Hi Camille,

I have had two knee surgeries; one in August and one two weeks ago today.  The first was after injury I sustained falling on a couple steps.  I dislocated the patella and partially tore my tendon and had bone fragments.  In the first surgery, my patella was re-aligned, the tendon repaired and bone fragments removed.  I was immobilized for four weeks.  I went to PT and got stuck at 50ish degrees flexion.  My surgeon then referred me to an OS with more experience with my issues and I then had another surgery less than a week later on November 1.  They removed all the scar tissue stopping my flex (LOA) and did a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA).  I started PT and working with a CPM machine the day after surgery.  PT that first day was not too bad, and I got 80 degrees right away.  Now, I am two weeks post op and am up to 102 degrees today.  What you are feeling is normal.  It is extremely painful.  I swore a couple times today when she was pushing on my leg.  It hurts a lot and my PT is SO sympathetic.  To cope with it, what I am going to say may not seem helpful, but what gets me through it is knowing that it will get me back to normal.  I squeeze something with my hands like the edge of the table, or a pillow and sometimes I swear when I have to! :-)  I also remind myself that it is only a few minutes of every session and is a small price to pay for normality.  As they say, nothing in this world worth having comes easy.  There is really no good way to cope when the pain is happening except to stay positive, know that it is getting you back to normal and will be worth it when you get through it.  Are you on crutches or walking at all?  I have one crutch still due to muscle atrophy.  I am working on building those up to stabilize my knee.  Remember though, you are not being a wimp!!!  People that have not been through this have no idea how bad it hurts to go through the stretching.  It is some of the absolute worst pain I have ever felt!!!!  I hate it but I am just trying to get through it so I can get back to life.  You just kind of have to remind yourself that this is temporary, just a bump in the road.  Focus on what you are gaining (degrees of flexion) and keep your eyes on the goal.  Set small goals for yourself to help cope, such as gaining five degrees or lifting your leg off the sofa or whatever.  You WILL get through this.  You can vent, whine, complain, cry or whatever helps you get by on this board.  Feel free to private message me as well and I will be there for you.  I log in once a day at least and would be happy to lend you a shoulder to lean on.  I am going through it now too and would love to compare notes and provide support.  Please feel free to ask questions. 

HUGS!!!!!  The pain is unbearable; do not let the PT make you feel like a wimp.  If they do, you can always switch.  You should find caring, support and compassion in a PT and someone you trust and get along well with.  Best of luck to you!  Hang in there!  Things will get better!  While they stink though, we are here for you!

Take care!  HUGS!!!!!!

Sarah

I wanted to say too, that I have my moments, where I don't know if I can get through the horrific pain, but somehow, I just do.  We don't have a choice, and it is completely okay to cry and swear and be upset.  It does hurt terribly.  Everyone's pain threshhold is different and no-one can tell you what your pain is like.  If you say it is horrible, then it is!  I really hope that this board helps you.  It is a wonderful place.  I am happy to lend an ear or shoulder as needed.  Feel free to vent out your frustrations and know that you are on the path back to a good, normal life.  Take comfort in that you are not alone.  Also, I highly recommend the squeezing stuff, swearing and gritting your teeth to get through the pain. :-)  At least it is only a part of PT and only happens a few times per week for a limited time.  A very small time in relative to the rest of life.  It seems terrible now, but you are getting better!  Hang in there and keep doing your home PT exercises.  Rest, ice and elevation are also great for pain relief!  Keep posting and let us know how you are doing!!!!

Take care!  HUGS!

Wishing you all the best,

Sarah

Hey Camille,

Good job on gaining a few degrees!!!! That is wonderful!  I am jealous!  I am at 105 as of today, forced by my PT, of course. :-)  It hurt but it is gratifying.  I gained 3 degrees today too, 13 total for the week!  My joint is weak so I still use one crutch.  I have been going through this for over 3 months, first surgery and immobilization left me with a frozen joint, lots of scar tissue.  I had the surgery to correct this on Nov. 1. ( LOA, LR, and MUA)  I am 15 days post op so I think my ROM is pretty good so far.  I hope I continue to progress like this!  Anyway, the iPod is a really good idea.  I might try that with mine.  Did it help?  Sometimes my PT will talk to me about everyday stuff to help distract me too.  She is wonderful.  She isn't that much older than me so we can relate pretty well.  I like her a lot.  She is very kind and caring.  You'll get through the pain!  I know you will, because you want your life back to the way it was before your knee issues.  You will do what it takes.  Somehow, we all just get through it.  We are all here to help each other too! :-)

To PM me, look on the left side of this post where my username is and under it, there is a small blue icon that says "IM" in it.  Click on that and it will open a box much like the one you type in to post in a thread and you'll notice at the top that it says, To:  "fitnesskitty" and when you are done typing, just click, "Send" under the text box.  I hope that makes sense! :-)

Anyway, here's wishing you continued success!  PM me anytime!  I am always happy to share and listen!

Take care!  Hugs!

Sarah