Everything seems to merge together now that I can’t bike or run or really do anything. Usually, every day is defined by the running or biking that I did. Now I don’t have that and it could be awhile before I’m permitted to start again.
Yesterday I went up to the orthopedist for the first visit since the surgery. The PA took the brace off and the bandages for the first time since the surgery. My knee was and still is about the size of a softball with three small incisions. After leaving to converse with the orthopedist, the PA readjusted the brace to allow for 30 degrees of motion and also said I could start putting weight on it. Weight bearing almost immediately after microfracture surgery seems to go against every other case I’ve heard of because it may damage or impair the formation of new cartilage. The orthopedist said it was because of the location of the injury that I can put weight on it almost immediately, but it still has me worried. The pioneers of microfracture seem to agree with the orthopedist’s assessment since the images indicate that the problem was in or near the trochlear groove.
Now that the brace has been adjusted some, it is easier to move around some as well as sleep at night with the brace on. It also makes a world of difference just to be able to shower. It’s a major pain to get the brace on and off since I need help. I’ve started doing leg lifts and some calf raises that the PA recommended that I start on and I’m sure once the brace is loosened or comes off I’ll have to see a PT. I added some upper body stuff with free weights as well since I can’t really do anything else. No matter what, it’s going to be a major uphill battle whenever it is that I’m allowed to return to biking or running. I remember going out on a ride with one of my teammates when I had something that was preventing me from running, but my teammate had been unable to do anything for months and was finally allowed to bike again. I went pretty easy, but dropped him within the first 20 minutes anyway. That’s going to be me.
The pain is pretty much gone, but sometimes there is some throbbing. It isn’t any worse than it was before the surgery, which is good. I’ve heard that a lot of people that get microfracture are in more pain following the surgery than before and it takes several months before it feels better. Again, this is probably due to where my injury is. It must be that most people get cartilage tears in the lower and outside parts of the femur compared to me, which is higher up and more towards the middle where the kneecap goes. I have felt a click a few times when bending the knee and it’s right where I’ve had trouble. I’m not sure if this is okay or not, but it doesn’t hurt or seem as violent like before the surgery when it would happen. I guess I’ll find out in due time if everything heals correctly. As I’ve said before, I don’t want to screw this up and have to get a second surgery or be unable to bike or run.
At this point I don’t know if I’ll be able to function at school by myself since opening doors, showering, and even driving may be difficult. I can drive, but it’s a matter of getting the leg into the car since I can’t bend it much. I’ve got another appointment next week to remove the stitches and I’ll probably stay at school at least one night then. I really don’t want to be a burden on my roommate but I can tell my parents don’t care for it either. I would really like to try to gain more independence.
After the appointment, my mom and I went by the DMV to get one of those disabled placards for the car so I wouldn’t have to walk/crutch very far from the car to the office. Otherwise, not only would I have to go a long distance, but I’d also have to face a couple staircases. I nearly fell on one when we went over to the computer science office.
I spoke with my adviser to let him know I was still alive and that I can work from home, which I’m doing now. I also got some stuff for my candidacy application taken care of, but it’s not finished. Maybe by next week, I’ll be a Ph.D. candidate officially.
The deadline for our project is within a week or so and it’s having problems, but I’m doing the best I can to get it finished. Since this is my first conference paper it will be a good learning experience no matter what. I can build on my mistakes and do something better next time. I’ll have plenty of time to make improvements.
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