K +2

2 days post surgery is usually my worst.  The day started pretty rough but I worked on staying up on my meds.  Oxy, 2 hours later-Tylenol, 2 hours later, oxy, etc.  It has been working pretty well, allowing me to drop the amount of oxy I take each time.  Tonight, I stretched my oxy to 6 hours, with only mild discomfort which feels pretty good.  As the day wound down, I recognized that all in all, I feel better than last time, at this point.  

Started PT today which was really just intake, taking off some bloody bandages, a light look at range of motion and that’s about it.  Learning about icing as I have never been much of a one for ice.  But, using the “cryo cuff” machine is easy and doesn’t feel as miserable.  Will keep it up as maybe an old dog, new trick, etc.  

Another thing that became very apparent today, and you that are due for your surgery soon should pay attention to, is your mobility device.  Having a walker is way better than doing crutches.  It is changing the way I walk in recovery so I think it will help speed things up.  

Today was one of the days I wasn’t looking forward to, based on my previous surgical experiences.  I knew emotionally this day (2) would be hard.  But, it has turned out pretty decent all facts considered. I have a couple more benchmark days I am waiting for but I won’t put the cart before the horse.  One day, one step at a time.  

K+1

 No update last night as I was “a little uncomfortable.”  This morning started out rough but it is smoothing out.  Day after surgery is usually a little tough but what I have learned is that 2 days after is typically the worst.  Will wait and see.

Yesterday was a day of starting small PT movements as prescribed by the hospital.  I try to stay faithful to doing the work as that is what makes it all better.  

Another key to success is staying ahead of the pain with meds.  Take the meds even if you don’t have pain.  I have been setting an alarm for every 4 hours to take my pain meds so it means night times are a bit broken up.  Balance your narcotics with whatever “keeps you moving” as that is a problem.  

Today is my first day of “real” PT with my therapist “Olga.”  Yes, that’s here real name.  Tonight’s update should be a little more descriptive. 

K Day!

 Today was the day! They put a deer knee in so I can now jump over fences!  Amazing!

Arrived the hospital at 0630, hungry and tired.  Intake and processing was very quick and soon we were in a day surgery staging room.  Lots of visitors wanting to know my name and DOB; nurse, anesthesiologist, surgeon, nurse, anesthesiologist aide.  So friendly. I hope they send birthday cards!  By 0730, I had an IV and had a lil relaxer.  I chose to go with a nerve block and anesthesia to knock me out as opposed to a nerve block and spinal block.  The difference being with the spinal, you have to stay in facility until it wears off.  In as much as I have had a slow recovery from spinal block in the past, I didn’t want to wait.  With anesthesia, you end up with a sore throat from the tube.  

The anesthesiologist returned with an aide and completed the nerve block.  I apologize for not knowing much about it, but it’s a long probing needle that finds a nerve on the inside of your thigh, guided by an ultrasound to “see” that results in “deadening” the nerve temporarily. Done!  Off to the OR.

By 0800 I was announcing myself to the 9 people in the OR, once again recalling my name and DOB.  Honestly, it was a little more difficult this time.  White, stainless and cold.   I asked how they worked in there and they said the gowns plus the task lighting kept them warm.  As they prepped, they put face piece over my mouth that had “oxygen.” Yeah, plus a little something else as my world became somewhat pixelated.  It felt heavenly and I enjoyed listening to the discussion between the anesthesiologist and an aide about their procedures.  Suddenly, good night!

I woke up on my way back to the staging room.  My amazing care provider and partner for life returned.  I got some water, juice, coffee, cheeseburger, more water, more juice, tea…..I was famished plus needed to fill my bladder.  You have to pee before they let you go home.  

The physical therapist arrived and showed me some simple exercises.  On initial evaluation, I could flex to 90 degrees, perform straight leg raises, abduction, and quad sets.  Using a walker, I took a lap with the PT, ascended/descended a few stairs.  This was night and day different from the last time and I felt ecstatic.  But, I couldn’t pee.  

Finally “did the deed” and headed for home.  My amazing partner gave me all the support I could ask for and more.  We watched a little TV, I did a little PT and now I’m settling in for the night.  Fingers crossed I stay on this trajectory.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to hit me up.  If you don’t have my contact info, post a comment and I’ll reach out.  Or use your network to get in touch.