Big week ahead...
I'm meeting with my surgeon today to discuss amputation details. Dr. O'Brien has been my primary specialist in the last two years and I have enormous respect for him. He performed 2 successful operations on me - one was a repair of my left knee meniscus and the other - removal of locking plate and 22 screws from my femur. However today it's different. Our meeting is almost an interview where I want to learn about his experience with below knee amputations and What kind of procedure he performs. In the past 10 months I have done a lot of research in this area and found that there are two main procedures. One is conventional which is performed all the time and the other is the Ertl procedure which is not very common but has a very interesting history and track record. The main difference is how they treat the fibula and tibia bones and attention to details regarding nerve endings, muscle tissue treatment and stump preparation. I'll provide more information later. Today I want to know what are his thoughts about the Ertl, pros and cons etc. I'll update you later. Rest of the week is dedicated to meetings with prosthetists and rehab specialists. During these meeting I will learn about the entire process from recovery till the day I can walk. Exciting week filled with fear, confusion and trepidation. I'll keep you posted later today. |