January 5, 2012

It has been a while since I posted any news about my left knee.
But this week is special.
It is the one year anniversary of my ski accident that led to the injuries of two ligaments in my knee: the ACL and the MCL plus damage of the meniscus.
The beginning of 2011 started on a dark note and the whole year has been bumpy with ups and downs following two surgeries.
So where am I today?
I retrieved my usual fast gait. Pain has disappeared. Occasional throbbing, itching or pulling in the inner side of my knee still occur, mostly at night or when I cross my leg above my right thigh.
I returned to longer walks and I love biking, either on my recumbent bike at home or my great bike outside.
I can do most things without giving a thought to my knee.
However I am constantly aware of my knee since I still have minimal scar tissues that block my full flexion and extension. My flexion is actually almost perfect even though it is tight when I keep it at its maximum. The extension is what bothers me most and I work on it as much as possible. It is incredible how only an inch or two can keep the leg from its overextension, capital when you walk downhill.
I stopped therapy at Thanksgiving since the workout wasn't providing any help and my prescription was finished.
The funny thing is that I knew I was on my own since a while because the therapists were only checking if I had done my exercises but really not working on my knee anymore.
What I really crave for most of the time is a massage since my muscles get more often sore. The top or side of my knee are also sometimes tender and it feels good to apply lotion or oil.
Baths, that I disliked before, provide relief and relaxation, also something I didn't need until now.
So, am I repaired? I would say yes, compared to the status of my knee a year ago.
Am I 100% who I was? No, I'm not.
But I am still improving and I come to accept that sone days are better than others. And I have more great days than bad.
My kids are skiing again this month and I would love to be with them but of course I know the danger of skiing more than most skiers and I am home waiting for their return.
Anyway, this year there is only fake snow since California is under a serious dry spell.
I'm not missing much and hopefully by next year I will be able to join my son.
And watch him skiing down while I sip my coffee on the deck!