Saturday, March 21, 2015

Iliac artery repair and patch - 2 days post op and doing well

This is a quick update for my blog readers. I know it’s been very quiet here and the reason is that for the past 1.5 years I’ve been struggling with power loss in my left leg, which got worse over time. It was a hard hit for me when it was finally diagnosed as iliac artery endofibrosis, for which the only options are either stopping cycling or having a major operation. This meant I’ve not really been able to enjoy cycling any more and I’d rather write about positive things than negative things.

Well, I’ve finally got some positive news: I’m now 2 days post-operative from an iliac artery repair and patch and recovery is going really well. During the operation, some of the arterial scar tissue has been scraped out where the narrowing was and a bovine patch has been inserted all along the area of arterial thickening, to stop the narrowing from happening again. Luckily the area of damage was localised to the iliac artery and did not extend into the femoral artery, so only one cut was needed and one hole for the drain. The operation went very well, and was over in 2.5 hours. I’ve had all tubes (morphine, saline, catheter, drain) removed the next day.

I’m now adjusting to taking it very very easy for the next while, although at the moment I don’t mind it too much, because my very low blood pressure keeps me from doing too much too fast anyway. The painkillers are good enough to reduce the pain to discomfort and I’m allowed to walk increasingly day by day for the next 6 weeks, starting with a couple of min today, but nothing too strenuous (oh - and no housework allowed - Ryan, are you reading this?). Then I’ll have my check up in 6 weeks time to see if the artery is all good and hopefully I’ll be cleared to start with a bit of cycling again then. So all going well, you’ll see me back on the road in a couple of months time! :)

5 comments :

Leslie said...

Melanie, so good to hear from you but so sorry you had to go through all that! Had no idea, how was it diagnosed? Also VERY happy to hear that your surgery went well and that you are recuperating well and quickly. Here's hoping you're back in the saddle soon! Franz and Leslie Broz :)

Alexander OConnor said...

At least as a cyclist you will have a puncture repair kit to hand :) Glad to hear the surgery was a success, and a patient recovery will reward you coming back stronger I am sure! Get well soon!

brendan o reilly said...

Had this surgery done 2.5years ago in Dublin and just a few weeks ago I had my final check up. All perfect. Best of luck with recovery.

E Harris said...

Hello Mel, I hope all is well soon and you are able to return to the
saddle again! Each day is truly a gift, mountain biking has been a
joy for me. A number of years ago, the sport provided the means for me
to return to collegiate football after a botched knee surgery leading
to 6 surgeries over a period of 13 months. 2 seasons of racing
spanning 2.5 years of PT allowed me to return to the football field my
senior year of college. Now, I am able to enjoy mtb with my kids, a
true blessing.

I came across one of your older blogs mtb v road racing. Great insight, thanks!

Wishing you and your family well,

Edward aka Fast Eddie

E Harris said...

Hello Mel, I hope all is well soon and you are able to return to the
saddle again! Each day is truly a gift, mountain biking has been a
joy for me. A number of years ago, the sport provided the means for me
to return to collegiate football after a botched knee surgery leading
to 6 surgeries over a period of 13 months. 2 seasons of racing
spanning 2.5 years of PT allowed me to return to the football field my
senior year of college. Now, I am able to enjoy mtb with my kids, a
true blessing.

I came across one of your older blogs mtb v road racing. Great insight, thanks!

Wishing you and your family well,

Edward aka Fast Eddie