jkitner's Right TTT-Fulkerson Post-Op Diary...

[jkitner]

Glinda-
It starts just below the knee, and goes the whole way down my shin bone. I looks like it wwas stitched right so when it does heal, it wont be so noticable. I dont really care that much either, its just my leg, its not like i have it going down the side of my face or anything 

[jkitner]

So this is my second boring weekend. Slept awesome lastnight, best ive slept since ive been home from surgery, i didnt even wake up when my boyfriend left for work.
I actually spent the morning trying to bend my leg alot, a little more each time. It feels like there is a "rubberband" keeping me from going furthur, so i was told if keep trying to bend, it will start to get looser and easier. Yesterday i was getting up off the couch and my leg and knee just POPPED! That felt sooo good! The doctor actually warned me about it as i was leaving his officce yesterday. He said it was absolutely normal and unless i felt pain with it, there was nothing to worry about. Im a very big joint cracker, sometimes against my will too..lol. My parents call me and my brother snap, crackle and pop! Anytime i get up from bed or even siitting too long all my lower joints crack and pop for awhile, and it also would relieve alot of pain in my knee if i was to crack it. So just that little pop made things feel alot better!
Things are starting to feel alot better too, i almost took my shower this morning standing, but i figured if i was to do that i better wait until someone is home with me incase i fall. I cant wait until i can go swimming again! My boyfriends family opens the pool this weekend and all i can really go is let my legs hang in until my incision is healed more, which by the way looks really good, it looks like i just got scratched by something.
Did anyone ditch the crutches and find a cane was a little easier?? I dont use both crutches unless im in a store or if i need to move fast, otherwise im either limping around with none or 1 crutch, its hard to carry things around with 2 crutches in your hands.
Not real sure what im gonna get myself into today, maybe ill push the vacuum around while on a computer chair...lol, my sister in-law told me that works really well.
Ok well everyone have a good day and memorial weekend!

[jkitner]

yesterday went pretty good, my first full day without crutches. I  hurt my wrist pretty bad on the crutches so the doc told me to not use them as tolerated. Which basically to me means that i can go around without them unless i start to hurt. My foot was a little swollen this morning but no more pain than usual. It was really nice to get out of the house all day yesterday, except for everyone making fun of the way i walk, aparently i should have had my arms broken too that way i would really look like frankenstein...ugh  Im sure today will be the same, we're suppost to go to a family cookout/pool party, and his family loves to pik just as much as i do. And i cant go swimming either, well not anymore then letting my legs hang in. I know alot of my PT will be done in the pool, but im not suppost to "soak" the incision since its not healed enough yet, but hey i have all summer, its not even summer yet!

Sometime this week im going to give driving a try, my dad is suppost to pick up my car to fix it so that woould be a great time to ask him to drive with me incase something happens or if i get in too much pain. Im tired of asking other people to run errands for me, but im not for sure yet, this will only be week 2, so maybe waiting another week would be better.

EVERYONE HAVE A HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

[LF2007]

Hello JKitner,
My name is Lily I am 33years old. I was checking your Post-OP for TTT. First, I am really glad that you are recovering pretty well. I think you are very brave. I have a few questions. You got a TTT because you had malalignment of your pattellae? One of my knee surgeons thinks that is the road I am heading for my right knee. I have Q angle of 26 on R-Knee. I used to dance salsa/ballet (hobby). One year ago, after practicing spinning, I started feeling pain. Was told to rest but I still got pain. Then was told to do therapy, still no results. I keep seeing Surgeons (three total). One says that I could try therapy one more year  or surgery. The other says please try therapy harder. Anyhow, my bad knee keeps loosing muscle like crazy. No matter what I do, I see no muscle. I even started taking extra protein. Now the other knee is starting to loose muscle and hurt. But honestly, I am terrified of such surgery TTT. My doc said it leaves a big scar and yes, my leg would look a bit different. I woudl have to get the TTT and Lateral Release. Gosh, the thought of it. Anyhow, hope you have good Memorial day weekend too...  Thanks for the info you are posting, it helps a lot of us who are very scared.
Lily

[krissie]

Hey, if you get to drive this soon, I'll be very happy for you but seriously JEALOUS!!....I'm heading into week 8 post-op and have to pass certain "tests" at PT this week (leg press and treadmill) before I'll be cleared to "get my license" back!  I'm told that when I get the green light I should head to an empty parking lot and practice certain things like slamming on the brakes with the surgery leg (right) just to be certain that I won't be getting myself into any trouble!

Too bad you can't get in the pool - I hear that it feels SOOO good to us TTT patients!  Be careful with your new walking style - watch your hips so you don't stress them out too much and cause yourself other problems.  Like I told Saul, avoid a cane as you may hurt your back with that too!  Either way, congrats on all your amazing progress!!!

[jkitner]

Lily-
My TTT & LR, plus all my therapy tries were because of a malaligned knee/kneecap. In my opinion and reading/talking to other people with the same problem, physical therapy alone wont help you unless you continue therapy and your exersizes for the rest of your life. Most doctor's swear against a lateral release alone because its only a temperary solution because when the surgery is done most of the nerves around the pain area are purposely cut to help relieve pain, so in about a years time, the pain will return, usually worse then before. So i strong suggest the TTT. I was very scared about having this done, but the recovery time has been better then expected, and im so excited for the results. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
-Jen

[jkitner]

Krissie-
If i have to wait that long, i think i will seriously go nuts! My disability company actually called my doctor to get an idea of when to stop my coverage, which is roughly a month, and thats what people keep telling me. I start PT wendnesday so im sure they will help get my leg strong enough to atleast drive a car on the highway or long distance since my drive to work can range from 45min to an hour depending on traffic.

I stuck my feet in the pool for awhile today, felt good but all the kids made me real nervous. I wasnt hardly on my feet at all today and my foot and ankle swelled up pretty bad. We had a huge crab feast so i was told the shellfish might do that, so im going to keep an eye on it and use my crutches for the rest of the night and tomorrow just incase i over did it. But like i said, my foot was up most of the day. I can totally understand the hip thing though, siince im kinda walking "up" instead of forward, it does put a little stress on my hip, that hip usually bothers me a good bit anyways when i walk alot because my surgery leg is a little "taller" then my other leg(which by the way most people have, just doesnt bother some).

[giege]

You do sound like you are doing really well.  The great attitude and on the go personality is what will get you through this the fastest route possible just don't cut corners or rush things to the point of hurting yourself and have a setback. 

Keep up the great work and the great attitude - I hope PT goes well.

Glinda


Lily - You have found the right place to search for information regarding the TTT surgery - I know that it may seem like a scary surgery to have but you will know when it is time to finally have the surgery if that is what your OS thinks needs to be done.  I don't think there is any of us that has had the surgery that went into it not being a bit scared but what we did want was better than what we had.  I also don't think any of us realistically expects to come out of a surgery like this to have our knees like new - I think just to have less pain and be able to be more active is what most of us really want and for the most part I think most of our expectations hopefully will be met and exceeded.  I know in the diaries and posts that I have read most people were very happy with the outcome of their surgeries. 

This is not an easy surgery - some people are able to bounce back much faster than others.  For the most part you will be in an immobilizer or some sort of ROM brace for 6 weeks and on crutches for a large portion of that time.  Your OS will have to talk to you about your time off work - it obviously is based on what you do for a living.  Some people are able to go back to work at two weeks others go back at six weeks so it varies greatly.  The first week is the hardest as far as the pain and swelling.  The incision that you will get depends on your OS - my incision is 3 1//2 long - but that is small compared to others. 

My best advise for you is to ask your OS a lot of questions... feel free to come here to ask any of us questions.
Good luck.
Glinda  (ttt surgery 5-7-07)

[krissie]

Jen - I totally hear you about getting nervous with lots of kids around!  Even with my own boys, my first few weeks after surgery I was really uncomfortable being in their "living space" just for fear that they'd bump me or slip or something.  This weekend we were overnight at some friends' beach house and they have two border collies and two kids under 4 - I think I held my breath every time I was passing through a room with all of them around!!

That dip of the toes in the pool had to feel good!  I've never heard of eating crab as being a possible reason for swelling -what's that about?

[jkitner]

I asked my b/f's mom again about the crabs and she said it was probably a mix of the rock salt from the crabs and the humid weather, either way it was back to slightly swollen this morning like its been before. Im going to go out after PT tomorrow and exhange some sandels i havent worn yet for some sneakers and flipflops, because ive finally figured out i wont be wearing heels of any sort probably until next summer. I also have a small wedding to go to on friday, not sure what will match this lovely black and grey brace..lol 

The brusing on my ankle and foot seems to keep getting bigger and darker by the day, will it ever go away!?! I have my first session of PT tomorrow, i was excited, but im not anymore because i realized that its mainly going to be measuring strength, ROM, etc for the first session, its just going to be a long 2 months, and i cant wait to get my legs both back to the same size again, its kind of embarrassing. Atleast ive found something to keep me busy for 2-3 more weeks until i can return to work, a friend of mine is a musician and has asked if i could build him a website to help promote him and sell some of his cd's. Im so excited, this is the money im looking for to pay off bills and buy a new car & bike once i get my motorcycle licence.

Has anyone found any type of lotions or creams that has helped minimize the appearance or color of the surgery scares?? I mean my scare is going to be huge, but i dont think its going to be as noticable as some because all the stitches were inside, but id still like to get ahead while i can.

[krissie]

Jen - Good to hear the swelling has gone back to "normal swelling"!  That's still really interesting about the crabs but I suppose with the salt and humidity, it makes sense!

If you want any shoe suggestions, I got some "mule sneakers" (backless sneakers, essentially) - Ryka and Skechers both make some - they're much easier to get on and off when we're so limited in our mobility and yet give great support for our very unstable legs!  Another suggestion, the Tech Amphibian by Solomon - they're sneakers but are also for beach/water stuff, hiking, etc - very light in hot weather and they come in really cute colors (I got pink!).  If you missed this discussion on Saul's diary a while back, a few of us have had really good luck with Zappos.com - you can order from your couch and they're usually at your doorstep the very next day!!  I ordered two sizes in each shoe that I wanted and just sent back the ones that didn't fit - it was really simple!

Think of your bruising as a good thing - it means all that edema is probably moving out of your joint and starting to heal up - still, get your leg up as often as possible since you don't want it to pool in your ankle/foot.  As much as PT doesn't sound all that inspiring right now, I'm willing to be you're going to feel better afterwards - just to see some progress and get moving a little (even if it hurts...).  The job youi're going to do for your friend sounds very cool - you're going to feel so good getting your mind on something else!

My OS told me to forget Mederma (too expensive, short on results) and just get some Vitamin E cream - rub it on twice a day.  Also, make sure you either put SPF 50 or zinc oxide on the scar when you're out in the sun -- or, even simpler, cover it with a bandaid - either way, you need to keep it from getting darker.

Have fun at PT!

[jkitner]

krissie-
as i was reading your post this evening i was actually buying shoes from zappos.com  , im a huge fan of "skater" shoes, they are the most comfortable things ive ever worn so i figured i'd get another pair or so, plus some of them are pretty cool looking, i just cant make a decision on what color combinations. If your interested check out the Adio or Globe line, they have alot of nice ones for women.

Is it ok to put lotions like that on an "unhealed" wound?

Ill write tomorrow when i get back from PT.

[giege]

Good Luck on PT tomorrow!!!!  I know that it probably isn't something you are looking forward to because yes they will be checking your strength and ROM but along with that they will be setting goals and you will be able to then meet your goal and  see your progress.  I LOVE THAT!!!!     My PT is very aggressive - sometimes to the point where I am almost uncomfortable but I think it has been good for me and I think he knows me well enough to know just how far and how much he can push me - I think that is important.  Keeping me on my toes and reaching for the next goal has kept me in a good place emotionally during this tough rehab process.

That was a really good question about the scar and what to put on it  - mine is pretty small but I also know that once you get in the sun they do seem to be more noticeable.  Great info Krissie.  I'm really glad you asked about that.

I have been living in my flip-flops, crocs, and going barefoot since my surgery.  I know what you mean that there are limited options in the closet.... I think that I may check out the zappos.com also.  Even after I have the immobilizer removed I have a feeling that I will be battlling some swelling on and off still.

Well, I will be thinking of you during your first PT visit.  I hope it goes well.  Try to grin and bear it.  You will have to tell us all about it.  Remember to take your pain meds before - at least something over the counter if you are not taking prescription meds anymore.

Take Care.
Glinda

[jkitner]

PT today went great! My physical therapist is awesome! He was so shocked on everything i can do on my own right now, as soon as i got in there he asked me to take the brace off, so i did as asked and i was lifting my leg, bending, etc, he couldnt believe i was able to do that, it seemed like no big deal to me.
So right away i was measured at 100 degrees ROM, and measured strength and all that stuff. He made me do some heel slides and byy the time i was done i could do 120 degrees ROM while pulling my leg towards me, maybe by next week i can do it on my own. I could have gone more but that "rubberband" inside my leg kept me from going any furthur again. 

His biggest concern is the lack of muscle in my leg, i used to have very strong thigh muscles, i held the women's bench press record in my old high school...anyways...they put this machine on me that made my thigh muscle and knee tighten without me having to do anything, it really hurt at first, but then it got to be really cool. Even though the machine was doing everything i was still suppost to try and tighten the muscle to get used to the motion again.
The physical therapist was just so impressed with all my movements and recovery time, he laughed and said i was going to make his job very easy!
And i have to best news too!! I can sleep without my brace!!!!! I was so excited, that thing is what keeps me from sleeping good anymore, but i still need to have it on and locked when im walking. He also said if im comfortable enough without my crutches i dont need to use them anymore either, he said maybe by the end of next week ill be able to walk with the brace unlocked.

I also might not be able to get back to work as scheduled, he said my leg just isnt strong enough to be able to slam on a break, but he said if i go 4 times next week i might be able to, but its not for sure yet. Im just suppost to go practice in a parkinglot to see if i can do it without pain. Im still suppost to wear my swelling sleeve for awhile though, which im not comfortable without yet, incision isnt bad or ugly, i just want to keep it protected and away from the sun.

So overall today went pretty well, and ive been in minimal pain even after PT, my screws and shin is just bothering me a little.

[giege]

Yahoo!!!!!  Awesome job!  See it wasn't so bad now was it?  It actually was what you needed to let you know that you are doing great!  It does sound like you have a great PT - that makes going to the torture house much more pleasurable when you like your PT.  I am so glad that things are going so well for you.  Don't you just want to walk around with a huge grin on your face when you have a successful day like this one?   

Keep up the good work and enjoy the day.
Glinda