Recovery and rehab

Three weeks after surgery, Robin continues to do really well with his physical therapy and recovery. His staples are out and he's halfway through the 6-week crutches requirement.

Thanks to our friend Gordie, we're still in St. Augustine with easy access to the doctor, physical therapy and the gym. (Now that Robin has been cleared to do a little light lifting ... machines only. No plates. No barbells. No dumbbells.)

See some pictures of Robin's recovery, staple removal, my birthday and more.

Birthday time!

It's my birthday and we are going to Orlando! Guaranteed to get to the front of the line every time because Robin will be in a wheelchair and I'll have my birthday button on!

We're not sure if he'll be able to do any rides besides the kiddie rides so stay tuned for pictures and a recap of how it went.

Quote of the day

"Pain is just a sign of weakness leaving your body."

Robin during his first post-op, modified workout (only slightly mind-altered from the pain med withdrawal symptoms).

Coleslaw wrestling

You can't help but watch TV when you're hanging around the house recuperating, getting up at all hours for the next dose of pain medication, having another icing round and searching for short excursions to take during the day. Boy, the things we have learned from infomercials, regular commercials, talk shows and other shows at all hours.

One thing we just missed was the annual Coleslaw Wrestling event, held in Samsula, FL and not too far from where we're staying. (But, we will mark it on the calendar for next year!)

Who knew you could watch women wrestling in a pit of 2,000 pounds of raw cabbage? The event slogan: "We have done for cole slaw what the moon did for rocks." (Not to worry, either, because after the event, they feed the slaw to livestock.)

This event is so huge, they even have aerial camera support. The Cabbage Patch Bar hosts this infamous event, along with several other out-of-the-ordinary events (including a sexy banana contest, a bike drop and skydiving), all with the understanding that "nudity is not only an accidental by-product of those activities, it is the reason our friends attend, participate, and enjoy viewing the proceedings."

Top 10 similarities between Mom's and Robin's lastest medical events

You wouldn't think a broken wrist and knee surgery have much in common. But when it comes to The Twins (Mom and Robin), the eery similarities are readily apparent. Or if you want to just feel pain, take a look at some photos of the surgical event (warning: some are gory).

1. Both were worried about something happening to their clothes before they were ready to leave the hospital and wanted to hold onto them.
2. Both had a mean nurse.
3. Both can't "ambulate" unattended and need supervision for most activities.
4. Both can't use their right arms or feed themselves.
5. Both were drugged beyond belief.
6. Both have a groggy memory and recall about events.
7. Both are very anxious to get better.
8. Both have great meals prepared for them.
9. Both have physical therapy daily and get chauffeured around.
10. Both suffer from impaired judgment and think they are OK to do more than they can or should.
    

Quote of the day

"I itch like a chicken with lice."

Robin in reference to the surgical stockings he has to wear for 6 weeks.

Top 10 knee surgery highlights

Robin's surgery went well and he is home for recovery. Here are a few highlights from the experience.

1. It takes about an hour and a half to install a new cadaver ACL and it's an outpatient procedure so you'll be home by noon.
2. It can take up to two days for two nerve blocks to wear off and is pretty painful when it does. (Robin's wore off today and we are counting the minutes until Robin can take the next roundof pain meds.)
3. A combination of anesthesia effects, pain medication and antibiotics, all with side effects of dizziness and light-headedness, combined with a leg numb from two nerve blocks, makes for a scary experience when getting accustomed to crutches.
4. Ambulating is commonly used in the medical world instead of "getting around."
5. The St. Augustine Surgical Center does not have water, snacks, comfortable chairs or a comfortable temperature (it's freezing in there!) so prepare accordingly.
6. ACL and meniscus repair involves 4 incisions, 11 staples, a leg shave and scrub, 5 injections, 2 vials of blood removal, a shot of valium and an antibiotic injection.
7. A large vial of blood contains only 8 to 10 ccs of platelets (used in Robin's elbow and knee injections to repair cartlidge and soft tissue injury).
8. An ice cuff machine is very expensive ($255) , very cumbersome, not guaranteed to work and is difficult to convince the manufacturer that the unit really failed and needed immediate replacement.
9. A CPM machine (constant passive motion) is rentable only and its goal for ACL recovery starts at a 60-degree bend and progresses to a 120-degree bend after a week or so.
10. If you're tired enough, you can sleep through the drone of the CPM machine and the pump of the ice cuff machine.