More basic Information

I've been meaning to write a post since Friday but haven't really had a chance to sit and think about what I want to say. Today is day 3 and Kaitlynn is sitting with her dad and a friend watching a movie so I thought now would be a good time.

Kevin gave a very brief explanation of what happened. I'm going to make up for that and probably be more wordy, but for those out there who are like me...you like information and stories...so you'll get both with this blog. If you'd like more information please feel free to contact us.

One thing I can say is be very pro-active and insistent at getting results you want. To insurance companies and many doctors you are just one of many and you have to fight for your rights and what you want. I'm thankful Kevin is so good at that. It is not one of my strengths, but he excels at it and it got us the results we wanted. Don't be afraid to ask they why's and why nots. Had we had an MRI 3 years ago, maybe we would have caught something sooner. I'm thankful for doctors who did what they could to get the insurance to approve it.

After Kaitlynn's two injuries this year, with the second resulting in the finding of the torn ACL she didn't exhibit typical symptoms with ACL tears...if you did not know she had torn it you would think nothing was wrong except for the fact that she wasn't playing in the remaining games and she wasn't as active as before.

Up until the day of surgery Kaitlynn was doing physical therapy exercises and things to keep her body moving and her muscles as strong as possible. We had her going to the PT two to three times a week right after the second injury and then stopped so as not to use up all our allotted visits before surgery.  She did continue the exercises they gave her to do. We had her doing them 2 times a day.

We did (mainly my hubby) an extraordinary amount of research and asking around (it's amazing how many people you find you know who have had this surgery). When it all comes down to it you need to make the decision you feel is best for your child or yourself.

After much going back and forth on which method (and as our doctor put it, if there was one way that was far better, everyone would do that one...or the opposite, one that had so many failures, no one would use it). We were waffling between using an allograft (cadaver...donated tendon) or from the Patella (which was the preference of our surgeon). The morning of the surgery we decided on the Patella. Actually Kaitlynn sealed that decision. She had done a bit of her own research and felt that was the way to go. You will find pros and cons for every method. So many that it can be frustrating. I'm sure there will be people who will question our decision, but that's okay. It was our decision and we feel good with it. Our doctor chatted with us before the surgery and said that actually in an area in PA it is more common for allografts to be used because that area is so well known for it's transplants. Preferred choices can be very territorial.

We finally had a date penciled in for surgery...you have to keep in mind this is a 6-9 month recovery and it's important to look ahead. Our daughter is a Jr. in HS taking college classes and plays golf and soccer. Our goal was to get it done when it would have the least impact on classes and still get her recovered for upcoming sports seasons. The 16th of November was the perfect time. Realize you will have to adjust some things. It requires flexibility. We didn't receive actual insurance approval until the day before surgery. I'm glad our Orthopedist office was willing to pencil in a date so we didn't have to prolong the procedure.

It is important to be proactive before surgery occurs. We purchased some things to help with the affects of pain killers, stress from surgery etc..One was Priority One Proto-Zyme (helpful for Sports injuries Symptoms: swelling; joint pain; torn cartilage; internal scar tissue buildup. Pre- and Post-operative care for promoting healing and providing pain relief). Another Dr. Schuleze's Intestinal Formula #1 (for constipation).  We also purchased some great DoTerra Oils. We purchased Basil, Lemongrass, Deep Blue and Aroma Touch. We began using these right away. This website was great for information on what oils to use. We wanted to use things that were as natural as possible. Now that the bandages are off, we'll use them around the incision areas, etc..

We also had to think ahead for the first few days after surgery...when you have never had surgery, your children have never had broken bones, surgeries, etc...you have no clue what to expect. I'm thankful for friends who helped us with thinking of simple things. We have stairs to our bedrooms, no recliners and our couch isn't long enough to lay on. We arranged for Kaitlynn and I to stay at Kevin's parents for the first week since they have a single story and were out of town. They also live only a few minutes from our house. We borrowed a motorized ice cooler to use. These circulate cold water continuously. An ice pack works just as well, but many friends said they liked this at night to ease pain. I made sure all my ducks were in order ahead of time since I knew the first several days would be dedicated to taking care of my girl.

Well, I think that's all the basic information I can think of...yes, Kevin and Kaitlynn....I wrote a book. I like books and as a blogger I know others do too...they can get the condensed version from you two if they want...