Long overdue update... Hi, all! So... I think my last mention of my leg issues was after the successful procedure, but prior to following up with the surgeon, two weeks later (mid Feb). It was good news/bad news at the follow up. The good news was that he accomplished what he set out to do, as far as loosening the tight areas, taking the pressure off the nerve. The bad news was that he had to remove a ganglion cyst, not far below my knee, which had enveloped the nerve, compressing and even getting inside of it. This is very unusual; this was the fourth time, in over 1000 of these procedures, that he encountered this. He was, however, able to completely remove the cyst. These cysts are far more common in the hands and feet. Leakage of synovial fluid from my arthritic knee, is the likely cause of the cyst. The presence of the cyst negatively affected my prognosis. The surgeon had given me a 90% chance of full recovery of the use of my foot, before the procedure, due to the promptness with which I sought help, when the foot drop occurred. The best he could do afterward was to remain cautiously optimistic, as the damage to the nerve was worse than could have been expected. Obviously, it left me a little bummed... Even I can get down, for a few days, upon receiving potentially bad news. It never lasts more than a few days with me however, and by the end of that week, I was my usual self. I then asked him how long the waiting game would be. Im anxious to finally have my knee replaced, but obviously, it would make sense to wait until the foot works properly, so the rehab/PT would be as effective as possible, to make me as strong as I can be. He agreed with me, but said that after six months, to go ahead and do the replacement, as the odds of recovering the nerve function at that point would be sufficiently slim that it wouldnt make sense to wait any longer. So, thats where Im at. Im certainly not giving up on the foot getting better... Nerves take a long time to heal! And as I see it, the WORST likely scenario is that, while the foot drop may be permanent, the brace Ive been fitted with (run, Forrest, run!), allows me to walk fairly normally, and doesnt restrict me from stairs or ladders, so Im as effective as ever, at work. And a year from now, after having the replacement and successfully rehabbing it, Ill be much more comfortable than I am now... I can live with that... Quite happily, thank you! I so deeply appreciate all of you, who have had me in your thoughts and prayers. It was quite overwhelming, the number of responses to my posts regarding the original issue, through the surgery... Many, MANY thanks to you all... Really! Please keep up with the Posnergy, and maybe we can get this foot working after all! Lets see where we are, in August!
Posted on: Sat, 05 Apr 2014 19:18:47 +0000
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