Update: Nail Removal March 22 2019:
I finally got the Precice nail removed. The surgery was pretty straight forward. I arrived there at 8:30 to be processed (paper work, consent forms, etc). They thoroughly check that you are you and what the procedure is (so that you don't get the wrong operation.. ). While I was waiting for my operation room to be prepped, I was given IV.
The experience was completely different because I knew I wouldn't be crippled for the next 4 months. I was pretty calm last time, but still a little worried about how my life was permanently going to change. Now I was just waiting there bored, like I was at the DMV.
I also literally walked into the operating theater (last time my entire bed was rolled into it, and I was sedated before I was moved there). Consequently I met the entire team that would be operating on me. My first thought was DAMN a lot of people are involved in this surgery. TV shows make it look like its just 1 or 2 surgeons. In reality it was several surgeons, an anesthesiologist, therapists, and nurses (7-8 people total). No wonder these things are expensive if done carefully and thoroughly.
I was out of the OR in 2 hours. When I woke up, there was a little bit of pain at the hip sites (and none at the femur screw sites). I would rate it at 1-2 out of 10. Barely noticeable. Its like when you are playing tag as a kid, trip and scrape your hip. That level. I think that could be because the anesthesia was still in effect.
I still had to wait there for 4 more hours because they wanted the anesthesia to completely wear out (so that I don't accidentally fall). I was given an extra dose of anesthetic because my operation had a risk of going longer than the alotted time. So I was just laying there in bed for 4 hours. As the anesthesia was wearing off, I did notice some pain at the nail sites. The best comparison would be when you work out a muscle really hard after a long time of not working out. The sore muscle feels painful to move for the next few days. Thats what I'd compare it to. Nothing to bad.
After 4 hours I was wheeled to the Uber (even though I had clearance to walk). My walking was a bit wobbly when I got out of that bed so there was a risk of me falling. So the nurse gave me crutches. Now that I am home, my walking balance is fine. I am walking like a duck now. My left leg doesn't hurt at all. My right leg is still painful when I bend it (or walk with it). I've been told that the surgical site pain mostly goes away in 3-4 days.
EDIT: I forgot to mention:
I've been prescribed pain killers but I haven't taken any (other than Tylenol). I haven't really felt the need for it yet (and I don't think I will). I do have medication to reduce the surgical swelling though. (My thighs are really swollen.. just like last time).
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Topic: Femoral Lengthening with Dr. Paley (Read 128473 times)