February 10th, 2011

Today marks the day my stitches were removed, a week after surgery.
It is time to list my accomplishments, my set backs and my goals.

1- I can do my exercises twice a day with more ease each time
2- I can walk with one crutch and do a few steps without
3- I can step in the shower without help
4- I can ice my knee alone
5- I regained muscles in my thigh
6- I only took 5 Vicodin since the surgery and tucked the bottle away
7- I dress every day although it is mostly sport gear which is unusual for me
8- I make my breakfast
9- I run laundry
10- I unload the dishwasher and put the dishes away
11- I feel sad once in a while when I see the great outdoors waiting for me, my garden that needs me and so many things I used to do without thinking
12- My goal number one is to reduce the swelling
13- My goal number two is to walk without crutches or at least to reach a fluid walk
14- My other goals will follow since I will have more mobility and agility without any crutches


Yesterday was my first physical therapy after surgery. I left reassured and encouraged. First of all, I was told to be careful. Now is the time for the new ligament to establish its roots if I can say and it is crucial to limit myself if I’m in pain.
Bending the knee should be done until I feel pain.
Extending the leg is encouraged.
The swelling has to go and has almost totally vanished although around my knee and my ankle, I still feel some.
I am encouraged to challenge myself but again to be cautious.
I did some dangle of my knee, some straight leg raise, several exercises to work the hamstring and the calf. I got the usual ice treatment for 15 minutes. I was freezing cold and need to remember to bring a fleece for next time.
I have 9 appointments scheduled until mid March, which is when I see the surgeon again, and a list of exercises to do twice a day. I have done them this morning and will them again this afternoon.
I need to ice my knee 5 to 6 times a day which is far more that what I have done after the stitches were removed.
I feel better every day, more confident and in less pain. It’s still a long road but it looks less bumpy than it was before my first physical therapy session.