Hey there. Update for you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I have been taking Vicoden to manage the pain, so it's okay. My chest/sternum/ribs are improving, but knee is worsening. It's swollen, and so is the lower leg (drainage). I had 4 doctor appts yesterday, got my MRI last, so I'm hoping my doctor will call with an orthopedic surgeon appt for me today.

Once the initial stuff is all taken care of, I think things will settle down. Doctors worry about pneumonia (I have to breathe in a thingy to monitor that), pulmonary embolism, and diverticulitis developing this first week.

My doctor just called with MRI report. I have a complete ACL tear and two compression fractures in the back of my right knee. The difficulty in walking is that my left hip gives me so much trouble, so I can't bear weight on either leg. The ER xrayed my knee and said it was negative for breaks, but he said "compression fractures" are more of a crushed bone than a break. Nothing can be done for them, they will have to heal on their own. But the ACL tear will probably be repaired with orthoscopic surgery. I am waiting for a scheduler to call for an appt hopefully on Monday with my orthopedic surgeon that diagnosed my hip.

My friend that is a cardiac ER nurse is giving me an incentive spirometer, she said she was surprised that the hospital didn't send me home with one. To help me breathe deeper. My chest and cracked ribs are less tender as time goes by. Most importantly, I'm glad I'll heal. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />