Hey there guys, I just got back from Dr Mahboubian's office for my first checkup and to pick up the ERC device. Before I get to that, I'll answer some questions and talk about this past week.
Congrats on starting your journey! Rooting for you. Couple of questions:
1) How have you managed work/ career through this process? Did you quit your job, request a LOA, work remote?
2) Outside of your mom, what have you communicated to friends/families? Did you tell them about the procedure? How have you explained being away for 3 to 6 months?
Thanks
1. Right now, I manage some property and will be able to continue doing so.
2. I haven't told any of my friends or other family. I have told my other doctors since I'm trying to have the VA cover the physical therapy. As for not seeing anyone, I've actually told everyone that I've had surgery on my ankle. I was injured in an IED explosion in Iraq, and everyone knows I've had issued with my ankle since then and I've been talking about getting the screws removed for years now. But who knows how well this lie will stand up the next time my sister or cousins actually see me taller than them.
@ InFullStryde and LAGrowin Thanks for the kind words, I've read both your diaries and many of my concerns were alleviated afterwards. So again thanks for taking the time to write out such detailed experiences.
Days 2-6 post op Besides the day of surgery, the pain at home has been much worse than at the hospital. I do however believe this is largely because I forgot the take the ice packs the hospital gave me and have been using reusable packs that only last an hour. So I've been only been able to ice 3-4 hours a day between refreezing. Yesterday, I received the ice packs that are used at the hospital, yes I ordered the same ones, they were $8 for a pair so I ordered 4. I felt much better yesterday after having ice on pretty much all day and night.
Different types of pain So there's this pain that feels like the most ultimate soreness preventing me from moving my muscles. This pain isn't so bad, it's located between the knee and hip the entire length of the femur. But there's a much sharper more debilitating pain that flares in the knees and hip area mostly during movement. That being said, the pain is manageable and annoying, but I can deal with it. I've also had much worse pains so comparably this is easy.
Sleep has been pretty bad I haven't had a single sleep session last more than 3 hours, partly because of the pain, sleeping on my back when I'm a stomach sleeper, and having the use the restroom. I also have a real difficult time getting comfortable in my bed, either my knees hurt or my hip hurts, or my glutes or w/e. I found having extra pillows to put under my knees, butt, hip etc necessary in an never ending experiment to figure out a decent position for the day.
Movement has been pretty good Despite the pain and soreness my range of motion seems pretty good. With the walker or a single crutch I can pick up things off the floor, dress myself, get in and out of the shower. Honestly, I feel that with a bit of preparation I could have done this w/o anybody's(my mother's) help. I would not have wanted to, but for those out there that just can't get someone to help them, it's my opinion that it can be done. The biggest requirements are having enough upper body strength to push yourself up from the seated position and figuring out how you're going to get groceries.
Day 7 Today I saw DR M for my 1 week checkup and to pick up the ERC Machine.
I felt like I could have driven myself, but opted to have my mother drive since I knew the ERC machine would be difficult/impossible to lug around myself and also my mother wanted to meet Dr M. Everything is looking good so far, except for what might be the beginning of an infection on one of the stitch sites. So Dr M gave me a cephalexin script.
I met with DR M's media manager, I believe the doc is putting together a video or faq of some sort of the Stryde process. Answered a few questions, but nothing too personal. I agreed beforehand that this was ok with me, so no worries guys if you don't want your pictures or story and name posted online, they won't be.
The Nuvasive rep gave me the ERC and told me the instructions. It's honestly so simple I could teach my dog how to do it. I did my first session and that was it. I'm now a minuscule amount taller.
I've emailed my doctor at the VA, hopefully they will provide me the physical therapy I need, otherwise...I'll have to figure something out.
Alright guys that's pretty much it for now. I'll update again next Friday, unless something big happens before then.
Author
Topic: Diary - June 2019 - Stryde with Dr. Mahboubian of North Hollywood (Read 4464 times)