MRI #2

Yesterday, I finally made it in to have my second 3T-MRI of the year.  I just wanted to update any progress in moving forward and this is one simple, and yet, big step forward.  My follow-up appointment with the doctor will be in one week.  At that point, I hope to have lots to share.

Another DOC visit

Another week...another doctor visit.  At just over 14 weeks post-op...I am feeling good and I was really looking forward to talking with Dr. Tarlow to see my latest progress and to ask some big questions.  Teh appointment was quick and full of exciting news.  The first news I got was that my doctor has decided to drop my health care provider.

Yes...not my fault.  And really I can't blame him for the challenge doctors have to face with providers these days.  What does that mean for me?  It means I have to go back to my old doctor that couldn't provide surgical services because the provider wouldn't cover the facility.  At least...I think I can go back as long as they haven't dropped my provider too.  Just another fun think to navigate through...

Back to the knee news...

1. The knee is still swollen but that isn't something that is totally abnormal at this point.

2. I have to wear my unloader brace for another 6 months and then for any periods of extended time on my feet.

3. Everything looks and feels like it is healing nicely.  I do have some popping and grinding still when the knee is flexed but the Doc told me that is fairly normal at this point and over time it should go away.

4. Stationary bike is a good thing as long as I don't overdo it!  Thus, I keep doing what I am doing and I actually road 5 miles yesterday.  My furthest bike ride in almost a year.

5. I asked if I could eventually Mountain bike again...while keeping my fingers crossed.  To which I couldn't believe my ears...the answer was YES!  In 18 months I can begin to mountain bike again.  That news was almost too good to hear.  I can't wait to get back on a bike soon- 18 months will not come fast enough.  (And yes, I will be allowed to single speed as long as it isn't a steady diet of it)

6. Dr. Tarlow, also felt that the cells are growing like weeds and that over the next 20 weeks they should begin to morph into a thicker substance that resembles the new cartilage that is to come.

Overall, the news was all good.  I couldn't be more excited.

One week at Home

Below is a quick look at my knee as it is strapped into my CPM machine.  As you might be able to tell, the swelling is going down.  Even though my knee is finally beginning to resemble a knee again, the color is still pretty extreme.

Now that I have been home for a week...the routine for Melissa and me is now in high gear.  I would go as far to say that we are professionals at getting out of bed, hooking up the the CPM machine, and getting in and our of the lazy boy.

When looking at the bed I sleep on the left side of the bed...furthest from the bathroom.  We debated on switching sides of the bed, but that just seems unnatural.  Actually, we did debate over the idea and we found that it was easier for me to get out of bed by placing my good leg on the floor first- to help steady myself.  When getting out of bed, Melissa first places both hands GENTLY under my left leg.  She then begins to pick the leg up slowly.  As this is happening I slowly sit up, use my arms and my good leg to start pivoting my butt towards the side of the bed.  This is done usually with a couple of slides/shuffles.  We just aren't quite at the point to do it in one shot.  Eventually, I reach the side of the bed and place my right foot (the good leg) on the floor.  This is the moment that Melissa begins to lower my left leg towards the floor...I must say that my hamstrings are getting pretty flexible.  In the whole process, my left leg can never touch the floor or bear any weight.  Next, Melissa hands me my walker and begins to clear the path for me to get to the bathroom.  The entire process taking a couple of minutes and another 30 seconds to recover.  A process that use to take me just a couple of seconds.

Standing up isn't too painful as long as there are no weird tweaks in the knee.  Nevertheless, standing up does release all the blood in my body to flow to my foot in one sweeping second, creating moments of weird throbbing.

Each day I also face two things that have caught me by surprise.  One is that my body continues to have troubles regulating its body temperature.  Sometimes...I am hot and sweaty (at least that is how my wife describes me) and other times I have uncontrollable chills requiring three blankets and a yoga like focus.  Eventually, the arctic chills dissipate and the shakes turn to a normal calm demeanor.  The second challenge has been the nerve quakes.  At least that is the only way I can describe the weird pains and random quakes that roll through my bad leg.  I am sure there are two things to blame for the nerve pain...the nerve block and the large cut through my leg.  Over time these two things should leave and the leg will continue to move towards normal.

Tomorrow is going to be my first day out of the house.  I have my first post-opt visit with Dr. Tarlow.  I am looking forward to hearing what he has to say and continuing the long road to recovery.  More to share tomorrow.

Last Minute Package

We are now very close to surgery day and every moment that I can spend playing with the kids is a blessing.  Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous...one of the many benefits of living in Arizona in January.  Because it was so nice we decided to spend the evening outside on our cul-de-sac letting the kids play.  And let's be honest, most of the reason to be outside was to get them to burn some energy off.  Here are a few pics from our time outside.

At the time it seemed like a great idea to help my little 14 month old girl ride the scooter.  Actually, it was a great idea...i just payed a higher price then expected.  The little 12 foot circle I walked her in was much more painful than I could imagine.  The angle and the movement required to hold her on the scooter was a quick reminder of why I need to have this surgery done.  Furthermore, tonight I am going to pick up my wheelchair to help me get around next week.

That is not all that happened yesterday.  I got a package from FedEx.  To some of you I recognize that isn't too big of a deal.  But for me to receive an unannounced package in the mail when Christmas is behind us is almost worth celebrating.  It just never happens.  As I opened up my package with great excitement this is what I found...

I have had several surgeries at this point in my life and I have never received a package in the mail providing detailed information about the surgery and rehab required to be successful.  I didn't know whether I should laugh or cry.  The last picture is a picture of a rehab journal so that I can keep close track of my daily progress.  Is that really necessary?  I guess when you are looking at 18 months of rehab you want to remember where you began.

At this point we have only a few more days.  I promise I will post pictures of the scar as soon as I possible. Hasta Luego!!!

Geriatric Lee

Today I got some of my surgery goodies.  And yes, I know that Christmas has already come and gone.  Here is what I am talking about:

I am lucky or blessed enough to have a good friend that had a total hip replacement at the age of 25 and already had some of the "luxury" items I need for my recovery.  I am talking luxury too...did you notice that the toilet riser is also a shower chair?  I call that the deluxe version!!!  However, I am a little saddened that I will miss out on the experience of shopping at the local geriatric store.  Now I only need to add some tennis balls to my walker.

The last few days have been spent finalizing a few details for the procedure.  I spent some time on the phone yesterday talking with the insurance company making sure everything was set and approved.  I don't like 11th hour surprises, especially when it comes to my finances.  All went pretty well until I noticed that they had the wrong doctor listed performing the surgery.  After a lengthy explanation that I was in AZ and that the doctor listed was in MN they recognized their error and made it all right.

I also began answering the long list of surgical prep questions from the hospital.  I just have one final call to answer the last of the questions next Thursday.  Now it is time to make sure the shower chair actually fits my tub.  Cross your fingers!!!

11 Days...