hearts and roses
Mind Reader
I promise I won't do this every week, but figured for those who have upcoming knee replacements or those who understand the pain, it might be helpful.
So, it will be two weeks tomorrow since my replacement was performed. The chronic pain in my knee that I've had for years s gone. It is replaced by the surgical pain, which I know will go away. That's the good news...at least I know there is an end to this crud.
In the meantime, my range of motion in that knee has increased to 83 degrees as of Friday. The goal is 90 degrees by Monday. Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't cover PT everyday, so I'm on my own four days a week. It helps to have difficult child or someone with me while doing the exercises because it's motivating. difficult child s the best because she makes me breathe and gives me good ideas to distract me (like playing my iPod while walking). I won't get my staples out until next Friday, the 27th, which stinks because they're crying me out, the skin is dry and itchy at the incision.
I've graduated from the walker to the cane and can even go without the cane in a small spot, say if I'm making coffee or brushing my teeth. I no longer need the shower chair as the shower bar is enough. I shaved [most] of my legs last night for the first time and, Ahhhh, it felt wonderful to have smooth legs once again. Every day there is a sign of progress in at least one area.
That said, however, the pain is still pretty intense at times and I'm still on my regimen of pain killers and muscle relaxers round the clock. In the evenings in particular, I get incredible muscle spasms in my thigh and calves...the skin is sensitive to the touch, but it feels like there is an army of ants building castles in there, it just hurts so much. So, H does some gentle massage and I can use moist heat for muscle aches while icing the heck out of my knee. Icing is the big blessing here. I can do 20 min on and 20 min off round the clock. You cannot ice enough and it really does help, especially the hot burning sensation near the incision. Ice is my best friend.
So, I'm feeling optimistic that the pain will be worth it in the end. I've certainly had my doubts, what with all the pain and swelling, but my PT was correct: every day I have to notice the subtle changes and improvements taking place. She also told me not to worry about taking the pain medications, to just take them so I can improve. So that's what I do.
Thanks again for all the good positive thoughts and juju you've sent my way. I try to focus on that when I'm crying, lol. xo
So, it will be two weeks tomorrow since my replacement was performed. The chronic pain in my knee that I've had for years s gone. It is replaced by the surgical pain, which I know will go away. That's the good news...at least I know there is an end to this crud.
In the meantime, my range of motion in that knee has increased to 83 degrees as of Friday. The goal is 90 degrees by Monday. Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't cover PT everyday, so I'm on my own four days a week. It helps to have difficult child or someone with me while doing the exercises because it's motivating. difficult child s the best because she makes me breathe and gives me good ideas to distract me (like playing my iPod while walking). I won't get my staples out until next Friday, the 27th, which stinks because they're crying me out, the skin is dry and itchy at the incision.
I've graduated from the walker to the cane and can even go without the cane in a small spot, say if I'm making coffee or brushing my teeth. I no longer need the shower chair as the shower bar is enough. I shaved [most] of my legs last night for the first time and, Ahhhh, it felt wonderful to have smooth legs once again. Every day there is a sign of progress in at least one area.
That said, however, the pain is still pretty intense at times and I'm still on my regimen of pain killers and muscle relaxers round the clock. In the evenings in particular, I get incredible muscle spasms in my thigh and calves...the skin is sensitive to the touch, but it feels like there is an army of ants building castles in there, it just hurts so much. So, H does some gentle massage and I can use moist heat for muscle aches while icing the heck out of my knee. Icing is the big blessing here. I can do 20 min on and 20 min off round the clock. You cannot ice enough and it really does help, especially the hot burning sensation near the incision. Ice is my best friend.
So, I'm feeling optimistic that the pain will be worth it in the end. I've certainly had my doubts, what with all the pain and swelling, but my PT was correct: every day I have to notice the subtle changes and improvements taking place. She also told me not to worry about taking the pain medications, to just take them so I can improve. So that's what I do.
Thanks again for all the good positive thoughts and juju you've sent my way. I try to focus on that when I'm crying, lol. xo
