Surgery Update

OK. Sutures came out today. Well, it was actually one LONG suture. The P.A. that pulled it was duly impressed at how large the incision was, since most bursectomies (removal of bursa) are much smaller. The white steri-strips will fall off in the next few days. There are two areas that still need to heal in a little more, but it looks good, scar-wise.



He also noted the large amount of fluid that had accumulated. We agreed it needed aspiration (thank you!). So, he got all the stuff together, numbed up the location he was going to put the needle into (It is the same general area I used before as well, which is numb already), and went ahead and started aspirating the fluid off. This is OUTSIDE THE KNEE, everyone! He used a 30cc syringe, and pulled off one, two, three syringes full, plus another 22cc. Total 112cc removed! It was almost a record for him (115cc is his record). I had guessed yesterday that there was about 100cc, so I was close on my guess. Last Friday, when I emailed my surgeon, I told him more than 40cc, but more swelling has gone down, so the fluid was more evident. The fluid looked just like it should, no sign or smell of infection. Hopefully, the fluid wont come back, since that was why I went through this surgery in the first place. Bandaid placed over the aspiration site. The picture was taken after the sutures were out and the fluid pulled off. I am using a pad on the area where the fluid probably originated at, putting pressure on that area, to try and convince the area to not fill in again, and an ace wrap for compression.


I came home, and immediately iced my knee again. It was a bit sore from the suture removal and aspiration, so I figured it was a good idea.

 

(Comparison of my knees)

So, I am off the crutches (yes!), and am allowed to use a stationary cycle (yes! yes!), and exercise at the gym. No regular bike riding for at least 3 more weeks (sigh...). Once the skin heals a little more, I will be able to bend my knee more than 90 degrees, but not yet. I may need to wait up to 10 days. I can shower again, too! In terms of EMS work, I can supervise, and do some work, but no kneeling on that knee. So, I will stay a supervisor for a few more weeks. I really want patient contact again, and I miss my work at the ballpark, but need to let my body heal first.