Days 5 - 10, My TPF Surgery Experience- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Pre-op Appointment

Pre-op appointment

These few days are a combination of a whirlwind/blur.  We drove from Kanab to SLC, early May, 6.  The 4 1/2 hour drive was awful, and I couldn't get comfortable to save my life.  I had my CT scan at 11:15, which was easy peasy- much better and faster than the MRI's I've had in the past.  We had lunch at my favorite Pho restaurant and headed for my pre-op appointment with my Doc's PA.  Wrapping my mind around the fact that this would be the 4th surgery on this knee, and the 10th surgery on my legs left me with that "deer in the headlights" look.  My son took my hand, kissed my forehead and told me everything would be okay, from that point on- total poker face...  At first, I didn't understand why I was in the orthopedic trauma unit.  The PA explained to me that it's a unique surgery and my surgeon specializes in that particular procedure.  I found out he averages 5-7 a week.  She then asked me (with a concerned look) why I wasn't braced.  I told her it was really uncomfortable.  I left for my hotel fully wrapped and braced with instructions not to take it off, except for a shower.

New Uncomfortable Brace

Marked and ready for Surgery

Day 6, Surgery Day

Marked again, just to be sure!

I've got to admit, the surgery didn't scare me at all, even though I had never met my surgeon.  I was more concerned about my recovery/rehab.  The University of Utah is a teaching hospital.  Two of the residents for orthopedics were women, which I thought was great because you don't see that often in Orthopedics.  When I met my surgeon and anestesiaologist, I was amazed that they were so young.  The head nurse popped in to meet me and she was a total crack-up.  I'm guessing she was close to my age and very hip.  She told me I was in great hands and not to freak out when they wheeled me into surgery and likened it to a pit stop at a race, which I later fully understood.  The anesthesiaologist then gave me a little sumpin' sumpin' in my IV and we were off to my impending "pit stop."  Once in the room, the pit commenced.  I wish I could have gotten this on tape for our Baja racers.  From there- it was good night Irene.  

I woke up in pain which was immediately knocked out with drugs.  And eventually made it to my room.  My nurses throughout my stay were exceptional as were the CNA's and my docs.  The first 24-36 hours they checked me every 2 hours and made me move my toes and foot. I was back in my brace, and it wasn't comfortable but raising the bed and the ice machine really helped (along with the groovy drugs).  The second day, I met my favorite nurse- Rose.  Rose came strolling in with a big smile, sparkly makeup and crazy nails.  I told her I was a bit concerned that I hadn't gone to the bathroom for awhile and she asked me if I wanted a "Brown Cow".  I looked at her and replied "that sounds like a nasty shot at the bar."  She smiled and let me know it was a shot of milk of magnesia with prune juice.  I then opted for the pills.  I was able to leave Friday morning.  The drive back to Kanab was painful, but it was so good to be home.