I had my surgery for my left knee yesterday Dr. Vangsness repaired a part of meniscus, cut a part of It which was was unreparable and he also replaced my torn aCL with a patellar graft taken from my knee. I ve been given three medication but I am not using the one to go to sleep. Since I woke up after the surgery there is a minor pain actually there was 10/10 pain when I first open my eyes but I guess the pain killers are working well and it's down to 1-2/10 it's sort of an ache all over my knee. I slept on and off but I feel rested, If I walked or standed there was dizziness and I felt like throwing up but it's going away too. I can bend my knee a little bit but it does not look straight when stretched I guess I ll be there soon. Doctor told me I can walk on it without braces but I gotto be careful not to bend it if I am walking. I can step on it but feel some pain, so I walk with my crutches stepping lightly on my foot.Later today my knee waskilling me it felt so heavy too. I tried to sleep but nope. I had to wait for the exact time every six hours (1 or 2)to be able to take my pain medicine. I was taking just one and I now understand that I made a big mistake there. Anyway I took two pills this time and ooo baby it works like charm. I slept a little and started feeling much better. I am doing the icing evey hour or so by the way I am using those gels they are pretty easy to use.
(9.27.03)A Month after the surgery:
Well I havent been writing anything cause nnothing much changed in a month. Because of my meniscus tear I have another month of limping around. I havent had a good night sleep since the surgery actually since the accident (twisting of my knee while playing soccer(and none even touched me) the stupidest mistake of my life) One of the medicine I used first two weeks was making me sweet like hell, changed thsorts maybe 5 times a night, I cant sleep well still, cause of the pain although Ive been taking this medicine Hydro... for my pain it wears off and besides I toss and turn a lot so no good night sleep. One thing I learnt and never forget so far your health is the most precious thing in your life and even if you have nothing else just being health is a damn good reason to feel content and happy. So I can say I changed for good no more dumb jack ass actions. Caution and appreciation always for ever, the only thing helps me keep going beside my loved ones is the hope of being healed completely I feel real sorry for those people who have cancer or incurable diseases. Well My range of motion is certainly better 5 degrees to 125 degrees but it should be 0 to 160 or sth like that my physical therapist whom I have been seiing since the surgery three times a week and would be able to see no more because of my research told me its harder to get extension. Another good news the cuts healed so I can swim and no more risk of infection, actuall tried to swim but it doesnt feel like my leg its so weak and feels so uncomfortable, it hurts too but hopefully another month and I ll be much much better so check back later till then health health health not money money money.

(10.10.03)7th week:

Finally, I am off the pain medication last few days and I am sleeping much better but sth that really bothered me happend here is the fax I sent to my doctor after this happend October 10, 2003
Dear Dr. Vangsness,
This is Erdem Oz. I am one of your patients. I had ACL reconstruction and medial meniscus repair on the 27th of august. I have a concern to tell you. You know because of my research I moved to Sanford area for 7 weeks and had to switch physical therapist. 3 days ago, six weeks after surgery, I had my first visit with Katherine Kennedy at HealthSouth . She wanted to test strength of several muscles, I was sitting by legs hanging off the table, she pressed on my sheen and wanted me to push against it trying to extend the knee just as in knee extension and As I was doing it I had a shooting pain then she said THIS SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED. That freaked me out, there was almost nothing afterwards, no problem bending or when I stand up but I guess these doesn't mean anything, I am feeling little different though. Anyway, whether my new ACL was torn or not my biggest concern is that I'll be off the brace in two weeks and I don't want to screw my meniscus again if my ACL is gone. My next appointment with you is on November 20 that's when my research ends. I guess you can't tell anything without looking at it, I'd be there on next Tuesday for a day but I don't have an appointment, , I'd really appreciate if you let me know what to do. You could leave a message to my home number ### or call me over here ###. Thank you so much in advance.
Yours truly,
Erdem Oz.
I am trying to be optimistic but it's just not easy anyway let's wait and see, huh. I put an illustration below.

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(10.17.03)8th week:

Here is the Answer I got from my doctor
he said there was nothing he could do till he sees me and said that what the therapist did was the worst thing anyone in her field could have done. If it aches you pls elevate it and apply ice packs. Don’t worry for now and we will see you on your appt.
So I guess this means I will start walking but I will take it easy no fancy stuff like no hurrying up. Extreme caution and slow and controled movements. I haven't been able to post anything for a long time, I will sometimes, anyways (which is not any anyways) I am pretty good now, got back to playing soccer, surfing, tennis, dancing, I basically can do whatever I want to