This spring break was one of the most relaxing I’ve ever had. Too relaxing, actually.
I don’t remember the exact moment it happened, but somewhere along the road, I tore my meniscus, probably by over-exerting my physical capabilities in pick-up basketball.
So I got the pleasure of having surgery and the wonderful things that followed. My parents took me in early in the morning, I slid into everyone’s favorite hospital gown and Dr. Greenberg sliced me open and stitched up the cartilage.
I had only been under anesthesia on one other occasion – when I had my wisdom teeth removed. When I woke up that time, I felt like I was in heaven. No worries, somewhat dizzy and a little out-of-sorts, but I was in a slap-happy place.
They must have given me a larger dose this time around, or a different type, because when I started to “see the light,” I wasn’t a happy camper. I remember trying to tug off my oxygen mask like a caged gorilla trying to break free. Apparently, that was frowned upon. Pardon me.
Eventually I came to my senses, but I think I got my money’s worth irritating the nurse (sorry, nursing students).
Once the unconscious portion was over, the recovery was underway. I was not allowed, under any circumstances, to bend my leg for the next five days. As you can imagine, this made everyday activities slightly difficult.
When I took the wrapping off a few days later, I was surprised to see all the hair on my knee was shaved off (glad I don’t have to do that on a normal basis). There were three incisions – two for the scope and one where they mended the meniscus. I was impressed.
Walking on crutches isn’t too bad if you rule out the ridiculous arm-pit soreness, but since my hands are constantly attached to the crutches, I can’t really carry anything. I won’t even talk about going to the bathroom and taking a shower. It’s a major loss of independence, but it’s taught me to be patient and not to take anything for granted.
Who am I to complain, though? I didn’t have to lift a finger. I had my family around to help, and they sacrificed a lot of time for me. I may not have partied at the beach or hit the slopes, but I did win a complete game of Monopoly, read a great book and watched a portion of every March Madness game. I lost my ability to walk, but I gained quality time with my family.
So if you see me hobbling my way to class, don’t feel bad. Don’t walk slow behind me either. Put your blinker on and hop into the fast lane or challenge me to a jousting battle. I don’t like my chances of survival, but my reach is better than yours.
