My Road to Recovery
Last week has been one, if not the most, challenging week of my life.
Monday, I woke up with a swollen knee. I thought it was just one of those moments when my knee cap dislocated while I was asleep. I've been having similar incidents previously since I had a biking inicident two years ago. However, I could easily return it to its proper place by twisting my knee on a certain angle. But that morning, it was really swollen and painful. I had an 8am meeting that morning so I had to bear with it. I even went to the clinic before my conference call to ask for a pain med and hot compress.
The meeting lasted until 3pm. By then, the swelling did not subside. The nurse advised me to go the doctor. I left the office right away and went to the Davao Adventist ER, which was not too far from home, since there would be no more doctors in the clinics by that time.
I was on my own when I had to undergo all the blood tests, urinalysis and xrays. Good thing there was an aide who was kind enough to assist and move me in my wheelchair.
In a little while, James arrived and helped me in processing the payments for the medicines, consultation and exams. I waited in one of the ER beds. I could feel that I was not feeling well. I knew the familiar feeling of running a fever. I told the doctor about it but they were skeptical as to how I could get a fever. They took my temperature anyway and I was at 37.3 °C which was normal. But my temperature had already elevated from a 36.5 °C earlier. Still, the point is that I knew something was wrong. I was feeling feverish. The results came out and the doctor couldn't find anything wrong with my tests. I was asked to go home and see an orthopedic doctor the next day.
When I came home, I told my parents what happened. Shortly after, I was feeling warmer. Pain in my knee began to increase. It was really painful that James had a hard time moving me. I was crying in pain despite having taken the pain med I was prescribed at the ER. I wanted to go back to the hospital but I couldn't move. Finally, when the pain subsided a little, James was able to transfer me to my bedroom.
The next day, my leg was still swelling. I had to take a leave to go to Davao Doctors Hospital where there was an orthopedic doctor accredited by our company HMO. I gave the doctor the same results from my exams the previous day and he knew right then that I had a fever last night. He went to proceed with checking my leg. He advised for an MRI since the xray was inconclusive. I also had a procedure where the fluid in my leg had to be removed. It was there that they saw that the fluid had an infection. It was supposed to be clear but the fluid was cloudy. I was advised to be admitted.
From there, there was a series of tests and procedures. The swelling and infection did not subside. The doctor told me that it was a serious condition and that I might not be able to walk properly again if we won't be able to know the problem. I was advised to have a minor operation called Arthroscopy Synovectomy.
I was terrified. What are the odds of waking up to a swollen knee on a Monday and getting operated on a Friday? Things like this are so random and distressing. Thank God for my company HMO, I don't have to worry too much financially. But mentally and emotionally, I was just really scared. And physically, I don't know how my body will be able to recover.
Despite all the fuss and hassle, I was happy to know that I have my family, friends, and loved ones by my side. In times when life rocks you hard, you know exactly who are the people who will be there for you, who are always there not just during the good times but also during the bad times.
The doctor said the operation went well. He was positive that they were able to clean and remove the infection. I had two physical therapy sessions after and was advised to go back to further improve my, mobility. I was able to get out of the hospital last Monday. I was advised to recover at home for a month. But depending on the progress from my therapy, I can probably come back to work sooner. *fingers crossed*
Right now, I am focusing on my road to recovery. I am focusing on myself and the people who are dear to me. I may not be able to understand right now why this happened to me, but I am hopeful that I will be able to move forward with high hopes and a better perspective in life.
Monday, I woke up with a swollen knee. I thought it was just one of those moments when my knee cap dislocated while I was asleep. I've been having similar incidents previously since I had a biking inicident two years ago. However, I could easily return it to its proper place by twisting my knee on a certain angle. But that morning, it was really swollen and painful. I had an 8am meeting that morning so I had to bear with it. I even went to the clinic before my conference call to ask for a pain med and hot compress.
The meeting lasted until 3pm. By then, the swelling did not subside. The nurse advised me to go the doctor. I left the office right away and went to the Davao Adventist ER, which was not too far from home, since there would be no more doctors in the clinics by that time.
I was on my own when I had to undergo all the blood tests, urinalysis and xrays. Good thing there was an aide who was kind enough to assist and move me in my wheelchair.
In a little while, James arrived and helped me in processing the payments for the medicines, consultation and exams. I waited in one of the ER beds. I could feel that I was not feeling well. I knew the familiar feeling of running a fever. I told the doctor about it but they were skeptical as to how I could get a fever. They took my temperature anyway and I was at 37.3 °C which was normal. But my temperature had already elevated from a 36.5 °C earlier. Still, the point is that I knew something was wrong. I was feeling feverish. The results came out and the doctor couldn't find anything wrong with my tests. I was asked to go home and see an orthopedic doctor the next day.
When I came home, I told my parents what happened. Shortly after, I was feeling warmer. Pain in my knee began to increase. It was really painful that James had a hard time moving me. I was crying in pain despite having taken the pain med I was prescribed at the ER. I wanted to go back to the hospital but I couldn't move. Finally, when the pain subsided a little, James was able to transfer me to my bedroom.
The next day, my leg was still swelling. I had to take a leave to go to Davao Doctors Hospital where there was an orthopedic doctor accredited by our company HMO. I gave the doctor the same results from my exams the previous day and he knew right then that I had a fever last night. He went to proceed with checking my leg. He advised for an MRI since the xray was inconclusive. I also had a procedure where the fluid in my leg had to be removed. It was there that they saw that the fluid had an infection. It was supposed to be clear but the fluid was cloudy. I was advised to be admitted.
From there, there was a series of tests and procedures. The swelling and infection did not subside. The doctor told me that it was a serious condition and that I might not be able to walk properly again if we won't be able to know the problem. I was advised to have a minor operation called Arthroscopy Synovectomy.
I was terrified. What are the odds of waking up to a swollen knee on a Monday and getting operated on a Friday? Things like this are so random and distressing. Thank God for my company HMO, I don't have to worry too much financially. But mentally and emotionally, I was just really scared. And physically, I don't know how my body will be able to recover.
Despite all the fuss and hassle, I was happy to know that I have my family, friends, and loved ones by my side. In times when life rocks you hard, you know exactly who are the people who will be there for you, who are always there not just during the good times but also during the bad times.
The doctor said the operation went well. He was positive that they were able to clean and remove the infection. I had two physical therapy sessions after and was advised to go back to further improve my, mobility. I was able to get out of the hospital last Monday. I was advised to recover at home for a month. But depending on the progress from my therapy, I can probably come back to work sooner. *fingers crossed*
Right now, I am focusing on my road to recovery. I am focusing on myself and the people who are dear to me. I may not be able to understand right now why this happened to me, but I am hopeful that I will be able to move forward with high hopes and a better perspective in life.
Get well soon verge <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Karla! :)
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