Saturday, February 26, 2011

New Hardware…

I went to the Dr. on Friday for my post-op follow-up and to get the stitches removed from the ‘pokie holes’ in my knee.

I got to do my best impression of a pretzel so that they could take an x-ray from the side of my knee.  That pretzel position wasn’t nearly as painful as the one I assumed for the x-ray at the ER.

I found out I’ve got 2 screws… one that goes straight in – in the middle of the bone to hold the ACL back in place where it broke off (at the break) and another coming in from the other side to hold the bone together snug.

xray-2 2-25

I could show you the camera picture of the stitches in the ACL and the screw… but I don’t want anyone feeling light headed… one of us is enough.

Here is the other new hardware…

photo-1

I’ve got a couple hinges either side of my knee  – but it’s locked straight – no bending this knee and no weight to be put on the leg.

photo-2

I’ve got some quick release buckles on the velcro straps… no more noise when I take it on and off.

photo-3

The supports are along the sides and there is only padding where the buckles are – so this will be much more comfortable and won’t slide like the other one did.

photo 

All buckled up… and no place to go…

He did offer me a cast… and then offered me this.  He said this immobilizer works as well as a cast except for when people take it off and then reinjure themselves moving around without it on.  Needless to say… I won’t be tooling around without it on – I can take a hint.

I did get my wheelchair… it helps in some respects but it’s a tight squeeze in some places and then having my leg sticking straight out just complicates things.  Easier to just stay put…

My Son-in-Law surprised us by driving up here on Friday.  He’s recently reported to the DC area for a Navy school – that’s why my Daughter and grandkids were planning on being here at this time to visit.  Their Friday class was cancelled so he took advantage of the opportunity and headed up here after the DC area morning traffic settled down.

Maybe this week I’ll be more productive… maybe… maybe not…

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Take good care of your self. Hope to give you a hug when I'm in your neck of the woods in a couple of weeks.

Andrea said...

Yes I think staying put sounds like a good plan. Look after yourself and I hope you're soon back on your feet xx

Saska said...

OUCHIE! That looks horrible.

Keep your hiney in the recliner and heal. I was on crutches for 6 weeks..not fun, but at least I can walk now without limping.

MH said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MH said...

You sure did a job on yourself !
That's some hardware you got there !

I'm glad you got company , I can't imagine you staying put without going crazy , but company helps !

Thinking about you a lot and hoping you get better fast !

Mary

Shirley J said...

Glad to hear you are doing so well. Keep it up!

Greenmare said...

my poor poor quilting buddy! but just think, by the time you are healed up enough to be without the straight jacket for your leg, it will be real spring!!!! right?

Anonymous said...

I got to thinking about you today as I was thinking about the Lancaster Quilt Show. I hope you are feeling better each day. Like Mary says, you sure do have some hardware. Follow the doctor's orders. Better safe than sorry. Sure glad the kids are there. That's got to help. Prayers for a total recovery are being said.

Bon