Well I have just gone through my second ACL replacement. This time for my left knee. The procedure is a little different from the patellar graft that was done to my right knee in 1995. This time instead of getting a graft from my patella ligament I received a donor graft (cadaver). What this achieves is there is no unnecessary harvesting of ligament from any other portion of my leg causing more damage and longer recovery time. They simply remove my torn ligament and replace it with the donated one. The surgery took place on the 13th of May and I was released from the hospital the next day. (Much hilarity ensued during my overnight stay at the hospital and into the next day).
I truly believe that there is one word in the English language which will invariably cause any man to shudder: catheter. Now from my previous surgery on my right knee 14 years ago I had some vague memory of what was involved (in case you are wondering by vague I actually mean acute and vivid). The insertion of a rubber tube into your nether regions is never going to be very pleasant. (third times the charm is that it?).
I must however say that overall the nursing staff were great to me. I did get to be mildly sarcastic with one of the Student nurses. (in case you read this “Hi Lisa hope you don’t prematurely pull another I.V. out LOL) During my stay I think I became a teaching example for both I/V. and a lab rat for the catheter. At one point I was the subject of curiosity for I developed a reaction to the adhesive tape used to secure my I.V.. When it was removed a patch of hives appeared on my arm where the tape had been. about 6 nurses came in over the next 20 minutes to have a look at this, All in all as stated the Nurses were in every way professional and provided great care. A big thank you to Lisa, Lauren, Shauna, and any I am remiss in remembering here.
I am currently now at home and am in a cast of sorts. basically three steel rods in a fabric sleeve that Velcro's up giving lateral stability and effectively immobilizing my knee. I am on crutches for the next month at least and can have this current brace removed in about a week and a half. The only thing I am thankful for is that it is now getting warmer and I have no need to worry about ice or other hazards.
I am now just awaiting my EI payments to come in and am actively searching for what ever work will be available here or in Halifax or other areas of Canada.
