Fulkerson with a twist

[mermaids]

On 9/10/10 I had a Fulkerson TTT, but with a twist.  Here is the back story:

Twenty years ago, I tore cartilage in a skiing accident.  Had it repaired via arthroscope.  Surgeon was not entirely pleased with result and wanted to do more surgery.  No time for that, so I ignored it.  Knee always bothered me, but bearable.  About 8 years ago, the pain became too much.  Visited lots of orthos and PTs.  Replacement was the only option offered.  I didn't like that option, so I managed the pain and continued to look for a surgeon. 

Finally found one who offered something other than replacement, a Fulkerson.  Knowing what a big procedure this is, he suggested we try a lateral release first.  He was clear that this was not a permanent fix, may not help at all, or might buy me a few years.  Did the LR in 12/08.  Bounced back from that quickly.  Helped a little, but quickly knew the Fulkerson was necessary.  Scheduled it for 6/10, so my teenage children would be home to take care of me. 

When he opened up my knee, my surgeon felt the Fulkerson would not really help.  He cleaned up some ragged tissue, and closed me back up.  We were both frustrated and disappointed.  He sent me to Connecticut to consult with Fulkerson directly.  After my appt, Fulkerson and my surgeon consulted to customize the traditional Fulkerson to suit the peculiarities of my knee.  There was some discussion of having Fulkerson do the surgery or letting my surgeon do it here.  The logistics of having surgery out of state were too much.  I opted to have the surgery at home, and am very glad I did. 

Surgery was 9/10/10 and I am doing great!  Spent one night in the hospital, but stopped taking pain meds less than 12 hrs after surgery. 

[mermaids]

Before my surgery, I read thru these forums to get an idea of what to expect.  Here are a couple things I have done to make post op life easier.

Mini fridge in my bedroom - I live in a two story house with no full bath on the first floor.  I am also one of those people who wakes up in the middle of the night absolutely ravenous.  I stocked the min fridge with small bottles of juice, yogurt, cheese cubes, etc.  When I wanted a snack, I did not have to bother anyone to get things for me, especially at 2 a.m.  It is my own personal mini bar. 

Good PT before surgery - My PT guy worked me *so* hard before surgery.  Core training, strengthen the hips, and increased flexibility.  The post op brace is heavy.  Dr does not want me using my quads yet, so I have to use hip muscles to lift my leg to get into bed.  Flexibility helps me put on shoes by myself without bending my leg.

Practice getting into the car w/o bending the leg - I was able to drive less than a week post op.  I practiced how to maneuver my leg into the car w/o bending.  I also figured out how to get the crutches in and out of the car.  It was so much easier to do this when I was not in pain. 

Beside cart - I have a small microwave cart on wheels next to my bed.  It holds my laptop, snacks, books, etc.  I can push it away when I need to get out of bed, but pull it closer when I need things.  Wheels are the key. 

Shower chair  - Getting in and out of the shower is scariest part of the day.  Wet, slippery, no brace, nothing substantial to hold onto...  I bought a cheap wooden stool from Target.  It is light enough that I can use it sort of like a walker to get into the shower.  Once in the shower, I can sit on it while I wash. 

Single serving meals - My friends have been wonderful about cooking for me.  I asked them to package things in single serving containers that I can pop in the microwave.  Trying to pull things from the fridge, get a plate from the cabinet, reheat things on the stove... not easy to do with crutches. 

The biggest thing is to practice before surgery.  Try out your regular routine with crutches and think of ways to simplify.  I have been mostly on my own since 4 days post op.  I have a little help in the evenings and someone to run errands.  I don't recommend this!  I am managing, but it is hard.  Careful pre-planning has made it possible. 

[duckie857]

The biggest thing for me post-op with my last surgery was showering. I have never, in my life, been so nervous and so exhausted taking a shower. I had sliding glass doors, so I was left trying to maneuver my body and a straight leg through a small 3 foot opening with not enough room to back up once I was in. By the time I was out, dressed, and back on my bed I was so exhausted I needed a nap! This time, I'm definitely borrowing a shower stool from one of my great aunts so I don't have to be so tired trying to get clean

The single serving food is a great idea. Getting around with crutches and trying to make yourself a sandwich is SO frustrating. It's another one of those times where you get everything done and go to sit down and eat but you're too tired to even bother.

Good luck, I hope your recovery continues to go smoothly!

[mermaids]

I totally agree.  Showering is quite an ordeal.  Trying to move around without the brace is nerve wrecking.  I am very petite.  My surgeon was concerned about having enough room for the screws.  He is very concerned about my tibia shattering if I move the wrong way.  He used the smallest screws possible, but there just isn't a lot of bone to work with.  He wants me in the locked brace unless I am in the shower. 

[mermaids]

Just returned from a follow up appt with my OS. 

Good news:  He is very pleased with the way everything is healing.  Removing the stitches was actually not painful, for once. 

Bad news:  He wants to slow down the protocol quite a bit.  My brace will stay in the locked position longer and I will be on crutches longer.  I start physical therapy tomorrow.  He has informed my PT guy to proceed very slowly.  I am not allowed to bend my leg unless I am with the PT guy.  He is very concerned about the screws coming out because my tibia is so small. 

He said I could be out of work for 3 months. 

[duckie857]

Awww, that sucks about the ROM thing. Your OS knows best, though. When I had my last surgery my OS had me going really slow on recovery, but I was progressing so fast my PT was in constant dialogue with him on what should be going on. That was one of the great things about having my surgeon available in the office...if I had a question I could hobble down the hall and actually talk to him face-to-face (and man, was that a nice face to talk to!

It'll suck, I know, but take the time and heal properly. That way you know that you'll be in a good place in a few months and not back tracking and losing strength because of a silly injury caused by pushing too hard too soon.

[mermaids]

First post op PT appt today.  What a humbling experience.  Before surgery, I hit the PT hard.  I could leg press my full body weight with the bad leg.  (It hurt like crazy, but I could do it.) 

Today, heel slides left me winded.  I needed help to do a straight leg raise.  That is all I am allowed to do.  Physical therapy is going to be a long, long process.  I am trying to be patient, but that is not in my nature. 

[mermaids]

Trying to get my life back as much as possible.  Went out to dinner this weekend!  We went early so we could rearrange chairs to prop up my leg.  It was so nice to be out amongst the living.  Today, I went out for coffee with a friend, just like real people do.  We even stopped by a shop to pick up something she needed.  The crutches definitely slowed me down, but I did it. 

The only scary moment was the rain.  The crutches were wet... and slippery.  I almost fell one time.  Made a mental note to think carefully about where I go when it rains. 

It was tiring to go out, but I cannot and will not sit home for the next two months. 

[mermaids]

Day 17:  I can do straight leg raises w/o assistance!!!  My first day of physical therapy was on Day 14.  I had not been allowed to do anything until I met with my PT guy.  I could barely do a straight leg raise WITH help.  Just three days later and I can do it all by myself.  I can't do more than 5 or 6 in a row, but I am very excited. 

I worked out so hard prior to surgery and built some great muscle mass.  I was terrified of losing it all by sitting around for so long post op. 

I still have to proceed slowly, but this is encouraging.

[duckie857]

That's a great improvement! Congratulations on your success. All that hard work is clearly paying off!

[mermaids]

I had to go out today in the rain.... on crutches.  Eek!  I got quite wet.  Floors are very slippery with wet crutches.  Glad to be back home, safe and sound.

[duckie857]

Glad to hear you made it back safe and sound!

I'm counting my blessings that I don't have to be out in the weather we've got going on right now. I'm on the east coast of the US (in New York) where all that flooding and crazy weather is happening. It's supposed to rain next week when I come home, too! Right now we've got 30mph winds and intermittent downpours. My Mom's town in North Carolina just got 13 inches of rain, and the city where I graduated high school had 24 inches of rain since Sunday! So crazy!

Stay dry

[mermaids]

3 weeks since surgery:

PT guy was happy with my progress today.  Straight leg raises are getting easier and easier.  ROM is about 20 degrees.  I didn't think that was very good, but he is impressed.  I said I feel I am ready for more.  He said to be patient, but he would put in a good word for me when he talks to my surgeon.  I will see the surgeon again next week.  I hope he will start lifting some restrictions by then. 

[mermaids]

Went out to dinner tonight.  (yay!)  My sons wanted to stop at the bookstore.  Who am I to say no to books?  Some wild child was running around the store.  She knocked one of my crutches out from under me.  Fortunately, I was able to maintain my balance by grabbing onto a shelf.  The mother never apologized or even came over to see if I was okay.  Grrrrr. 

[duckie857]

Great job with the SLRs and the ROM. You're moving right along!

My BIGGEST fear is going out into the world after surgery. I have to go try bridesmaid dresses on 10 days after surgery...I think I might die