One of the most frustrating things about the surgery was having to fast from midnight; not even a sip of water.
The surgery was being done as an out patient. I arrived at the facility (Waverly Surgery Centre in Palo Alto Ca). Nice touch, complimentary valet parking. I hobbled up to the reception area. The paperwork side went pretty quick. The whole insurance thing is confusing to me; I’m originally from Scotland and this is the first big medical issue I have had in 14 years. The last part of the paperwork was to give my wife a complimentary food voucher for a local cafe.
Got settled into the reception area and started to get some work emails sent. Wireless internet is free at the centre a great benefit for my wife who ended up working while I was in surgery.
I had just sent the last work email I wanted to send when the pre-op nurse called my name. No turning back now.
The pre-op questions covered medical history and if I had eaten anything; they do like rubbing that fasting thing in don’t they.
Next came the anesthesiologist; the most painful part of the whole procedure (even worse than actually popping the tendon) was getting the local into my wrist so the iv could be put in. After that it was plan sailing. 15 mins went by, the anesthesiologist came back in and said it was time to get the show on the road. He said that he would put the stuff into the iv and it would take an effect within four or five seconds…yeah right…..next thing I knew I was coming to in the recovery room. I was so sure he was sandbagging, it only took two or three.
Coming to, was kinda weird but after about 20 mins was ok to drink some apple juice…where was the cliff bar to go with it?
My lower leg was encased in a plaster splint…plaster cast down the back of my leg and elastic bandages wrapped round to keep it in place.
It was time to go home.
I live in a three level house so getting around is definitely an opportunity to get an upper body work out. Food was a welcome sight and taste.
Like other folks, the transition from having my leg elevated to being upright was really painful as the blood flowed back towards my foot and gravity kicks in. Still can’t figure out how to minimize the feeling.
Ended up taking some painkillers and retiring to bed. The recovery process had been started.
Exactly, let the recovery begin! I couldn’t agree more, the most painful part was to get the local block in my leg and the night and day after the procedure. I had a very difficult time sleeping because of the ache around the wound even with the block and Vicodin. It does get better over time. Take it easy and be careful if you move around. My advice is to not talk to others when you’re moving around with your crutches so that you can fully concentrate on where you’re going and where you’re planting those crutches. Best of luck!