Post-Op Week 1

Posted by: aclintheknee on: January 13, 2011

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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.