Tuesday, July 1, 2014

MPFL Reconstructive Knee Surgery

What a crazy year it has been! When I say year, I'm referring to this past school year. I successfully finished my first year as a teacher! I have had such a wonderful experience as a first-year teacher and have had so many supportive co-workers to help me along the way, but they're not lying when they tell you first year is the hardest. I have met and grown close to some of the best people in this position, and I am so excited to start my second year in with all of the skills and knowledge I've gained over the last 10 months!

Meanwhile, I'm taking some time to relax with a little extra weight to drag around, hence the giant mass that is my right leg.



Yesterday, I went in for a Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstructive Surgery, or MPFL for short. I've had an issue that started when I was very young where my patella will go out of place without any warning. My doctor was able to see the that my femoral groove is exceptionally shallow, and after that first fateful dislocation, my MPFL just hasn't been able to keep it in place properly.  Each displacement over the years has resulted in a hard fall and usually some bumps or bruises to show for it. It even happened last summer when I was dressed for a formal night on a cruise. I was wearing a cocktail dress and heels. When I fell my dress flipped right up, giving everyone behind me a nice little show. (;

Needless to say, I'm excited to rid myself of this issue and move on with a little more peace of mind. I'm ready to enjoy an active lifestyle without worrying about my knee constantly. Here's a picture of me from a recent trip to San Francisco with a dear friend. We hiked downhill into Muir Woods, and I couldn't help but look at my feet the whole time to make sure I was being extra careful. A tumble down a mountain would not have been pretty!




And so here we are on the day of surgery about to go into the operating room! I'm trying to hide my nerves with a smile, but really I was pretty scared. Thankfully, Brandon was there to hold my hand and give me a kiss before they wheeled me in. 


Here's the before picture of my knee. I haven't been able to see what it looks like now yet. In a couple of days, I should be able to take off the dressing and take a real shower. Woo hoo! (:



 This is precisely what I look like right now. I'm lucky that my dad has this nice recliner. It's perfect for giving my leg a little elevation. 




Of course, I've got my little buddy by my side. It's funny how dogs seem to know when you're not a 100%. He's been sleeping right along side me, surely willing me to get better soon. (: 


I'd appreciate your good thoughts and prayers to a speedy recovery! If you have any advice on how to avoid going completely stir-crazy, please let me know! This whole reclining, reading, watching t.v., surfing the web thing will only be fun for so long! 


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27 comments

Unknown said...

gosh, I can relate...had the same surgery last year... my knee cap was flipping away a little too often and surgery was just the only way!!!! Hope your recovery will be quick and easy!!!
My cat would not leave me alone for a second during the hardest days!
Hugs
Clelia

Deborah said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Deborah said...

So nice to hear from you again! I've been checking back every once in a while in case Bloglovin failed to show me a post. Well done for finishing your first year of teaching. I dislocated my kneecap last year too, but hoping it was just a once off thing! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Deborah
www.puresweetjoy.co.za

Sherryist said...

Hope you feel better!

Silhouette said...

I think I checked your blog every other week for any post...Glad to hear from you again and get well soon :)
lots of love from Qatar

Rachel // Maybe Matilda said...

Aw, get better soon (and congrats on finishing your first year)! If you're looking for something on Netflix to keep you busy, I just finished binge-watching Sherlock and would highly recommend it :-)

Emily said...

Netflix, lots of books and visitors! Wishing you a quick recovery!

Anna said...

I haven't had surgery on my knee, but I've been out of commission due to injury before. Definitely keep working on some of your easy projects! No machine sewing or heavy painting, but simple stuff is always good! Maybe a time to take up more of a yarn or beadwork project. Keep your favorite music handy to keep your spirits up. You could also take the time to write actual letters to friends - the handwritten ones sent by snail mail with the goofy illustrations! And lots off visitors, but not so many as to completely wear you out!!!

Hope you heal quickly, you will certainly have my prayers!!

Maria said...

Glad to hear from you! Congrats on finishing your first year! Hope you have a speedy recovery and relaxing summer before school starts up again.:)

Maria said...

Glad to hear from you! Congrats on finishing your first year! Hope you have a speedy recovery and relaxing summer before school starts up again.:)

Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims said...

feel better soon!!! Start to learn a new craft while you are stuck in one spot. jewelry making anyone?? :)

Kath said...

It's so good to see you back! Get better soon - I would recommend working on a large, varied yarny project, like an afghan.

Hot Mess Housewife said...

Congrats on completing your first year, and for keeping your job for a second year! Every year gets easier - just be willing to evaluate yourself honestly and assess what's working and what's not. I like to make a word document on my work computer's desktop that I call "Notes for Next Year", and as things come up that I realize would work better or I'd like to add next year, I jot it down (and if I can incorporate it prior to next year, I do - but either way, it's getting written down before I forget!) Sorry for the unasked for teaching advice, hopefully it helps a little!

I second the comments recommending knitting! Or crochet (which is easier), embroidery, etc. - something to keep your hands and mind busy. Hope you heal fast!

Unknown said...

Poor thing, but you sound so positive. I'm glad your healing and have such a sweet friend by your side. You're just so cute, I bet more than just me, have told you that you look a lot like Ashley Judd. Congrats on finishing up your first year teaching! Feel better soon.

sarah ashley said...

Pick up knitting!! It's a great way to occupy yourself while you're sitting!

Get well soon!

Obsessively Organic said...

Do you knit? Or have you tried weaving? I find both to be great when I want to be productive while home!

Regena Fickes said...

When I was 14 I had 3 broken vertebra and all those years ago, I was put on bed-rest and a back brace. That is when I learned needlework. I loved to read, but after awhile I wanted something new. My Mom bought a tablecloth, needle and floss. I never looked back. Prayers for your fast and complete recovery.

Unknown said...

Hi,
I know I am a little late, but I hope you are fully recovered by now and able to go on walks with you cute dog again.
All the best from the Netherlands.
Lotte

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your great presentation i like this,,,,,
surgery

Jozefientje said...

Pick up knitting or crochet, you'll be out of the brace, running around (still knitting) before you know it :3

ANTİGONE said...

Hi, i cannot hear from you for a long time. Hope you're feeling better.
Best wishes..
Antigone

ANTİGONE said...

Hi, i cannot hear from you for a long time. Hope you're feeling better.
Best wishes..
Antigone

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Unknown said...

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Iamwhoiam said...

Hi there, some personal sharing here, Knee joint pain is a common problem with many causes, from acute injuries to medical conditions. Normally people will believe surgery is the only way to relief knee pain, in fact, some may ask how to cure knee pain without surgery. Yes there are ways like using Unloading bracing technology, having ergo mattress etc. More information:
http://kidbuxblog.com/surgery-free-for-relief-knee-pain/

Unknown said...

Knee surgeries are never fun, and the recovery process isn’t pretty. However, it’s short-lived and the results are usually worth it!and knee braces support really worth it. Nice, very real account you give here. Thanks so much for this read!

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