I apologize for not mentioning beforehand, but I had a successful operation at Kobe University Hospital.
Unlike the previous endoscopic surgery, I had the osteochondral transplantation and the microfracture due to cartilage damage of the tibia and femur and the meniscal repair.
For someone who never caught a cold during the 6 years on the tour, it was my second time to catch a cold this year when I was scheduled to have the surgery. When I went into the hospital, I had a fever, headache and a terrible cough. The temperature rose to 37.6°C the night before the surgery and I was told that if the temperature hits 38°C, the surgery may be postponed. It made me worry, but luckily the temperature settled the next morning and I was able to go into surgery.
After the surgery, I saw the swollen knee which I couldn’t move and realized what a major operation it was compared to the previous one. But I had made my decision after giving a serious thought about the choice I had of taking this operation or not, and this helped me from getting too depressed.
I made a firm decision and finally reached this point, but I know the worse is yet to come. I am preparing myself for the long painful rehabilitation and at the same time to maintain a strong determination.
Rehabilitation began the day after the surgery. Weekends are off, but after each therapy, I can feel a gradual improvement. However, spending most of the day in bed doing nothing, I got frightened to see my muscles quickly weakening.
I then have to start from zero again.
I just wanted to express my thanks to all of you who sympathized and supported me all this time. Also, I’m grateful to Dr. Saito who has given much thought about what is best for me.
And furthermore, it was Dr. Kuroda at Kobe University Hospital who I entrusted my knee.
I met Dr. Kuroda for the first time on April 5th when I went to the hospital to get a second opinion. Immediately, he put himself in the position of an athlete and considered the best option for my condition.
I told Dr. Kuroda that I entrusted him totally, but his response was, “Your future will be decided 40% by outcome of surgery, 40% by rehabilitation, and the rest will not be known until you, yourself, stand on the court.”
I took his words to heart and decided that I have no choice but to make the challenge myself.
Orthopedic Department at Kobe University Hospital including Dr. Kuroda and his team doctors, rehabilitation therapists, and nurses all had provided the best arrangements and environment for me.
Although Kansai is a familiar place for me, I did feel a bit insecure being in the hospital all alone, but friends came to visit and I rarely had to stay in my room alone since the hospital staff supported me completely. When I look back on it, I can actually say that I enjoyed my stay. I appreciated my friends for coming all the way to see me at the hospital, too.
I will be released from the hospital tomorrow as I was able to get permission for the earliest release possible, and I will transfer to JISS.
It will take another 5-6 weeks before I can put weight on my legs. It looks like I will not be able to function around the house, so I decided to spend some time at JISS and concentrate on rehabilitation.
When will I be able to stand on the court?
Who knows? Everything is a first-time experience so I can’t say when, but I know for sure that I will take a big step forward.
Anyways, this is what I have been up to recently. Considering many factors, I let a very few people know about my surgery so I hope you will understand that this major news for me has become an ex post facto report.
