It’s already been 3 months since I’ve had my surgery. Hard to believe and yet sometimes I feel like it just happened. I feel like I’m doing really well. I’m playing a good amount of Pickleball here at our courts as well as in outside groups and am moving good on the courts. I do feel like I have more mobility cause I am no longer wearing my brace. I don’t have to, that’s why I got my new knee. The brace was keeping it all together until I got my replacement and now that I have I am brace free. I still have a good amount of swelling and it does occasionally get stiff but that’s all to be expected and will be that way for a little longer. I do continue to ice everyday and that is helping I’m sure. And at this point I only have one annoying problem, that one spot on the inside of my knee. It STILL is bothering me and hurts now and then and of course at night drives me crazy.
So today at my 12 weeks out checkup I was telling Dr Wilmink how it’s still bothering me. He said that they do alot of work when they or go in there and it’s not the joint that’s the problem it’s the tendon. It’s inflamed and tender. He said I could wait it out and of course like everything else it would go away, or he could give me a steroid shot to quicken it. Well naturally I said let’s quicken it. So he decided to give me the shot to help. He said it’s completely normal and sometimes it even happens to people a few years down the road. I got my shot. But holy hell did that sucker hurt. Hurt, like bite my tongue cause I want to yell hurt. Then he said yeah and it’s gonna probably hurt more later too. As I am sitting here getting ready to go to bed I have to say he as right. It’s hurting quite a bit right now but I’m hoping in the next few days it will all be worth it.
The rest of my appointment went well. I asked if now that I had replacements I don’t have any more arthritis in my knees and he said no it’s all gone and won’t come back. That’s good news. He shook my hand and said go kick some butt playing Pickleball and I’ll see you in 5 years. That’s exciting!!
October 11, 2018 Pickleball
We had the twins for a week and after Alicia and Arnold came to pick them up I went down to the courts to try and play. Yvonne had a game set up with a couple people and one of them was visiting from out of state. I wanted to play and see how I did. I had only been doing drills so up to this point and I needed to know how I could do. I played with the girl I didn’t know and the funniest thing happened. I always do this to Yvonne and now this girl did it to me. A ball came over the net short and she said go go go so I went went went. It was the first time I ran and moved at a quick pace, and shockingly I did it and it felt fine. I was once again ready to get out there and start playing again. Yay!!!
October 3, 2018 Bike Riding
Since I got the ok to be riding my bike Kev and I decided to go for a ride after breakfast. We just rode around our neighborhood but went all over. It felt good to be out and about but I screwed up and should have gone around the block one last time to get past the 7.99 mileage we did.
And then a funny thing happened the same day. Our community cycle club had an event to ride the cart path on the golf course. It was open to all residents and Kev and I had seen it listed on the events page but then kind of forgot about it. So I went to Fry’s and on my way home I saw all these people riding along the golf course. I quick ran in the house and told Kev it was happening and we jumped on our bikes and started at hole 4 which is right by our house. It was really fun. There were lots of people riding and having a great time. I thought when we reached home 18 we would just take the road home but Kev went around and we finished up doing the cart path that we missed around 1, 2 & 3 and then finished at 4 where we started.
I hope it’s something they do more often it was a fun ride and really pretty all along the course. I do have to admit it was a little too much riding for me for one day and it being my first time on my bike. Had we known we were going to ride the course we wouldn’t have rode so far in the morning. But nothing a little ice and ibuprofen can’t fix.
September 29, 2018 Hiking
I went away for the weekend with my girlfriends from high school. We went to Steamboat Springs in Colorado and stayed at this nice condo at the ski resort. It was a weekend of relaxing and hanging out with the girls. We did do some walking around town and sight seeing and also went on a great hike. It was my first hike since my surgery and felt great. It was a short hike, maybe 3 miles in and out and the trail was really nice, part of it was even paved. It felt good to hike and be out there on a trail with some beautiful scenery.
I didn’t have any problems going up or down any hills so I felt good. Looking forward to hiking more this year cause I didn’t do any last year my knee just wasn’t up for it.
September 25, 2018 6 Week Post-Op Appt
Tomorrow will mark 6 weeks since my surgery. I had a follow up appointment today with my Dr. He was very happy with my progress. He said he I was doing great being just 6 weeks out. My bend and straightening is really good and he’s happy with it all. I told him about how bad my sensitivity has been and how the inside of my knee is really sore especially at night. He said it’s normal that the pain is worse at night and also normal how my knee is always hot. All of this takes time and will get better in time. He gave me a prescription for an anti inflammatory cream which he said may help that pain, otherwise I just have to wait it out. I got the ok to ride a regular bike and he also said I could play pickle. Although he did follow that with not all out and running around but you can get back out there. I told him how my lateral movement isn’t there yet and that I need to work on that to be able to go all out. He asked about PT and I told him I was going twice a week and he said he thought I could quit going in the next two weeks. I may or may not stop in two weeks cause I feel like if I’m good with everything then I need to build some strength, but I’ll see how it’s all going.
On another note I had read back on some posts I made with my previous surgery and saw that I had been walking a lot more then I have been. That made me feel like I haven’t been doing enough, so tonight after summer I went for a walk. It was pretty slow but I’ll just have to work on that. Felt pretty good and I was a little stiff when I got home but I’m icing now and will put some cream on before bed and hopefully will wake up and feel good tomorrow.
September 22, 2018 That Big Scar
It’s crazy how when I had Alicia take my bandage off my scar looked huge. It is a big scar but at first it looks so much worse then it will end up being. One thing that will always be there is the numbness. My other knee still has a little numbness to it on the scar, this new knee is numb all over and especially the scar. All of that does dwindle down but I’m diffeeent phases. Right now the tenderness in the inside of my knee is my biggest problem, still sensitive but mainly at night in bed is when it’s the worst.
But there have been some more improvements. I have great bending going on right now with little if not any pain. Check out how I can bend my knee all the way just like my other knee and that’s doing it without having to push it. It’s doing it on it’s own just by me bending it.
And how about me sitting Indian style. Let me tell you I can’t even tell you how long it’s since I have been able to do that. So these are small but great improvements. I’m going to be doing a lot more to get some more progress in. We’ve already added so one new exercises at PT and I’m
going to be stepping up everything I’m allowed to do on my own to help get farther along and just be more aggressive. I have my Dr appt with the Surgeon on Monday and I’m sure he’ll agree.
And how about me sitting Indian style. Let me tell you I can’t even tell you how long it’s since I have been able to do that. So these are small but great improvements. I’m going to be doing a lot more to get some more progress in. We’ve already added so one new exercises at PT and I’m
going to be stepping up everything I’m allowed to do on my own to help get farther along and just be more aggressive. I have my Dr appt with the Surgeon on Monday and I’m sure he’ll agree.
September 18, 2018 5 weeks Post-Op
I had to check the calendar a couple of times cause I thought today marked 6 weeks since I had surgery but it’s only been 5. Funny I say only been 5 because I have mixed feelings about that. I feel like it’s been longer and of course feeling frustrated at times cause of my limitations but then it makes me happy to know it’s only been 5 weeks so I have a week to make some progress. lol
But I actually am making progress. At PT yesterday I had new measurements taken and there’s been improvements in all of them, so that’s a good thing. And I don’t want to jinx it but I feel really good today. Very little pain when I do my bending and straightening so that’s a good thing too. Yesterday I finally got to go in the pool. My Dr had given me the ok at my last appointment which was at 2 weeks. He said wait one more week, but I ended up waiting 2 more weeks cause I had a few spots on my scar that seemed to still be a little bit open. So Austin kept telling me to wait til nothing was open to make sure I avoided any infection. I have to admit one of them was my fault cause I couldn’t help myself and picked. Do you know how hard it is to not pick on a scar that is 7 inches long and has a few scabs on it? Well for me it was hard and because I picked a little on one spot I had to wait to get in the pool. But I got in yesterday and it felt great. The pool is so nice cause I can do so much with little effort or pain. I did a good amount of laps walking with high knees, then some side steps and squats. It’s a great start and felt good. That’s why I am surprised I am feeling good today, first I had PT which is always hard, then I did the pool and then after the pool Kev and I went and hit some Pickleball’s for a while. I was sore last night and worried it would carry over today but so far so good. I’m hoping this 5 week mark is a turning point. Really the biggest annoyance for me has been the whole sensitivity issue. It’s gotten a lot better, I still do the rubbing with my little rag and as weird as it may be, it actually helps. It’s funny cause I’ve even taken it out with me when I go somewhere so it’s handy. Overall, 5 weeks Post-Op is heading in the right direction.
September 9,2018 More Progress
So today I made some progress and one thing I wasn’t intending to do but it just happened. Kev asked me if I wanted to do a little pickleball dinking just to see how it feels. So I went down to the courts and walked down the stairs. Here’s the progress, I took the stairs one step at a time. You don’t know it but let me tell you this is big. It’s rwally hard to do and I just did it, I walked down the steps. It was funny cause I kind of surprised myself.
Once down the steps Kev and I hit some balls around. It felt good to be out there but I was definitely hesitant, which is to be understood. I had to decorate this picture so my hits looked more glorious then they were. lol
After we finished playing here’s another surprise, I walked up the stairs. One at a time just like that. Kev was with me and I was like hey look..I’m walking up the stairs.
It’s been 26 days since my surgery so I’m working on making some sort of progress each day and trying to be patient. The sensitivity pain is getting a little better, I’m doing all sorts of little tricks. I’m hoping it will be gone soon.
Once down the steps Kev and I hit some balls around. It felt good to be out there but I was definitely hesitant, which is to be understood. I had to decorate this picture so my hits looked more glorious then they were. lol
It’s been 26 days since my surgery so I’m working on making some sort of progress each day and trying to be patient. The sensitivity pain is getting a little better, I’m doing all sorts of little tricks. I’m hoping it will be gone soon.
September 4, 2018 3 Weeks Post-Op
Three weeks ago today I had my surgery. And selfishly I am wishing it was 3 months ago. These last few days have been so ugh. I can’t even think of a good word to describe how I have felt. I’m making good progress and at PT this morning Austin did have to remind me that it’s only been 3 weeks. I am doing well as far as my exercises and measurements. I even walked a mile each of the last 3 days but again overall not feeling good at all. I have been so sore and it is so frustrating. Sore as in I can’t even let anything touch my leg. Not my clothes, my soft blanket not even the bed sheets. It all hurts. Evidently my nerves are all deciding that they want to feel everything. And the feeling hurts. Kev was giving me a massage to see if he could help me relax and all I could do is sit there and cry. He was barely touching me but I am so sensitive it’s unbelievable. Talking with Austin he was telling me that this is normal and I just have to be patient. He did say to just take a small hand towel and just rub all around my leg to try and get sensations all around and to try to help relieve the direct pain I’m feeling on my incision. I’ve been doing it off and on, I’ll try anything. I am also putting heat on in between doing ice and the warm heat seems to feel good. But with both the heat and ice it hurts to have something touching me so I can’t win.
With so much that’s going on I am trying to remember what things were like after my last surgery. Overall I can’t remember. When I look back on my blog after last surgery I noticed I wrote about all my accomplishments but not too much about the struggles. So it’s hard to say, am I just being whiny and impatient or is all this part of having a major surgery. In my mind I know it’s the surgery part but man it’s all so frustrating.
With so much that’s going on I am trying to remember what things were like after my last surgery. Overall I can’t remember. When I look back on my blog after last surgery I noticed I wrote about all my accomplishments but not too much about the struggles. So it’s hard to say, am I just being whiny and impatient or is all this part of having a major surgery. In my mind I know it’s the surgery part but man it’s all so frustrating.
August 29, 2018 Scolding
Man am I sore today. I slept horribly last night. Tossing and turning and just awake. I finally got up out of bed around 2:30 and put myself on my CPM machine hoping it would relax me enough to sleep. Did if for about an hour and then back to bed and then finally fell asleep. I took a muscle relaxer before bed but no pain meds. I wanted to see if the relaxer would do the trick. When I got out of bed I said I should have taken the pain meds. I actually even felt kind of yucky and was debating whether or not to cancel PT. I didn’t, I knew it was what I needed so I showered had some breakfast and went. Since I got cleared to drive and Kev is camping I drove myself. I did think twice about it for a little but once I ate I was feeling a little better.
When I got to PT I started like I normally do which is with my leg elevated and a huge heating pad. Once I’ve been heated for about 15 mind Austin came over and started my massage. I get this great 15-20 massage to start my session and it hurts so bad it’s good. But today was bad. I actually waved him off when he first came over and put some pressure on my knee and pad, and he’s like what? And I told him I’m hurting so bad today. I hurt all over. Well to tell Austin you’re hurting means he has to work the hurt out. It got a little better once my massage was done and I did my workout but not before I got a scolding. He asked what was up, why was I so sore, what did I do yesterday? I told him I went to the gym and rode the bike. And then after the bike I did leg presses, balancing , high knees and side steps in the treadmill and then walked. As he throws his arms up in the air he says do you think maybe you’re doing too much? Cause you are. He said I told you to ride the bike but don’t go do a full workout of everything you do here, that’s way too much. And hello it’s been two weeks since surgery.
Part of it is in my head cause last surgery I had home health PT and didn’t actually go to the PT office til I was almost 3 weeks out. And the home health was awesome but mo where near the intensity it is at the office. So in my mind I keep thinking that I should be doing more cause I was doing more at the office by the time I had 5 visits. But it’s a total of 5 visits last time I had had 6 visits at home first. Anyways, I’m sore cause I’m doing too much. So here I am right now.
When I got to PT I started like I normally do which is with my leg elevated and a huge heating pad. Once I’ve been heated for about 15 mind Austin came over and started my massage. I get this great 15-20 massage to start my session and it hurts so bad it’s good. But today was bad. I actually waved him off when he first came over and put some pressure on my knee and pad, and he’s like what? And I told him I’m hurting so bad today. I hurt all over. Well to tell Austin you’re hurting means he has to work the hurt out. It got a little better once my massage was done and I did my workout but not before I got a scolding. He asked what was up, why was I so sore, what did I do yesterday? I told him I went to the gym and rode the bike. And then after the bike I did leg presses, balancing , high knees and side steps in the treadmill and then walked. As he throws his arms up in the air he says do you think maybe you’re doing too much? Cause you are. He said I told you to ride the bike but don’t go do a full workout of everything you do here, that’s way too much. And hello it’s been two weeks since surgery.
Part of it is in my head cause last surgery I had home health PT and didn’t actually go to the PT office til I was almost 3 weeks out. And the home health was awesome but mo where near the intensity it is at the office. So in my mind I keep thinking that I should be doing more cause I was doing more at the office by the time I had 5 visits. But it’s a total of 5 visits last time I had had 6 visits at home first. Anyways, I’m sore cause I’m doing too much. So here I am right now.
Once I get off here will be more icing and tonight when I go to bed some pain meds.
Speaking of the guy who hurts me, Austin just text me to see how I was feeling and told me to make sure I rest tomorrow. I have PT again on Friday.
August 27, 2018 Surgery Follow Up Appointment
Today was my 2 week post op appointment. I know tomorrow is actually 2 weeks but my doctor does surgery on Tuesdays, like mine 2 weeks ago. So when I got there I had an X-ray and then the Dr came in. He checked out my knee as far as when it’s straight and bending. It is still pretty swollen so even with that he said it looks great. I’ve got great straightening and as far as my bend he said that’s as far as he’s expect me to be able to go whether it was 2 weeks out or longer. I was at 120* which he said is awesome!!! He was like, you’re only two weeks out? You’re doing great. That was pretty exciting. So we talked about the swelling which will take a while to go down. He asked about my pain. Cause I really was having so much even last week but it has gotten so much better. I told him I really only take pain meds at night and that’s cause I get these muscle spasms. He said that was normal and could last even another couple months. I take the pain meds cause it’s the only thing that gets my knee to settle down. And depending on how sore I am after PT I might take them then. But overall I’m barely taking them. Which is funny cause I had such a hard time getting them. The Dr did give me some muscle relaxers to take at night to see if that helps with the spasms. I have to wait one more week before I can swim, I’m ok to drive and I shouldn’t take a walk longer then 3 miles. When he said that I was like I wish I could go walk 3 miles right now, but I know it’ll come.
After my Dr appointment I went to PT. Had another good session. Each time I go Austin adds new stuff to my workout. So far it’s all stuff I can do, not easily but doable. At this point I decided I’m not going to go to the gym here on days I have PT. And I’m saying that for maybe this week. I’m beat when I get done, and it’s not like I would do a whole workout but I would do more biking or walking. I’ll see I guess how these next few days go.
I did just spend a couple hours on my CPM machine which always feels good. I’ve got great range in it so I’m sure it’s just helping me get more and more bendable.
After my Dr appointment I went to PT. Had another good session. Each time I go Austin adds new stuff to my workout. So far it’s all stuff I can do, not easily but doable. At this point I decided I’m not going to go to the gym here on days I have PT. And I’m saying that for maybe this week. I’m beat when I get done, and it’s not like I would do a whole workout but I would do more biking or walking. I’ll see I guess how these next few days go.
I did just spend a couple hours on my CPM machine which always feels good. I’ve got great range in it so I’m sure it’s just helping me get more and more bendable.
August 26, 2018 Sleeping in my Own Bed
The reason that I had taken up residency in Alicia’s room (old room lol) is that our bed is so high that I couldn’t get in it. It’s funny I can only get in one way and on my side, but that includes throwing my right leg up and over and then I roll the rest of my body up and in. Well there’s no way I could do that so Alicia’s bed was the solution. Until last night. Kev had slept the last couple of nights in our room and I stayed in Alicia’s. So yesterday just kind of trying to see if I could or not I tried getting in our bed, and I could do it. Kev was all happy. He was like yay you’re coming back to sleep with me. So I did. And all went great. I even got up to pee without a problem and was able to get back up. I think that’s a pretty good sign too that it’s one more thing that I can do and more recovery is taking place.
Once I got up this morning I was pretty stiff and sore and that’s really just from sleeping with my leg straight or bent and it gets stiff and tight. I sat and did some icing cause that always seems to help. After icing I drive the golf cart down to the gym and did a small workout. Some time on the bike, leg presses and some high knee walking. Nothing too strenuous but definitely work for me. The good news is I already had some improvement on the bike.
Tomorrow is my two week checkup with the doctor and then after that I have a PT session.
Once I got up this morning I was pretty stiff and sore and that’s really just from sleeping with my leg straight or bent and it gets stiff and tight. I sat and did some icing cause that always seems to help. After icing I drive the golf cart down to the gym and did a small workout. Some time on the bike, leg presses and some high knee walking. Nothing too strenuous but definitely work for me. The good news is I already had some improvement on the bike.
August 25, 2018 These f*#%ing Socks
So I have compression socks that they put on at the hospital and told me to wear for the next two weeks. I’ve had them on 24 hours a day. I take them off when I shower but then they go back on. But OMG they are a pain in the ass. It drives me CRAZY when my toes stick out so I am constantly adjusting them. And no matter how much extra sock I pull off the end so they aren’t near my toes it still happens. Don’t ask me how but it does.
When I shower later, I’m not putting them back on. I can’t take it anymore. I would literally wake up at night and fix them cause I could feel my toe out. No more.
August 24, 2018 Bike at the Gym
To start I do feel like I may have slept a little better without Kev in the bed. But....I think it’s due to a couple things. For one the bed in Alicia’s room is smaller then ours so there isn’t as much room, then I wasn’t worried about bothering me and finally maybe I’ve reached the point where I am starting to sleep better. Who knows but we each had a whole bed to ourselves. lol
Austin said he wanted me to try and go to the gym and ride the bike on days I don’t have PT. So today Kev took me to our gym here at the compound and I rode the bike for a little while. A short while and slow. Crazy how hard it seems to be but I know it’ll get easier and faster.
Austin said he wanted me to try and go to the gym and ride the bike on days I don’t have PT. So today Kev took me to our gym here at the compound and I rode the bike for a little while. A short while and slow. Crazy how hard it seems to be but I know it’ll get easier and faster.
Initially I start out going backwards so I did that for about 2 minutes before I did the 10 minutes going forward. Then I did 20 leg presses on the leg press machine. I didn’t do any weight, I just wanted to get the bending and pushing in.
Kev golfed today and after golfing and the bar he came home and said we were invited to the Dukes just to hang out. So we walked over, sat around for a bit and then walked home. So far that’s been my longest walk. And it’s not like it’s far, lol, but it was far for me.
August 23, 2018 PT Day
Since I got the ok to get more pain meds I had to go pick up the prescription. Since it’s a narcotic they can’t call it in, which meant we had to drive to the Dr’s office to get it. Since I had PT we just left early and went to get the prescription and then was going to drop me at PT.
It was a good work out. I still feel a little frustrated cause I want to be doing more but know I can’t and probably shouldn’t. I did the same things as Monday but added some high knee walking. Everything I’m doing sounds so easy but right now it’s a struggle for me. I know in the not too far future that things will be easier and I’ll be doing more so it’s all good. For now Austin says I’m making great progress and to keep doing what I’m doing and even a little more if I feel up to it but don’t over do it.
Since it’s Thursday and Kev plays pickle and has final final Yvonne came over to hang out and we played Mexican Train. I occasionally got up and walked and also did some icing but by the time we finished and I layed down my leg was hurting. I think it was from sitting so long. I tried to shift around and I even elevated my leg but note to self it’s not comfy to sit in a regular chair for a couple hours straight.
Funny thing.....I asked Kev to sleep in our bed tonight since he was out drinking. I knew he’d be snoring a lot plus I feel like I’m all over the bed trying to somewhat get comfortable and I feel like I’m bothering him and keeping him up. I’ll see if it makes any difference if he’s in bed with me or not.
It was a good work out. I still feel a little frustrated cause I want to be doing more but know I can’t and probably shouldn’t. I did the same things as Monday but added some high knee walking. Everything I’m doing sounds so easy but right now it’s a struggle for me. I know in the not too far future that things will be easier and I’ll be doing more so it’s all good. For now Austin says I’m making great progress and to keep doing what I’m doing and even a little more if I feel up to it but don’t over do it.
Since it’s Thursday and Kev plays pickle and has final final Yvonne came over to hang out and we played Mexican Train. I occasionally got up and walked and also did some icing but by the time we finished and I layed down my leg was hurting. I think it was from sitting so long. I tried to shift around and I even elevated my leg but note to self it’s not comfy to sit in a regular chair for a couple hours straight.
Funny thing.....I asked Kev to sleep in our bed tonight since he was out drinking. I knew he’d be snoring a lot plus I feel like I’m all over the bed trying to somewhat get comfortable and I feel like I’m bothering him and keeping him up. I’ll see if it makes any difference if he’s in bed with me or not.
August 21, 2018 It’s Been one Week
Oh boy!!!! A week ago today I had my surgery. And boy what a week it’s been. Depending on the day sometimes even the hour I’m feeling like I’m doing good, then I’m feeling like I’m not doing as good as I should be. It’s such a struggle. Today I woke up pretty sore and really swollen so right off the bat I put ice on the top and bottom of my knee. We started doing that yesterday after they did it at PT like that. I like it, I feel like it helps all over.
So aside from waking up sore I hadn’t taken a pain pill since midnight last night. I’m getting low on them so I am putting off taking them so sure as shit it hit me around noon today. I went to lay down and have Kev put me on my CPM and just started crying. I’m hurting but trying to convince myself it doesn’t hurt and ugh....I’m a mess. I took some meds and am feeling better but I really feel like this week I have been so emotional. I did call to get a refill of my pills and the nurse was like, you’re out? And you didn’t think to call sooner? I felt like saying listen bitch just get me more pain meds. She proceeded to tell me that no one was in the office and she’d call me tomorrow to let me know if they’ll let me have more and that I should be weaning off them blah blah blah. Again....bitch just get me more pain meds. I’m not just taking them to take them I’m trying to keep it from hurting so bad I can’t take it. Whatever...more tears.
So aside from waking up sore I hadn’t taken a pain pill since midnight last night. I’m getting low on them so I am putting off taking them so sure as shit it hit me around noon today. I went to lay down and have Kev put me on my CPM and just started crying. I’m hurting but trying to convince myself it doesn’t hurt and ugh....I’m a mess. I took some meds and am feeling better but I really feel like this week I have been so emotional. I did call to get a refill of my pills and the nurse was like, you’re out? And you didn’t think to call sooner? I felt like saying listen bitch just get me more pain meds. She proceeded to tell me that no one was in the office and she’d call me tomorrow to let me know if they’ll let me have more and that I should be weaning off them blah blah blah. Again....bitch just get me more pain meds. I’m not just taking them to take them I’m trying to keep it from hurting so bad I can’t take it. Whatever...more tears.
Since today was a week since my surgery I was allowed to take my bandage off. Alicia and the babies were over so I had her do it.
August 20, 2018 Day 6 Post-Op PT
Still having the same issues with sleeping and pain but I think it’s getting better. I say I think cause I’m really not sure. Kev has been putting me in my CPM machine around midnight and I sleep with it til around 4-4:30, and mostly it’s then cause I have to pee. I feel bad I have to wake Kev to put me in it and then take me out but I can’t do it by myself yet and he keeps saying that’s why he’s in the same room with me and it’s no big deal.
Waited around for my PT appointment today cause it was at 2:00. We left the house at 1:00 and got there early but it worked out cause Austin just put me on heat early so by the time it was my appt time I was good to go. He gave me a good 20 minute massage and really worked on everything from my toes to my thigh. Deep tissue and it felt good and he was getting me all loosened up to do some heavy duty exercises. We started with all kinds of bending and straightening and measurements. So far he says I’m looking good, and even from my measurements on Friday there’s been improvement. And Austin said as long as there’s improvement each appointment then I’m on track. After that we did some walking up and back without my walking, there too I’m doing good. After there I was shocked he put me on a bike. I was like there’s no way I can peddle a bike. So he said it’s all good we are just doing half moons, which is where I just push each peddle 1/2 way back and forth. After 1-2 moons I did some backwards peddling still saying there’s no way I could peddle frontways. Well, he had me try and I did it. It was tough but I did it for like 5 minutes. I was shocked, so was Kev cause he was sitting there watching. After the bike I did some leg presses and then balancing, all stuff I did not think I would be doing so soon. Man was I beat. I felt totally accomplished but tired. Once I iced and we were on our way out Kev says all that and no tears today. It was pretty funny. We got home and I iced some more, I was sure I was gonna be sore and tired tonight. The Dukes came over with a yummy dinner and then I pretty much called it a night.
Waited around for my PT appointment today cause it was at 2:00. We left the house at 1:00 and got there early but it worked out cause Austin just put me on heat early so by the time it was my appt time I was good to go. He gave me a good 20 minute massage and really worked on everything from my toes to my thigh. Deep tissue and it felt good and he was getting me all loosened up to do some heavy duty exercises. We started with all kinds of bending and straightening and measurements. So far he says I’m looking good, and even from my measurements on Friday there’s been improvement. And Austin said as long as there’s improvement each appointment then I’m on track. After that we did some walking up and back without my walking, there too I’m doing good. After there I was shocked he put me on a bike. I was like there’s no way I can peddle a bike. So he said it’s all good we are just doing half moons, which is where I just push each peddle 1/2 way back and forth. After 1-2 moons I did some backwards peddling still saying there’s no way I could peddle frontways. Well, he had me try and I did it. It was tough but I did it for like 5 minutes. I was shocked, so was Kev cause he was sitting there watching. After the bike I did some leg presses and then balancing, all stuff I did not think I would be doing so soon. Man was I beat. I felt totally accomplished but tired. Once I iced and we were on our way out Kev says all that and no tears today. It was pretty funny. We got home and I iced some more, I was sure I was gonna be sore and tired tonight. The Dukes came over with a yummy dinner and then I pretty much called it a night.
August 17, 2018 Day 3 Post-Op PT Appt
Last night was a little better then the night before but not much. Kev stayed in Alicia’s room with me so he would be there if I needed anything. Of course it was easy for him to fall right to sleep lol but I’d end up helping me out. I reached a point that I was hurting and couldn’t sleep so he put me in my CPM machine and that calmed my knee down and I was able to fall asleep. I got a little frustrated cause I was hurting pretty bad and just wanted to sleep so there were some tears before I could doze off.
Once I got up Kev made me some breakfast and then pretty much we went to my PT appointment. It was pretty much an evaluation with measurements to see where I was starting plus did a few exercises. I almost said easy exercises, which in a few months they will be but right now they hurt like hell. I worked with Scott today who was really nice but set up my future appointments with Austin who I worked with on my last knee rehab. Scott said I was off to a great start but for some reason these days I am super emotional and was crying while he was doing my massage. I’m feeling frustrated already cause I can’t do much and it’s hurting so bad. He reassured me it’s going good and that it’s also only been 3 days since my surgery. While sitting there getting iced I still had the tears flowing again not sure why but they just keep coming.
Once we got home I was totally wiped out. I wasn’t feeling good at all so I went and layed down right away. Meredith came over to visit and we just hung out in the bedroom since I was wasn’t feeling good. As the day went on I felt a little better but ended up falling asleep while Meredith was here so she left so I could rest. Cheryl and Ron brought us enchilada soup for dinner which was yummy. I pretty much got up to eat and then back to bed.
Once I got up Kev made me some breakfast and then pretty much we went to my PT appointment. It was pretty much an evaluation with measurements to see where I was starting plus did a few exercises. I almost said easy exercises, which in a few months they will be but right now they hurt like hell. I worked with Scott today who was really nice but set up my future appointments with Austin who I worked with on my last knee rehab. Scott said I was off to a great start but for some reason these days I am super emotional and was crying while he was doing my massage. I’m feeling frustrated already cause I can’t do much and it’s hurting so bad. He reassured me it’s going good and that it’s also only been 3 days since my surgery. While sitting there getting iced I still had the tears flowing again not sure why but they just keep coming.
Once we got home I was totally wiped out. I wasn’t feeling good at all so I went and layed down right away. Meredith came over to visit and we just hung out in the bedroom since I was wasn’t feeling good. As the day went on I felt a little better but ended up falling asleep while Meredith was here so she left so I could rest. Cheryl and Ron brought us enchilada soup for dinner which was yummy. I pretty much got up to eat and then back to bed.
August 16, 2018 Day 2 Post-Op
Ugh!!! Had a huge meltdown last night. My pain was up to like a 9 and I was so unhappy. I still had an hour before I could get more meds. The nurse came in and said he could go a 1/2 hour early but nothing earlier. It’s weird cause I was feeling pretty good all day and then it went down hill later in the day and then thru the night it got so much worse. So the worse pain was around 10 pm and I just couldn’t handle it. I finally got my meds but not without a lot of tears. I’m sure it was a mix of the pain and just all my emotions coming to a head. I finally did get settled and did end up getting some sleep. But throughout the day my pain was definitely on the higher side compared to yesterday. The nurse and Dr said that it was because all the blocks and pain medicine I got for surgery was now wearing off. But the talk was that I was going to go home. I was worried about the pain and didn’t know if I wanted to go or not. But as the day went on I figured it was gonna hurt whether I was at the hospital or at home. The Dr came in and said I was good to go and he would see me in two weeks. Then the PT came in and we went over some things that I need to keep doing at home plus with the walking and stuff I was doing I was in good shape to go home. I also got a CPM machine delivered and sat on that for like 3 hours. Then a guy came and delivered one for me to take home. So it was set that I was going home.
The ride home wasn’t too bad, I still wasn’t feeling great but I knew it would eventually pass. Once I got home I took a shower and relaxed in my own chair. I only had some soup for dinner cause I was still not feeling great. Once I had dinner I went to Alicia’s room where I was gonna be sleeping to lay down and get some more time in on my CPM. Overall I think the day went ok. The pain was not horrible but I’m still feeling it a little more then I want. I’m hoping tonight is better then last night.
August 15, 2018 Day 1 Post-Op
Had a rough night last night. Couldn’t get settled and just didn’t sleep well at all. Then woke up this morning really early and super hungry. By the time I got breakfast I was starting to feel sick cause it had been so long since I had eaten and been taking all kinds of meds. Plus I was getting a headache. Once I ate I was feeling pretty good. Pain wasn’t too bad and then Alicia and the babies came and so did Kev. It was a nice distraction having them here.
I did get up and walk with my PT and also did some other exercises. And I was feeling good. But around 4:00 after my second walk and workout the pain hit me. I guess all my pain blockers they gave me for surgery were wearing off. Around 6:00 I got my CPM machine and started working on that. I was hurting but it was time for my pain meds so they helped a little. Been on the machine for almost 2 hours now, not sure how long I’ll stay on, I may even sleep in it. I’m just hoping to keep the pain down tonight and get some sleep.
I did get up and walk with my PT and also did some other exercises. And I was feeling good. But around 4:00 after my second walk and workout the pain hit me. I guess all my pain blockers they gave me for surgery were wearing off. Around 6:00 I got my CPM machine and started working on that. I was hurting but it was time for my pain meds so they helped a little. Been on the machine for almost 2 hours now, not sure how long I’ll stay on, I may even sleep in it. I’m just hoping to keep the pain down tonight and get some sleep.
August 14, 2018 New Knee Day
Today is the day!!! Ive been waiting for a while and now the day has arrived. Its funny cause when I was trying to figure out when to get it done I was on the fence if I should just wait a little longer, so glad I didn’t. These past few weeks I’ve been hurting so much more then it has been. Not sure if maybe my body knew it was happening or the fact that I haven’t been able to take any ibuprofen or anything for pain or its just actually reached its limit. Regardless, it’s happening in the next couple of hours. I’m sitting back in pre-op waiting for them to come prep me and take me in. I’m ready but starting to get a little nervous.
They had this awesome blanket in the pre-op though, it was like a big bag and then they hooked it to a warmer and it blew warm air in it and just made it so cozy.
I was writing that when they all started coming in. I got my IV started and the Dr came in to say we’re ready to go. So then the nurse that will be in the OR came as well as the anesthesiologist and his tech. As they called it I got a “cocktail” to relax me. Then I got my spinal tap done and I’m not sure what else. I remember being in the surgery room and and when a few of them lifted me in to the table I said “you all just lifted 200lbs, you’re so strong.” And that was it lol
Woke up in recovery and was in and out of it in there and then moved to my room. Not feeling too good I was more or less trying to sleep off my anesthesia. Some ice chips and some chicken broth were helping to do the trick.
After a bit the PT guy came in and he had me do a few exercises in bed and then got me up for a short walk. That was exhausting.
They had this awesome blanket in the pre-op though, it was like a big bag and then they hooked it to a warmer and it blew warm air in it and just made it so cozy.
Woke up in recovery and was in and out of it in there and then moved to my room. Not feeling too good I was more or less trying to sleep off my anesthesia. Some ice chips and some chicken broth were helping to do the trick.
After a bit the PT guy came in and he had me do a few exercises in bed and then got me up for a short walk. That was exhausting.
"New Knee for Me" take two 7-12-2018
For some reason I quit writing about my knee and everything that I was doing since it had been replaced. I do know that I haven't regretted it one bit. And now here it is July 2018. It's almost my 4 year anniversary since I had my first knee replacement. That's right I said my first replacement cause in just over a month I'm having my right knee replaced. This knee has been giving me trouble probably for about 2 years. I've had several cortisone shots, gel shots, an arthroscopic surgery and lastly and I've been wearing a knee brace for the last 10 months. 
So basically it's time. I went today to get my final MRI which will be used to make my joint. Getting the MRI is a huge stressor for me. I'm a little claustrophobic and I just hate getting it done. I thought I remembered from my last replacement that the MRI took close to an hour. So for today I was worried about it, I got a Valium from the doctor and went in. I honestly felt relaxed, so I guess the Valium worked, but also I told the tech I was freaked a bit and he talked to me the whole time and the best thing was it literally was only like 15 minutes. What a relief. So now that's out of the way. I have an appointment to get a few other pre surgery tests and blood work done and then surgery will be August 15th. So "New Knee for Me" take two is coming soon.
120 Steps 9-19-2014
I went to visit Janet in New York since I was off work doing rehab for my knee. This was one of my rehab projects a couple times a day. This staircase was the way to get to Janet's school so I would walk her to work, walk back to her apt and then go back and meet up with her when she got off work and again walk home. It was a great workout and not very easy but definitely got a very accomplished feeling each time I went up and down.
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