January 31st (Day of op)
I didn’t have a good sleep the night before so got up early. No food or drink as prescribed by the hospital so getting ready was quick. Priya was awake and gave me a hug before she went off to get her breakfast. Aroon was asleep so i gave him a shove. Time of arrival to the hospital is 7am. I remembered for the last 4 or so weeks repeating to myself “this is the last time i do….in a while”…well that the end of the line now.
We arrived at the hospital on time and taken to my room. All sparse but the TV was good. Not sure how many people have used the room as its all very new.
Mr Minhal Chatoo (Surgeon and specialist ) came in and spoke about the operation and highlighted the risks. This is expected as he covered risks in tibia under/over correction, risk of cutting a nerve and rehab time. The good news from what he said was movement on the Knee will be possible as the cuts will be below the knee. He was very reassuring as he drew an arrow on my leg
He left by saying that i am the second person on his list and that the anaesthetist will be round later. We sat until 10:20am and then was taken down to the operating theatre.
I remember an Australian lady and Joan Washington (Sister) taking me down on the lift; i made a comment about the disco lights in the lift (nervous energy!).
I was led into the operating theater and laid on the table. At this point another chap who was administering the drugs noted my DOB was incorrect – born in 1953? That was corrected quickly.
Once the anesthetist came back, he mentioned the drugs and an additional injection in my right thigh to aid the operation. We chatted and had a giggle for 10-15 minutes as their actions were completed. I noted the time was about 11:40am.
The operation was to cut below the shin on the right leg. A wedge 11mm wide would be cut out. A bone graft applied. The gap create in the leg will have metal strips screwed in to support the bone growth to correct my leg.
The drugs took action and i passed out
Coming round after surgery
I came around at about 1:30 and i was in agony – a sawed leg, 2 metal pins and bunch of screws added to my leg. 2 nurses were near by. They talked and administered drugs once they spoke to the anesthetist. I was left downstairs for a while. Once the pain was tolerable, they wheeled me back upstairs. I was glad to see Loiza in the room.I held her hand. I cannot remember if i fell asleep again but i guess it was on and off. They gave me oxygen and connected me to saline and heart rate monitor.
Mr Chatoo then called us to talk about the operation. He said the procedure was on plan and that he was satisfied. This was a relief. Loiza and I reflected and after a while and then she left for home. I fell asleep again. I remember waking up as Joan was taking my Heart Rate when i complained that i wanted to vomit. I felt that i was losing consciousness and could feel my self sweating and my heart pounding. The Doctor lay me down and i could hear them telling me to keep my eyes open. I was struggling but they pulled me through. After laying flat, i felt much better. My blood pressure dropped due to a reaction of the drugs. At least that gave me something else to worry about rather than my leg.
The pain in my leg is prevalent but didn’t feel like it was sawed, had metal strips and screws put in. the air pumps/ cushion on both legs is helping my blood circulation. Dinner arrived and it was seabass with potatoes. It tasted dry but i finished it so quickly.
Loiza, Aroon and Priya arrived at 7:30ish..if felt like they had been gone for a long time. The kids made me a card for “Brotato”.
Priya read her “grand designs” magazine with me and Aroon talked about his Physics lecture at school. He mentioned the speaker was very enthusiastic about her subject matter. We sat chatted and i just watched everyone -i was just happy to see them and didnt want them to leave.
Joan came by with her shift replacement and went over my case notes. A shame to see her go as she really looked after me as i came round. She was calm, direct and very precise,
Loiza and the kids left and i fell asleep again. Another nurse came in and administered pain killers. They kept the oxygen running. I was a little impatient on waiting for things but the nurses must be busy. Anyway things went as per plan anyway. Every 2 hours they came in and checked my vitals. The pain was bearable and was able to move my toes. I didnt want to risk moving any more than that.
Will I Run Again 