Thursday, December 16, 2010

The Plan-Part 1

We had a very proactive morning. I just got back to the hotel! I was able to see both my hip/knee surgeon and my new shoulder surgeon (thank you to my amazing primary surgeon for bending over backwards..AGAIN..to accommodate us). Every time I visit Children's I have a positive experience and it just reinforces how fortunate I am to have a great team of surgeons and specialists working on my case.

Knee Update-
My surgeon was shocked at how dead my quad is and if it's still not firing in a couple of months we will have to come up with a plan. He said my thigh looks like an astronaut. My knee still won't bend to 90 degrees so I will have to work hard in therapy to reach that flexion goal. PT emphasis will be on quad strength and range of motion (ROM). He was happy with the position and tracking of the kneecap and once I regain quad strength I can start learning how to walk without the brace. Overall the post-op appointment for my knee went well. The surgery was successful in holding my kneecap in place and not allowing it to dislocate laterally (to the outside).

Shoulder Consult-
I saw my new shoulder surgeon for my shoulder consult. He did instability tests and reviewed my MRI-arthrogram. We discussed options for surgery. He is pretty sure it will be an open procedure (versus arthroscopic) as this provides more access to the joint capsule. I have a script for PT to work on strengthening the shoulder while we wait for surgery.

My hip surgeon also spoke with my PAO surgeon about having the RPAO and shoulder surgery done close together. My PAO surgeon saw no problem with this, so we are going to try to schedule for sometime in January. There are 2 options right now: 1- have both surgeries done together or 2- have the RPAO first (knowing I will be admitted for about 7 days) and then go back in to fix the shoulder.

They are all going to talk and come up with a plan. I should have a better idea of when these surgeries will take place, after the holidays!

Later today I get to meet up with one of my Hip Chick friends for some shopping and dinner : ) We are flying home tomorrow!

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