Post-Op Follow Up :)

It's been just over a week since my surgery. Things are going well compared to what I have been through, but since I am feeling much better than my last surgeries, I am also anxious to get moving again.

Here is a recap of the last week;

The surgery took 5 1/2 hours. The three things that were operated on were my medial and lateral meniscus, and my bone.

Here is a little anatomy lesson for those of you who don't know your knee too well. My lateral meniscus was torn a slight bit. The meniscus provide a cushion between your bones. Trimming my lateral meniscus was just a little routine cleaning.

My medial meniscus was completely taken out and replaced with a cadaver piece. It's kind of scary to think that someone else's DNA is in a part of my body. This part went well during the surgery. They use bone plugs to secure the meniscus in place. There is little chance of rejection with this part because the piece was not a "live" culture.

Finally they put a bone graft in my medial epicondyle. I had bone cartilage damage from when I first tore my ACL. At that time, the bone was cleaned up. Since then (five years later) the area has acted like a pothole in the road; the more jumping I did, the deeper the hole got. This surgery was to plug the hole the resulted from the damage. This is the reason I am non-weight bearing on my knee. I can't put pressure on the graft or it could shift it's place.

Since the surgery I spent one night in the hospital. It went good enough. They had some problem with the femoral block but they got that fixed. Joel stayed with me the whole time and was there to help whenever I needed it. He honestly has been the greatest.

I've been home now for a week. The first few days were pretty difficult since I was on the narcotics. I stayed home a lot with Joel. But we did visit my parents a little and we did visit Joel's family. So many people have stopped and sent me flowers. I can't thank you enough. Physical therapy is going great and I love seeing Mike, he always brightens my day. It has been tough learning to not use one leg and its a struggle sitting home but I am managing. I will be back soon enough :)

I have a doctor's appointment next Monday where they will remove my stitches and make sure every thing is looking as it should. I am nervous because there is a chance that the bone plug moved and I might need surgery again but that is a small chance and I shouldn't focus on the negative! Thanks again for your thoughts and wishes :) I am making a speedy recovery, just impatient to use my leg again!!!

Post-op pictures; If you don't like stiches, don't look!

I'm safely back home and everything went great. Joel is doing an amazing job as my caretaker and my parents have been incredible. Here are a few shots of my knee :)

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Well, it's finally time. It seemed like such a long time ago when I was coaching 5th grade girl's traveling basketball and decided that my surgery was going to be in May instead of January. It's been a long couple of weeks, but with school finally done for the semester and everything set in order, I am ready.

I can't tell you how great Joel has been through all of this. I have been a nutcase the last few days (or longer :/) and he has put up with rants about all my fears and doubts and craziness. I broke down today and all he did was put his arms around me and remind me things will be fine and that he (and my parents and everyone else) is always there for me. It's been hard trying not to dwell on all the bad stuff that has happened with the previous surgeries, but he helps me focus on how much better this one will go. Just to let everyone else now how amazing he is; I went to a bachlorette party this past Friday... When I woke up on Saturday, I found the house to be spotless and the dining room and living room were arranged so I could navigate with my crutches without having any problems. Needless to say I was touched and couldn't help but cry with happiness at how lucky I am to have such a man. I even woke him up at 1:00 am when I came home and he didn't complain at all (and he had to work at 6!)!!!!

My parents, as always, have been rock-stars too. The last four surgeries I lived at home and my mom and dad both went through the bad times with me and they were troopers. I think every parent can relate to feeling pain and sympathy for your child, but still needing to be strong for them even when they hurting almost as much as the child. I know my parents would do whatever it takes to keep me happy and healthy, even if it means compromising their own strength. You can't ask for more than that. I am a little nervous to not have my parents in the same house (although Joel will be great and my parents are only a text away), but I am glad they get a break from me being hurt. They have been through the good, bad, and the ugly with me, so it is time they get a little rest. ;)

To my foundry family - you are the best. The support and well wishes from every co-worker has kept me strong. I don't care what people say about the foundry, some of the best people I know are employed there. It honestly is my home away from home and they (everyone) are like a family to me. I couldn't ask for a better work team with Annette and Kim. Kim has been wonderful, giving me the time off I need and the support of a true friend and boss. Annette has kept my spirits up and been my rock for the last year. They are both incredible women, role models, and friends and it means the world to me.

Last, but certainly not least, thank you to EVERYONE who has sent kind words, heartfelt prayers, and kept me in their thoughts. This blog was not meant to attract sympathy or worry anyone, just a way to keep my head clear, but the support from everyone has been incredible. It is easier to go through tough times when people are rooting for you.

This surgery will go great and I have complete faith in my surgeon and medical team. I will be posting pictures and keeping everyone updated as often as I can. Thank you again to everyone. I love you all :)

Pictures of the clean house!!!

Had to take some before pictures also! The transformation is kind of creepy when my muscle starts dying from me not using it. Haha sorry for the leg shots.