Day 37

I can't say that I've been slacking with the updates, there just has not been much to update anyone on!  My instructions were very limited on what I can and cannot do until my follow-up appointment on the 6.5 week mark.  At this point, I have started back up with work part time which has been tolerable.  I am still dealing with some swelling issues when I am on my feet for awhile, but that is also contributed to the leg brace being strapped on fairly securely.  On the positive, there is no pain whatsoever when I am on my feet for an extended period of time.  Pretty much every day, I get out and do some for of exercise.  I head to the gym every third day to strength train upper body, core, and standing multi-directional leg lifts.  Getting around on each machine with my leg flexibility improving has become much easier.  On the recumbent bike, I think I was able to manage up to 40 minutes the other day.  My range of motion is around 100 degrees, so I am able to get around full revolutions on the bike more quickly.  The resistance is still set at the lowest level per doctor orders, even though I feel like I can start putting some weight into my leg.  With the brace on, my leg feels very stable when I am on the crutches moving around.  Without the brace, there is still a feeling of instability with more awareness of the surgical area...but nothing alarming!  Outside of the gym, I usually head to the track when my brother goes running to do 2-3 laps around the outermost lane.  I was instructed to put a small amount of weight through my quad when my knee is bent, then crutch through the movement.  Those 2-3 laps take about 45min, much much slower than what I used to do in my running days haha.  I know I am not putting much weight through my leg, but I have no had any sharp pain in the medial side of my knee which I have had for the last 3 years since before the surgery.  Even though that pain was the osteoarthritis acting up from my bowed leg, I am hoping to not feel that once I can start weight bearing next week!  If that is the case, then I'll be very ecstatic and most likely have a couple beers!

Next week is when the greater improvements in my function begin, so I hope to continue to offer encouraging news!

Joel

Day 55

I woke up today with my knee/shin feeling the best it has since the surgery.  For the past week, I've been doing my own physical therapy with some guidance from a physical therapist.  Overall, the exercises are the same as the ones I went through from my last surgery.  I still have issues with tightness around my knee and upper shin, but the range of motion is up to 120 degrees once I get it worked out.  Weight bearing has been absolutely fine with no pain in the bone, and my goal this week is to be off my last crutch in the next few days.  Again, the major focus is building up the muscle strength and endurance to be able to better control walking.  Despite the knee getting tight and inflamed a bit from greater use, it subsides a lot quicker than just last week. 

At the gym, I'm up to about 30min on the upright bike, 3x/week, at resistance level 5.  I'm not trying to push it as it is still a low resistance level but will work my way up to a greater resistance level every week as tolerable.  Strength training for upper body has been going extremely well since I started around week 4, and adjusting myself on the machines is no problem anymore.  Core training and flexibility is becoming more sound as well.  Walking around the pool and testing out some light swimming has been a nice complement to normal weight bearing load.

Overall, my mood is riding high and I'm beginning to look towards my next surgery.  I have my next appointment in about 4 weeks, and if my strength looks good, we'll start the next consultation!

Joel

9 Weeks

My crutches were in the closet finally for the past week, and I have been relying solely on the unloader brace to get around.  Without the brace, my leg strength is still too weak to get around comfortably.  I am not sure how long ultimately I may have to use the brace, but either way my knee feels more comfortable with it on for now.  Despite the independence from the crutches, I still am a few weeks out from more natural range of motion and confidence in my knee.  The demand of my job requires a lot of standing and walking around.  On top of that, I usually head out for a 30min walk 3x/week.  My plan is to continue to listen to my body and err on the side of caution through 12 weeks when I see the doctor again. 

I continue to do my lower body exercises 3x/week, strength train upper body/core 2x/week, and bike 2-3 days/week for 30min on light-moderate resistance.  Swimming will become part of the routine after 12 weeks as I am still having issues with range of motion and stability in my knee.  Hitting the pool though this weekend was definitely more comfortable than last!

I am still staying confident and optimistic that everything is on track while keeping my mind set on my long terms goals!

Thanks all for the support and positive vibes!

Joel