Yesterday I had my two week checkup with Dr. Herring and company.  The overall asumption at this point is that my knee is strengthening and healing up nicely.  The big excitement this time around was the removal of my 5 sutures.  Out of the five, the first four came our rather easily.  The fifth one was a different story.  This suture was one long contiuous strand, about 8 inches long, entering just above my knee cap and exiting just below it.  Not quite sure what its purpose was, but I can tell you it hurt like hell coming out.  Very painful, burning sensation.  Seems as if they had to pull it through skin/scab/wound....not good.  I was also cleared to start putting 100% body weight on my leg, using crutches sparingly.  After more discussion, he prescribed me physical therapy, which I start on Monday morning.  Here is the video from yesterday's appointment


In other news, I started back to work on Tuesday.  So glad to get back in and off my feet.  Laying on the couch gets old pretty quick, especially for someone with such a high activity level.

Look for updates soon, considering physical therapy starts Monday at 8:15am!  Lets do this.  That is strength.

Hey guys, just had my first doctor's appointment since the surgery.  I have attached videos, take a look at what went down in the consultation room!

So, here I am on Day 4 Post-Operation.  I have been relatively pain free, thanks in large part to the percocet/oxycodone.  This stuff REALLY works.  Thankful for the pain eliminating effect of this drug!  I am, however, not thankful for another big side effect (and of general anesthesia) -- CONSTIPATION.  Yes, you heard me.  I have been struggling with my bowel movements the past 4 days, especially with a knee brace that runs from my inguinal crease (groin area) all the way to my ankle, immobilizing my leg.  Try sitting on the pot with a straight leg...not easy!  Too much information, I know, but come on...I'm trying to record the whole process here!

Here is a picture of me on Day 3 Post-Op, finally was able to remove the brace and "stretch out" the leg a little bit.

Day 3 Post-Op - Yes, that is a Chuck Norris shirt.

The apparatus you see running from my knee and out of the picture is a water pump, which pumps ice cold water into a brace strapped around my knee.  Much nicer than a traditional bag of ice.

Like I said, there hasn't been much pain, but when there is it's intense.  Most of the pain is located right below the knee cap, leading me to assume (and confidently so) that the pain is coming from my patellar tendon.  To recap, I had the patellar tendon graft, so they had to harvest the middle 1/3rd portion of my patellar tendon to recreate my ACL.  This is undoubtedly where the pain is stemming from.

The support and well wishes have been overwhelming.  I want to thank everyone for that.  In times like this, when you're really down and out, you see who will truly be by your side!  I've gotten phone calls from numerous friends and family members, and it is all much appreciated.

So, most of you want to know the intricate details from yesterday...well here it goes.

I arrived at the hospital at 6:45 am, where I promptly signed in and filled out all of my pre-op paper work.  I was eventually guided to a room/bed in the pre-op preparation area where I was prepped and ready to go.  That's when the fun started.  My anesthesia team came in my room and had me fill out some paper work regarding liability, etc.  They then preceded to give me a couple nerve blocks, one each sciatic and femoral nerves respectively.  These are awesome.  It literally paralyzed me from the hip to my ankle.  You may be thinking to yourself, "Why would I ever want to be paralyzed?"  Well, for an ACL surgery YOU DO.  No feeling what so ever.  It was great.  The nerve block finally wore off this morning, and with that came the pain.

Right after the nerve blocks, my parents were allowed to sit with me right before I was taken back.  We took a quick video to capture the moment:

When it was time to go, I was wheeled back to the OR.  I saw some familiar faces before being put under general anesthesia; my anesthesia team, surgeon, etc.  After trying to crack some unfunny jokes, I promptly said "Good night" to my crew.  The following video was taken about an hour after waking up from anesthesia, long after the operation was completed:

I want to thank my surgeon, Dr. Marion "Moose" Herring, and his great surgical team.  I always felt like I was in great hands.  You can tell he is passionate about what he does, and he does a great job of making you feel comfortable every step of the way.  I have the pleasure of keeping in contact with him, as he is one of our finest triathletes at Endorphin Fitness, and I am excited about the chance to possibly work with him.

As for me, I am sitting on my couch in a full leg immobilizer.  This brace runs from my ankle to my hip, and right now is set to allow zero bend.  I am not allowed to remove the brace until Sunday, and not allowed to shower until Wednesday!  Don't worry, I'll make sure I "wash up" best I can!!  

I want to reiterate how appreciative I am for everyone showing so much support, it is a lot easier making it through the pain when I have a great support group cheering me on.  Thank you.

Keep checking back to http://rustylinville.com/, or this blog, to get an update on my post-op check up visit with Dr. Herring on 8/18/10 (Wednesday), as well as my first visit to physical therapy.  No worries!

After much debate and rescheduling, my ACL reconstructive surgery is set for Thursday, August 12th.  There had been some changes with the original dates, but now we have it set in stone.  I'm not nervous about the surgery itself, just the rehab after.  Then again, who am I kidding?  I love testing my limits and pushing myself, so rehab may be the best part.  I have a high pain tolerance AND I've already filled my prescription for percocet.  Could be interesting.

I've already informed my sister to tag along so she can video tape me waking up from anesthesia.  She has my permission to mess with me and try to instigate while I'm still under the influence.  We may have another youtube hit..."Is this real life?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs only 64 million hits.