April 16, 2009

I am just over 2 weeks post op from second half of Bilateral. The first week was definitely a challenge. I took the pain pills before I felt I needed them and that worked great, not much pain to deal with. I was a little unprepared for how useless my legs would be, a good deal of swelling even with the ice machine. I guess the big downside from Bilateral is not having a good leg to help out. I definitely questioned the wisdom at first but now I'm sure it was the right way to go.

When I first arrived home from Columbia it was all I could do to walk from the car to the house, but each day was noticeably better. After the first week at home I made it around the block, roughly a mile, and I have continued to do that walk daily, getting faster each day. I hope to lose the crutches soon. there is still a measureable difference in the recovery between the first and second leg that I find interesting.

So far so good, hope to head back to work next Monday

4/23 ( 3 weeks post op)- Back at work, no real issues just need to prop my feet up as often as I can to minimize any swelling. Using one crutch, mostly just carrying it around for balance. I also went to the health club and rode the stationary bike for half an hour, pretty stiff but no real pain. I can't wait until I can finally tie my own shoes...

4/30 Walking without a cane, riding the stationary bike for about 30 minutes a day, I even cut the grass a couple of days ago. Stairs are still a little dicey. I have to remember all the things I'm not supposed to be doing as I am definitely tempted to push it a little bit.

Additional Comments about Max's Bilateral Surgery

I had bilateral with Dr Gross back in May and my dominant leg actually healed a little slower. I think it really has to do with the details of the surgery, each one is slightly different.

I had some cramping after my bilateral most likely due to the increased fluids causing the swelling, it will go away but it takes a while. Even at my 6 weeks check Dr. Gross told me it is normal to still have excess fluid in the joints. As for tying shoes I did not even attempt until after 6 weeks and it took a while to get flexibility back.

I had lots of discoloration on the back of my legs for 4-6 weeks afterwards. It takes long time for the bruising in the muscles to go away, there is a good deal of excess fluid as you know. Both my legs were swollen to twice their normal size and felt like chunks of dead wood. Ice machine helps a lot, walk when you can and when you are not on your feet elevate you legs. I slept with pillows under my knees ad calves help drain excess fluids.