Loki is recovering faster than I am.

He had surgery on his hock/ankle. I had surgery on my knee. Two weeks later, he's walking around and the only evidence of surgery is the very short furred area that had to be shaved.

Me? 7 weeks on and I still have to use a cane around the house, and crutches.

Yes, there are some days I wish I was a cat.

And typing about Loki, I showed his histopathology report to someone. She said there were a lot of mights, maybes, could bes in it. IOWs they had no idea what the growth is. Just wait to see if it comes back.

Better living through chemistry... again.

Dr H refilled the slow release and quick release pain killers. Last night I took the quick one after dinner, and the slow release one before going to bed.  That was the best nights' sleep I have had in a long time.. ok, in two weeks.

Got up late, after 8am, and for those who know me, that is very late. Bonus, I didn't need the Zimmer frame, was able to get around with just using the cane. Was also able to completely shower, including a shampooing and conditioner. Still had Wing waiting in the other room, just in case I got vertigo from leaning my head back under the shower head.

Only needed one quick release after breakfast. And when it took affect, I sat down in a chair and slid my left foot back until I felt tightness/discomfort. When the discomfort went away, or dropped to a tolerable level, I would move my foot back a little more. I don't have something to measure, but I'm pretty sure after doing that routine a few times, I was able to bend my knee to about 110 degrees.

I'm manipulating the incision scar. Moving it side to side, stretching it from top to bottom, in an effort to make it more pliable when the 'real' rehab starts in a few weeks.

And, I am back to sitting at my desk, with leg propped up on a footstool,  rather than a medical chair with a hospital type rolling table. The only problem is Loki, the lovable, huge, moggie wants to climb up on my, via my left leg. He doesn't understand why he can't do this right now.

Not really fun, but hey...

On July 7th, I had a total left knee replacement. The surgery went ok, but as usual, I had a bad reaction to the medication. Instead of the surgical meds, the post-op medications threw me for a loop.  It made me pass out face first into a cup of apple juice, thereby inhaling some.  Apple juice induced pneumonia! Two days of strong antibiotics set me to right.

Came home on July 13th. Brain still felt as if it had been packed in some sort of fog. Have been told this is normal.
The left leg was swollen from mid-thigh to the foot. Been told this is normal. My left foot was almost twice the size of my right foot.  Also normal. Pretty much stayed seated in bedroom, on the chair with small table, Wing and Alan keeping me company via card table and two chairs.  Gave the place less of a 'sick room' feel.

Loki has pretty much stayed by my side for the entire 3 weeks I've been home. He's discovered the 'body sized' pillow is soft and comfy, so we time share it.

I only had one mishap. My left ankle rolled, and the new knee parts slammed together. The pain was blinding, and I tried not to scream. Wasn't successful. Good news is after two days of 'babying' the leg (Alan noticed if my leg was kept aligned with my hip, there was no pain) it was back to what it had been prior to the mishap.

Home visiting nurse came over, took off the original bandage, and examined the incision. No sign of infection, was healing nicely. Put some Steri-Strips across it, and one larger water proof dressing back over it. She told me I could take it off after a week, and just let the Strips fall off as they will. As of today, I have only two left.

So, have been toddling around with a Zimmer frame, and have graduated to using a cane some parts of the day. My left foot is back to normal size. I can actually take a shower without assistance now, although I prefer to have Wing when I am going to wash my hair. I get a bit of vertigo tipping my head back. I would rather have him there just in case I start tipping over.

Called my GP today to discuss medications and refills, or resuming. Have that all straightened out now.  He said he saw no reason to play tough guy and NOT get pain relief. In actuality, if there is a lot of pain, that can slow down recovery.

So, that's everything in a nutshell.

Talk about Deja vu!

Saw Mr F. and it seems I have no other option but a total left knee replacement.  Didn't I do this before? (check tag) Yup, on the right knee, almost 5 years ago.

Not really looking forward to going through all of that again. My weight is an issue (well, hully gee, it took 20 years before an endocrinologist finally diagnosed and started treating me for insulin resistance.) There is a 99% chance of a perfect outcome with a certain BMI, and a 1% chance of problems (DVT, infection, etc). With me, the chances are doubled.  To me, that means 98% chance of a perfect outcome. I like those odds. I don't like what I have to do to achieve them.

Mr. F. want me to stop taking the Lyrica. Yeah, I can do that.  Had to explain to him why I, not a diabetic, am taking Metaformin.

Have to get a C.A.T. scan on the left knee Sunday morning, 10am.  Then about a week before the scheduled surgery, I have to get blood drawn for tests.  And I have to be tested for MRSA.  

One week, PostOp

One week after the surgery for compartment syndrome. It hasn't been all sunshine and flowers. Leg hurts, but hurts in a different way. Seeing as to how Mr S described what needed to be done, it's not too much of a surprise it's going to hurt, but it's causing sleeping issues again. Mostly because I can't sleep on my right side, as it's the outer leg/calf that had the surgery. Tomorrow, I get to see the practice nurse, and my first visit with a new physio, Simon. Oh joy.

Keito, Mister Old Cranky it seems, has taken to biting me really hard to wake me up around 4am. He came >.< this close to getting a reflexive backhand. Wing  put Loki in the back yard, think he was the one that bit me.  No, it was Keito. So Wing put him in the back yard with Loki.

It's been at least 3 years of full on suck

There was a mass on my left shoulder. It got all inflamed, and scheduled to have it removed.  The surgery for that went ok, but it left a deep deep hole in my back. It took over 9 months for it to fill and heal. 

About a month after it had healed, I tripped over some shoes someone left in a doorway, hyper extending my knee.. or so I thought.  After months of pain, and it not healing,  I had an MRI. Turned out I had shredded what was left of the meniscus and had bone on bone grinding. 

Tried two synovial treatments, 5 months apart, and although they did work, my body broke them down too fast, leaving me limping badly. 

Total knee replacement surgery was only option.   I had a few set backs, from over doing things during the recovery process. A possible case of compartment syndrome (scheduled test for it), but over all it was going great. I was just starting to be able to DO things again.

Until last Sunday.  A L Plater panicked, stomped on his accelerator, and t-boned us on the passenger side.  I was in the passenger seat. 

Whiplash, mind concussion, and a swollen bruised left knee. Fairly sure I didn't screw up the new knee, but will have it checked out next week. Had to cancel the test for compartment syndrome, as I can't walk on a treadmill without limping, which will not work for the test. Has been rescheduled.  Pain from my eyebrows down to my ankle.

I must have pissed off the "Fcuk up Fairy" big time, but I have no clue as to how or why. 

Got a new bed yesterday

Queen sized, lower than the double. I thought I would have difficulty sleeping in a new bed, but nope. It was so comfortable. I went to bed, pulled the blanket up, and next thing I knew, it was morning. I did have a brief wake up when Wing came back from his gaming session, but I slept almost 9 hours in total.

Wing and I went for a few short walks yesterday, which probably accounted for my good resting last night.  Headed to City Farmers to get cat food for our 4 purr kids.  They had a great sale going on, so we stocked up.  I really like that they paid attention to what their customers were saying. I had been asked why I hadn't been around for a long time, and I told them honestly that it was less expensive to go to grocery stores, as one or more of what we used was on sale.  I was told that was one of the reasons they brought the prices down.  And because of that, we go there now, instead of the grocery store.

Then we headed to Coles, and walked around there for about a half hour. It's slow going on crutches, but at least it's going. When we got back, I was rather surprised at how tired I was.  Had a light supper, and went to bed before 9.

The knee is still stiff, but the pain level is being managed with proper medications.  I understand what Dr S said that the majority of the rehab is pain management, because if you can't do the bends/stretches/exercises because of pain, it would take even longer to recover.  But I have learned to not over do it, and I learned the hard way by over doing it.  So, this patient must be patient.

9 Days Post-Op visit w/Nurse Practitioner and Physio

Had the surgical dressing removed, and was told it was healing nicely.  I had some problems with the medications, and those problems were addressed and taken care of. I have been told that rest, and pain management are paramount for my rehab. Since my liver is so efficient, it filters the medication out a bit quickly, leaving me in pain for an hour or more between pain med dosages.  I have been given a different pain medication to take when that happens.  Still have to take blood thinners, anti-inflammatory, and unfortunately something to ensure regularity. I'll just leave it at that.  Took new dosing schedules and went to see the physio.

Pat is everything a physio can be. A nice sadist.  He massaged, bent, pushed, pushed even more.  I could take it. He said 'no higher than pain level 5'.  I am very fortunate, that all tendons and ligaments are fine. It was just the bone/cartilage. My reward for all the torture was his massaging my foot, pushing up past my knee to reduce the swelling, then fit me with a mid-thigh to ankle compression stocking.  He also reiterated the need for pain management being key to doing the exercises.  So, no more 'toughing it out'.

Message assimilated. :)

Soon

Took antiseptic shower with the pre-op soap. Needed a bit of help reaching around my back, so called Wing for assistance. He obliged. Skin feels a bit tight now.

Necklace my grandmother gave me, rings, earrings, bracelet, and citrine in a box to keep them safe at home.  Have my overnight bag packed.

My stomach is churning with stress/anxiety right now.  I should go to bed now, and try to get some sleep, as I will be getting up around 4am to get to the hospital by 6:30am. 

It's starting to get real..and real scary

Had a phone call from the anesthesiologist as she wanted a full run down of my medical history (or as near as I can fill her in on) and for what will be happening on Monday.  

It seems I will be given an epidural, and then general, as a way to cut back on the amount of general to be used.   By keeping me numb from lower back down, the less general anesthesia is needed, and it will clear the system faster for a quicker recovery.

I will also be given an arterial jab as a better way to keep an eye on oxygenation and to keep an eye on my blood pressure. 

This is the first time I have had to have major surgery.... and I have no problem admitting I'm scared.

Some of the Pre-Op tests done

Blood drawn to check for Hep B and C (both will come back negative) HIV (also will come back negative), throat and nasal swabs (not fun) to test for MRSA, and one other liquid test in a little jar (I shall leave that to your imagination).

A few days off, then off for EKG, and Xrays. 

Surgery scheduled

Arthroplasty (knee replacement) is a go.

Discussion with Dr S, informed consent form filled out, pre-op XRays and tests scheduled.  Meeting with 'joint specialist' on Friday to discuss what pre-op exercises I need to be doing.

Because of asthma, and weight, I will be in ICU after surgery for one day, as a precaution.  Then into my room, and rehab commences almost immediately.

It's on

I have been doing a lot of reading about my knee. It's not going to get any better. It might be a bit better than it was 4 weeks ago, but it's not going to get any better. If anything, it will degenerate and get worse. My knee hurts, I'm less active because it hurts. I'm less active, my weight goes up. Weight goes up, knee hurts worse, then I'm less active...round and round. Discussed things with Wing, bouncing the good, the bad and the ugly of knee replacement surgery. The risks, the benefits. My expectations aren't to be a marathon runner, just to be pain free.

Called the  Nurse Practitioner from Dr S office , and she called me back today. I told her about how I read everything I could get my hands on, understood the risk/benefit.  I go in for paperwork, blood tests and a few other test to make sure I am in reasonably good health. X-Rays to make sure which prosthetic will be put in.

I even have a tentative date for the surgery.

I told the NP that I was scared... she said that she would be worried if I wasn't.

Well, that was disappointing

Now that I found an 'anti-gravity device' I can wear (exercise bra, with straps that X across the back, missing the healing surgical wound) tt seems my 8 weeks recovering from shoulder surgery has pretty much set my fitness level back to almost where it was when I first started my daily walks.  Maybe not that bad, because I was still able to do the entire route, but I was plodding like and old horse the last 100 meters or so.

*sigh*  So, not at square one... maybe square 3?

Another 6 Week Post-Op check up

Had to go back early because of the dressing springing a 'leak' from people poking, patting or pushing on it. (It's that cosmic rule, if any part of your body is hurt or injured, it becomes a magnet for being touched or poked)

It was 'fixed' on Tuesday, but had to go back today. Fun part! Dressing removed, wound cleaned of 'uses' solugel/intrasite gel, waited for Dr H to come take a peek.  It's still healing, but there was a bit more granulation than the doctors liked. *sigh*  Wound debrided, rinsed with sterile saline, gel daubed back into it, waterproof dressing reapplied.

Ok, wound is still about the size of an almond, but only 2mm deep now.  I am getting a bit rashy under the dressing, but I get that with all bandaging. Skin is a bit sensitive to the adhesive.  Don't care, told the nurse, I would rather deal with a bit of itch, than another dressing leakage.  Anyhow, I can't reach there to scratch. :D Go back in another week for another dressing change and assessment. 

I'm just waiting for the day we can 'allow' it to scab over and use a regular bandaid on it.

Wound care, week 6, it sprung a leak!

Told nurse what happened, and what Wing did at home with what we had, then going to pharmacy, getting post op bandages, and 'patching it'.

I Lifted shirt and she chuckled "That's one leak that will never happen again!" (he had over done the bandaging but I sort of knew that)

So, she took em all off (wince ouch wince ouch) cleaned Instracite gel (cold cold cold sterile saline, make funny ouchie face). Doc H took a look, said it took no harm from the leak, and to just COAT the wound, not fill, with some more gel, put clear patch/bandage over it and come back Friday.

The Nurse stopped by Wing and told him if she ever needed another nurse, she would be calling on him, because he did that good of a job of patching the dressing. :D

5 Weeks down.. about the same to go, I think

Had surgical wound checked by Dr A with Dr H in attendance. It's a bit redder than expected, and not quite as healed up as Dr A expected. Then I fessed up about someone grabbing me by the shoulder (yes, that one) then hugging me around it, and then Wing patting it dry twice (one would think after the first time I yelped, he wouldn't have done it again, right?)

It's a little less deep, but red, no sign of infection. Photo taken for comparison and to keep track of healing progress.  Again, not posting them as they might make those of a more delicate nature ill or faint.  Cleaned (much wincing and face making to not make noise) redressed with the gel, and with a stretchier waterproof bandage over it.  Go back in a week for re-examination.

Well, good news and bad-ish news.

Wound has healed/filled in to depth of 6 to 8mm. Hole diameter still the same. It's been re bandaged, and I go back in a week.

Told Dr. A about up coming Whale watching, and how I needed to wear bra properly. Wound dressing has extra of a slightly stronger fabric bandage, waterproof layer and I have a pad to out under bra strap on the day to prevent chafing or rubbing.

Not quite 2 full weeks

That would be this coming Friday.

That would be this coming Friday.

The hole over my scapula is healing nicely.  The surgical wound was at the beginning 4x2cms, 3cms deep.  It is now a hair over 2cm diameter end to end, and about 1cm deep.  I have been taking photos to track the healing progress.

The use of the Solugel in the open wound was so much less painful than using gauze mesh (which could and did stick to the sides of the wound, and hurt like hell when removed) and has allowed the area to heal from the bottom then up, rather like a zipper closing. 

Both the doctors and nurse said my use of a sling, although my arm wasn't sore, probably helped with the healing. To put this delicately.. the cyst developed under bra shoulder strap. Well, can't use said shoulder strap, so with the sling, my left breast didn't bounce and pull at the muscles and skin.  "Poor Woman's Bra"?    Regardless, the medicos said it helped.

It seems that Dr. A using the Solugel was a novel approach, but all the other doctors were impressed at how helpful it was to the healing. Keeping scarring down, and not leaving a depression as the body knits everything back in place, and it might become standard treatment method for things such as mine.  Hully gee... I'm a test case study! :D

Today could have started out a bit better

Last Friday, I had a ruptured epidermoid cyst bigger than a golf ball removed from my back, over the shoulderblade.  The follow up care/treatment was rather painful but necessary. My left arm has been rather useless as any movement hurts. I've had it in a sling to reduce the shock of impact when just walking. 

Yesterday, I went back for another follow up (the not so fun treatment was at an end) and the doctor said all is healing quite well, although it was still (in his words) "a mighty big hole".   It was filled with a biogel that allows the wound to heal from the deepest part up, like a zipper and put a clear waterproof dressing over it. (look out shower! Here I come! No more basin baths. YAY!)

This morning, after daintily stepping around me since Friday, Loki decided to fall back on his old method of getting human up.  And of all the square feet of my, he managed to jump right on/near the surgical site.

Hurt like #%#$!@$#&.  Arm back in sling. Checked wound, and it's ok, didn't breech the dressing or cause damage.