Ankle Surgery - It's Time

SingDanceRunLife · Jan 06, 2017, 06:10 PM

The time for my ankle surgery has come.

I've been dealing with an ankle sprain since September, and was in a boot for about 6 weeks, have been doing PT and finally, my doctor ordered an MRI. At my next appointment, he walked in with a solemn face and gave me the news: you've got a torn ligament. I had a knee-jerk reaction and cursed, then apologized for my language. It's just that that was literally the last thing I wanted to hear! I've already had surgery on this ankle, I didn't want to have to face that again.

Anyway, he sat down and was like, you've got 2 options, surgery, or wear a brace forever and still have problems...so I cursed again and said, well, surgery is the best option.

What really sucks is that I'm an adult now and work so there's no break for me to do this over (last time I did it over summer break -- can you say bummer summer?), so I'm going to miss out on a good amount of work.

The other thing is, I'm going to have to stay at my parent's house for at least the first week, if not longer so they can help me out because I remember last time I could barely do anything the first 2 weeks.
I'm 26...I shouldn't be on my 2nd surgery already!!

So, I went in today to discuss the details of the procedure and to schedule it...and when they asked me when I wanted it done, I said as soon as possible, thinking it'd be at least a few weeks. Nope! They were like, how about the 16th? I paused and then said, sure, sounds good! So now I'm booked and it's official and just a week and a half away! Eek!

I'll be honest and say I'm kinda scared. I wasn't at all when I was a teenager, but now I know more/better...and my hospital is definitely not known for being good...my surgeon is, but the hospital itself, not so much. That's why when I was a teenager, I went to a place around an hour away to see the surgeon and get the procedure done, but that wasn't really an option this time, and they were different specialists anyway since she specialized in sports medicine and my doctor is just general.

But I've gotta put on my big girl pants and do it.

Skeezyks · Jan 06, 2017, 07:40 PM

SingDanceRunLife · Jan 06, 2017, 08:30 PM

Thanks! It might be moved to a later date though -- all depending on how my insurance works out. It should be good but if not...

BeyondtheRainbow · Jan 07, 2017, 09:19 PM

I'm sorry you have to do this. I would never want to repeat it after doing it once. But hopefully this time you'll wind up with good stability and never have another problem.

If you need empathy please feel free to PM me; I've been there.

notz · Jan 11, 2017, 04:55 PM

I'm glad you're taking care of yourself! If it has to be then just get it over with, right?

What type of concerns do you have about the hospital?

SingDanceRunLife · Jan 11, 2017, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notz

I'm glad you're taking care of yourself! If it has to be then just get it over with, right?

What type of concerns do you have about the hospital?

I do just want to get it done and over with.

The hospital is just known for not being good...people will often drive to the next county to go to the hospital there because it's better. And when I had my first ankle surgery, I went about 45 minutes away to a different hospital. But as an example - there are more problems with labor and delivery at my hospital than any in the surrounding area...more people are injured and/or die. And for real emergencies, they actually airlift you across the NY border to PA.

notz · Jan 11, 2017, 06:41 PM

Make sure everyone washes their hands and/or gloves up before touching you, even visitors! Germs are everywhere, elevator buttons, door handles, ball point pens, etc. Especially true if someone is going to be touching your incision site. That includes you, too!

I had surgery in November and kept a close eye on the possibility of this type of contamination thanks to my RN nurse sister. My hospital had alcohol dispensers on the wall and just about every employee and doctor used it coming and going. It's just good common sense. Good luck with your surgery!

SingDanceRunLife · Jan 11, 2017, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notz

Make sure everyone washes their hands and/or gloves up before touching you, even visitors! Germs are everywhere, elevator buttons, door handles, ball point pens, etc. Especially true if someone is going to be touching your incision site. That includes you, too!

I had surgery in November and kept a close eye on the possibility of this type of contamination thanks to my RN nurse sister. My hospital had alcohol dispensers on the wall and just about every employee and doctor used it coming and going. It's just good common sense. Good luck with your surgery!

Oh don't I know it! I've done 2 semesters of nursing school, and have worked as both a CNA and an HHA.

I probably won't see the incision site until they take my stitches out 9 days later...I'm really curious as to where the incision will be because not only are they repairing something that's broken that has been repaired before, they're taking out the hardware from the first surgery. I'm weird like that...I like to know everything like that stuff. Guess I'll find out Monday lol!

notz · Jan 11, 2017, 07:07 PM

Oh good, I'm glad you already know! I don't blame you a bit for wanting to know what the doc's approach is going to be...it's your ankle! I'm weird like that too, I would probably want to save the hardware as a souvenir!! I hope it's smooth sailing for you with no complications.

SingDanceRunLife · Jan 11, 2017, 07:16 PM

I'm hoping I don't get too much new hardware put in! That's my biggest concern. Is that weird?

And thanks! I'm almost prepared mentally and I've got a few more days to go, so we'll see how it goes

notz · Jan 11, 2017, 10:10 PM

Please keep us updated!

emgreen · Jan 12, 2017, 04:46 AM

My right ankle is full of hardware. I found that the thought of surgery is worse that the actual pain afterwards -- but the unknown is a bear to deal with. Sorry about the possibility you'll have to stay with your parents, though. From everything I've read of your's in the past, you don't really feel comfortable there. Good luck.

SingDanceRunLife · Jan 12, 2017, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emgreen

My right ankle is full of hardware. I found that the thought of surgery is worse that the actual pain afterwards -- but the unknown is a bear to deal with. Sorry about the possibility you'll have to stay with your parents, though. From everything I've read of your's in the past, you don't really feel comfortable there. Good luck.

Yeah, I really don't want an ankle full of hardware because I'm a runner and a dancer, and that makes it that much harder after a surgery like this. So that's why I'm worried they'll use a cadaver tendon -- because it'll result in more hardware.

It's settled, I'm staying with my parents for the first few days to week and a half, depending on my pain and how I'm getting around. I don't like that, but I also know that I couldn't get on by myself.

Thanks! I honestly cannot wait until Monday! Especially since my ankle has started to hurt more again (probably because I had 3 days off work so I wasn't on it for 8 hours in a row for 3 days and I went back for a full shift yesterday)...

Gus1234U · Jan 12, 2017, 09:40 AM

we are all 'holding you in our hearts', Sing~!

(remember, the body has a mind of it's own, 'suggest' to it, that all will go well~!)

SingDanceRunLife · Jan 13, 2017, 12:45 PM

I got my knee scooter today, so one more thing down in preparation!

notz · Jan 13, 2017, 12:51 PM

I've seen those! Cool.

SingDanceRunLife · Jan 13, 2017, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notz

I've seen those! Cool.

It definitely does seem cool! And a much better tool than crutches for bigger areas. In my apartment which is pretty small I imagine I'll just use my crutches, but when I go back to work the scooter will be a life saver!