DAY 1
My surgery was done in the morning. Went from 9AM till 2PM. If there is a bilateral precise surgery, docs usually dont keep any other surgery on the same day.
Was shifted to ICU after surgery. Finally got to drink some water and juice in the evening (was feeling very thirsty since afternoon)
Did the toes, feet movement and sensation test and passed (phew!) Mostly slept till morning.
DAY 2
Woke early at 6 AM for sponging.
Physio session at 10am (yes, from day 2 itself!) - very basic only - ankle movements and quad tightening.
It was very difficult for me to move my legs at all and was more difficult than I expected. Compression bandage was also very tight.
At night I was in a world of pain! soreness, burning in stitches, currents down the tibia and what not! got injections so I could sleep.
DAY 3
Finally was able to defecate using laxative. Using bed commode was a new experience.
Bandage got removed today - legs felt light
got blood trasfusion
got my 1st x-ray done at the hospital itself (x-ray room is on the groud floor)
got shifted to my room in the hospital
So overall a very eventful day!
TIP: CONSULT THE PHYSIO THERAPIST WHO ARE WORKING WITH YOUR LIMB LENGTHENING DOCS ATLEAST 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE SURGERY. THERE ARE SOME MUSCLE GROUPS WHICH NEED A LOT OF PRE-OP STRENGTHENING. YOU'LL HAVE TOUGH DAYS AFTER SURGERY IF YOU MISS THIS.XRAY -
https://imgur.com/a/Xfbh1mjDAY 4 - 6
Feeling better in the room. Physio therapist visiting twice daily (1 hr session each)
Started eating properly
Having pains (level 4/10) thoughout the day - unable to sleep for more than 1-2 hours at night.
DAY 7
Got bruises on left leg (doesn't hurt) - docs got some blood tests done
Learning a new exercise every day now. Today learnt prone lying (my natural sleeping position, so felt good!)
DAY 8
Blood tests were normal so nothing to worry about - doc says bruises will go away.
Overall I feel much better today and bit more confident. I believe its the 1 week mark post op that you start entering your normal state of mind.
Using bed pan is the new normal (still you will never get used to it!!! )
Started working - was on my laptop and phone for 2-3 hours today.
TIP: BEFORE SURGERY, BUY YOUR OWN BEDPAN AND URINAL BOTTLE FOR HYGIENE. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BED PAN FOR YOURSELF - I SUGGEST A PLASTIC ONE WITH WIDE SEAT SO ITS CONFORTABLE TO SIT ON. DO NOT TRY TO USE THE BEDPAN BY YOURSELF! ITS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I DID - SPENT 1 HOUR AND ENDED UP IN PAIN! https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JaRK+jShL._SL1000_.jpgDay 9
First day of distraction!!
Also removed air bed and DVT pump today as I am comfortable shifting and moving on the bed.
DAY 10
Will talk about mobility today as its the last day in hospital -
knee extension to 180 degree while sitting
knee bending to 90 degree while prone lying
can stand (more like hang) on walker for 30-40 seconds, 3 times in a row
So, in short I am good to be discharged.
DAY 11
Got discharged and moved to hotel which is just 100m away from hospital. Will stay here for next 5 days until 1st x-ray of distraction and stitches removal.
I have moved to level 2 today -
- I am mobile using the wheelchair
- Can go to toilet like a normal person (using commode chair)
- Can move around in the room and use wash basin, fridge etc.
Did physio at night and was extremely exhausted!
TIP: YOU MUST PURCHASE A WHEELCHAIR WHICH HAS REMOVABLE SIDE ARMS AND CAN BE CONVERTED INTO A COMMODE SEAT. HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL BONUS. I BOUGHT THIS WHEELCHAIR - https://arcatron.com/products/arcatron-prime-sss100-shower-commode-wheelchairDAY 12-14
Got adjusted well to the hotel room. Hotel has a patio where they also serve the breakfast buffet. Sitting there on my wheelchair, watching the rain while eating donuts is a blessing!
My physio comes once in the afternoon for 1.5 hours - making me learn some new exercises that I can do while I am at home.
DAY 15
Went for 1st checkup and x-ray at Mangal Anand Hospital.
Distraction looks good - 7mm +
Got new marking for next phase of distraction
Stitches are mostly dissolvable so got only couple of them removed. Can leave the wounds open now.
Got medical certificate for air travel
Got super exhausted after coming back to hotel. Booked the flight tickets - leaving for home tomorrow.
XRAY -
https://imgur.com/a/5jBpGZkDAY 16
Used Mobicabs (wheelchair friendly) for travelling to airport -
https://mobicab.in/I was sitting for total 8 hours today!! shifting from wheelchair to wheelchair but finally reached home safe and sound.
It was difficult to sleep at night - was in quite some pain!
TIP: WE BOOKED AIR INDIA FLIGHT AND THE EXPERIENCE WAS SUPERB! THEIR STAFF WAS VERY HELPFUL AND POLITE. THEY DID NOT CHARGE US ANYTHING EXTRA FOR WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE OR THE EXTRA BAGGAGE (ERC MACHINE, PERSONAL WHEELCHAIR, WALKER ETC). TRY TO BOOK THE 1ST ROW SEATS BY PAYING LITTLE EXTRA - THERE WAS ROOM FOR FULL KNEE EXTENSIONS AND SOME MORE!DAY 17-20
Life at home is great! Nothing beats comfort of your own bed and home cooked food.
Sleep is improving but minor pains and discomfort (level 3/10) still there but not throughout the day.
My routine is still not set completely. Trying to maintain proper daily hygiene (bathing, brushing twice etc.), eat meals on time, distraction thrice at fixed times, physio and stretching atleast twice, hot and cold packs, trying to manage office work. Right now I feel there is not enough time in the day but hopefully my routine will improve!
FROM NOW ON, WILL BE UPDATING THE DIARY EVERY WEEKEND.