One Week Post-Op

Monday, May 15 was the day I finally decided to do something about my knee. For years I have been running with right knee pain and I had enough. My run has been limited so much from this and with IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds coming up in September, I figured 4-6 weeks of recovery time and 3 months of solid run training was better than what I have been dealing with for too long.

Dr. Loeb at North Florida Sports Medicine performed a knee arthroscopy. This was part diagnosis and part treatment. He had anticipated some cartilage damage behind my knee cap and sure enough that is what he discovered. I go in next Thursday for my post-op to review the pictures and videos of what was removed and repaired during the procedure. Turns out I had a fair amount of floating debris and rough cartilage behind my knee cap that was cleaned and smoothed out.

I was nervous as this was my first time having surgery and going under with general anesthesia; however, I was in good hands as my anesthesiologist happened to be one of my friends. She gave me some quick working juice into my IV before I even headed back and the rest is history.

Looking back at some of my posts over the years, I am certain I made the right decision to have a knee scope done. This procedure will put me on the right path towards a healthier and stronger run.




Recovery

For three days following the procedure, I had to stay off my leg with it elevated above my heart as much as possible. As an athlete, not doing anything at all for three days was very tough. I was going stir crazy, by day three I was beyond ready to take off my bandages and take a shower.

However, bed rest did have its perks. I was able to watch some of Bill Nye's new Netflix show, Bill Nye Saves the World, catch up on sleep, have #tasty dinners made for me, and of course eat copious amounts of ice cream.

It has now been a full week and I am starting to walk around almost normal. My knee joint still has tightness and some swelling, which limits how much I can bend it; however, putting weight on it doesn't hurt at all. Fingers crossed next Thursday, I get the all clear to get back in the pool and bike.

The amount of help I received this past week was so amazing! I am so grateful to have so many wonderful people in my life who were willing to help out! Non-dog people picking up Mr. Hitches 💩💩💩, #breakfast, ibuprofen, ice, company.......the list goes on. Thank you!

Stay tuned for a post-op update.