tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59882637511083903562024-10-25T02:25:28.587-07:00I had my first knee surgery, microfracture,in September 2009 and Lateral Release in May 2010. Join me as I prepare for ACI and see how knee surgery changed my life.Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-7412074196234237532010-10-27T23:39:00.000-07:002010-10-27T23:39:04.277-07:00

I know it has been weeks since my last post but due to setbacks, I was unable to post. I have been through many changes in my recovery and will touch on a few. First, the complications I was having with the cpm and range of motion modalities, stemmed from what we initially thought was celluitis. Dr. Looney, immediately put me on Augmentin and did an aspiration of my knee. The procedure was less

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-41722688136517320382010-09-03T07:47:00.001-07:002010-09-03T07:47:26.586-07:00

Friday, I had an appointment with Dr Looney, to remove my stitches. The process hurt more than I remember other stitch removals hurting. The nurse who removed them, was very gentle, my wound is just very sensitive. She removed them quickly, while my three year old niece, Emma, looked on in amazement. Emma, had her nitrile gloves on ready for her debut as a doctor. Standing on the table beside me

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-57209962946052353582010-09-03T07:44:00.001-07:002010-09-03T07:44:32.485-07:00

Thursday, was my first physical therapy session at Top. I met with Andrea, for an evaluation, Monday. I was a medication withdrawing wreck with the shakes and nausea, she was kind enough to get me a cold pack for my hot flashes. We did the usual measurements of edema and range of motion. She also, measured my burn, 1.5cm x 1cm just in case any of you care. My range of motion was only 33 degrees

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-86846272934547725182010-09-03T07:41:00.001-07:002010-09-03T07:41:27.357-07:00

Today, marks two weeks out from surgery. I must say I feel much better than last week. I have almost cut out the pain meds. My appetite is back, I'm still debating whether that's a good thing or not. Yesterday, I finished the last dose of Lovenox. That's a subcutaneous blood thinning, injection to the love handles.i I was put on that instead of Aspirin, due to spending three days in the hospital

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-64282507863553798032010-09-03T07:38:00.001-07:002010-09-03T07:38:43.309-07:00

Prior to having aci with distal realignment it's best to gain and lose a few things. First, lose all dignity, self respect, and pride. There is no possible way to make it through this surgery and recovery alone. For the first few days the only bath you will get is a spongebath. Your bathroom now becomes a bedside commode or bedpan, neither is enjoyable. Assistance is needed for basically

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-7963779109119591792010-08-23T10:21:00.001-07:002010-08-23T10:26:06.315-07:00

0630 I was awake and happy with how my knee felt considering the brutality of the surgery. My ROM brace is locked out straight, swelling is incredible but somewhat masked by the Ted stocking and dressings. My toes are a familiar betadine orange. Around 0430, the nerve block began to wear off, no increase of pain just tingling from the nerves waking up. By 0830 a new pain began not the constant

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-26756704109781064932010-08-23T10:20:00.001-07:002010-08-23T10:20:01.874-07:00

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-55594899620945092562010-08-23T10:16:00.001-07:002010-08-23T10:16:59.543-07:00

My alarm clock went off at 0345 and I picked myself up after falling from the bed. The lack of sleep sucks and yet I'm still running late. I quickly lather up with antibacterial soap while my stomach growled. I should have ate up until midnight. Finally, we are on our way to Vanderbilt Bone and Joint Surgery Center for my 0600 surgery time. After checking in I waited only minutes to be called

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-26258478553744506212010-08-16T21:13:00.001-07:002010-08-16T21:13:35.711-07:00

I have spent the last few days in a mad frenzy of boxes and wrapping newspaper around fragile items. The move is now complete and most of it, once again unpacked. The accommodations are much smaller, so finding that perfect place for each piece has took a back seat to cardboard boxes. I'm actually hoping when whoever brings the CPM(continuous Passive Motion) leaves it on the step and I avoid

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-65856693074677957232010-08-13T21:33:00.001-07:002010-08-13T21:33:29.799-07:00

I thought I should fill you in on all the Dr appointments I've been to. First, pre-op went routine, I was just there a little over a month ago. I saw Debbie Jackson, and she did the usual checking of vital signs and chit chat of the procedure. I was unable to see Dr Looney, as he was either overbooked or had hightailed it outta there for vacation. Whatever, the reason my questions are still

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-88487540432566356192010-08-05T23:02:00.001-07:002010-08-05T23:13:06.997-07:00

Tomorrow is yet another pre-op day, with the fine folks at Vanderbilt Bone and Joint. Time for me to fall into the "beast" of a car and make the 1 and a half hour drive to Franklin. Which very soon after the move will be two hours but what's thirty minutes? Of course by then I will have a chaperone in a red minivan. Awe yes, riding sideways with my unloader brace and narcotic painkillers. High

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-61232447148867582582010-08-04T01:35:00.001-07:002010-08-04T01:35:00.276-07:00

Last Friday, Dan Gates, the surgery scheduler, called me from Vanderbilt Bone and Joint, to officially schedule my surgery & post-op dates. My pre-op appointment is Friday, yes I know I have already been through pre-op but their policy is only good for thirty days and it is just beyond that, so I'm going again. Dr Looney, wants to consult and prep a little more about the aci, as I still have many

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-81619072398450672492010-08-04T00:46:00.001-07:002010-08-04T00:46:38.791-07:00

Let me say a few things about insurance companies. First, the percentage is high that they will deny a procedure the first and even second time. (My ACI was denied three times before approval). Let's face it, they make money by ripping you off. I was offered a job, selling insurance once, I turned it down. After listening to a con artist trying to con me, I realized I could never play that game.

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-79986792393288989282010-07-27T23:38:00.001-07:002010-07-28T00:02:23.815-07:00

I have had two great days! Monday, I spent with family and had a little family outing. Tuesday, I woke up feeling like my "old self." Something I really haven't posted on here but I'm sure has been apparent to everyone, is that I've had a case of the "blues." Okay, maybe depression that's my own diagnosis and not that of a trained professional. I'm a paramedic, doesn't that automatically give us

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-80511536177329519532010-07-22T22:06:00.001-07:002010-07-22T22:20:04.568-07:00

It has been awhile, since I have laid out some fancy medical terms. So here goes the story of surgery number two. Picture it May 2010, persistent Left knee pain after Microfracture in September 2009. MRI showed no ligament injury but appeared the microfracture had failed. Onwards to the Lateral Release: this procedure was done arthroscopically along with another chondroplasty of the patella.

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-81320726419371365462010-07-17T16:28:00.000-07:002010-07-17T16:28:06.514-07:00

I am happy to report that Teri from Texas, had great news during her surgery. Get well Soon! Its been a few days since my last report, no news is good news yes? I have been super busy trying to move and take care of a few financial things, so that is taking up most of my time. I started working out again after a week break and lets just say, the workout has kicked my ass. My biceps are

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-58230300388168781782010-07-09T19:10:00.000-07:002010-07-09T19:10:49.813-07:00

I had an excitement filled Independence Day Holiday. I spent a few days with the family without the knee acting up too much. I viewed a holiday airshow and fireworks display, never have I heard Independence themed music, along with Johnny Cash and the Beach Boys, followed by Rocky Top.All while fireworks lit up the night sky. I caught a couple of fire truck filled parades. I thought parades

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-79566042917302159972010-06-30T13:21:00.000-07:002010-06-30T13:21:54.611-07:00

Finally, I got approval to have the ACI surgery. Dan Gates, called today and he had spoken with Genzyme and the procedure has been approved. That takes my stress level down a notch or does it? The surgery date hasn't been set but I should be getting that set up this week.This comes at the perfect time since I am getting ready to move. My knee has been hurting for the past five days, even doing

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-60491275811088518202010-06-22T16:31:00.000-07:002010-06-22T16:34:42.876-07:00

I have written several posts this week, that were pure genius. Unfortunately, my BlackBerry didn't post them, so I have had to track down a computer to keep you guys informed. I'm sorry you couldn't read those posts but genius can't be repeated. And I can't remember what the heck it was that I wrote, so hopefully, this will work. This week has actually been fantastic! It has to be the summer

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-65681357135733147092010-06-17T14:17:00.000-07:002010-06-17T14:17:43.056-07:00

I finally found out the source of the delay of surgery, it is Cigna. They have denied me again, this time citing insufficient evidence to demonstrate the safety and/or effectiveness of autologous chondrocyte transplantation in the treatment of lesions of the patella. Go tell that to the people walking around, pain free, after ACI. It appears, I will have to send them a not so nice letter, this

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-47228334085838979552010-06-14T13:22:00.000-07:002010-06-22T16:35:58.315-07:00

Its time I explained my diagnoses in even greater detail. I try to document my journey, with humor, honesty, and emotion and to tell it in such a way that everyone can understand. So here goes: When I had my first knee surgery in September of 2009, I was 25 years old and in great health. My preoperative diagnosis was left knee pain, possible medial meniscus tear. My postoperative diagnosis:

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-27609560007444643882010-06-04T20:48:00.001-07:002010-06-04T20:48:59.598-07:00

I went for my preop and to see Dr. Looney today. Not much to do considering nothing has changed in a month. Good news to report on the lateral release, my kneecap has loosened up tremendously. For a kneecap that is a good thing. I still have swelling, pain, and heat but is easily managed with rest, ice, and elevation. Carticel is still being ridiculous or Cigna, not for sure which one exactly.

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-28834705780001991672010-06-02T22:14:00.001-07:002010-06-02T22:14:56.532-07:00

I received a call today from Dan Gates, at Vanderbilt Bone and Joint. My surgery for next week, has been postponed until June 22nd, tentatively. He got a call from Genzyme group, that my cells were not ready. Bummer! I am so ready to get this over with and start the healing process, towards a normal life, again. Carticel, the lab that grows the chondrocytes must have 12-14 million cells per vial

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-21648184031799884362010-06-01T22:21:00.001-07:002010-06-01T22:21:58.086-07:00

Today was my last physical therapy session at Top Rehab before the "big surgery". In exactly one week I will be cut open, or as my there year old niece says, " they cutting your knee off". Well I hope not but I'm sure it will feel that way, I'm even considering a tattoo of my surgery scar. Kat Von D, are you available? I'm broke so could you do it for free? I mentioned the tattoo to Andrea, so

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988263751108390356.post-37115079522680283552010-05-26T22:10:00.001-07:002010-05-26T22:10:29.989-07:00

Yesterday, I paid a visit to the lovely folks at Top Rehab. I could tell they missed me so much since I was the victim, I mean patient, of Andrea and Tracy. First, Andi, she likes it when I call her that, did leg measurements and strength tests. Two of the strength tests I failed miserably, I came to pt awake, for once and feeling strong. That didn't last long, after the initial stretching of

Loohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525630337573372944noreply@blogger.com0