The Knee Update
Yesterday was a fun day. Doctor at 9 AM, MRI at Noon, results two hours later. How's that for fast service? Let me tell you, its fantastic having your mother work for a doctor for 30+ years and have all kinds of connections. They really help at a time like this. So the doctor said get an MRI, and see me in a week. The MRI came back relatively clean. No tears in any ligaments, no tears in the menisci (aka, cartilage), and despite the obvious trauma in the joint and fluid and swelling, all I have is a patella with micro-fractures. Thats right, not one little fracture, but a few. I don't know how many, but enough to classify as plural, and small enough that they're considered micro-fractures. Oh, and just in case you were wondering, your patella is your knee cap.
So that's the diagnosis. I waited all day for my mom to get in touch with the doctor for the prognosis. And it is this. No surgery needed, no physical therapy needed. I am to take it easy for awhile and keep my knee wrapped in an ace bandage. Try to elevate it as much as possible and keep hot compresses on it as much as I can as well. I have a knee brace to wear if need be, but I find it hurts me more than it helps me. I think I need to get back the use of the muscles in my leg, and the brace just hinders the full range of motion I could have and will need to work out. I'll wear the brace to bed so I don't twist myself up while I sleep. I have crutches to use if I need to, but I think I'll try to walk on my as much as I can, but again, just limit myself. No long walks or anything like that. No heavy lifting at work, and stay away from wet metal grates on NYC sidewalks. I have an appointment to see my orthopedic doctor on Monday for a followup.
In the meantime, I'm just going to relax and try not to further aggravate the injury. I'm walking much better now, but its still with a limp and it definitely takes me awhile to work the kinks out. It gets very stiff very fast.
So thats the update. Its not great, but it could've a whole lot worse.
Comments
well, good news, at least no surgery needed!
Hope it feels better during this long holiday weekend coming up - maybe a few coronas in a hot tub or whirlpool will help it???
Have a good one! - Lori
Posted by: Lori | June 28, 2006 8:06 AM