Ralph is one today! What a journey this past year has been. As I reflect on the journey, I am reminded of those early days of intense struggle and pain, the lesson of patience so hard to learn, and the comfort of support and friendship here. I have always been open and honest about what this experience was like in hope that others would really know what to expect and that they were not alone. So, what is life with Ralph like now? I continue to have swelling when I am on my feet doing a lot. The swelling makes the knee tight, uncomfortable, and limits my ROM. It goes away with rest. A nuisance at times - I manage. As I walk, I can feel (not hear) a click in the knee replacement. My OS reminded me that the joint is mechanical and that is completely normal. The swelling is normal for some of us special people fondly called "swellers" by surgeons. I like to think we are SWELL and just special in our recovery! Hahaha! It will get better with time I am told. Every now and then, I will have some soft tissue pain. It does not worry me, as I know it will feel better with rest. I still have a numb spot on the side of my knee. These things do not worry me as I know they are normal for some of us. Healing TAKES TIME. The worst thing that came about with my TKR was the diverticulitis I developed and that has completely changed my life. I wish I had never seen an opiod medication and the ensuing constipation they caused while taking or the diarrhea the withdrawal caused. Some people are different from others and are extremely sensitive to medications. I am one of them. If I had to give someone any advice, it would be to be patient. With all of that said....I have no bone on bone pain and it is WONDERFUL! Life has been good with new activity and the promise of a life LIVED - not on the sidelines.
For those of you that followed my journey and offered encouragement, thank you. For all those getting ready to embark on this journey, take heart. You will get through it and be glad you did.