Back to business

I'm reporting back to work tomorrow after a three week hiatus. I feel much better now as I can walk normally albeit slowly. The surgical wound is close to fully healing but there's still pain on the bruised areas. Stiffness is very prevalent. It's difficult to flex and extend my knee and leg. With proper rehab, I feel confident I'll regain full mobility in a few months. Overall, I believe I'm just right on schedule.

Anyhow, my gratitude and appreciation go out to the following:

Many thanks to my physicians, Dr. Mikey Bengzon (orthopaedic
surgeon) and Dr. Lea Montemayor (anesthesiologist) for a successful
operation.

The staff of The Medical City, especially my nurses for
the round-a-clock supervision.

My HMO, Intellicare, for footing the bill. I racked up
about 140 g's in total.

My manager, Joan and the rest of WFM for multitasking in
my absence.

My friends, colleagues and family for all the
encouragement and support.

I'm looking to get back to status quo, and it all starts tomorrow.

2nd week post-op

The doctor took out the skin staples on my knees earlier. He expects the incisions to heal in about a week's time. It hurt a bit since he had to take each of the dozen staple wires out slowly to minimize bleeding. There was a stinging sensation that lasted pretty long too.

My knee flexion increased to about 120 degrees. Doc said he expects full range of motion in about 6 weeks. He said I can only start strengthening rehab once full ROM is achieved. The basis of comparison is my other leg. In essence, my right knee should be as good as my left one by mid-January. That's a tough act, but hopefully rehab goes well.

Day 8 Post-Op

I went to the doctor yesterday for my eighth day post-op check-up. Feedback was mixed.

Here are the good points:
- I can drop the crutches and the immobilizer.
- I can put Tegaderm over the incisions which should make taking a shower a breeze. It used to be a bitch.
- He expects me to recover quick as my flexion is nearing 100 degrees after seven days. From experience, he says some folks need about thow weeks to reach 90 degrees.

Now the bad points:
- My skin staples need to stay another week. Damn, i can just imagine how painful it will be once he takes them out.
- The swelling and bruising will remain for about two more weeks.

Overall, I think I'm ahead of schedule. I'm starting therapy soon to regain my full range of motion. It probably will take me about 8-12 weeks to reach full leg extension and knee flexion.

4th day post-op

The swelling on my knee is literally going down as it's now on my ankles. It's known in the medical circles as ankle pumps. My knee is still pretty banged up though, as the bruises are still painful whenever I bend. I can now walk without crutches though I have to do it slowly. Flexion on my knee is about 100 degrees. I'm supposed to ge take therapy next week. Hopefully, I can start walking normally soon.

Stapled by a dozen

I cleansed my surgery wounds (by myself) for the first time this morning. All in all, I have one 2-inch incision and three small holes. These are punctuated by a dozen skin staple wires scattered among them.

Aside from the grossness of my wounds, they keep me paranoid of contracting infection. And it's not a good feeling at all.

Discharge

I just got home about an hour ago. I was discharged from Medical City this morning after three nights of confinement.

I can walk already with my crutches as long as I have my immobilizer on. The doctor also allowed me to bear weight on my right leg. I'll be doing knee bending exercises to help get my range of motion back soon. It's difficult but I think I'll be okay.

Last night

Tomorrow is D-Day. I'm getting admitted at Medical City tonight. Pray for my quick recovery.

Nov 29

That's the date of my ACL reconstruction surgery. I'll be admitted the night before. I've mixed feelings about it. I am excited to finally get it done. On the other hand, I'm scared something might go wrong. Thinking about the long rehabilitation process makes it even worse.

Trivia: It's Barbie's birthday too.