7.10.2008

The word of the day is "arthroscopy"

I'm having arthroscopic surgery August 5th on my right knee. The under surface of my patella will be "shaved" so that it glides easier over the knee joint when I move, eliminating the incredible "box of rocks" feeling that I have each time I flex and extend my knee. Gotta love that chondromalacia patella.

I could take anti-inflammatory medication for the rest of my life but I want the problem fixed. I want to chase my kids around the house. I want to run. I want to be able to train clients and demonstrate how to properly do a squat or a lunge. I want to walk without feeling as though my knees are going to buckle beneath me. I can't do any of that right now. None of it. And I'm frustrated that at 35 I'm finding myself limping around because I'm having a "bad knee day". I want a normal life again, whatever "normal" means.

I'm totally jazzed about a couple of aspects of all of this though:
1. If I slip the surgeon fifty bucks maybe he really will give me bionic parts.
2. I won't be able to return to work until three days after I finish my last dosage of pain medication. I foresee a lot of pain.

Wink, wink. Nudge, nudge.

15 comments:

t i m said...

I hope they don't do that while you're awake, yikes! Anywho its best to fix it now than later.

Also, you don't want bionic parts if the whereabouts of Jaime Sommers is anything to go by. She was last seen in err, err, err... you see. :)

Katy said...

My Hub's been lifting weights for forever and did martial arts and wrestling in high school. He had arthroscopic knee surgery several years ago and it was very successful.

Mrs. F said...

OMG, slip that doctor fifty bucks then, cause I need a Bionic Woman bloggy friend to add to my collection of other really cool bloggy friends (right now you are just my cool ass physical trainer bloggy friend, let's upgrade you, eh!)

Unknown said...

There won't be as much pain as you might think. I had Arthro knee surg a few years ago and I was back on my feet in no time. I know each procedure is different, but at least they are not opening up your knee all the way.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the procedure is more common than I would have thought. Are you scheduled yet? Good luck with everything, I'll be sparring for you!

Anonymous said...

oh my god..i had breakfast 1 hour ago..i can't see and listen this word by now!!!i'm "sensible" ouch!

take care and have a fantastic weekend! ciaoo.sara.

www.moonstage.spaces.live.com

Anonymous said...

Woohoo... relief is around the corner... and good drugs!! LOL... like you said - its too young at 35 to not have any control over such things. I'll be thinking about you... and drink a few strong Margarittas for you, OK??

KC

Unknown said...

I had one knee done. I was of the leg for two days after surgery - but I could have been up sooner. Doctors orders. And SWMBO makes sure that Doctor's orders are enforced.

Anonymous said...

Hi Liz...great space here. Good luck with the operation...too bad you have to go to such lengths to get the medication ;-).

Carol

Malathionman said...

My mother-in-law just had her knee REPLACED and they had her on it SAME DAY. I just saw her last night, 10 days later walking pretty good on a cane, no walker. This should be a piece of cake.

Anonymous said...

Good luck for the operation Elizabeth. So sorry you are having some bad days but surely this will be pass. We will read your "normal" posts again some day, maybe in autumn. Please take good care of yourself and listen to your doctors carefully, lol. Love and hugs, Zeynep xx

Anonymous said...

hallo dear!now i am read for read this post,and i can tell u that u had choose the righ thing to do!!!
now u are young (very young!!!) and your body it just right for support this kind of surgery.and americans doctors are the best in the world : your medical science is always in progress!

my best wishes and take care,u're always in smile!love sara.

www.moonstage.spaces.live.com

Anonymous said...

So many of my friends have been sooo happy with their knee surgery. Here's hoping you re too!

Um, if you get bionic parts, don't they need to be matched in both knees? ;o)

Anonymous said...

Liz,

Have known a few people that have had knee surgery and both with successful operations, and felt the pain of going through it was not only worth it, but made a huge difference to their quality of life.

Praying for you. Really enjoyed your pictures of vacation. I have been thinking about switching to Fl*ck*r for my pictures and seeing yours have inspired me to keep on with that idea.

So glad you are home safe and that you had a wonderful time...minus the bees.

Love and hugs,
L-Beth

White Hot Magik said...

I am glad it is not replacement yet. I foresee a long absence too..