May 12, 2011

Yesterday my physical therapist measured my knee and the flexion has reached 128 degrees. When I saw the surgeon on May 2, it was a mere 121.
So the medicine has definitely done its job. The question now is how much inflammation there is compared to the scarring tissues. If it is only scarring tissues, a surgical procedure can be necessary and will solve the issue.
On the other side, nothing but medicine will reduce the inflammation.
So when I see the surgeon again on May 23, he will get another Xray of my knee and see what's left of the inflammation and arthrofibrosis.
My two goals are the same since post-surgery: mobility of the knee that leads to a better gait and building my left leg muscle mass.
I used the treadmill for the fist time yesterday and it felt okay although awkward to walk quite slowly.
The other exercises have been readjusted to avoid too much strain on the knee as long as the inflammation is still there.
Massages are recommended to drain fluids and the relief is obvious.
The young woman who does deep tissue massage and all kinds of massages essentially for athletes does a great job.
She is strong although only 5'5 and her hands do marvel.
Since my ski adventure, I keep meeting health professionals who know more than I do about human body.
I thought I was paying attention to mine and in some ways I have but I am discovering muscles and areas of my body I ignored until now. My masseuse found areas of stress I didn't suspect and also some that were painful but I had ignored.
I still miss my knee very much although it is now from the exterior looking like my other knee. Only one scar is visible and only because I know it is there.
My quadriceps is still weak but both therapist and masseuse reassure me that it will come back.
Since the week after surgery, I have felt that my muscle strength should have returned sooner if I had been able to extend my knee.
No way to walk naturally with a crooked knee.
So now that it is much better, I hope I won't need to return under the knife.
Summer is just poking its nose in the foothills and I love having dinner outside. I avoid thinking of long hikes and shoot for more humble goals.
I suppose I had been spoiled until my accident. So many painless years were indecent perhaps. I have learned that bodies break and that it takes time to heal.