Not quite sure what else to do at this point.
All I know is that I need my vicodin to kick in, right now.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Out and About
Last week, my physical therapist told me that I need to start getting out and about in my daily routine. I need to be sitting upright more, with my feet on the floor, walking around and moving.
Friday, my friend Cristina came over for a visit. She and I took a little excursion, and tested my bus/subway route to work. It took about an hour, which is kind of long. Before the accident, my commute was about 35 minutes. After the accident, it took 45-50 minutes, but was still a good amount of walking. This is 10 or so minutes more, but cuts out a lot of the walking on the route. Definitely worth it for me.
After we mapped the route, we went to the quilt store, and Cristina helped me pick out fabrics for a new bed quilt. We spent half an hour or so sorting thru bolts of fabric, and then went for a snack at Starbucks. By the time we got home, I was ready to pass out. A completely exhausting day.
Saturday, I had allergy issues, and was still wiped out from Friday. I ended up staying home for the day, napping and cutting out my new quilt. I did go out to a friend's low key rooftop party in the neigborhood, but again, that totally wiped me out for the day.
Tomorrow I am starting back to work. I'm starting out with half days for a week, which hopefully will make it more manageable. I'm still a little nervous about it. If the above excursions were so exhausting, what is a day of commuting, moving around the office, and actually mentally engaging going to do to me? Hopefully I'll cope well, but it's definitely giving me a bit of anxiety.
I'll report tomorrow on how I do.
Friday, my friend Cristina came over for a visit. She and I took a little excursion, and tested my bus/subway route to work. It took about an hour, which is kind of long. Before the accident, my commute was about 35 minutes. After the accident, it took 45-50 minutes, but was still a good amount of walking. This is 10 or so minutes more, but cuts out a lot of the walking on the route. Definitely worth it for me.
After we mapped the route, we went to the quilt store, and Cristina helped me pick out fabrics for a new bed quilt. We spent half an hour or so sorting thru bolts of fabric, and then went for a snack at Starbucks. By the time we got home, I was ready to pass out. A completely exhausting day.
Saturday, I had allergy issues, and was still wiped out from Friday. I ended up staying home for the day, napping and cutting out my new quilt. I did go out to a friend's low key rooftop party in the neigborhood, but again, that totally wiped me out for the day.
Tomorrow I am starting back to work. I'm starting out with half days for a week, which hopefully will make it more manageable. I'm still a little nervous about it. If the above excursions were so exhausting, what is a day of commuting, moving around the office, and actually mentally engaging going to do to me? Hopefully I'll cope well, but it's definitely giving me a bit of anxiety.
I'll report tomorrow on how I do.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Discoloration
My bruises are coloring up more each day. My leg is positively yellow today. Friends keep telling me that it's leftover betadine, except it spreads, and changes color each day, and it won't come off with rubbing alcohol. I think not.
The first of my steri strips came off yesterday. The skin around my incisions is really itchy, but I don't want to get any lotion or anything too close.
I broke down at PT for the first time today. Not the first time I broke down, but the first time I broke down at a doctor's office. My PT was really nice about it, and totally validated my feelings, but I hate to cry in public. I always think I'm so much tougher than I really am. I'm kind of a mush when it really comes down to it. But, I pulled myself together, and finished my session. I'm exhausted now, it was a tough session.
Several people have told me that the way to get through this is to set small goals. I'm already worried that my first goal is not achievable. I was hoping to be off my crutches by the time I go back to work, and I'm not sure that's going to happen. I'm really working hard, but the knee still is really not weight bearing, and I am just not sure how much further it will progress in 6 days. I'm not ready to abandon it yet, but I am prepared for the concept that I might fail at that particular goal. Oh well, more reason to set another one.
The first of my steri strips came off yesterday. The skin around my incisions is really itchy, but I don't want to get any lotion or anything too close.
I broke down at PT for the first time today. Not the first time I broke down, but the first time I broke down at a doctor's office. My PT was really nice about it, and totally validated my feelings, but I hate to cry in public. I always think I'm so much tougher than I really am. I'm kind of a mush when it really comes down to it. But, I pulled myself together, and finished my session. I'm exhausted now, it was a tough session.
Several people have told me that the way to get through this is to set small goals. I'm already worried that my first goal is not achievable. I was hoping to be off my crutches by the time I go back to work, and I'm not sure that's going to happen. I'm really working hard, but the knee still is really not weight bearing, and I am just not sure how much further it will progress in 6 days. I'm not ready to abandon it yet, but I am prepared for the concept that I might fail at that particular goal. Oh well, more reason to set another one.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Emotional drain
i think I was somewhat prepared for the physical toll this surgery would take. I can guarantee I was not ready for the emotional difficulty that would come along with it.
It's hard work to be broken. Every move takes effort. My back hurts from laying down all day, but i can't find another position to lay in that is any better. It takes work to get to the bathroom. It takes work to sit up and eat. Even sitting in the CPM machine is a struggle.
I"m having trouble wrapping my brain around all of this effort. I'm trying to be positive, to set goals, and to find the bright side of each thing. An example, the CPM machine is a trial for me, but it will shorten the total recovery, by strengthening me more now.Most of the time I'm able to keep a bright outlook, but it catches up to me here and there.
Usually, with absolutely no notice, on the turn of a pin. Yesterday, my aunt called to check in on me. She asked me how I was doing, and I broke into tears. Poor Auntie, she just wanted to wish me well, and I completely lost it.I wish I had more control over my emotional state. I don't know if it's the vicodin, or just the sheer size of the recovery I'm dealing with, but I seem to have very little control over when and how things hit me. Hopefully, as my knee improves, as I gain more flexibility and strength in my leg, this will improve as well.
Speaking of healing, I'm adding a couple of photos of my gorgeous bruise patterns. They're just swell looking, and getting better by the day.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Difficult days
The past two days have been pretty tough. The block has completely worn off. I'm now working completley on vicodin, and struggling.
Yesterday, I woke up with no block left at all. I had a full day in store. First, I took a shower. Being that I can't balance very well to stand up, and that I can't really lift my foot up and over the edge of the bathtub, I had to have my mom help me shower. I don't think my mom has had to bathe me since I was six or so. She also had to help me dress, as I still cannot get my underwear up to my knees.
Once dressed, I piled into a taxi cab and went to the chiropractor. Even in the big minivan style cabs, there really isn't enough room to make me truly comfortable on the trip, and every little jiggle and bump of the cab is painful.
I got home from the chiropractor, and had all of about 1/2 an hour before I had to get back into another cab and go to physical therapy.
While we didn't do anything very taxing at PT, it was exhausting. I was hooked up to something called Russian Stimulation, which is electrical stimulation which is intense enough to actually activate the muscles of my left thigh. It's pretty creepy.
Today was a little more laid back, I had nowhere to be, and had a visitor today. My biggest roadblock today is cabin fever. I didn't realize how emotionally difficult it would be to deal with the boredom, the pain, and the total incapactiation that comes with this recovery. I am unable to do anything on my own. I can't dress, I can't get my own food, I can hardly get into bed. I can't get into my CPM machine on my own. If my folks weren't here, I honestly don't know what I'd do. I suppose I could have food delivered, except that I can hardly get to the door in order to accept a delivery. it's exceptionally difficult, and doesn't seem to get much easier as time passes.
Finally, at risk of crossing the line of TMI, I also haven't gone to the bathroom since my surgery. I'm a little worried the vicodin may be backing me up. I'm trying to stay up with high fiber, and I'm not feeling particularly backed up, but being that it's been 4 days, I'm a little concerned.
Tomorrow is Sunday. I'd love to go to church with my parents. I'm not sure how I'm going to fit in a pew, even if we can manage to get there. I guess I'm going to try and get a good night's sleep, and then, depending on how I feel, I can gauge the feasibility of church from there.
Yesterday, I woke up with no block left at all. I had a full day in store. First, I took a shower. Being that I can't balance very well to stand up, and that I can't really lift my foot up and over the edge of the bathtub, I had to have my mom help me shower. I don't think my mom has had to bathe me since I was six or so. She also had to help me dress, as I still cannot get my underwear up to my knees.
Once dressed, I piled into a taxi cab and went to the chiropractor. Even in the big minivan style cabs, there really isn't enough room to make me truly comfortable on the trip, and every little jiggle and bump of the cab is painful.
I got home from the chiropractor, and had all of about 1/2 an hour before I had to get back into another cab and go to physical therapy.
While we didn't do anything very taxing at PT, it was exhausting. I was hooked up to something called Russian Stimulation, which is electrical stimulation which is intense enough to actually activate the muscles of my left thigh. It's pretty creepy.
Today was a little more laid back, I had nowhere to be, and had a visitor today. My biggest roadblock today is cabin fever. I didn't realize how emotionally difficult it would be to deal with the boredom, the pain, and the total incapactiation that comes with this recovery. I am unable to do anything on my own. I can't dress, I can't get my own food, I can hardly get into bed. I can't get into my CPM machine on my own. If my folks weren't here, I honestly don't know what I'd do. I suppose I could have food delivered, except that I can hardly get to the door in order to accept a delivery. it's exceptionally difficult, and doesn't seem to get much easier as time passes.
Finally, at risk of crossing the line of TMI, I also haven't gone to the bathroom since my surgery. I'm a little worried the vicodin may be backing me up. I'm trying to stay up with high fiber, and I'm not feeling particularly backed up, but being that it's been 4 days, I'm a little concerned.
Tomorrow is Sunday. I'd love to go to church with my parents. I'm not sure how I'm going to fit in a pew, even if we can manage to get there. I guess I'm going to try and get a good night's sleep, and then, depending on how I feel, I can gauge the feasibility of church from there.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Day 2- Torture
This morning was not great. While my block hadn't completely worn off, I definitely could feel more sensation in my knee than yesterday. The sensation was not good.
My first task of the day was to remove my surgical dressings. I got my first look at my knee, post op. It's kind of gruesome. there are a couple of small arthroscopic holes, with a single stitch in each. The incision where they removed the donor tendon is just over 2 inches long, and has a bunch of stitches and steri-strips across it. I'll post a picture later.
As I didn't sleep well last night, I spent this morning napping and playing online intermittently. My friend Meghan stopped by, which was a high spot. She brought me sunflowers, which are such happy, optimistic flowers. They give me a little lift to look at.
Then, the day took a serious turn. At 4:00, a man from Lenox Hill brought over my new toy, a CPM machine. CPM stands for continuous passive motion. My leg gets strapped into this machine, and then it slowly bends and straightens my leg. I am supposed to sit in this machine for 4-6 hours.
When he set up the machine initially, my doctor's instructions were to set the machine at 60°. That means that my leg goes from straight to a 60° bend. I strapped in, and started up the machine. Somewhere around 35°, it began to feel tight. 40° was uncomfortable. 60° brought tears to my eyes. I stuck in at 60° for a couple of minutes, and had to set the machine back down to 40°, because I simply could not bear the higher setting.
Make no mistake, the 40° bend is terribly uncomfortable. I'm now about halfway thru my 5th hour, and it's not getting any easier. It's painful. Really painful. I'm struggling with it.
The thing that is most difficult about the machine is that is seems like a marker of the difficulties I have ahead. I never thought it would be easy to get through this rehab, but I don't think I was really aware of how painful it would really be. I have a LOT of work ahead of me, and I am not going to enjoy much of it.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Surgery a Success
I made it, I'm through the first step!
We got to the hospital at 6:45 this AM. Being that I slept so poorly, that was a pretty darn early morning. Once we got there, we waited almost 1/2 an hour in a small waiting room. Seriously, that was the extent of waiting. At 7:15, I was taken into the changing room to put my hospital gown on. From then on, I went straight into talk to the nurse, then into do blood pressure, etc, then to talk to the anesthesiologist, then to the OR nurse, then the doc, and then they took me straight into the operating room. Literally I was probably completely under by 8 AM.
The surgery was successful, I did well, and everything looks good. The anesthesiologist put me under general, plus I was given a nerve block for my left leg. I'm still a little bit under the block, so the full extent of pain hasn't quite kicked in. I'm starting my vicodin, and hopefully will be able to sleep tonight.
Because of the block, my leg is literally a wet noodle today. It will be a bit more sturdy tomorrow, which is good, because I'm clumsy as anything right now. I almost fell over when I was getting out of the cab on the way home. Like a tree in the forest, straight over! Fortunately, Dad was there to grab me, and help me out, cause I had no help for myself.
I feel like I'm doing pretty well, but again, tomorrow will be a little more of a true test. I also haven't had my brace off yet, that's tonight when I go bed. Tomorrow, we can unwrap my bandages, and see how totally disgusting my knee looks. I also am getting a humdinger of a bruise on my hand, from the IV. Fun times! Whatever, that will all heal.
Anyway, I'm soon off to bed, I'm worn out. It's hard work, laying around all the time!
We got to the hospital at 6:45 this AM. Being that I slept so poorly, that was a pretty darn early morning. Once we got there, we waited almost 1/2 an hour in a small waiting room. Seriously, that was the extent of waiting. At 7:15, I was taken into the changing room to put my hospital gown on. From then on, I went straight into talk to the nurse, then into do blood pressure, etc, then to talk to the anesthesiologist, then to the OR nurse, then the doc, and then they took me straight into the operating room. Literally I was probably completely under by 8 AM.
The surgery was successful, I did well, and everything looks good. The anesthesiologist put me under general, plus I was given a nerve block for my left leg. I'm still a little bit under the block, so the full extent of pain hasn't quite kicked in. I'm starting my vicodin, and hopefully will be able to sleep tonight.
Because of the block, my leg is literally a wet noodle today. It will be a bit more sturdy tomorrow, which is good, because I'm clumsy as anything right now. I almost fell over when I was getting out of the cab on the way home. Like a tree in the forest, straight over! Fortunately, Dad was there to grab me, and help me out, cause I had no help for myself.
I feel like I'm doing pretty well, but again, tomorrow will be a little more of a true test. I also haven't had my brace off yet, that's tonight when I go bed. Tomorrow, we can unwrap my bandages, and see how totally disgusting my knee looks. I also am getting a humdinger of a bruise on my hand, from the IV. Fun times! Whatever, that will all heal.
Anyway, I'm soon off to bed, I'm worn out. It's hard work, laying around all the time!
Off we go
Today's the day. I slept horribly, and am wiped out this am. Oh well, at least I'm on my way.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Can't sleep
I don't understand how it is that I can be totally wiped out, and yet I can't seem to turn off my brain enough to actually go to sleep. I have to be up in about 6 hrs, but I'm just staring at my ceiling.
I'm a bit nervous about tomorrow. I know it'll all be fine, the surgeon is really talented and all taht, but I'm definitely getting just a touch freaked out.
I took a picture of my legs today, i'll post it to this entry. Even though they aren't currently matched, I fear that's the closest they'll be for quite a while. it sucks, cause I think I have shapely legs, and actually rather attractive knees, as knees go. Actually, I don't think anyone truly has beautiful knees, but mine are on the upper end of the spectrum of knee beauty.
I thought I'd have more of a chance to blog at work today about how I was feeling. Turns out i was so busy trying to wrap everything up that I didn't have a single chance. I hardly had time to think about what was going on at all, much less actually type it.
All right, I think I'm going to try to read a little, which usually makes me sleepy. Hopefullly no more until after the surgery...
One day to go
Tomorrow is the big day. I'm a little nervous. I think I'm more nervous about the recovery process than the actual procedure. I've decided to wear a short skirt today, because I think it'll probably be a while before I can show off my legs again.
Mom and Dad are coming tonight, and will be with me during the surgery. I am off to work today. I have to wrap up a bunch of little details for my time away. I was at work until 10 last night doing that very thing. Hopefully tonight will not be as late.
More later.
Mom and Dad are coming tonight, and will be with me during the surgery. I am off to work today. I have to wrap up a bunch of little details for my time away. I was at work until 10 last night doing that very thing. Hopefully tonight will not be as late.
More later.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
4 days and counting
I'm getting antsy. I have a bunch of stuff left to do before surgery, but I'm ready to get thwat whole process underway.
I still really feel like this is all I talk about. Obviously it's all I talk about on here, that's the point, but it seems that's about all I have to discuss when out with friends. I ask them about what's going on in their lives, and enjoy hearing what they have to say. But on my end, this is really all I have.
At work, I've been frantically trying to wrap up all my last minute changes. Unfortunately, there are a lot of them, and being that they are by nature, last minute, I'm worried I'll get more on Monday. I'm already assuming I'll be at work late on Monday. Tuesday is my last day, and I don't want to have to stay late, because my parents are coming for the surgery and are arriving around 5 ish that day. As Tuesday may be our only night to easily go out and have dinner in a restaurant, I don't want to be at work until all hours of the night, while they watch TV in my apt.
Today is my troupe's annual picnic. I'm hoping it will be fun, but am worried that yet again, my knee will be the ONLY topic of conversation. I'm hoping I can talk about other stuff, and people will understand, but don't really think that's going to happen. There will be a lot of new faces there, who I haven't seen since this happened. If only I was friends with uncaring people, they wouldn't give a crap about my knee, and I could stop talking about it!
I still really feel like this is all I talk about. Obviously it's all I talk about on here, that's the point, but it seems that's about all I have to discuss when out with friends. I ask them about what's going on in their lives, and enjoy hearing what they have to say. But on my end, this is really all I have.
At work, I've been frantically trying to wrap up all my last minute changes. Unfortunately, there are a lot of them, and being that they are by nature, last minute, I'm worried I'll get more on Monday. I'm already assuming I'll be at work late on Monday. Tuesday is my last day, and I don't want to have to stay late, because my parents are coming for the surgery and are arriving around 5 ish that day. As Tuesday may be our only night to easily go out and have dinner in a restaurant, I don't want to be at work until all hours of the night, while they watch TV in my apt.
Today is my troupe's annual picnic. I'm hoping it will be fun, but am worried that yet again, my knee will be the ONLY topic of conversation. I'm hoping I can talk about other stuff, and people will understand, but don't really think that's going to happen. There will be a lot of new faces there, who I haven't seen since this happened. If only I was friends with uncaring people, they wouldn't give a crap about my knee, and I could stop talking about it!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Sleep-less night
Sleep-less, meaning less sleep than desired, or less sleep than originally planned. I went to bed at 11, set the alarm for 6:00 (so I could do my PT at the gym this am) and tucked in. I fell asleep, but woke at 2:30 with problems getting comfortable, as the knee was weirdly sore. I was up for 2 full hours, until 4:30 or later. When the alarm went off at 6:00, I couldn't get out of bed, but also couldn't get back to sleep. I'm way too beat to get to the gym now, and am dreading a full day, plus happy hour, plus birthday party tonight.
Ugh. I hope I don't have too many of these nights. I don't need a LOT of sleep, but I don't do well if it's not all in a row.
Ugh. I hope I don't have too many of these nights. I don't need a LOT of sleep, but I don't do well if it's not all in a row.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Humbling Therapy Experience
I had some trouble this week scheduling physical therapy sessions. I was able to get a morning Tuesday session, but today I had to settle for a 6:00 spot, with a different therapist.
This shouldn't be a big deal. He has my chart from my regular therapist. He can follow my therapist's plan of action as to what exercises I'm working on. I didn't, however, take into account that I would be much more tired at the end of the day, as compared to the morning. Additionally, new therapist means slightly different exercises. I've been doing leg lifts with my therapist for a bit now. Very basic leg lifts, lying on my back and raising my leg about 2" off the ground. This guy had me lifting my leg up close to 45°. Um...yeah. I can't do that. What? I can't lift my leg without assistance to forty five flipping degrees? Nope, that would be negatory.
It really sucks, it's kind of humbling to see how quickly you can lose control of your facilities. My accident was only a month ago, and already I'm really changed. I don't like it.
In other news, I had my pre-op testing this week. No phone calls, so I'm good to go, green lights ahead. GULP!
This shouldn't be a big deal. He has my chart from my regular therapist. He can follow my therapist's plan of action as to what exercises I'm working on. I didn't, however, take into account that I would be much more tired at the end of the day, as compared to the morning. Additionally, new therapist means slightly different exercises. I've been doing leg lifts with my therapist for a bit now. Very basic leg lifts, lying on my back and raising my leg about 2" off the ground. This guy had me lifting my leg up close to 45°. Um...yeah. I can't do that. What? I can't lift my leg without assistance to forty five flipping degrees? Nope, that would be negatory.
It really sucks, it's kind of humbling to see how quickly you can lose control of your facilities. My accident was only a month ago, and already I'm really changed. I don't like it.
In other news, I had my pre-op testing this week. No phone calls, so I'm good to go, green lights ahead. GULP!
Monday, June 15, 2009
2 steps forward, one step back- see, I'm dancing!
It seems for every bit of progress I make, I turn right around and back up a step. Friday, I was having a decent day. I was moving fairly well, the knee wasn't too swollen, and I was generally in a pretty good mood.
As I was walking across Canal street on my way home, I was struggling a bit, because there are always a thousand people on Canal street, and none of them have any regard for anyone around them. I took the tiniest side step around some idiot, and my knee buckled. I managed to get my other foot down, to keep me from falling on my ass, but it hurt. It hurt so much, I had to stop for a minute, and hold onto a lightpost until the immediate pain subsided.
By the time I got home, my knee was swelling a bit, again, and getting very stiff. The stiffness and swelling remained through Saturday.
It's frustrating, because I really want to do everything I can to make this better. One of the things I need to do is rest, and let it heal. If you know me, you know I'm really not a very patient person, so that part is extremely difficult for me. Patience may be a virtue, but not one I've ever possessed.
As I was walking across Canal street on my way home, I was struggling a bit, because there are always a thousand people on Canal street, and none of them have any regard for anyone around them. I took the tiniest side step around some idiot, and my knee buckled. I managed to get my other foot down, to keep me from falling on my ass, but it hurt. It hurt so much, I had to stop for a minute, and hold onto a lightpost until the immediate pain subsided.
By the time I got home, my knee was swelling a bit, again, and getting very stiff. The stiffness and swelling remained through Saturday.
It's frustrating, because I really want to do everything I can to make this better. One of the things I need to do is rest, and let it heal. If you know me, you know I'm really not a very patient person, so that part is extremely difficult for me. Patience may be a virtue, but not one I've ever possessed.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Two weeks and counting
My surgery is 2 weeks from today. In fact, by this point in the day, i may even be home already. Probably home and miserable, but home.
I have a couple of random things to vent about today. First of all, transportation in this city SUCKS. It seems as though it's very accessible, but only if you're extremely mobile. There are a lot of elevators in the subway system, it's true. The city has been doing a pretty good job of keeping most of them in working order. The problem is, half the time, the ramp for the elevator is 3 times the distance of the stairs. The stairs are a pain in the butt, but at least they are close. My other favorite trick of the subway system is the elevator that goes from street to mezzanine, but, then the subway track is inside the gate, and down another set of stairs. Um... how is that accessible?
I'm trying to find the best way to get from my office to my home (and the reverse) so that while I am on crutches, I can minimize my walking distances during my commute. I've tried about 8 different combinations of subway and bus, and it seems that ALL of them include about the same amount of walking distance. Sure, these three subways connect, and alleviate an outdoor walk. Too bad you have to walk 17 miles underground to transfer from one subway to the next. Or up two flights of stairs, and then back down two more. um... no. I think my final answer is to take the train right outside my office up to my cross street, and then take a cab. It'll cut down the cost of the cab to about $4.00 a ride, which is still pricey, but much cheaper than taking it the entire way, and it doesn't add too much additional walking distance.
Another thing on my mind, I am starting to resent people at my gym. It's a sad, sad day when you realize you're glaring at the 60 year old woman on the exercise bike next to you, because she's showing off. By showing off, I mean actually riding the bike with her two perfectly functional knees. I, in comparison am grunting and straining, trying simply to get my knee bent to the 12:00 position on one side and 2:00 on the other.
Finally, what brilliant designer made bus seats so high? I realize I'm not extremely tall, but at 5'4", but I'm not far off from the average US female height. So why don't my feet touch the ground in a city bus seat? I've been riding buses in NY for 12 years, and this never really dawned on me until now, but as I sit with my bad knee dangling, it HURTS! I have to turn my right foot sideways, and rest my left foot on the arch of my right. Oh so comfortable, let me tell you. I think I'm going to find out who designs the city's bus seats, and once my knee is all better, that person is going to be the first in line for a butt kicking with my brand new knee.
I have a couple of random things to vent about today. First of all, transportation in this city SUCKS. It seems as though it's very accessible, but only if you're extremely mobile. There are a lot of elevators in the subway system, it's true. The city has been doing a pretty good job of keeping most of them in working order. The problem is, half the time, the ramp for the elevator is 3 times the distance of the stairs. The stairs are a pain in the butt, but at least they are close. My other favorite trick of the subway system is the elevator that goes from street to mezzanine, but, then the subway track is inside the gate, and down another set of stairs. Um... how is that accessible?
I'm trying to find the best way to get from my office to my home (and the reverse) so that while I am on crutches, I can minimize my walking distances during my commute. I've tried about 8 different combinations of subway and bus, and it seems that ALL of them include about the same amount of walking distance. Sure, these three subways connect, and alleviate an outdoor walk. Too bad you have to walk 17 miles underground to transfer from one subway to the next. Or up two flights of stairs, and then back down two more. um... no. I think my final answer is to take the train right outside my office up to my cross street, and then take a cab. It'll cut down the cost of the cab to about $4.00 a ride, which is still pricey, but much cheaper than taking it the entire way, and it doesn't add too much additional walking distance.
Another thing on my mind, I am starting to resent people at my gym. It's a sad, sad day when you realize you're glaring at the 60 year old woman on the exercise bike next to you, because she's showing off. By showing off, I mean actually riding the bike with her two perfectly functional knees. I, in comparison am grunting and straining, trying simply to get my knee bent to the 12:00 position on one side and 2:00 on the other.
Finally, what brilliant designer made bus seats so high? I realize I'm not extremely tall, but at 5'4", but I'm not far off from the average US female height. So why don't my feet touch the ground in a city bus seat? I've been riding buses in NY for 12 years, and this never really dawned on me until now, but as I sit with my bad knee dangling, it HURTS! I have to turn my right foot sideways, and rest my left foot on the arch of my right. Oh so comfortable, let me tell you. I think I'm going to find out who designs the city's bus seats, and once my knee is all better, that person is going to be the first in line for a butt kicking with my brand new knee.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Talkin 'bout it, talkin 'bout it, talkin 'bout it
It's interesting to me just how much of my current life seems to revolve around my injury. It seems to me that every conversation that I have ends up coming back to my knee in some way. Currently, my roommate and I are in the process of interviewing new roommates to fill our 3rd bedroom. Unfortunately, the timing of this empty room is less than optimal. My surgery is on the 24th of June, and the room is avaliable on July 1st. As I will be on crutches for at least two weeks, the old roommat eis moving out and the new roommate is moving in while i'm completely and totally infirm.
Honestly, it shouldn't be a huge problem. I'm most likely going to be spending a lot of time in my room, sleeping, and putting my feet up. However, I need to let potential roommates know, because it affects the decision making process a bit. We're choosing very soon, as I need to get all the details taken care of long before my surgery.
It's a little odd to tell people I've never met before about my surgery, and weirder yet to have them wish me luck on the operation/recovery. It seems to me that I can't seem to talk about anything except my knee. How's work. Tough, my knee makes it harder to concentrate, navigate the office, and sit all day. Additionally, PT and doctor's visits mean I'm late to work a lot. How is the social life. Tough, I can't really go out all that much. I can't get around all that well, I can't sit on stools, I can't get too drunk. Everything seems to be touched. I just want to figure out a way to have a day, or even an hour, in which I can just forget about my knee, and not have any impact from it.
Honestly, it shouldn't be a huge problem. I'm most likely going to be spending a lot of time in my room, sleeping, and putting my feet up. However, I need to let potential roommates know, because it affects the decision making process a bit. We're choosing very soon, as I need to get all the details taken care of long before my surgery.
It's a little odd to tell people I've never met before about my surgery, and weirder yet to have them wish me luck on the operation/recovery. It seems to me that I can't seem to talk about anything except my knee. How's work. Tough, my knee makes it harder to concentrate, navigate the office, and sit all day. Additionally, PT and doctor's visits mean I'm late to work a lot. How is the social life. Tough, I can't really go out all that much. I can't get around all that well, I can't sit on stools, I can't get too drunk. Everything seems to be touched. I just want to figure out a way to have a day, or even an hour, in which I can just forget about my knee, and not have any impact from it.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
I used to love the night life, I used to boogie
I went out last night. I find that to be a really difficult thing to balance. If I don’t go out, I feel like a loser, and end up sitting home having a pity party all to myself. But if I do go out, it’s a ton of work. First of all, if the bar or restaurant doesn’t have low tables and chairs, I can’t stay more than half an hour. It’s hard to stand still for long amounts of time, and I can’t hang my leg down off a stool comfortably.
The place we were at last night did have low tables, so that was a good start. I didn’t do too badly until people started to get a little tipsy. First of all, I have to be careful how much I drink, because I need to stay in control of my body, physically. If I put the wrong pressure or step in the wrong direction, my knee buckles a little, and the pain is searing. In addition, drunk people are extremely sloppy. You can ask a person to stay clear of your knee, and they will, for about 5 minutes. Then something shiny (or sexy, or liquid) goes by, and they jump right up, land directly on your knee (ok, maybe just bump it) and tear off after the aforementioned shiny/sexy/liquid thing.
Also, there’s a bit of a mental challenge that goes with a night like that. It’s great to see friends, everyone is concerned, and asks a lot of questions. But somewhere around the 16th time I repeat what happened, what is going to happen during surgery, how long the recovery process is, why I can’t go to another event, etc, the weight of what is going on gets to me, and I generally burst out in tears. This is what happened last night. And again today in the kitchen with my roommate. And probably in about 30 seconds as I type this.
The place we were at last night did have low tables, so that was a good start. I didn’t do too badly until people started to get a little tipsy. First of all, I have to be careful how much I drink, because I need to stay in control of my body, physically. If I put the wrong pressure or step in the wrong direction, my knee buckles a little, and the pain is searing. In addition, drunk people are extremely sloppy. You can ask a person to stay clear of your knee, and they will, for about 5 minutes. Then something shiny (or sexy, or liquid) goes by, and they jump right up, land directly on your knee (ok, maybe just bump it) and tear off after the aforementioned shiny/sexy/liquid thing.
Also, there’s a bit of a mental challenge that goes with a night like that. It’s great to see friends, everyone is concerned, and asks a lot of questions. But somewhere around the 16th time I repeat what happened, what is going to happen during surgery, how long the recovery process is, why I can’t go to another event, etc, the weight of what is going on gets to me, and I generally burst out in tears. This is what happened last night. And again today in the kitchen with my roommate. And probably in about 30 seconds as I type this.
Sadistic Torture Sessions (ie: Physical Therapy)
I started physical therapy this week. I’ve been to this therapist before, but for a different issue (oh yeah, I’m all sorts of busted up in other ways too.) He measured my knees, the degree of flexibility in each leg, and then gave me some stretches and things to do. He also put me on the exercise bike. Here’s the thing. I don’t have enough flexibility yet for my knee to go all the way around on the bike. So I have to go forward as far as I can, and then again backwards to the same limit. It almost seems silly, I can get my foot to 12:00, and then back down and around to 2:00 or so. But that last little bit is just too stiff and painful. It seems like such a short distance, and yet my knee just doesn’t go.
My therapist said that I should do this at my gym, and that people will probably either be annoyed or tease me. I went to the gym this morning, and he was right. A trainer came up, told me it helps if you actually press on the pedals, and gave me a wink. He didn’t know, but it sucks to always be the butt of the joke.
My therapist said that I should do this at my gym, and that people will probably either be annoyed or tease me. I went to the gym this morning, and he was right. A trainer came up, told me it helps if you actually press on the pedals, and gave me a wink. He didn’t know, but it sucks to always be the butt of the joke.
Trampolines bad
So, this whole thing started a couple weeks ago. I was out in Jersey (bad things always happen to me in Jersey.) at a friend's BBQ. This friend owns a trampoline, and I thought it would be fun to jump a bit with the kids.
We're on and off and on and off all day, playing games, trying old cheerleader jumps, and otherwise having a great time. After a bit, my friend Margaret got on the trampoline with me. In one quick jump, we landed too close to each other and my left knee buckled. I crumpled, and couldn’t straighten my leg. The pain was pretty intense, and I was pretty sure I had done something bad.
Over the next few hours, the knee stiffened up and started to swell. Not really grapefruit z swelling, but my knee cap had lost it’s shape, and there was a lot of puffiness.
A couple of doctor’s visits and an MRI revealed I tore my left ACL completely thru. There are a couple of treatment options for this injury. The first is physical therapy, with no surgery. Not a bad option, as I’m not a big fan of anesthesia or knives, but it has drawbacks. Any kind of side to side cutting motion is pretty much not going to happen ever again, and the probability of osteoarthritis at an early age is pretty high.
The other option is to have the ACL surgically reconstructed. This is the option I’ve chosen, but it is not without it’s penalty. The surgery itself is outpatient, but up to 9 months of physical therapy are tacked on to the back side of that surgery. Crutches, a brace, and a lot of work lie ahead for this broken girl.
We're on and off and on and off all day, playing games, trying old cheerleader jumps, and otherwise having a great time. After a bit, my friend Margaret got on the trampoline with me. In one quick jump, we landed too close to each other and my left knee buckled. I crumpled, and couldn’t straighten my leg. The pain was pretty intense, and I was pretty sure I had done something bad.
Over the next few hours, the knee stiffened up and started to swell. Not really grapefruit z swelling, but my knee cap had lost it’s shape, and there was a lot of puffiness.
A couple of doctor’s visits and an MRI revealed I tore my left ACL completely thru. There are a couple of treatment options for this injury. The first is physical therapy, with no surgery. Not a bad option, as I’m not a big fan of anesthesia or knives, but it has drawbacks. Any kind of side to side cutting motion is pretty much not going to happen ever again, and the probability of osteoarthritis at an early age is pretty high.
The other option is to have the ACL surgically reconstructed. This is the option I’ve chosen, but it is not without it’s penalty. The surgery itself is outpatient, but up to 9 months of physical therapy are tacked on to the back side of that surgery. Crutches, a brace, and a lot of work lie ahead for this broken girl.
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