Alagaesian

The day of the surgery went by quite well.  I walked to the hospital from my hotel when everyone else is merely getting out of bed.  I was surprised how calm I was during all the preps.  The nurse came in and asked all sorts of questions and there was also a bit of waiting time for the rest of the pre-surgery preparations.  

I insisted on a local anesthesia instead of putting me to sleep.  The doctor said the effects is the same but I thought it would be interesting to know what happening during the procedure.  So they paralyzed me waist down via an injection into the spine.  And they put on an additional anesthesia into my leg which is still in effect a day after.

They gave me some intravenous medications such as antibiotics and some to make me feel a bit dizzy.  I didn’t know why they have to do that but maybe it is just to make you relax.  They they turned me on my back and then I started laughing at the feeling (or lack of any) waist down.  It was a bit funny with me trying to move my legs but can’t and seeing them there helpless.  

So I guess you can say that I wasn’t really too alarmed on the whole procedure.  I was more like a curious cat asking all sorts of questions and laughing.  So I was pretty happy that I wasn’t sleeping and missed the opportunity.  

After a couple of minutes they just turned on the TV and showed me what’s on.  I was surprised to learn that they were already in!  I didn’t even feel a thing.  It wasn’t gross or anything, more like watching Discovery Channel actually.  

It turned out that my ACL is only partially torn and the major part is still intact and stable.  My mensicus however had some tears so that had to be trimmed down.  I still fear of the long term effects of a reduced meniscus but the doctor said he doesn’t think that I should be worried of an early arthritis.  I think I’m gonna do more research later on that.

They also need to put some medicines in as there were tears in the MCL and some irritation.  And had to clean out the fat as well.  Wait… fat??  Oh no, I think I should be more careful with my diet.  Yeah and everyone in the operating room just burst in laughter.  So I didn’t really get my answer if it was a good fat or bad fat.  

Anyway, turned out better than expected.  So, I’m in good spirits one day after the operation.  Then again, I still can’t feel anything on my leg as the anesthesia hasn’t worn off yet.  But yesterday was a bit difficult and I felt shitty with the pressure on the legs and I always have the urge of massaging my ankles and my foot.  Painkillers might have helped I’m not sure.  I also used this cool Tiger Balm ointment (highly recommended) which is minty strong so I think that helped as well.  

The doctor said I shouldn’t put any pressure on my legs for 4 days and maintain using crutches for the next two weeks.  I should avoid basketball or football and forget skiing until next season (I never really played much sports anyway, but as long as they give me my skiing then I’m ok.  Right now, I’m just relaxing at my friend’s place and life can’t be any better!

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