5 Years Later(!)

Might as well give a little update - The compartment syndrome symptoms have never returned.  While I had some other issues further up with the hip, it never seemed to be related to the fasciotomy, but rather to congenital anatomy that just isn't so great (if interested, feel free to look up femoral acetabular impingement ;).

You might have trouble with the split if you have FAI!

The only thing I notice is a slight weakness in left calf stability - If I enter a contest on who can stand on their left foot the longest, I will probably lose.  It doesn't really affect day to day functionality though.  

My advice is still the same as it was - If the issues are really localized to the calf and you test positive for compartment syndrome, get an experienced surgeon and do the fasciotomy.

However, surgery is still surgery.  Be diligent about ruling out confounding factors before going under the knife. Get second opinions.  Always get second opinions. 

Update One Year Later

Wow, it's been a long time since I've updated this blog.  The reasons for this were partly due to laziness and partly due to being unsure how to convey how I have progressed. 

The good news - beyond numbness on the inside of my leg above my right ankle (which does not really affect much), there are no lasting problems from the surgery.  Additionally, I do not have Compartment Syndrome symptoms and had an additional pressure test in which it was confirmed that the CS is gone. 

The bad news - The back pain that was thought to have been secondary to the CS has not improved, and I have had problems higher up the chain involving my left hip.

Now, from the perspective of people who have CS and are reading this for advice, the back pain issue probably should not bother you.  From what I can tell, most people whose lives have been compromised by CS are not also suffering from debilitating back pain, as I was (so that shouldn't be an issue).

The hip problems I have had (pain, decrease range of motion, can't really ride a bike....) may or may not be a result of the surgery, it's impossible to tell.   I'm wondering if anyone else out there has experienced problems in other parts of their bodies that they believe might have been due to the surgery.

It's entirely possible that I am a special case and my body might just be kind of fucked - The CS is gone though, and I have no regrets about the fasciotomy. 

My advice:  If it's severely impacting your life and you are young, find an EXPERIENCED surgeon (does at least 5-10 of them a year), and get it done.   Being active kicks ass....don't let anyone tell you to  accept what has happened to you and not do anything about it.

Getting There........

Knee problem is progressing...but excruciatingly slowly. Bit by bit every week I have more confidence in its stability - Played a hard game of basketball the other day, and felt pretty great (Compartment Syndrome-wise) - Still have not attempted long distance run, but hopefully will within the week.  Either way, a good, hard game of basketball was not possible pre-surgery, so that is encouraging.  Still going to Physical therapy for the knee though, but will hopefully be done in a couple weeks...Otherwise, no complaints - My back has been stable for the longest period in a year, and my functionality in every day life (and my disposition) have improved greatly - I hope the progression continues


ALSO - Over the course of my posts, there have been a lot of people who have described just being out of surgery and in the early stages of recovery - How about some updates?  Comment on this post with all that you want to share about your experiences; I guarantee you many people will find it helpful!