Knee Surgery

So Thursday I saw Dr. F and he referred me to Dr. A who is a surgeon and only works on Tuesdays in Rancho Bernardo. Fortunately there was a technician there to fit me for a custom brace. She was only there because she was dropping something off for someone's birthday. Otherwise I would have needed to go in on Monday or Wednesday of this coming week.

When I made the appointment with the surgeon the first available appointment was for 2/4 and I learned she worked primarily at Torrey Pines. Fortunately, I was able to call them when I got down to my car and I was surprised when they asked if I could be there at 8 am on Friday morning (the next day) and I had to ask if they had anything later and they had a 10 am. So I booked the appointment.

She asked me how I did the injury and followed up asking how I was doing going up and down the stairs and why was I still on crutches. I explained I was staying with a friend at ground level and she said I needed to just start going up and down my stairs. I explained they were steep and narrow and she said so what you can do it. She also said I needed to lose the crutches and just walk around without them. We compromised at the point that I was willing to go to my own place and go up and down the stairs but I wanted to use one crutch. I also had to push myself with my PT and ride a stationary bike.

She also explained I could have one of two surgeries. I minor and a major surgery.

Major: fix the ACL, the meniscus etc. This would take a one year recovery time and it would be long.

Minor: fix the meniscus and wear a brace and see how I do and this would be a couple of months recovery time.

When she asked which I wanted I explained I wanted to just be fixed completely.

So she thought about it and said she would prefer to do the minor because it would be easier quicker recovery time. She was concerned that with my diabetes I was at high risk to reject the acl (apparently from a cadaver) get an infection and have complications. She also wants me to have a greater range of motion on my knee. So we agreed that we would do a minor - she challenged me to lose 40 lbs so I can be stronger as I recover and go through my rehab. We will then see if I am not doing well she will feel better about doing the big surgery on me.

So this coming Thursday I am having surgery. I need someone to be with me the first nigh I am home by myself. Argh.

I came home from my friends house (SH) in Coronado yesterday afternoon. She helped me load my car and I drove home. Then AW helped me unload and took things up and then we went to TJ's to get some food and then we got back and we organized and cleaned up. Well I will be honest she did the cleaning. I did hang my clothes and put them away as well as changed my bed sheets.

My PT on Friday night was good and my therapist was pushing me. I rode the stationary bike for about 5 minutes and it hurt and I maneuvered around but somehow managed. I also told my therapist that I don't normally curse so If I did I was apologizing ahead of time.

This is also the 2nd day I woke up a sore throat so I am trying to stay healthy and not get sick. So  I am typing this as I am resting and thinking of taking a nap.

Also it wasn't so bad going up or down the stairs. I am slow and careful and now I will get through this....I can do ANYTHING!!!!