Yesterday I was on a high with my good report from Dr. Williams. Today I can't get the CPM machine past 80 degrees and needed to put my brace on this evening because my knee felt so unsteady. And I'm supposed to have PT tomorrow.
I am in pain and frustrated and completely confused on what I did that got my knee this upset. The steady pain hasn't been this bad since the first two weeks. My lower leg is red and hot to the touch. I think I may have to ask Dina to be very gentle with me tomorrow. For now my plans are a pain pill and an ice pack.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
4 weeks post surgery
It's been a long day, the highlight being that I got the thumbs up from my surgeon.
He likes my progress and even unlocked my brace so it bends (a bit). He said the x-ray looked good. Done with the brace at home and need it for another month when I am out and about. CPM machine stays for another couple weeks. The big part is that he said he doesn't think I need surgery on my other knee - YEAH! I have to baby the knee until the screws come out. I can start showering without plastic wrap and can even start swimming again. And I don't see Dr. Williams again until 2010.
For now it is all up to Dina and physical therapy. I did learn something interesting in PT this morning. The CPM machine really does make a difference. Today was the first PT session I had without having a CPM session earlier. Even Dina commented that my knee was much stiffer.
I feel positive - I was sure I was lagging in my recovery, this made me fell much better about the whole thing. I forgot to ask when I can Tango.
He likes my progress and even unlocked my brace so it bends (a bit). He said the x-ray looked good. Done with the brace at home and need it for another month when I am out and about. CPM machine stays for another couple weeks. The big part is that he said he doesn't think I need surgery on my other knee - YEAH! I have to baby the knee until the screws come out. I can start showering without plastic wrap and can even start swimming again. And I don't see Dr. Williams again until 2010.
For now it is all up to Dina and physical therapy. I did learn something interesting in PT this morning. The CPM machine really does make a difference. Today was the first PT session I had without having a CPM session earlier. Even Dina commented that my knee was much stiffer.
I feel positive - I was sure I was lagging in my recovery, this made me fell much better about the whole thing. I forgot to ask when I can Tango.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Quiet Day
Today was all about work. I had an assignment idea and started working on a proposal and looking at what I needed to make it a reality. Answer, about $20,000 and knees that work.
As to the second part I was able to bend to 90 degrees both CPM sessions today, but not really above it. Let's hope I can bend to 90 degrees out of the machine tomorrow. My biggest fear is that my knee tightens up between PT and the doctor.
I also have to sit down and write out my questions for Dr. Williams and Melissa. I forgot some last time and that left me fumbling a bit after the appointment. The main one being when do you expect the incision to be healed enough for me to go swimming? How much longer should I plan on keeping the CPM machine? I have the PT re-evaluation for my insurance in 2 weeks, what are my goals for physical therapy? Can I have the screws removed in June instead of July (see first paragraph)? How long will the screw removal take to heal (see first paragraph)? When should I be trying to venture outside without my brace? Compared to the last 23 years, how much am I going to have to baby my knee? Any ideas how long it's going to take the tape to fall off? When can I shower without plastic wrap? When can I start boxing again? The other knee is starting to hurt more, what can I do for it? If I have to have the second knee done in January am I likely to have screws with that one too (that would really mess up first paragraph)? Is it possible to get a letter to go with the arthroscopic picture of the screws, in case I travel somewhere I get wanded? Any idea how long the nerves will take to regenerate? How much walking should I be doing every day (i.e. was the mall and back stupid)? It's two months before I can start wearing heels, how long before I can learn to Tango?
I'm sure there are others, but that's a start.
As to the second part I was able to bend to 90 degrees both CPM sessions today, but not really above it. Let's hope I can bend to 90 degrees out of the machine tomorrow. My biggest fear is that my knee tightens up between PT and the doctor.
I also have to sit down and write out my questions for Dr. Williams and Melissa. I forgot some last time and that left me fumbling a bit after the appointment. The main one being when do you expect the incision to be healed enough for me to go swimming? How much longer should I plan on keeping the CPM machine? I have the PT re-evaluation for my insurance in 2 weeks, what are my goals for physical therapy? Can I have the screws removed in June instead of July (see first paragraph)? How long will the screw removal take to heal (see first paragraph)? When should I be trying to venture outside without my brace? Compared to the last 23 years, how much am I going to have to baby my knee? Any ideas how long it's going to take the tape to fall off? When can I shower without plastic wrap? When can I start boxing again? The other knee is starting to hurt more, what can I do for it? If I have to have the second knee done in January am I likely to have screws with that one too (that would really mess up first paragraph)? Is it possible to get a letter to go with the arthroscopic picture of the screws, in case I travel somewhere I get wanded? Any idea how long the nerves will take to regenerate? How much walking should I be doing every day (i.e. was the mall and back stupid)? It's two months before I can start wearing heels, how long before I can learn to Tango?
I'm sure there are others, but that's a start.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
90 Degrees
I did not make it to my evening event today. Between the thought of having to face all the subway stairs and my migraine, I decided to just stay home. With the medications I'm already on I'm not sure what I can take for my head, so a quiet night seemed like the best idea.
Staying in meant I had an afternoon CPM session where I was able to break the 90 degree barrier. I expected confetti and balloons, or at least a mechanicalized voice from my CPM machine saying "Congratulations"! Nope, just the regular squeakiness as it raised and lowered my leg. At least I know it's a milestone, even if the cats and the machine didn't.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)