Days 7-9 - Open Reduction Internal Fixation
I am not generally an anxious person, but found that on the morning of my surgery I was anxious bordering on panicked. My care team comprised of nurses, physical therapists, doctors, and anesthesiologists were sympathetic and understanding. They gave me extra Ativan (a drug to help with anxiety) before surgery to help with ease my fears, described the surgery in great detail, and even played my favorite songs in the OR before they put me to sleep. I had originally been quoted surgery lasting four hours. I was in the operating room for well over eight hours. When I awoke in the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) I was shocked by the gluteal cramp I had. I flagged down a nurse and she got the surgeon. He told me that much of my surgery was spent facedown with my affected leg up in a sling so they could get to the posterior of my leg which had "exploded" with the impact of the injury. I was surprised by that fact and also shocked by the cramp I had after surgery. Be prepared that ...
