Today marks the anniversary of my second knee surgery. Exactly two weeks ago I was still in the post surgery lala land.
Where am I today?
After a busy weekend where I did perhaps too much, my knee and whole leg were hurting. It seems silly to complain about it when what I did wasn't even that hard. Cleaning a house, putting things away, running laundry and errands have been done until my knee accident without giving it a second thought. Now every movement is more challenging or at least painful. I hate it!
I had physical therapy yesterday and the good news is that I have reached again 125 degrees flexion. I'm sure I had reached it sometime during the week. My PT was encouraging. He keeps telling me that there is way inside the knee and that I will be able week after week to retrieve my full mobility.
The major difference between this post surgery therapy and the post ACL reconstruction therapy is that my PT is less willing to push me too hard. I returned to leg press with only two pounds compared to 6. I haven't biked yet although I know I could do it. The concern is to keep the knee safe so the inflammation and building of scar tissue doesn't occur. It's a tricky balance between keeping the knee moving without forcing too much.
My next two sessions will be with another therapist since mine is taking a week off. It will be interesting to have another feedback.
I am torn between hope and defeat. After my experience it is hard to fully trust my body and the professionals and sometimes I see myself stuck with a bad knee for the rest of my life.
But then I peek at the mountains showing off their beauty behind the insolent Californian perfect blue sky and I know I have to go there again.
So I do another series of knee dangles and leg slides.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
August 26, 2011
Good physical therapy session today. The last two nights haven't been that great. I kept waking up if I slept on my side and since I hate sleeping on my back, I played the role of a crepe.
But as soon as I wake up, the pain fades and the day is pretty good. I do my exercises with diligence but without obsession.
My PT insists for balance between stretching and flexing the leg. Today he didn't want to measure my progress but I know I am better. I complained about the pain at night and he told me that many muscles are waking up now that my knee is free of scar tissues.
The pain I feel on the right of my knee when I press with my finger is where the hamstring is attached. The quad is finally working so this area gets tight too but I know that muscle pain is actually good. So hooray!
My knee is still bruised but the swelling is almost totally gone and the tissues are soft and it looks like finally hope is more than a word.
Although I'm not yet the woman I was, I have faith again and the dream of hiking seems tonight closer than it has ever been in the last seven months.
But as soon as I wake up, the pain fades and the day is pretty good. I do my exercises with diligence but without obsession.
My PT insists for balance between stretching and flexing the leg. Today he didn't want to measure my progress but I know I am better. I complained about the pain at night and he told me that many muscles are waking up now that my knee is free of scar tissues.
The pain I feel on the right of my knee when I press with my finger is where the hamstring is attached. The quad is finally working so this area gets tight too but I know that muscle pain is actually good. So hooray!
My knee is still bruised but the swelling is almost totally gone and the tissues are soft and it looks like finally hope is more than a word.
Although I'm not yet the woman I was, I have faith again and the dream of hiking seems tonight closer than it has ever been in the last seven months.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August 24, 2011
The stitches on my left knee have been removed yesterday morning. I wear now three "special" bandages that I need to keep between 5 to 7 days. Usually they fall on their own. No bath, no hot tub, no pool is allowed during this new healing period.
The PA who saw me told me that after surgery, while I was still under anesthesia, the surgeon flexed my knee and reached a 155 degrees flexion. As for the extension, my biggest concern, it was a 0 which has to be in order to walk nice and smooth. That's good news!
I had physical therapy with a different therapist in the afternoon since mine admitted he didn't want to miss anything this time.
So I was curious to meet the boss of the business. He was polite and very professional. We spoke about travels, hikes and California while he worked on my knee and leg.
I noticed how much more manual work was applied compared to my previous experience. But again this procedure is very different from the ACL reconstruction. My knee was examined, massaged and in the end I was reassured to know that my flexion would return to normal quite soon. My extension is to watch since it was my weakest point after the first surgery. An area of concern is my personal tendency to heal very quickly and thus develop scar tissues.
Since the trauma this time is minimal, there is less danger of constant inflammation and the swelling is much less, but this is definitely something that needs to be addressed with care.
So I left with a bag of mixed feelings. Too much workout can increase the building of scar tissue that is the natural reaction of the body to protect an inflamed or irritated area. Not enough will not help the articulation to get back its smoothness.
I still ice on a regular basis and take my three heavily dosed Iboprufen each day. I'm far from being finished with the bottle.
My next appointment with the surgeon is late September. Meanwhile I have again therapy twice a week until I see him.
I miss my knee!
The PA who saw me told me that after surgery, while I was still under anesthesia, the surgeon flexed my knee and reached a 155 degrees flexion. As for the extension, my biggest concern, it was a 0 which has to be in order to walk nice and smooth. That's good news!
I had physical therapy with a different therapist in the afternoon since mine admitted he didn't want to miss anything this time.
So I was curious to meet the boss of the business. He was polite and very professional. We spoke about travels, hikes and California while he worked on my knee and leg.
I noticed how much more manual work was applied compared to my previous experience. But again this procedure is very different from the ACL reconstruction. My knee was examined, massaged and in the end I was reassured to know that my flexion would return to normal quite soon. My extension is to watch since it was my weakest point after the first surgery. An area of concern is my personal tendency to heal very quickly and thus develop scar tissues.
Since the trauma this time is minimal, there is less danger of constant inflammation and the swelling is much less, but this is definitely something that needs to be addressed with care.
So I left with a bag of mixed feelings. Too much workout can increase the building of scar tissue that is the natural reaction of the body to protect an inflamed or irritated area. Not enough will not help the articulation to get back its smoothness.
I still ice on a regular basis and take my three heavily dosed Iboprufen each day. I'm far from being finished with the bottle.
My next appointment with the surgeon is late September. Meanwhile I have again therapy twice a week until I see him.
I miss my knee!
Friday, August 19, 2011
August 19, 2011
Last night I removed the thick pad above my knee to find my initials and the PA's initials in blue pen on top of my bruised knee, a little tight but looking quite like a knee compared to the swollen knee that followed the ACL reconstruction.
I cleaned my skin from the antiseptic yellow lotion generously applied on and around my knee on Tuesday morning. Then I put three small water proof bandages on the three incisions made by the surgeon when he cleaned my knee.
I slept well and woke up a little sore around the stitches area and in my lower back due, I'm sure due to too much work yesterday. Although I iced my knee, I did some cooking because it was my husband's birthday and I couldn't skip the celebration while our three younger kids were home. I vacuumed and cleaned the house, the whole time carrying ice on my knee.
At physical therapy, the PT who follows me urged me to move the knee but to keep a relaxed schedule since I am recovering from surgery.
It is hard to know how to balance between too much and not enough. I need to relax my muscles as much as I can. I stayed at therapy for an hour and fifteen minutes today and came home with a new set of exercises. Knee dangles, calf stretch on wedge, hamstring stretch seated, heel slides, ball crawls.
My PT said I should do all these exercises several times a day but without being too strict. If I read, I can stretch my leg. If I watch TV, I can do heel slides. I can also stretch my calf on the wedge as I am preparing dinner.
I have an appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday morning to remove the stitches and check on my progress. I have then a physical therapy session and a new therapist will have a look at my knee to assess it. I was glad my PT suggested a second opinion. A new eye on my knee sounds good to me.
I don't want to be stuck for six more months in therapy even though everyone there is nice and caring.
So my goal for the next three days is to reach a better flexion and extension. It has always been the same goal since February but now that I am aware of the scar tissues problem, I will focus more on the passive motion than the muscle strength.
Stretching and relaxing my leg are essential to my recovery as well as Iboprufen and icing to reduce the slight inflammation I have. There is no swelling which is great.
Wish me luck!
I cleaned my skin from the antiseptic yellow lotion generously applied on and around my knee on Tuesday morning. Then I put three small water proof bandages on the three incisions made by the surgeon when he cleaned my knee.
I slept well and woke up a little sore around the stitches area and in my lower back due, I'm sure due to too much work yesterday. Although I iced my knee, I did some cooking because it was my husband's birthday and I couldn't skip the celebration while our three younger kids were home. I vacuumed and cleaned the house, the whole time carrying ice on my knee.
At physical therapy, the PT who follows me urged me to move the knee but to keep a relaxed schedule since I am recovering from surgery.
It is hard to know how to balance between too much and not enough. I need to relax my muscles as much as I can. I stayed at therapy for an hour and fifteen minutes today and came home with a new set of exercises. Knee dangles, calf stretch on wedge, hamstring stretch seated, heel slides, ball crawls.
My PT said I should do all these exercises several times a day but without being too strict. If I read, I can stretch my leg. If I watch TV, I can do heel slides. I can also stretch my calf on the wedge as I am preparing dinner.
I have an appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday morning to remove the stitches and check on my progress. I have then a physical therapy session and a new therapist will have a look at my knee to assess it. I was glad my PT suggested a second opinion. A new eye on my knee sounds good to me.
I don't want to be stuck for six more months in therapy even though everyone there is nice and caring.
So my goal for the next three days is to reach a better flexion and extension. It has always been the same goal since February but now that I am aware of the scar tissues problem, I will focus more on the passive motion than the muscle strength.
Stretching and relaxing my leg are essential to my recovery as well as Iboprufen and icing to reduce the slight inflammation I have. There is no swelling which is great.
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 17, 2011
I spent a good night although not perfect. Amazingly not because of pain; I was in no pain at all but because I forgot how boring and tiring it is to sleep on your back. It reminded me of the months that followed the ACL reconstruction and how I had to keep a pillow under my leg for comfort. I had to do it last night to ease the blood circulation in my legs.
The good news is the absence of pain in the knee. The other good news is that, although I keep it close in case I need support, I have been walking without the support of a crutch. I removed the long white stockings before noon today and it feels good to have my legs bare in my pair of shorts. I will remove the thick padding around my leg tomorrow afternoon and be able to shower fully as long as I keep water proof bandages on the several openings (I have not seen them so I don't know how many I have and if the surgeon was able to reenter my knee through the same openings). The healing had been so smooth after the ACL reconstruction that I only have one visible scar from the major opening where they put the stitches. I hope the new incisions are small and will fade before next summer. I'm so vain!
I have seven different exercises to perform, all to strengthen the ham string, the quad and of course increase the flexibility of my knee, my weakest point. The instructions are to do them 2 to 3 times a day, 10 to 15 sets of each. I did my exercises early morning since it was back to school today and I wanted to have breakfast with my kids before they left. I did a second round mid morning and a third early afternoon. I keep the last for tonight. I also do ankle pumps several times a day but my blood circulation is fine. Much better than back in January.
I don't feel pain in my knee or leg, only a bit of a stretch if I stand up too quickly to get the phone, which for a mysterious reason kept ringing today.
Other than that I am feeling pretty good. I am in good spirits and accomplished a lot today besides my leg work. I submitted two writing pieces to editors willing to see new things.
I am revising my most recent novel and plan to submit later this fall. I am waiting for a magazine editor who agreed to see one of my stories. I am waiting for the illustrations for my picture book now in the hands of an editor. I would like to submit again to NPR this coming season and I have started a new piece for them.
I try to keep my plate full and it is not too hard when you run a family and write.
My accident has proven me that set backs have advantages. It has been a lousy year for hiking but a productive writing year.
Now is the time for my knee to show off and I will happily trade writing for a long day in the outdoors.
My hiking friend can't wait for me to join her on a new adventure. It will be a tamed one to start with, I'm afraid, but it is only August and Yosemite is in its glory all year long.
Patience is again key but I want to push myself more this time since pain doesn't seem an issue now.
Hooray!
The good news is the absence of pain in the knee. The other good news is that, although I keep it close in case I need support, I have been walking without the support of a crutch. I removed the long white stockings before noon today and it feels good to have my legs bare in my pair of shorts. I will remove the thick padding around my leg tomorrow afternoon and be able to shower fully as long as I keep water proof bandages on the several openings (I have not seen them so I don't know how many I have and if the surgeon was able to reenter my knee through the same openings). The healing had been so smooth after the ACL reconstruction that I only have one visible scar from the major opening where they put the stitches. I hope the new incisions are small and will fade before next summer. I'm so vain!
I have seven different exercises to perform, all to strengthen the ham string, the quad and of course increase the flexibility of my knee, my weakest point. The instructions are to do them 2 to 3 times a day, 10 to 15 sets of each. I did my exercises early morning since it was back to school today and I wanted to have breakfast with my kids before they left. I did a second round mid morning and a third early afternoon. I keep the last for tonight. I also do ankle pumps several times a day but my blood circulation is fine. Much better than back in January.
I don't feel pain in my knee or leg, only a bit of a stretch if I stand up too quickly to get the phone, which for a mysterious reason kept ringing today.
Other than that I am feeling pretty good. I am in good spirits and accomplished a lot today besides my leg work. I submitted two writing pieces to editors willing to see new things.
I am revising my most recent novel and plan to submit later this fall. I am waiting for a magazine editor who agreed to see one of my stories. I am waiting for the illustrations for my picture book now in the hands of an editor. I would like to submit again to NPR this coming season and I have started a new piece for them.
I try to keep my plate full and it is not too hard when you run a family and write.
My accident has proven me that set backs have advantages. It has been a lousy year for hiking but a productive writing year.
Now is the time for my knee to show off and I will happily trade writing for a long day in the outdoors.
My hiking friend can't wait for me to join her on a new adventure. It will be a tamed one to start with, I'm afraid, but it is only August and Yosemite is in its glory all year long.
Patience is again key but I want to push myself more this time since pain doesn't seem an issue now.
Hooray!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
August 16, 2011
Surgery is behind me and I'm so glad!
I was asked to check in at 5:15 a.m. although my name wasn't called until 6:45. But who am I to think it is a little silly to have people wait for more than an hour so early in the morning? Air companies have the same requirements. That's why I started to favor my car to a plane.
Nurses and office staff were as always courteous, efficient and caring. A couple of them always stand out because of a genuine smile, a kind encouraging word or simply a personal touch that makes the hurt or ill fell like human beings and not only like patients.
The nurse who took care of me was one of those people and I thank her for helping me to relax and be confident that I was not only in the professional hands of a serious surgeon but also in a safe hospital.
We all wish for a smooth experience when we go to surgery. And this morning mine had all the ingredients for a perfect recipe of success. Unfortunately, although ultimately everything went well, there was a little issue that replaced the cherry on top of the cake.
The consent form that every patient has to sign before surgery said that I was here today for arthroscopy of my left knee and possible meniscectomy. I was surprised since neither the surgeon nor his PA had mentioned the name of this procedure. The nurse said she would send the PA to answer my questions. Prep work was on its way before he showed up.
I had met J. in February when my stitches were removed and I had found him abrupt compared to the gentle staff at the surgeon's office. He told me to stand up and walk while I was shaky and unable to do so without a set of crutches in addition to my brace.
I'm not a wimp. I climbed the tops of high mountains even at night and I gave birth to four children. But I had lost so much strength that I knew I couldn't do it. I felt like a failure when the most important thing I needed then was a word of encouragement.
To be fair, J. was much nicer when he gave me the cortisone shot back in May so I had no problem to see him even though I've always preferred the other PA.
I told J. that I wasn't aware of the meniscectomy possibility and that I worried that anything drastic done to my meniscus could lead to more damage. After all, complete and correct medical information is now a click away for anyone willing to know.
Besides, earlier that morning, didn't I read on the hospital wall that patients need to speak up and question their treatment options?
J. smirked and said that it was of course a possible procedure, that the surgeon could decide during the arthroscopy to scrape more or less from my meniscus. I remained calm and repeated that I was surprised that the possibility hadn't been explained to me. I came to get rid of scar tissues and not to have some work done on the meniscus which so far had never been a concern to neither the physical therapist nor the surgeon.
J. turned his back to me and my husband and as he went on with his paperwork, insisted that it was standard procedure. This is when my husband said that as a patient I had the right to know what would be exactly done to my knee and that a meniscectomy wasn't a light surgery that I hadn't anticipated and wasn't ready for. J. laughed and said a meniscectomy was always a possibility. My husband replied that he knew what a meniscectomy was and that the risk of knee replacement later in life was higher if too much work was one on the meniscus. J. said that no, we didn't know what a meniscectomy was and that our questions were the silliest he had ever heard.
Too shocked, I managed to say that I would agree on minimal repair and my husband required the addition of "partial" meniscectomy on the consent form. Reluctantly and with obvious condescendence J. asked the nurse if she agreed. She did but required his signature.
J. left without wishing me good luck or saying good bye.
By the way a meniscectomy is the removal of part or all of a torn meniscus.
The nurse then asked me if I was confident to go on with the surgery or if I had mixed feelings and would rather think about it. Just then my surgeon arrived and I shared my concern with him. My knee looked pretty good this morning and he reassured me, telling me that the possibility to clean the meniscus existed but was fairly light, and that he would never do anything drastic without talking to me first.
I felt better and agreed for the procedure.
Anesthesia went well. These guys make cocktails more effective than a bad book to fall asleep within seconds. Since I'm on no medication and only took Iboprufen after the first surgery of my life, I am a very standard and easy patient.
I had a quick post surgery visit from my surgeon who told me that he removed quite a lot of scar tissue, but didn't touch my meniscus at all since it looked good. Great!
I woke up less groggy than last time and moreover in much less pain. I was given a light pain killer for the road. It was not 11:00 a.m. yet and I left with a set of crutches that I barely needed, a pack of ice on the knee and a bandage pad that was small enough I could slip my favorite linen pair of pants on.
The drive home was smooth. My husband always worries so much for me and our kids that I wished I could have been able to take us home but doctor's orders are doctor's orders and I take the passenger seat.
At home, my kids were happy to see me in pretty good shape compared to last time when I had the ACL reconstruction.
I have a similar regimen of medicine although lighter for the antibiotics. I haven't touched the nausea medicine neither the pain killers.
Today I only have one exercise to do: set of 20 ankle pumps 5 to 6 times a day. I should keep my legs elevated as often as possible for blood circulation and comfort. I will keep my sexy white socks that wrap my leg from toes to mid thigh for 24 hours. I can shower but keep my bandage dry. I will remove it in two days and then change the smaller bandages underneath.
Tomorrow I will start more exercises and return to therapy on Friday bright and early.
Tomorrow is another day and I intend to be in my best shape. So far, so good!
I was asked to check in at 5:15 a.m. although my name wasn't called until 6:45. But who am I to think it is a little silly to have people wait for more than an hour so early in the morning? Air companies have the same requirements. That's why I started to favor my car to a plane.
Nurses and office staff were as always courteous, efficient and caring. A couple of them always stand out because of a genuine smile, a kind encouraging word or simply a personal touch that makes the hurt or ill fell like human beings and not only like patients.
The nurse who took care of me was one of those people and I thank her for helping me to relax and be confident that I was not only in the professional hands of a serious surgeon but also in a safe hospital.
We all wish for a smooth experience when we go to surgery. And this morning mine had all the ingredients for a perfect recipe of success. Unfortunately, although ultimately everything went well, there was a little issue that replaced the cherry on top of the cake.
The consent form that every patient has to sign before surgery said that I was here today for arthroscopy of my left knee and possible meniscectomy. I was surprised since neither the surgeon nor his PA had mentioned the name of this procedure. The nurse said she would send the PA to answer my questions. Prep work was on its way before he showed up.
I had met J. in February when my stitches were removed and I had found him abrupt compared to the gentle staff at the surgeon's office. He told me to stand up and walk while I was shaky and unable to do so without a set of crutches in addition to my brace.
I'm not a wimp. I climbed the tops of high mountains even at night and I gave birth to four children. But I had lost so much strength that I knew I couldn't do it. I felt like a failure when the most important thing I needed then was a word of encouragement.
To be fair, J. was much nicer when he gave me the cortisone shot back in May so I had no problem to see him even though I've always preferred the other PA.
I told J. that I wasn't aware of the meniscectomy possibility and that I worried that anything drastic done to my meniscus could lead to more damage. After all, complete and correct medical information is now a click away for anyone willing to know.
Besides, earlier that morning, didn't I read on the hospital wall that patients need to speak up and question their treatment options?
J. smirked and said that it was of course a possible procedure, that the surgeon could decide during the arthroscopy to scrape more or less from my meniscus. I remained calm and repeated that I was surprised that the possibility hadn't been explained to me. I came to get rid of scar tissues and not to have some work done on the meniscus which so far had never been a concern to neither the physical therapist nor the surgeon.
J. turned his back to me and my husband and as he went on with his paperwork, insisted that it was standard procedure. This is when my husband said that as a patient I had the right to know what would be exactly done to my knee and that a meniscectomy wasn't a light surgery that I hadn't anticipated and wasn't ready for. J. laughed and said a meniscectomy was always a possibility. My husband replied that he knew what a meniscectomy was and that the risk of knee replacement later in life was higher if too much work was one on the meniscus. J. said that no, we didn't know what a meniscectomy was and that our questions were the silliest he had ever heard.
Too shocked, I managed to say that I would agree on minimal repair and my husband required the addition of "partial" meniscectomy on the consent form. Reluctantly and with obvious condescendence J. asked the nurse if she agreed. She did but required his signature.
J. left without wishing me good luck or saying good bye.
By the way a meniscectomy is the removal of part or all of a torn meniscus.
The nurse then asked me if I was confident to go on with the surgery or if I had mixed feelings and would rather think about it. Just then my surgeon arrived and I shared my concern with him. My knee looked pretty good this morning and he reassured me, telling me that the possibility to clean the meniscus existed but was fairly light, and that he would never do anything drastic without talking to me first.
I felt better and agreed for the procedure.
Anesthesia went well. These guys make cocktails more effective than a bad book to fall asleep within seconds. Since I'm on no medication and only took Iboprufen after the first surgery of my life, I am a very standard and easy patient.
I had a quick post surgery visit from my surgeon who told me that he removed quite a lot of scar tissue, but didn't touch my meniscus at all since it looked good. Great!
I woke up less groggy than last time and moreover in much less pain. I was given a light pain killer for the road. It was not 11:00 a.m. yet and I left with a set of crutches that I barely needed, a pack of ice on the knee and a bandage pad that was small enough I could slip my favorite linen pair of pants on.
The drive home was smooth. My husband always worries so much for me and our kids that I wished I could have been able to take us home but doctor's orders are doctor's orders and I take the passenger seat.
At home, my kids were happy to see me in pretty good shape compared to last time when I had the ACL reconstruction.
I have a similar regimen of medicine although lighter for the antibiotics. I haven't touched the nausea medicine neither the pain killers.
Today I only have one exercise to do: set of 20 ankle pumps 5 to 6 times a day. I should keep my legs elevated as often as possible for blood circulation and comfort. I will keep my sexy white socks that wrap my leg from toes to mid thigh for 24 hours. I can shower but keep my bandage dry. I will remove it in two days and then change the smaller bandages underneath.
Tomorrow I will start more exercises and return to therapy on Friday bright and early.
Tomorrow is another day and I intend to be in my best shape. So far, so good!
Monday, August 15, 2011
August 15, 2011
Although my walk with my hiking buddy was disappointing because it was not a good knee day, it was great to see her and she treated me with many hiking stories that only help me to focus on a fast recovery.
I called the surgeon office today since I didn't know at what time I have to check-in the hospital tomorrow morning.
5:15 a.m. is my appointment but unlike last time I am not the first patient so I could be there for a while. I had a hard time to get more information from the woman who schedules the surgeries but she hinted at an early afternoon dismissal.
So perhaps a good book to keep me busy all morning is a good idea although I doubt I will be able to focus much.
I am torn between hope and lack of conviction. I was more upbeat in January. I had no expectation and thus was less scared and more trustful. I was also so exhausted to walk with the brace that I was willing to do anything to be back to normal. In between, although I am not who I was, I have learned to live with less agility and pain. It is scary to return to surgery and not knowing how bad it will be. I expect a set back of some sort and in my good days I think it will be quick to regain flexion and extension of my knee. But in my bad days, I doubt it can happen since I have been deprived of it for seven months now.
So I am preparing myself for a mix of emotions and results and hope to post better comments soon.
I called the surgeon office today since I didn't know at what time I have to check-in the hospital tomorrow morning.
5:15 a.m. is my appointment but unlike last time I am not the first patient so I could be there for a while. I had a hard time to get more information from the woman who schedules the surgeries but she hinted at an early afternoon dismissal.
So perhaps a good book to keep me busy all morning is a good idea although I doubt I will be able to focus much.
I am torn between hope and lack of conviction. I was more upbeat in January. I had no expectation and thus was less scared and more trustful. I was also so exhausted to walk with the brace that I was willing to do anything to be back to normal. In between, although I am not who I was, I have learned to live with less agility and pain. It is scary to return to surgery and not knowing how bad it will be. I expect a set back of some sort and in my good days I think it will be quick to regain flexion and extension of my knee. But in my bad days, I doubt it can happen since I have been deprived of it for seven months now.
So I am preparing myself for a mix of emotions and results and hope to post better comments soon.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
August 13, 2011
Only three days before my next surgery!
A mix of impatience and anxiety makes me unfocused and I don't like it at all.
I woke up with some pain in my left leg, not the knee but the side of the leg, almost a sciatic pain that kept my leg stiff.
It took more than half an hour of biking and another half an hour of leg exercises to release most of the pressure.
I hope to feel much better in a week from now. I have so much things to do now that school has almost started. Besides I have several writing projects that I want to polish for the fall. I joined my writing group again after weeks of solitary work.
I can't let a knee rule my life. I decided last night that I will trust the surgeon once more but that I will seek a second opinion if the result of the arthroscopy is not optimal.
But being by nature optimistic, I hope for the best.
Tomorrow morning I will walk a mile and a half loop long with my hiking buddy. I miss our weekly long hikes and of course our day-long expeditions in Yosemite. I cannot wait to stand at the top of Clouds Rest. Any other top as a matter of fact will do.
The hospital called me yesterday to double check my information with them. A nurse gave me the typical hospital recommendations for surgery such as no perfume, no nail polish, no face moisturizer, no jewelry, and of course no food or liquid after midnight the day before. I don't know yet when I am scheduled and the surgeon office will call me on Monday to give me the appointment.
I dropped my prescription at the pharmacy and will pick up my medication on Monday.
Meanwhile I try to keep myself busy and that isn't too hard. Three of my four kids are home now and I will take them to the water park tomorrow afternoon. Although I won't play in the water, it will be great to see them have fun as when they were little kids. It is also my husband's birthday soon and he deserves a great gift for all the help he has provided during the last months. The kids are planning to shop before the water park and I am looking forward to spending time with them. Shopping is not bad since we will walk through the mall and in the stores.
Walking is good for me as long as I don't do any downhill which is the most discomfortable thing for me now.
I used to gallop down from the top of Half Dome. But that was in another life.
A mix of impatience and anxiety makes me unfocused and I don't like it at all.
I woke up with some pain in my left leg, not the knee but the side of the leg, almost a sciatic pain that kept my leg stiff.
It took more than half an hour of biking and another half an hour of leg exercises to release most of the pressure.
I hope to feel much better in a week from now. I have so much things to do now that school has almost started. Besides I have several writing projects that I want to polish for the fall. I joined my writing group again after weeks of solitary work.
I can't let a knee rule my life. I decided last night that I will trust the surgeon once more but that I will seek a second opinion if the result of the arthroscopy is not optimal.
But being by nature optimistic, I hope for the best.
Tomorrow morning I will walk a mile and a half loop long with my hiking buddy. I miss our weekly long hikes and of course our day-long expeditions in Yosemite. I cannot wait to stand at the top of Clouds Rest. Any other top as a matter of fact will do.
The hospital called me yesterday to double check my information with them. A nurse gave me the typical hospital recommendations for surgery such as no perfume, no nail polish, no face moisturizer, no jewelry, and of course no food or liquid after midnight the day before. I don't know yet when I am scheduled and the surgeon office will call me on Monday to give me the appointment.
I dropped my prescription at the pharmacy and will pick up my medication on Monday.
Meanwhile I try to keep myself busy and that isn't too hard. Three of my four kids are home now and I will take them to the water park tomorrow afternoon. Although I won't play in the water, it will be great to see them have fun as when they were little kids. It is also my husband's birthday soon and he deserves a great gift for all the help he has provided during the last months. The kids are planning to shop before the water park and I am looking forward to spending time with them. Shopping is not bad since we will walk through the mall and in the stores.
Walking is good for me as long as I don't do any downhill which is the most discomfortable thing for me now.
I used to gallop down from the top of Half Dome. But that was in another life.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 10, 2011
I saw the surgeon this morning and based on the stiffness of my knee, he recommended arthroscopy. The procedure is supposed to remove the scar tissues and give me back a full flexion and extension of my knee.
Of course, I'm less naive than I was in January and I worry about developing again scar tissues. The surgeon reassured me: since my knee has been moving a lot for months now, it won't be as stiff as it was after my first surgery. There is a chance that I will already have a 125 degrees flexion after the arthroscopy.
I hope the surgeon's right! I'm tired. But I'm also getting used to my new state and dread to go under the knife again. For one minute this morning as I waited for the surgeon's assistant, I considered leaving. I would keep a stiff knee but at least I know how to live with it. Instead I was considering a new procedure that promises miracles but wasn't the ACL reconstruction promising the same? Ultimately I stayed, trying to focus on all the things I would do as soon as my knee adventure would only be an experience in my life.
I spoke to my physical therapist later today and booked a physical therapy session for the 25th, two days after my follow-up appointment with the surgeon.
Before the surgery, I should go on with my routine exercises and hope for the best. After the arthroscopy, I will received instructions to keep my knee moving.
I don't have yet the time of the surgery but the hospital will call me on Monday. I have a prescription for antibiotics that I will take for one day instead of three, vitamin C for two months and Iboprufen for a month. I don't need anything for nausea, constipation or pain killers. I still have them from January as I didn't touch them but for a couple of pain killers.
I'm nervous while I wasn't last time. Knowing is good but my brain is crowded with countless questions. I'd like to be a week older.
I hope for great results as I cannot wait to hike again. My hiking buddy has sent me gorgeous pictures from summer hikes she took in Yosemite. This is my home and I miss it!
Of course, I'm less naive than I was in January and I worry about developing again scar tissues. The surgeon reassured me: since my knee has been moving a lot for months now, it won't be as stiff as it was after my first surgery. There is a chance that I will already have a 125 degrees flexion after the arthroscopy.
I hope the surgeon's right! I'm tired. But I'm also getting used to my new state and dread to go under the knife again. For one minute this morning as I waited for the surgeon's assistant, I considered leaving. I would keep a stiff knee but at least I know how to live with it. Instead I was considering a new procedure that promises miracles but wasn't the ACL reconstruction promising the same? Ultimately I stayed, trying to focus on all the things I would do as soon as my knee adventure would only be an experience in my life.
I spoke to my physical therapist later today and booked a physical therapy session for the 25th, two days after my follow-up appointment with the surgeon.
Before the surgery, I should go on with my routine exercises and hope for the best. After the arthroscopy, I will received instructions to keep my knee moving.
I don't have yet the time of the surgery but the hospital will call me on Monday. I have a prescription for antibiotics that I will take for one day instead of three, vitamin C for two months and Iboprufen for a month. I don't need anything for nausea, constipation or pain killers. I still have them from January as I didn't touch them but for a couple of pain killers.
I'm nervous while I wasn't last time. Knowing is good but my brain is crowded with countless questions. I'd like to be a week older.
I hope for great results as I cannot wait to hike again. My hiking buddy has sent me gorgeous pictures from summer hikes she took in Yosemite. This is my home and I miss it!
Friday, August 5, 2011
August 5, 2011
Thanks to the Internet, it is now possible to access a lot of relevant information related to health issues.
The human knee which was the last of my concern until January is a popular topic on the Internet. Knee injuries are frequent, surgeries are often followed by complications and remedies to the complications can also lead to complications.
The most common issue after the ACL/MCL reconstruction is indeed the arthrofibrosis or the accumulation of scarring tissues which is a natural response of the injured body. Arthrofibrosis limits the patient's knee mobility and creates stiffness, pain and fatigue.
Getting rid of the scarring tissue is sometimes possible through appropriate physical therapy including massage of the scar area. Sometimes, cortisone shots or oral medication are necessary. If both treatments are not providing relief, then arthroscopy can be the only way to proceed.
I have spent part of the day browsing the Internet and read tons of articles related to the procedure and although every surgery under total anesthesia presents risks, it looks like the arthroscopy can be the solution to my limited mobility if in addition I don't want to damage my joint any further.
I have a physical therapy session on Tuesday and an appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday and my hope it to put everything related to my knee behind me and enjoy life to its full extent once more.
I refuse to loose the battle. I miss my knee and I will do whatever is needed to get it back.
The human knee which was the last of my concern until January is a popular topic on the Internet. Knee injuries are frequent, surgeries are often followed by complications and remedies to the complications can also lead to complications.
The most common issue after the ACL/MCL reconstruction is indeed the arthrofibrosis or the accumulation of scarring tissues which is a natural response of the injured body. Arthrofibrosis limits the patient's knee mobility and creates stiffness, pain and fatigue.
Getting rid of the scarring tissue is sometimes possible through appropriate physical therapy including massage of the scar area. Sometimes, cortisone shots or oral medication are necessary. If both treatments are not providing relief, then arthroscopy can be the only way to proceed.
I have spent part of the day browsing the Internet and read tons of articles related to the procedure and although every surgery under total anesthesia presents risks, it looks like the arthroscopy can be the solution to my limited mobility if in addition I don't want to damage my joint any further.
I have a physical therapy session on Tuesday and an appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday and my hope it to put everything related to my knee behind me and enjoy life to its full extent once more.
I refuse to loose the battle. I miss my knee and I will do whatever is needed to get it back.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
August 3, 2011
Went to my first physical therapy session in six weeks. The flexion of my knee has reached 125 degrees compared to 110 in June. I was not that surprised since I knew it had improved a lot. Yet it was a goal I had tried to reach for such a long time that a strange mix of emotions washed over me. I was of course relieved to see that the product of my work was finally showing but I also realized at the same time that I had now another goal to accomplish. The flexion of my right knee is 140/145 degrees so I’m not yet there. Besides, the extension is still shy of a few degrees. So now the same question remains. Should I consider another surgery? It would remove the scarring tissues but I have improved so much that I wonder if it is necessary. Would six more weeks help me to close the gap? The surgery is elective, my PT told me. Does it mean that now I am fully responsible when it comes to take the decision? When I was operated nobody had warned me of the possibility of complications or even mentioned the name scarring tissues. It happened and the solution seems to be a cleaning of the knee. But now it is called elective surgery so I am of course worried. Why should it be when obviously something went wrong either with the healing process or the physical therapy?
On the other side I have accomplished so much and regained a lot of strength that perhaps it will be nothing and I will regret having waiting so long.
The rest of the session was spent with some of my usual exercises and new ones. One or them, designed to stretch the quadriceps, is replacing the exercise I used to do on my stomach with a resistance band slipped underneath my foot to pull my knee toward my back. Now, facing down a table I put my foot beneath me until I feel the stretch in my quad. I use some form of pole as a support in front of me.
I did the stork and stairs exercises without any trouble. Biking was of course easy since I have been using a regular bike during the summer. The elliptical was also fine and I gained some speed.
All together it was great to be back and see everyone. They were as always supportive and caring. I am proud of many of my accomplishments but disappointed to still have a question to solve.
Surgery or not surgery?
On the other side I have accomplished so much and regained a lot of strength that perhaps it will be nothing and I will regret having waiting so long.
The rest of the session was spent with some of my usual exercises and new ones. One or them, designed to stretch the quadriceps, is replacing the exercise I used to do on my stomach with a resistance band slipped underneath my foot to pull my knee toward my back. Now, facing down a table I put my foot beneath me until I feel the stretch in my quad. I use some form of pole as a support in front of me.
I did the stork and stairs exercises without any trouble. Biking was of course easy since I have been using a regular bike during the summer. The elliptical was also fine and I gained some speed.
All together it was great to be back and see everyone. They were as always supportive and caring. I am proud of many of my accomplishments but disappointed to still have a question to solve.
Surgery or not surgery?
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
August 2, 2011
We are on the road again. For different reasons irrelevant of us we had to leave Maine earlier and drive almost straight home. It is of course not as much fun as traveling the slow lane. And it is a killer for my knee.
Yesterday was miserable. I was limping although I wasn't in pain. My leg felt weak due to long hours of driving.
I did my exercise and biking and even found a nice elliptical for another ten minutes. I iced my knee before dinner in a cool restaurant in Carson City.
I will be home today and back to physical therapy on Wednesday. I am anxious to check my progress with my PT but I'm sorry to say that my hope to skip surgery in the fall is not as high as it was.
My knee has definitely not regained its full flexion and extension and until it has I won't be able to be the woman I was.
I miss my knee. I miss me.
Yesterday was miserable. I was limping although I wasn't in pain. My leg felt weak due to long hours of driving.
I did my exercise and biking and even found a nice elliptical for another ten minutes. I iced my knee before dinner in a cool restaurant in Carson City.
I will be home today and back to physical therapy on Wednesday. I am anxious to check my progress with my PT but I'm sorry to say that my hope to skip surgery in the fall is not as high as it was.
My knee has definitely not regained its full flexion and extension and until it has I won't be able to be the woman I was.
I miss my knee. I miss me.
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