(YANM)Doctor, Will I Live?
October 4, 2020 6:00 PM Subscribe
I'm having surgery tomorrow to repair a fractured kneecap and I'm a-skeered. If anyone has a moment to talk sense into me that'd be great.
I have had surgery only once before, but it was an emergency surgery that came after my turning up in an ER in extreme abdominal pain, and there was only one hour that elapsed between the doctor breaking the news to me that "we need to operate" and me going under. That surgery went totally fine, but I didn't have any time to think about what was happening. This time it's more of a planned thing - I had a bad fall and broke my knee a week ago, and this was the soonest they could get me in.
It seems like it's going to be a straightforward thing - I'm set for outpatient surgery in the morning, it's the two-pins-in-the-kneecap thing and I've got someone to take me home after. I have no history of any major illnesses, I rarely smoke or drink, I'm decently healthy. We did notice I had a slightly elevated heart rate in the pre-surgical testing, but I discovered that's likely because my roommate was making the coffee and he makes it way stronger than I do. I've also checked out my surgeon and he's well-reviewed, and I really liked how he took his time with me during the initial consult. From everything I have read there should be no reason this won't go relatively smoothly. But I'm still being plagued with some "but-what-if" thoughts about the surgery going wrong and me dying or losing my leg altogether or something that are making me a little unnerved right now.
I know your evidence is anecdotal, but I think an anecdotal "oh yeah, I had that kind of surgery three years ago and it was totally fine" is exactly what the non-rational paranoid bit of me needs to hear right now. Thanks.
I have had surgery only once before, but it was an emergency surgery that came after my turning up in an ER in extreme abdominal pain, and there was only one hour that elapsed between the doctor breaking the news to me that "we need to operate" and me going under. That surgery went totally fine, but I didn't have any time to think about what was happening. This time it's more of a planned thing - I had a bad fall and broke my knee a week ago, and this was the soonest they could get me in.
It seems like it's going to be a straightforward thing - I'm set for outpatient surgery in the morning, it's the two-pins-in-the-kneecap thing and I've got someone to take me home after. I have no history of any major illnesses, I rarely smoke or drink, I'm decently healthy. We did notice I had a slightly elevated heart rate in the pre-surgical testing, but I discovered that's likely because my roommate was making the coffee and he makes it way stronger than I do. I've also checked out my surgeon and he's well-reviewed, and I really liked how he took his time with me during the initial consult. From everything I have read there should be no reason this won't go relatively smoothly. But I'm still being plagued with some "but-what-if" thoughts about the surgery going wrong and me dying or losing my leg altogether or something that are making me a little unnerved right now.
I know your evidence is anecdotal, but I think an anecdotal "oh yeah, I had that kind of surgery three years ago and it was totally fine" is exactly what the non-rational paranoid bit of me needs to hear right now. Thanks.
Best answer: My 77 year old cousin just had knee surgery on Wednesday. He went home the same day and is doing just fine! You'll be fine! Remember to keep on top of your pain meds.
posted by ilovewinter at 6:16 PM on October 4, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by ilovewinter at 6:16 PM on October 4, 2020 [5 favorites]
Well, I haven’t had pins put in my knee cap (it was my foot instead) and I too was afraid but it went fine! You can do this! If you just want encouragement stop here, but I had a couple of thoughts:
1. Would visualizing the preparation for and recovery from surgery going smoothly help relieve your anxiety? They make videos (often for kids) of what it is like to check into the hospital for surgery and undergo anesthesia.
2. If you tell them prior to surgery that you are anxious they will often give you something in your iv line if you’d like to help you stay calm.
3. My brother had minor surgery recently during COVID times and he was fine.
4. The surgeon or a helper will come initial the correct leg to operate on to make sure they get it right. I made the surgeon give me the marker and I wrote “not this leg” on the other one. Humor helps!
Best wishes!
posted by ticketmaster10 at 6:18 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
1. Would visualizing the preparation for and recovery from surgery going smoothly help relieve your anxiety? They make videos (often for kids) of what it is like to check into the hospital for surgery and undergo anesthesia.
2. If you tell them prior to surgery that you are anxious they will often give you something in your iv line if you’d like to help you stay calm.
3. My brother had minor surgery recently during COVID times and he was fine.
4. The surgeon or a helper will come initial the correct leg to operate on to make sure they get it right. I made the surgeon give me the marker and I wrote “not this leg” on the other one. Humor helps!
Best wishes!
posted by ticketmaster10 at 6:18 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
I have not had your specific surgery, but what you are experiencing is totally normal, including the elevated heart rate during pre-surgical testing, which can be caused by anxiety. I have had two major abdominal surgeries in the past 6 years and it was totally fine! Outpatient surgery is pretty low-risk these days.
For your specific situation: I have several friends who have had pins-in-the-bones kinds of surgeries, including kneecaps, and they were and are totally fine.
I am pretty sure all of AskMe will be rooting for you, which can't hurt.
posted by bedhead at 6:20 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
For your specific situation: I have several friends who have had pins-in-the-bones kinds of surgeries, including kneecaps, and they were and are totally fine.
I am pretty sure all of AskMe will be rooting for you, which can't hurt.
posted by bedhead at 6:20 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I had a similar conversation with the anesthesiologist right before I went under and he very kindly pointed out that if an unforeseen problem occurred, I was in the absolute best place I could be: surrounded by a team of people with tons of training and experience who have access to every possible lifesaving resource. Anesthesiologists will also give you “something for anxiety” in your IV if you need it, which hit me like a tranquilizer dart right as I was starting to panic and cry. It was amazingly helpful.
posted by corey flood at 6:21 PM on October 4, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by corey flood at 6:21 PM on October 4, 2020 [3 favorites]
I’ve had 4 abdominal surgeries. And numerous IV sedations. I am chronically ill and disabled. The anesthesia was never the problem for me. Recovery is always extra hard for me compared to most but I lived with no surgical complications.
This anxiety is very normal. So so so normal. You can get some extra reassurance from your medical staff because they hear this all the time. They may also be able to give you some calming meds before surgery.
posted by Crystalinne at 6:22 PM on October 4, 2020 [3 favorites]
This anxiety is very normal. So so so normal. You can get some extra reassurance from your medical staff because they hear this all the time. They may also be able to give you some calming meds before surgery.
posted by Crystalinne at 6:22 PM on October 4, 2020 [3 favorites]
Best answer: I had leg surgery a few years back, the surgeon had to reassemble my tendons after an accident with broken glass. This kind of surgery is so routine for them it’s a ‘do half a dozen people’s legs, then we’ll hit the golf course, see you at three’ arrangement. I barely even have scars any more.
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 6:26 PM on October 4, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 6:26 PM on October 4, 2020 [4 favorites]
My dad, currently in his late 60s, over the past ~10-15 years has had a hip replacement, surgery to repair his quadriceps tendons (both of them!), surgery to repair an Achilles‘ tendon, reconstructive surgery on both shoulders (one at a time), and I think some ACL/MCL stuff. All outpatient except maybe the hip.
He keeps going back for more; he is currently deciding whether his next surgery should be a knee replacement or a surgery to fuse his wrist bones (arthritis related, I think). He hikes, skis, and golfs but he’s no longer allowed to play hockey. Climbed Kilimanjaro a year or two ago. Overall I would say he has had a very successful experience of orthopedic surgery.
posted by mskyle at 6:46 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
He keeps going back for more; he is currently deciding whether his next surgery should be a knee replacement or a surgery to fuse his wrist bones (arthritis related, I think). He hikes, skis, and golfs but he’s no longer allowed to play hockey. Climbed Kilimanjaro a year or two ago. Overall I would say he has had a very successful experience of orthopedic surgery.
posted by mskyle at 6:46 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
I had an outpatient surgery a couple of years ago, and I was a bit nervous about the "going under" part but it was fine. I don't like the part where they put a needle in your arm to get you ready, but I brought a small comfort object (ok ok it was a stuffed animal) to focus on for that, and I wasn't even aware of the actual going under part. Waking up was just kind of like waking up from sleeping but maybe a bit slower.
Expect to be groggy for a couple of days after, and to spend a lot of time sleeping, but that might be more of your body just needing to sleep and heal than an aftereffect of the anesthesia. You are going to be OK!
Last time I was flying (remember flying?), I ended up talking with a woman who had had knee surgery. She hadn't been up to traveling for some years before, and was excited that she was now able to walk much better and go on a trip! Her recommendation for anyone having that type of surgery was to be sure to go through everything they want you to do for physical therapy, and she absolutely recommended the surgery for anyone considering it.
posted by yohko at 6:52 PM on October 4, 2020
Expect to be groggy for a couple of days after, and to spend a lot of time sleeping, but that might be more of your body just needing to sleep and heal than an aftereffect of the anesthesia. You are going to be OK!
Last time I was flying (remember flying?), I ended up talking with a woman who had had knee surgery. She hadn't been up to traveling for some years before, and was excited that she was now able to walk much better and go on a trip! Her recommendation for anyone having that type of surgery was to be sure to go through everything they want you to do for physical therapy, and she absolutely recommended the surgery for anyone considering it.
posted by yohko at 6:52 PM on October 4, 2020
Best answer: Had knee surgery under anesthesia (first time!) two weeks ago. Piece of cake. I say this as a person with anxiety issues. Biggest problem was a slightly sore throat from the tube. Also my knee made (normal) disgusting wet-fart noises for a few days. A++ would be knocked out again.
posted by J.R. Hartley at 6:56 PM on October 4, 2020
posted by J.R. Hartley at 6:56 PM on October 4, 2020
Leg surgery - pin down the middle of my tibia after a freak accident caused a tib/fib fracture - a couple of years ago, so I suspect the situation will be similar. I had 24 hours warning and I'd never had an operation before.
It was totally a non-deal (and I suspect my surgery was more dramatic than yours if they're doing you as an outpatient). I think I was out of it for three hours all told, and I was booted out of hospital the day after the surgery with a few stern words about wound aftercare, none of which were hard to follow. The scar on my knee is now basically invisible to anyone else.
I didn't find anything in the least concerning about the surgery or its aftereffects. The worst of it was that it looked like the orthos tap danced my leg - it was a bit swollen, and bruised up to glory - less likely an issue for you, I would guess. And bruises are apparently affected by gravity, so the interesting colours migrated downwards over time. There was no pain to speak of; I managed it mostly with ibuprofen (Advil) and I've had worse toothaches.
Very much a non-event all told.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 6:57 PM on October 4, 2020
It was totally a non-deal (and I suspect my surgery was more dramatic than yours if they're doing you as an outpatient). I think I was out of it for three hours all told, and I was booted out of hospital the day after the surgery with a few stern words about wound aftercare, none of which were hard to follow. The scar on my knee is now basically invisible to anyone else.
I didn't find anything in the least concerning about the surgery or its aftereffects. The worst of it was that it looked like the orthos tap danced my leg - it was a bit swollen, and bruised up to glory - less likely an issue for you, I would guess. And bruises are apparently affected by gravity, so the interesting colours migrated downwards over time. There was no pain to speak of; I managed it mostly with ibuprofen (Advil) and I've had worse toothaches.
Very much a non-event all told.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 6:57 PM on October 4, 2020
I had a (rather rare) shoulder surgery in May that wasn't outpatient, but I was released from the hospital the next day. I've never had any surgery other than dental, but it was fine. I have a bit more hardware than you will but it hasn't really affected my life much other than recovery and PT. Do however much PT you are able to (either for physical or financial/insurance constrictions). It's hugely beneficial.
My dad, in his 70s, has had a total knee replacement on both legs in the past year and is *much* better off for it.
posted by Ufez Jones at 6:59 PM on October 4, 2020
My dad, in his 70s, has had a total knee replacement on both legs in the past year and is *much* better off for it.
posted by Ufez Jones at 6:59 PM on October 4, 2020
Response by poster: You're already helping a lot, thank you all.
I'm absolutely prepared for having to do physical therapy after - I had that after breaking a foot a few years back so I figured that'd be part of the deal, and I tend to be a good Girl Scout with meds and such when prescribed. And paradoxically, my knee doesn't actually hurt that much right now - largely because when the surgeon explained to me the importance of keeping my knee absolutely immobile and staying at rest to increase the likelihood of this going well, that is 100% what I have been doing. (My poor roommate has been fetcher-and-carryer all week and is a prince among men.) This is 100% an anticipation of the anesthesia thing, but what's especially helping is your reminder that while it's weird for me, for my doctor it's "oh yeah, I do a ton of these."
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:00 PM on October 4, 2020 [7 favorites]
I'm absolutely prepared for having to do physical therapy after - I had that after breaking a foot a few years back so I figured that'd be part of the deal, and I tend to be a good Girl Scout with meds and such when prescribed. And paradoxically, my knee doesn't actually hurt that much right now - largely because when the surgeon explained to me the importance of keeping my knee absolutely immobile and staying at rest to increase the likelihood of this going well, that is 100% what I have been doing. (My poor roommate has been fetcher-and-carryer all week and is a prince among men.) This is 100% an anticipation of the anesthesia thing, but what's especially helping is your reminder that while it's weird for me, for my doctor it's "oh yeah, I do a ton of these."
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:00 PM on October 4, 2020 [7 favorites]
My wife has had both her shoulder and knee done in the last couple of years; last year, with her knee, she was in and out before the surgery had even been scheduled to start. Upon hearing that she wakes up combative, the anesthesiologist futzed with the mix a bit so that didn't happen. It's so fast these days when it's outpatient.
I had a similar conversation with the anesthesiologist right before I went under and he very kindly pointed out that if an unforeseen problem occurred, I was in the absolute best place I could be: surrounded by a team of people with tons of training and experience who have access to every possible lifesaving resource.
I cannot emphasize this enough. My 70 year old father did have complications last fall (his body was just like "nah, fam, I don't want to play no more" mid-surgery) and they got him up to critical care and stabilized fast and he was so well taken care of. They put him back under the next day, finished the job, and at the end of it, I think his surgeon was more shaken up than we were. In the tiny tiny chance something happens, you're in the right place for it.
posted by joycehealy at 7:04 PM on October 4, 2020
I had a similar conversation with the anesthesiologist right before I went under and he very kindly pointed out that if an unforeseen problem occurred, I was in the absolute best place I could be: surrounded by a team of people with tons of training and experience who have access to every possible lifesaving resource.
I cannot emphasize this enough. My 70 year old father did have complications last fall (his body was just like "nah, fam, I don't want to play no more" mid-surgery) and they got him up to critical care and stabilized fast and he was so well taken care of. They put him back under the next day, finished the job, and at the end of it, I think his surgeon was more shaken up than we were. In the tiny tiny chance something happens, you're in the right place for it.
posted by joycehealy at 7:04 PM on October 4, 2020
Oh god yeah it’s all they do every day. For years! Nerds :D they popped a needle in my arm and while they were painting my knee as I was chatting away to them cos I never ever shut up. Then I had a bit of a thick feeling in my head, like if you sniff hand sanitizer or poppers and I said “oh, you’ve given me something haven’t you?” and then I said “I’m just going to be quiet for a little bit now” (ha!) and they said ”ok, om goong to put a mask on you” and they put a littl oxygen thing over my nose and mouth Then I was kinda drifting awake and feeling I’d like to go back to sleep, but if I wake up properly I can go home to my own bed and have a sleep. So I did.
posted by J.R. Hartley at 7:08 PM on October 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by J.R. Hartley at 7:08 PM on October 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
And to not abuse the edit window: to clarify, the drifting awake was an hour or two later, but I didn’t feel any time had passed.
posted by J.R. Hartley at 7:10 PM on October 4, 2020
posted by J.R. Hartley at 7:10 PM on October 4, 2020
Response by poster: Hold up a second:
Also my knee made (normal) disgusting wet-fart noises for a few days.
....I ask not from anxiety but rather from bafflement - uh, what?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:26 PM on October 4, 2020
Also my knee made (normal) disgusting wet-fart noises for a few days.
....I ask not from anxiety but rather from bafflement - uh, what?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:26 PM on October 4, 2020
I vaporized my clavicle a few years ago, and I have a plate plus 5 screws in there now.
They will almost certainly give you something like a Valium in the lead up to going under. I had practically negative anxiety the 60 mins beforehand, but I was given Valium under doctor’s orders as you really can’t be too relaxed.
Also, the doctor will likely stop by and sign the correct leg with a Sharpie, in front of witnesses. Like me, I’m guessing any moron on Earth could tell which knee was busted. But, everything is checked and double checked. As I said I was pretty chill, but watching the surgeon sign my obviously f’d up shoulder showed they were serious professionals and put me even more at ease.
posted by sideshow at 7:38 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
They will almost certainly give you something like a Valium in the lead up to going under. I had practically negative anxiety the 60 mins beforehand, but I was given Valium under doctor’s orders as you really can’t be too relaxed.
Also, the doctor will likely stop by and sign the correct leg with a Sharpie, in front of witnesses. Like me, I’m guessing any moron on Earth could tell which knee was busted. But, everything is checked and double checked. As I said I was pretty chill, but watching the surgeon sign my obviously f’d up shoulder showed they were serious professionals and put me even more at ease.
posted by sideshow at 7:38 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
Yeah, forgot to mention: if will feel like the hour or two you were under were just edited out of your memory. For me it was as if I closed my eyes and the OR and opened them in Recovery from one heartbeat to the next.
posted by sideshow at 7:41 PM on October 4, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by sideshow at 7:41 PM on October 4, 2020 [4 favorites]
I had knee surgery in January! ACL reconstruction with a graft from my thigh. Physical therapy is amazing and now that knee is pretty much perfect. My surgery was at 9:00 in the morning and the surgeon had already done three left leg ACL reconstructions that day! It really is amazingly routine for those folks. They also signed my knee before surgery and I had to tell 3 different people in my own words what I was there for and which knee it was. I was very reassured by all the double checking.
posted by WowLookStars at 8:32 PM on October 4, 2020
posted by WowLookStars at 8:32 PM on October 4, 2020
Yer gonna be fine. As long as you're not the one being rushed in - you're fine. Be prepared that some trauma case might push your totally routine thing back (and again, be glad you're the routine case). Ask for anxiety meds. Ask for warm blankets.
Oh, and ask if you're getting a nerve block. If you are, then stay loaded up on the oxycodone until that has well worn of off. You might be tempted to think, oh, I'm not in pain so I don't need it, and then do something stupid like go to sleep without pain meds. Don't ... be me, it was bad at 4am! The next surgery, the nurse kept me loaded up even when I said I didn't need it (but I obey nurses), and later I realized that's what I did wrong at home.
Good luck (though you won't need it) and best wishes.
posted by Dashy at 8:42 PM on October 4, 2020
Oh, and ask if you're getting a nerve block. If you are, then stay loaded up on the oxycodone until that has well worn of off. You might be tempted to think, oh, I'm not in pain so I don't need it, and then do something stupid like go to sleep without pain meds. Don't ... be me, it was bad at 4am! The next surgery, the nurse kept me loaded up even when I said I didn't need it (but I obey nurses), and later I realized that's what I did wrong at home.
Good luck (though you won't need it) and best wishes.
posted by Dashy at 8:42 PM on October 4, 2020
This surgery is low enough risk that when I was doing a high school co-op placement in a hospital physiotherapy department, they let 18-yr old me get gowned and masked so I could stand on a stool behind the surgeon and watch the whole thing in person.
I’m pretty sure they never would have allowed that if there was any real concern that it could go badly.
posted by scrute at 8:46 PM on October 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
I’m pretty sure they never would have allowed that if there was any real concern that it could go badly.
posted by scrute at 8:46 PM on October 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
My wife had double knee replacement surgery a couple of years ago, in the afternoon, and the next morning they had her up to start rehab. The surgery is fine; after all, you're asleep for it. The after care is important. As others said, stay on top of your pain medications, and do the exercises. Do the exercises. Do the exercises.
My wife was practically religious about her rehab, and her knees are in great shape today. She goes on long walks, climbs stairs (by choice!) and does all sorts of other activities which were too painful prior to the procedures.
Good luck!
posted by blob at 10:05 PM on October 4, 2020
My wife was practically religious about her rehab, and her knees are in great shape today. She goes on long walks, climbs stairs (by choice!) and does all sorts of other activities which were too painful prior to the procedures.
Good luck!
posted by blob at 10:05 PM on October 4, 2020
The larger the city you live in, the more the surgeons can specialize. Clever you to live where you do!
posted by clew at 11:20 PM on October 4, 2020
posted by clew at 11:20 PM on October 4, 2020
Yeah they warned me in advance that there might be “gurgling” noises. That turns out to have been a polite way of describing it. I gather they keep the area kind of ”inflated” with liquid (I had keyhole surgery) to get some room to work in, and it takes a while to dissipate. So just during the first day when I sat down the knee would squelch from within. Tiny bit gross, mainly funny. Was gone before I could see anyone to make them laugh with it.
posted by J.R. Hartley at 1:58 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by J.R. Hartley at 1:58 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
I had similar surgery involving a broken elbow. The only problem was that I was unable to get relief from the initial pain medication that I was given to take for the 24 hours or whatever after the outpatient surgery. And because I’m a good girl who does not want to make a fuss, I did not explain this to the surgeon when she called several hours later to check in on me. So I couldn’t get actual relief until the next morning when I called the office and burst into tears while talking to a nurse after being awake all night in terrible pain.
I doubt very much that will happen to you today after your surgery. But if for any reason whatever pain medication you get does not work for you, make sure everyone understands that as soon as possible. And they will NOT be surprised because not everything works on everyone. Hope it goes or went smoothly. We are rooting for you!
posted by Bella Donna at 5:23 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
I doubt very much that will happen to you today after your surgery. But if for any reason whatever pain medication you get does not work for you, make sure everyone understands that as soon as possible. And they will NOT be surprised because not everything works on everyone. Hope it goes or went smoothly. We are rooting for you!
posted by Bella Donna at 5:23 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Oh yeah, basically the same happened to me earlier this year - had to have wrist surgery, and I was *freaking* out worried about being put under, not recovering, my arm falling off, etc.
Not sure what to do before you get there, but while I was at the surgery, I let go of my hangups about being tough and masculine and taciturn (dumb stuff), and just expressed my fears and anxiety to the nurses and doctors. Being able to talk to the nurses - who have heard it all before - really helped, both joking around and also hearing their experience that tons of patients are extremely nervous about surgery. Just keeping talking! Its helps.
posted by RajahKing at 8:53 AM on October 5, 2020
Not sure what to do before you get there, but while I was at the surgery, I let go of my hangups about being tough and masculine and taciturn (dumb stuff), and just expressed my fears and anxiety to the nurses and doctors. Being able to talk to the nurses - who have heard it all before - really helped, both joking around and also hearing their experience that tons of patients are extremely nervous about surgery. Just keeping talking! Its helps.
posted by RajahKing at 8:53 AM on October 5, 2020
Empress, I'm sure you came through with flying colors. For comparison, my MIL has had two knee and one hip replacement--all done after the age 70. She went through PT and is walking around fine. (I mean she isn't running marathons, but she has good range of motion, can do everything around the house that needs to be done, and would be back in the pool if not for the You Know What.
Please let us know how you fared!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 1:01 PM on October 5, 2020
Please let us know how you fared!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 1:01 PM on October 5, 2020
I hope it goes well; I'm sure it will. I had my right leg pinned back together in '97-- hit by a car, tib/fib fracture-- and the surgery itself was the easiest part of the experience.
You've got this. So have your doctors. Happy knee-covery.
posted by Pallas Athena at 3:44 PM on October 5, 2020
You've got this. So have your doctors. Happy knee-covery.
posted by Pallas Athena at 3:44 PM on October 5, 2020
Response by poster: Update - my knee is killing me, but I am home and fine. There was some post-surgery miscommunication in the recovery room but I am blaming the Russian nurse who had a bad attitude (I was waiting around to hear from my doctor about what happened but she never told me he'd left for the day and tapped out to have the on-call ortho consultant brief me about what happened, and by the time I finally asked where my doctor was, the ortho consult had also left, and she tried to guilt-trip me for not asking sooner).
I am in a cast from ankle to thigh, and it took three people to get me up the stairs to my apartment. I am now propped up on my bed on a couple of stacks of pillows propping me up in a way that feels comfortable so I can perhaps sleep; the oxy will be kicking in probably shortly after I type this. (I can feel it kinda starting already.)
Thank youall.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:46 PM on October 5, 2020 [10 favorites]
I am in a cast from ankle to thigh, and it took three people to get me up the stairs to my apartment. I am now propped up on my bed on a couple of stacks of pillows propping me up in a way that feels comfortable so I can perhaps sleep; the oxy will be kicking in probably shortly after I type this. (I can feel it kinda starting already.)
Thank youall.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:46 PM on October 5, 2020 [10 favorites]
Response by poster: Hi all - so the pain medication I have isn't doing a damn thing. Any advice?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:42 AM on October 6, 2020
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:42 AM on October 6, 2020
TLDR; talk to your doctor. It sounds like you aren't taking enough pain meds to break the initial pain threshold and never get to a point where you are taking pain meds for maintenance.
Long version
I broke my back in '05, with a similar fracture - spinal body fracture of T12, no edema , no nerve impingement, meaning that it wasn't the kind of fracture you get to wear a cast with. I got pain meds for a few days, but ultimately I had to be on Tylenol and ibuprofen - and that was basically it. I was allotted 16 ibuprofen and 6 Tylenol a day. Initially I would take 2 ibuprofen and I'd still be in pain. Then I'd take 4 ibuprofen and I'd still be in pain. Then I'd take 4 ibuprofen AND 2 Tylenol and I'd finally have relief - but 6 hours later, I'd be in agony with no ability to take Tylenol for 2 more hours. I even tried doing 2 and 1 and doing another set 4 hours in, but that did absolutely nothing for the pain. I was losing my mind from the pain and could not get it to stop and the meds didn't work. Keep in mind - the pain med 'fun stuff' was something that I started with 2 days supply and did not have a prescription refill on it because I was dating a substance abuse councilor at the time and it was sort of triggering for her.
I went and saw my doctor. He described the body's response to pain in terms of a potential energy diagram. (pretend PAIN is on the vertical axis and time/pills are on the horizontal) What he pointed out was that if I wasn't ever taking enough meds to stop the pain, the pain increased to the top of the graph when I - that I'd only bring it down to levels effectively feeling relief from the top - but not drop it below my initial pain... it would more resemble this. Basically: I needed to medicate the snot out of myself enough to reduce the pain, and *then* I could go into a maintenance mode. So I went 2 and 2, which took the edge off, then went 2 more ibuprofen 2 hours later which brought me out of the 'pain zone' and then I was able to maintain a very regimented 8 hour Tylenol and 6 hour ibuprofen schedule.
I was up and working (for 4 hours at a time) 2 weeks later (keep in mind, at the time I stood to work.)
posted by Nanukthedog at 5:05 PM on October 6, 2020
Long version
I broke my back in '05, with a similar fracture - spinal body fracture of T12, no edema , no nerve impingement, meaning that it wasn't the kind of fracture you get to wear a cast with. I got pain meds for a few days, but ultimately I had to be on Tylenol and ibuprofen - and that was basically it. I was allotted 16 ibuprofen and 6 Tylenol a day. Initially I would take 2 ibuprofen and I'd still be in pain. Then I'd take 4 ibuprofen and I'd still be in pain. Then I'd take 4 ibuprofen AND 2 Tylenol and I'd finally have relief - but 6 hours later, I'd be in agony with no ability to take Tylenol for 2 more hours. I even tried doing 2 and 1 and doing another set 4 hours in, but that did absolutely nothing for the pain. I was losing my mind from the pain and could not get it to stop and the meds didn't work. Keep in mind - the pain med 'fun stuff' was something that I started with 2 days supply and did not have a prescription refill on it because I was dating a substance abuse councilor at the time and it was sort of triggering for her.
I went and saw my doctor. He described the body's response to pain in terms of a potential energy diagram. (pretend PAIN is on the vertical axis and time/pills are on the horizontal) What he pointed out was that if I wasn't ever taking enough meds to stop the pain, the pain increased to the top of the graph when I - that I'd only bring it down to levels effectively feeling relief from the top - but not drop it below my initial pain... it would more resemble this. Basically: I needed to medicate the snot out of myself enough to reduce the pain, and *then* I could go into a maintenance mode. So I went 2 and 2, which took the edge off, then went 2 more ibuprofen 2 hours later which brought me out of the 'pain zone' and then I was able to maintain a very regimented 8 hour Tylenol and 6 hour ibuprofen schedule.
I was up and working (for 4 hours at a time) 2 weeks later (keep in mind, at the time I stood to work.)
posted by Nanukthedog at 5:05 PM on October 6, 2020
Response by poster: Update:
Miscommunication at the pharmacy. My doctor had sent down a prescription for Percoset, but my chart had been flagged with a big warning that I was allergic to opioids based on my mentioning that I had thrown up once after taking codeine. So the pharmacy switched me to something else - but didn't tell my doctor.
So it wasn't until the next morning when I called the doctor that they were able to tell me "they gave you THAT? Wow, sorry, they didn't tell me. You can totally supplement that with regular ibuprofen." And that's been working just fine.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:02 AM on October 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Miscommunication at the pharmacy. My doctor had sent down a prescription for Percoset, but my chart had been flagged with a big warning that I was allergic to opioids based on my mentioning that I had thrown up once after taking codeine. So the pharmacy switched me to something else - but didn't tell my doctor.
So it wasn't until the next morning when I called the doctor that they were able to tell me "they gave you THAT? Wow, sorry, they didn't tell me. You can totally supplement that with regular ibuprofen." And that's been working just fine.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:02 AM on October 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Another check back after the first week - the pain went away pretty much altogether on about Friday. If I do something mildly stupid I get a twinge in the knee, but that's it ("mildly stupid" is something like "forget and try to roll my leg over", that's it; my knee is in a splint that is itself encased from an ankle-to-thigh plaster cast, and this thing ain't bending for love nor money). The only ache I feel is a knot in the back of my calf muscle, from my foot being in a propped-up-and-unused position for extended periods of time. Every so often I will flex my foot to stretch that a little.
I am more bored than anything else, and cranky that i have to keep calling my roommate to help me with basic things like helping me get out of bed (this damn cast is literally too heavy for me to lift my leg unassisted) and I spend most every day in my bed, save for occasional visits to the bathroom. I did try giving myself a sponge bath the other day, with my leg encased in a garbage bag, and that was revelatory.
I have the post-surgery consult on the 22nd, and if it's looking good we will take off the cast and splint and downshift to a brace. I'm a little worried about how we're going to get me down the stairs to GET there with this cast (I live in a 4th floor walkup with no elevator, and there are some serious twists at either end of each flight of stairs), but I think that with two people watching me - one in front and one behind - we can manage. (If anyone in Brooklyn would be free for 10 minutes on that afternoon?....)
But no pain right now, just grumpy at diminished circumstances. I've actually pretty much weaned off the pain meds altogether. I may take a couple ibuprofen to ease that knot in my calf a little but that's it.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:39 PM on October 11, 2020 [5 favorites]
I am more bored than anything else, and cranky that i have to keep calling my roommate to help me with basic things like helping me get out of bed (this damn cast is literally too heavy for me to lift my leg unassisted) and I spend most every day in my bed, save for occasional visits to the bathroom. I did try giving myself a sponge bath the other day, with my leg encased in a garbage bag, and that was revelatory.
I have the post-surgery consult on the 22nd, and if it's looking good we will take off the cast and splint and downshift to a brace. I'm a little worried about how we're going to get me down the stairs to GET there with this cast (I live in a 4th floor walkup with no elevator, and there are some serious twists at either end of each flight of stairs), but I think that with two people watching me - one in front and one behind - we can manage. (If anyone in Brooklyn would be free for 10 minutes on that afternoon?....)
But no pain right now, just grumpy at diminished circumstances. I've actually pretty much weaned off the pain meds altogether. I may take a couple ibuprofen to ease that knot in my calf a little but that's it.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:39 PM on October 11, 2020 [5 favorites]
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I’m obese, I have numerous health problems and I had a four hour abdominal surgery in July. All good. Woke up feeling slightly uncomfortable, next day I was up and about and the day after I made a 2 hour journey home alone. Amazing how fast you recover. I’ve also had surgery to fix a deviated septum which means they were doing good knows what right in my poor nose and seriously, I’ve had worse stubbed toes.
Your knee must hurt so much right now and they are going to fix it and make you feel so, so much better. The planning is a good thing. You’ll have fasted, they’ve done all their checks in advance and no one will have urgency they’d have if say you’d broken it in a drunken car accident after eating a big dinner and spending an hour being rescued. It’ll be calm, methodical and your surgeon sounds great (being personable is very good, makes for a good colleague too). Wishing you a very speedy recovery.
posted by kitten magic at 6:15 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]