November 22, 2014

ACL + my mama.



I keep waking up to contract my right quadricep to push my knee cap back. That is what the paper they handed me after surgery tells me to do to speed recovery and mobility. So I do it - obsessively. ACL surgery on Wednesday felt like a bit of a set back. About a month after my bike accident, I was walking almost without a limp. But without surgery, I would still be missing a ligament in my knee - and a lot of strength and stability.

The surgeon reported that the reconstruction "was perfect." I hope he meant that very literally. He signed his initials on my knee: CA - must have been very proud of his work. Pretty remarkable what he went in and did - took a strip of my hamstring to create a new "ACL" (ligament), drilled holes in the tibia and femur and attached that strip of muscle with screws. I have a whole knee again.

Bless her - my mama flew in for a few days to save me. Scooped up both babies and floated around the house working magic. Every time Colette was about to lose it (again), Grandma Rosie had a new song to play on the piano or another art project or hug. She made us feel really special. Romy was especially pleased, as you can see. So sweet. Now for all the stairs in this house. Requisite physical therapy.

5 comments:

Jill said...

I follow your blog religiously so I have no idea how I missed the post on your blog about your bike accident. I just went back and read it. So sorry Emilie! I hate that that happened to you. I'm so glad your mama could be there to help for a few days. She is a wonder, as are you. Love you!

Xtreme English said...

Terrible thing to have happened, and glad you're recovering--with the help of your Mom. Did your doctor really sign his work? Is this a common practice??

Emilie said...

Thanks guys! I'll be better in no time.

The surgeon really did initial my knee - but to be fair, I also initialed it to begin to be sure they operated on the correct leg!

Unknown said...

So glad that you were able to find excellent care and I hope that the worst is behind you. I had unexpected surgery this summer (which is a long story that I'll tell you some time) and prior to it all I could think was that the timing was all wrong and it was so unexpected and I was in some degree of shock/denial. Luckily I had an older more experienced friend who persistently counselled that I seek out superior care, above all else. Despite my brain fog, this is what I did, and 4 months later I am so grateful for that gifted surgeon. Sounds like yours had a good sense of humor, too. Best wishes!

Xtreme English said...

leave it to you to make sure they fixed the right leg!! bravo!

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