coming to confession, or just call me crash

[bmccasland]

I got tired of my knee hurting and not sure if it would "be there" when I walk on unstable ground (like rock covered levees), so I saw a Sports Medicine / Orthopedic Surgeon Doc this morning. Yup, yup, the torn ACL is still unstable. We have surgery tentatively scheduled for next wednesday (Jun 1).

Not sure what this will do with my participation in the planned PNW TE ride later in June. Y'all have told me about those dressed sweet potatoe fries and I don't want to miss out!

[sundial]

Aw gee, Beth! I missed out when you first posted about your doggie and your accident (I'm so sorry for both!) and just want to send warm wishes. What a way to start a new year in a new place. Do you have someone available to help take you to PT after you have your surgery? Until you can get back on your feet? I'm really sorry your knee is messed up but on the bright side there have been major advancements in knee surgery just within the last 5 years. Patients are recovering quicker with less pain. So if you had to mess it up, better now than say 10 years ago.

Any chance you have access to a knee surgical center that your ortho participates with? I've found that they offer the best pre- and post-op care specific to your needs and the nursing staff is pretty johnny on the spot with the pain meds.

[OakLeaf]

Wow, that was quick! I'm glad at least they were able to schedule you so quickly, and that you have a plan, and the likelihood of a return to full function.

Sending good wishes for a successful surgery and quick, uncomplicated rehab!

[bmccasland]

Aw gee, Beth! I missed out when you first posted about your doggie and your accident (I'm so sorry for both!) and just want to send warm wishes. What a way to start a new year in a new place. Do you have someone available to help take you to PT after you have your surgery? Until you can get back on your feet? I'm really sorry your knee is messed up but on the bright side there have been major advancements in knee surgery just within the last 5 years. Patients are recovering quicker with less pain. So if you had to mess it up, better now than say 10 years ago.

Any chance you have access to a knee surgical center that your ortho participates with? I've found that they offer the best pre- and post-op care specific to your needs and the nursing staff is pretty johnny on the spot with the pain meds.

Yeah, I miss Nala. Going for walks isn't the same without her.

My insurance requires surgery be done in a hospital, or at least NOT in the out-patient surgery center that my Doc normally does his surgery. The lady doing the scheduling wasn't completely surprised.

I checked out the Doc, he's board certified, and is a sports medicine doctor. So getting the knee fixed will get me back on the bike and other fun things. He carefully inferred that I should have had surgery months ago. Which was probably true. So I'm happy having a doc that grasps the concept of sports medicine.

I live alone, so will up to me to get to PT and such. Am hoping to bribe neighbors to take me to/from surgery.

[Bike Writer]

Yeah, I miss Nala. Going for walks isn't the same without her.

My insurance requires surgery be done in a hospital, or at least NOT in the out-patient surgery center that my Doc normally does his surgery. The lady doing the scheduling wasn't completely surprised.

I checked out the Doc, he's board certified, and is a sports medicine doctor. So getting the knee fixed will get me back on the bike and other fun things. He carefully inferred that I should have had surgery months ago. Which was probably true. So I'm happy having a doc that grasps the concept of sports medicine.

I live alone, so will up to me to get to PT and such. Am hoping to bribe neighbors to take me to/from surgery.

Me too, just read about this now and I have sympathatic pain for you, sad face here. So glad you found a sports med doc! He will get you fixed up in no time flat and you'll be out and about on your bike. About the PT, check to see if you can have in home PT visits for the first couple of weeks or so. When I had knee replacement my insurance allowed in home PT care for the first few weeks. It was great not having to go out to the rehab center.

[sundial]

About the PT, check to see if you can have in home PT visits for the first couple of weeks or so.

That's right! Check with your insurance to see if you can have home health PT for the first several visits until you feel up to driving. Generally the OS (ortho surgeon) doesn't want you to drive while you are on pain meds or if you cannot put pressure on your foot that you use to drive.

Speaking of driving....back eons ago when I had my right leg in a full length cast, I learned to drive with my left foot. Cars in the early 80's were roomy enough to sling a casted leg in and out of the drivers seat.

[emily_in_nc]

That's right! Check with your insurance to see if you can have home health PT for the first several visits until you feel up to driving. Generally the OS (ortho surgeon) doesn't want you to drive while you are on pain meds or if you cannot put pressure on your foot that you use to drive.

Very true -- after I fractured my pelvis and had surgery, I was non weight-bearing on the right side for 8 weeks. I got in-home PT (great!) and was not released to drive until the time was up. I didn't mind it one bit as it meant I got to work from home (once I was off pain meds and able to sit up long enough at a computer) instead of going back into the office!

[bmccasland]

Surgery was yesterday, am told it went well.
Wished someone warned me about the post-anathesia nausea. Blech
Had a nerve block in my leg, so it still isn't very cooperative. Have tested the laws of gravity 3 times now, and lost. Towel bars in the bathroom do not equal handicapped grab bars. It is not easy to drop your undies, turn around, lift the lid of the toilet and sit down to pee.
Have a lovely knee exercise machine that I'm to strap myself in to every two hours for 30 minutes while it flexs and extends my knee. Not bad. Nap time.
I wind up staying in bed a lot. Got up this afternoon to check email and check in with my cyber friends.
Am home with the cat, wishing I felt better. I could do without the nausea and headache. Will someone please explain to my why I have a headache despite the lovely pain killers. whine whine whine.

[Savra]

Oh, that just sounds so scary. I'm so sorry for you knee and glad you aren't hurt worse. What a bummer week.

[redrhodie]

(((Beth))) Soon you'll be back on your bike, and this will all be worth it. Rest up!

[Owlie]

((Hugs)) I'm glad it went well, not glad for you feeling lousy. Recovery vibes heading your way!

[Roadtrip]

Wished someone warned me about the post-anathesia nausea. Belch

I know when I had my surgery, actually had a reaction to the pain mess that caused nausea. I hear anestesia affects everyone differently too.

Hoping you a speedy recovery!

Shannon

[Crankin]

Hope you are feeling better soon!

[jessmarimba]

I can't have codeine, as it makes me nauseous. Not sure what you're on, but perhaps see if they can switch you to something less offensive?

I don't remember feeling sick from the anesthesia but I was starving before I went into surgery and was still hungry when I woke up. I ate the ice chips they gave me in the recovery room. After one meal of pancakes the next day, I wasn't hungry again for a week.

Glad the surgery went well and I hope you're feeling better soon. Wish I could do something to help! Please let us know if you need anything. And keep in mind that your local grocery chain likely has delivery service if you don't feel like getting to the store for the next little while.

[owlice]

About 30% of the population suffers from nausea after anesthesia. (I'm among that 30%.) In the future, you can let doctors know anesthesia nauseates you, and they will try to mitigate it (with anti-nausea meds).

If you are testing gravity, you might want to wear your helmet (!) when you're on your feet until you're stable, just in case.

I hope you are starting to feel better! And yay for getting your knee fixed!!