Archive for January 2011
Post-Op Week 1
Posted January 13, 2011
on:Surgery went so well that I can’t remember anything because of the anesthesia! It took me longer to wake up, probably because I’m a small person. Remember to remind your anesthetist prior to being sedated! The IV in my hand wasn’t as painful as I feared. It was actually painless! They sedated me before they inserted the numbing agent (via catheter) on my right thigh and knee. Like I expected, I felt nauseated after I woke up from the anesthesia. The rest of the day is a blur with the exception of the first night. The local anesthesia they inserted in my right knee began to fade later that night and I was in extreme pain to the point where I cried (I’m also sensitive!). I took the Vicodin (2 pills) they gave me without the anti-nausea medicine; it definitely helped although I should have taken the latter because I threw up the next few days.
The cyro machine was loaded with ice every 6 hours and I was taking the painkillers every 6 hours as well. You shouldn’t take the painkillers when you’re uncomfortable; plan it so the discomfort isn’t as painful. My leg was elevated with many pillows and that helped lower the swelling around my knee. It’s been 9 days since my surgery and the swelling has actually shifted to my right foot/ankle. I’m hoping it will go away eventually…!
During this time, my brace was in a locked position, extended. It was only until 7 days after my surgery that the doctor allowed me to change the dressing and unlock my brace so I can bend. Of course, I can’t bend the entire way. That will need therapy. Unlike others, I wasn’t given a CPM machine and I didn’t request it. I’m sure I can get my flexion to where it was prior to my injury.