Surgery

Since I know there are some of you who blog but don't facebook, I thought I would write a bit here to keep you updated on my surgery saga.

Monday, Feb 20th, I went in for outpatient surgery to correct my left ankle. I originally twisted it about 15 years ago, when Leigh and I were dating. I have had issues with it ever since, and more recently, the issues have become more frequent. Something would "slip" in my ankle and it would immediately become immobile, painful, and swollen. This would last from a couple hours to 3 weeks. There was no rhyme or reason for why it would slip in or out. Well, I finally got in to see a very smart surgeon on January. She couldn't not really tell what it was because the MRIs were so pathetic, but she said there was definetly something going on.

So, she did arthroscopy and removed a piece of cartiladge the size of a fingernail, that had been 'floating' in and out of the joint at whim. Where it came from, I have no idea. There was also some excess synovial fluid and damage with in the joint capsule that she fixed up. Finally, she did an open incision to repair some ligaments that were also torn.

So, I am recovering at home. I did not think it would be as painful as it has been. They did a popliteal nerve block that wore off about 24 hours later. The pain skyrocketted in that 18-30 hr post op range. I started taking the norco which was prescribed for pain. I know it helped the pain, but it also made me woozy, nauseus and light headed. Not a good combination when you are trying to manage crutches to get to the bathroom. So, today is my first day without taking the norco. I am still resting alot, but not sleeping the day away like I did Tues-Thurs. I have eaten more today, which is better since I was getting pretty weak. The pain is constant, and I am taking 1000 mg of Tylenol every 4 hours, which is keeping it bearable. Hopefully every day is an improvement.

So, the long range plan. This Tuesday I go to the dr for a dressing change, and to get a look at what scars I'm gonna have. A plaster splint will be reapplied. A week with that one, and then I am supposed to get a 'walking' boot. I will not be allowed to walk on it for a total of 3 weeks. Then, I will start walking on it slowly, as it allows me. Physical Therapy is to start at the 6 week mark, as is going back to work.

I am so missing work! I miss my co workers... I miss getting out of the house and doing my thing! I miss the patients. So... I hope this recovery goes faster than anticipated so I can get back to work, soon!!!

February 2012

So, this one a month thing is kinda funny. For some reason, I am just not very good about thinking about blogging! I love to read other people's blogs who update frequently!

This sure has been a mild winter. We have had snow, but not much at any one time, and then it melts quickly. The kids haven't gotten in my sledriding/snowboarding.

Actually, by the time the kids get off the bus, they are usually too tired to do much playing. They usually hang out reading books or watching a movie or something. So, fun time is usually Saturdays. They are all doing well in school. Crazy kids and their brains. They are all smarter than their parents. Seriously, I am not just saying that because Heidi is on the brink of teenagedom and really thinks that sometimes!

I am enjoying my schooling. I am attending Phoenix online. The first class I took was more like a 3 week orientation to online schooling. I thought is needed to be about 2 days. It was more than excessive in my humble opinion. This class is a bit more intriguing. I have gotten to play around with designing powerpoint presentations and working with a team on projects. Our discussion in the forum have been dynamic and at times enlightening. I got to study the lives of 2 nurses, Clara Barton and Sharon Ann Lane. They were both 'war' nurses. Sharon was in the Vietnam War, and it was interesting to me. My dad was a medic in Vietnam and was there during the same time she was. Anyway, learning about their drive and dedication to nursing and helping wounded soldiers is inspiring. I only have 2 weeks left of this class, so it is winding down. Wonder what the next one will be like?

Next Monday is D day for me... I am going to have surgery on my ankle. I have had problems with it for over 15 years. I guess it is time to get it taken care of. I am not really anxious about surgery. But I AM anxious about recovery. The doctor is scoping it first to figure out what the issues are, and then she will be cutting in and fixing all the problems. It sounds like there are several issues to be dealt with. So, I really don't know what surgery will be, or what the recovery will be. I am hoping it is a quick and easy fix! HA! So, you'll have to been thinking about my poor family as they put up with me and my grouchiness for the next month or so! I do not deal well with this type of thing. I like to be on the move and getting things done! Not sitting around resting!

I miss my peeps at work! I haven't been able to work for over a month. Walking through the grocery store causes pain, that brings me to tears. So... working for an 4-8 hr shift is simply unthinkable. So... I am missing everyone! We have such a good time picking on each other! And from what I hear, there has been some staff turnover, too. So, there will be new faces to meet when I get back there!

Hope all is well with you guys!