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!!!