BridgetJ
new member
I am a very positive and optimistic person but this journey is seriously testing both of these qualities.
Long story (not sure how to make it short) 3-wheeler accident when I was 20 years old resulted in serious infection and 2 surgeries at the time. One to repair the compound fracture, install hardware and cast. Next day another surgery - hardware removed (due to infection). Bottom line, lucky to have my leg as surgeons actually discussed amputation at the time with my family.
Fast forward 10 years after being told I would not walk without a limp, ever run or do all the things I love, I did them all! Yes, my leg was not pretty and over 20 degrees valgus but that did not stop me. At 30 years old, the severe angle started causing knee problems and so I had surgery to straighten my leg.
At the time, the best they could do was about 9 degrees. Served me well for over 2 decades until the pressure finally took its toll - severe arthritis and no cartilage. Underwent TKR May 2018 and surgeon was able to straighten leg nearly 11 degrees! I was elated and optimistic.
I could resume skiing, cycling and hiking. Unfortunately things never got better - had 2 MUAs (June 2018 and Aug 2018). Seemed to get worse every day after and pain was excruciating. Referred to a surgeon at USC who said this knee needed to be replaced again.
April 16, 2019, total knee revision. Surgery went well but once in recovery they realized when the tibia was moved forward an artery was damaged causing a blood clot. Back in for another surgery to remove blood clot. Vascular surgeon could not perform angioplasty (tried for over an hour but too much scar tissue) so I had to have a bypass. Incision from my bikini line to my knee and then another down my calf.
I am 16 days post surgery and am scared. I can only bend about 70 degrees and not quite full extension. Will this work? I am sad/mad. Will I be able to do the things I love with my family and friends ever again? I am in pain. Will this leg ever feel normal? I maintain a positive attitude by focusing on my blessings but I have my moments.
My husband, family and friends are all super supportive. I feel like I need to put on a positive front - I am tired of this long journey....certainly everyone else is tired of hearing about it also.
I have read all the threads on pain management, recovery, etc and I find them all helpful.
I guess my question is how will my recovery be impacted because of the bypass surgery? I feel like I am not doing as much as I should because I am so weak and tired. I was in ICU for a couple days because of the bypass/blood transfusion and when I was finally released my iron level was extremely low (7). I have been eating an iron rich diet and taking supplements and now am up to 10.7. I walk each day on crutches and am up to 1.5 miles. Besides that and some light housework, all I do is sleep and rest, ice and elevate. Should I be doing more?
I am just hoping someone has had a si lab perspective and can offer insight. Thanks in advance.
Long story (not sure how to make it short) 3-wheeler accident when I was 20 years old resulted in serious infection and 2 surgeries at the time. One to repair the compound fracture, install hardware and cast. Next day another surgery - hardware removed (due to infection). Bottom line, lucky to have my leg as surgeons actually discussed amputation at the time with my family.
Fast forward 10 years after being told I would not walk without a limp, ever run or do all the things I love, I did them all! Yes, my leg was not pretty and over 20 degrees valgus but that did not stop me. At 30 years old, the severe angle started causing knee problems and so I had surgery to straighten my leg.
At the time, the best they could do was about 9 degrees. Served me well for over 2 decades until the pressure finally took its toll - severe arthritis and no cartilage. Underwent TKR May 2018 and surgeon was able to straighten leg nearly 11 degrees! I was elated and optimistic.
I could resume skiing, cycling and hiking. Unfortunately things never got better - had 2 MUAs (June 2018 and Aug 2018). Seemed to get worse every day after and pain was excruciating. Referred to a surgeon at USC who said this knee needed to be replaced again.
April 16, 2019, total knee revision. Surgery went well but once in recovery they realized when the tibia was moved forward an artery was damaged causing a blood clot. Back in for another surgery to remove blood clot. Vascular surgeon could not perform angioplasty (tried for over an hour but too much scar tissue) so I had to have a bypass. Incision from my bikini line to my knee and then another down my calf.
I am 16 days post surgery and am scared. I can only bend about 70 degrees and not quite full extension. Will this work? I am sad/mad. Will I be able to do the things I love with my family and friends ever again? I am in pain. Will this leg ever feel normal? I maintain a positive attitude by focusing on my blessings but I have my moments.
My husband, family and friends are all super supportive. I feel like I need to put on a positive front - I am tired of this long journey....certainly everyone else is tired of hearing about it also.
I have read all the threads on pain management, recovery, etc and I find them all helpful.
I guess my question is how will my recovery be impacted because of the bypass surgery? I feel like I am not doing as much as I should because I am so weak and tired. I was in ICU for a couple days because of the bypass/blood transfusion and when I was finally released my iron level was extremely low (7). I have been eating an iron rich diet and taking supplements and now am up to 10.7. I walk each day on crutches and am up to 1.5 miles. Besides that and some light housework, all I do is sleep and rest, ice and elevate. Should I be doing more?
I am just hoping someone has had a si lab perspective and can offer insight. Thanks in advance.