2nd Surgery?… Just Happened.

You heard correct, the 2nd surgery has taken place!

It happened today actually. With all of the developments at work and physical therapy focus, I neglected to tell you about the appointment that took place two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, I received huge news! This was the day I had been waiting to hear whether my right knee (osteotomy & lateral release knee) was healed enough to allow for the osteotomy & lateral release on the left knee.

That day, after cat scans and x-rays, I sat in a room waiting for my surgeon to see me. Waiting for him to tell me that my osteotomy has healed up and that I can ditch the crutches I was carrying around; as no more than an accessory at that point.

By the way, has everyone else heard that July is the worst month to be treated in a hospital? Mainly because promotions occur, and you may end up in the care of a somewhat inexperienced person. Not to mention that infections and deaths while being in hospital care is most prevalent in July…. I digress.

So I sat there until my surgeon knocked on the examination room door. He proceeded to walk in with two very young-looking recruits on his tail… “great,” I said to myself (eye roll). As I impatiently waited for him to tell me we’re clear for the left knee osteotomy, he took some time to to fulfill his “job shadowee” duties. He told the recruits my story, jerked my knees around a bit, watched me walk back & forth, and then sat down to deliver the news. He reported that the left knee should benefit from only the lateral release. Then reminded me that the left knee is in better shape than the right knee was, and that after reviewing the cat scan, I have a partially disconnected bone in my left knee that may complicate an osteotomy. He also said that performing the lateral release will not burn any bridges with performing an osteotomy should the lateral release not yield the desirable results.

I didn’t know how to feel. At a point, the preference of being somewhat bionic and getting the osteotomy becomes appealing if it means that you can do whatever activities you please (i.e. box jumps, kickboxing, tuck jumps, etc.). All activities I avoided because I knew the consequences. Though there was a point during the prior 2.5 months of recovery where I assumed that this could very well be the case. The thought of needing an osteotomy 1-3 years down the line was not my cup of tea. I just want it to all be over. But knowing that in women, there is generally one knee that is more severely damaged, this all made sense. And I’ve trusted this man until now. Why go against his expertise, especially when there are signs of potential complication?

He walked out to allow me to think, but left me with the two recruits who had no clue what to do with themselves. As I was thinking, one asked “how did this happen?” My response?

“I was on the third backflip on my bike, and ate pavement.” This wasn’t the first time I used that story.

One said “I’ll be right back” and they walked out (eye roll). So much sass on my part, but I had some things to seriously consider and why not have fun with the most frequently asked and not to mention, annoying question.

I left the office with my decision. A lateral release was now the plan. This means a 6-week recovery, only 1 week out from work, and a lot less pain management. That night I was curious about the scar. After some searching, it looked like the scar would be horizontal and 6 inches (opposite direction of the right knee scar). Who the heck wants that? I spent that night in a bit of a mood. I came to understand that this aesthetic dilemma was no more than the discomfort of the uncertainty of the second round setting in. The following day, the physician’s assistant confirmed that the incisions will be minimal (less than an inch) and a lovely woman I was put in contact with from a skin treatment office recommended silicon sheets as the best method to treating my current 6 inch scar.

With this news, I thought more about it and knew that being positive was the only way to push through. At this point in the recovery process, I’m crushing the arm and ab routines. 6 weeks sounds like heaven when you don’t want to stop the progress you’re making on other fronts.

So two nights ago, I quoted Jay-Z.. “Scar’s a scab.” Even if it is 6 inches long.

Today’s procedure was quick and easy. Went in at 6am (prep time), walked into the operating room at 8am, and I was home by 2 pm. I am required to use crutches, but walking without them is possible. Crutches are only required for 3-7 days. I have the same cocktail of meds as last time: blood thinner, anti-nausea, aspirin, and hydrocodon, and icing as frequently as possible. The anti-nausea is once again for the anesthesia, which was a spinal tap this time. The spinal tap requires that I lay down for the next 24-48 hours, in order to avoid headaches and these awful backaches.

I’ll report back soon. Dancer still down… but warming up.