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Last Thursday, I found out that I have severed my ACL, and damaged my medial collateral ligament (MCL) with either a tear or a strain, by the looks of the MRI. Apparently, MCL tears and strains are known to repair themselves over time, and the level of injury I sustained here is still mild enough to repair itself. The ACL on the other hand is not known to repair itself. The treatment is pre-surgery rehab to strengthen my quadriceps and eventually surgery that requires removing tendons from my hamstring and fashioning an artificial ACL that will be held in by screws drilled into my tibia and femur. The post-opp recuperation will involve two months of complete immobilisation if I am to do the operation locally. Also, my doctor, who is said to be the best orthopaedic specialist in the country, is leaving the country for a month, and would schedule this operation for January, which would mean an estimated rehab completion of March.
At the moment I am praying about the option of going to seek medical attention back in the UK. Apparently, my Trinidadian doctor is using a more "tried and true" method - one he's very comfortable with, that he's been doing since the eighties. There is, however, a more modern method utilising keyhole surgery, where they make a very small incision and run a tube of sorts into the leg and the surgery is done somewhat remotely through the use of the small tube, which is equipped with a cutting apparatus. The first method will involve holding the flesh of my leg back and removing the tendons, and placing them in the new position as my artificial ACL, i.e., highly invasive.
I am taking a moment to put this out there, because I know that my most faithful blog supporters are my friends - people I love, whose opinions I value and whose prayers I covet. I need you now. I need your prayers, your kind words and your good counsel. I am praying to know which way to go with this surgery, I am nervous about the prospect of surgery under general anaesthetic (in any country!) but I am very serious about getting the best care. All loving input is welcome.
Oh, honey, I'm so sorry! This has turned from being an inconvenience to a serious problem, hasn't it?
ReplyDeleteI vote for more modern surgery. I also vote for sooner rather than later. Have you considered coming to the States? I'm not crazy about general anesthesia, either, but it is a real blessing when it is needed.
Anyway, the Enoch clan will be praying for you - be sure to let us know what you decide and when you will be doing anything.
Thanks so much Aunt Amy, I so appreciate the prayers! Will update as soon as we decide <3
ReplyDeleteHey Jane, so sorry you have to go through this. Know that you are in our prayers. Sorry I don't have any advice to help, but we pray God will lead you in the decision, in the recovery, and that he will comfort you so much with his presence during this time.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Janie!
ReplyDeleteThanks Aaron, that means so much! LeNea: <3
ReplyDeleteI am late in the game Jane but know that I am praying for your health and speedy recovery. A modern surgery is the way to go since physical health is just as pivotal as the support and affection of family and friends, undying love and complete surrender to the Almighty and a kind heart! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Shuchi, it means a lot. Just to update everyone: I have had three specialist opinions, and decided to go with surgeon number two, who's going in with arthroscopic exploration/diagnosis followed immediately by whatever surgical intervention is necessary. It is thought that I may have a miniscus injury, which has resulted in the locking of my knee into the bent position it has been in for three weeks. The surgery will be minimally invasive even if it will include drills and metal screws - we e/pect just six small holes in my knee.
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