Brighter futures

[gatiger]

As described in my older posts, I have really struggled with the physical therapy portion of my recovery and the painful part of regaining ROM. Since my 'grand epiphany' 3-4 weeks ago, I have pretty much stopped stressing over my ROM and gone about my 'normal activities'. Back to work and doing whatever the rest of my bunch were doing. I stopped trying to bend and push and being stressed about it. I had decided that I would accept what I have and live with it. Last night, just kinda for the heck of it, I checked my ROM and found that since my last therapy session, March 3rd, I have gained close to 15*. I was really surprized and pleased as I had expected some improvement with time, but not that much or that soon.
Now, please understand, I am definately not saying everyone should stop therapy, but I am saying that therapy is not the end of our road. I may very well be an anomaly, I have been told that 'I aint like most folks', but we all get so consumed with how much 'progress' we make or don't make in therapy and I think we should understand that life goes on after therapy is done. If my increase is a gift, I happily and thankfully accept it; because I had reached 'my limit'. God blesses us in so many ways that we don't even notice at the time and we get so fixated on 'right now, today, this minute' that we sometimes miss His blessings.
I just wanted to share this 'good news' with all of you who have helped me through my struggles in 'darker days'. Thanks, I apologize for the long post, and God Bless you all.

 

[Doug]

Gat, very well said...Like you, I had quit worring so much about how many degrees I was and went with what made me feel better for the life I want to live..
I just posted on one of the other threads that I just got back from the gym and today I started doing upper body work again. I've been so focused on this knee that I've now got to pay the price and not be able to lift my arms tomorrow.
I love to lift weights. I may or may not get back fully into martial arts but overall I am satisfied that if I just include my legs in a "normal" workout regime, I'll continue to improve..
And it just dawned on me. I didn't take a pain pill this a.m. I don't need one right now.
Time for the mall walk..wish me luck (you know what I mean).
Later dude.--------doug.

 

[Pattipoo]

Thrilled for you!!

 

[Sue]

Congrats on the increased ROM despite giving up the worrying!

My surgeon released me from PT before my physical therapist thought I was ready. He basically told me to get on with my life, regardless of how many degrees I had achieved. He said a lot of ROM comes back with time, doing our normal activities.

I'm 5 months and 2 days post-surgery and there is very little that I cannot do. In addition to the normal stuff like working and housework, I am gardening and cleaning the garage. I haven't had the ability to do these things, nor did I have the energy due to chronic knee pain, for several years.

Once in a while, my surgery knee reminds me to be a little careful, like "Oh, I can't bend *quite* that far yet," but for the most part I am more capable than I have been in years.

Sue

 

[Skeet]

Great news and attitude, Gat. I agree with you completely. A good life is what this was all about in the first place. I can do most everything I need to and I'm doing it without pain. God bless the folks that invented replaceable knee parts and surgeons who use them!

And, Doug, you are reminding me that I need to ensure my arms are strong enough to carry a rifle around for those 10,000 steps. And those steps are quite slow, so I think I'm still in need of more stamina and strength! Running ain't on my agenda at this point.

 

[gatiger]

If you can hold a gun, why run???, just askin

 

[Doug]

Skeet do you have some weights at home??

Gat, you are right on "target"(pun intended) today....
Have you been in the meds again??

 

[gatiger]

Just high on life my bruh.

 

[Skeet]

Yep, no need to run, just turn and shoot. I do have weights at home and I'm using them!

 

[Doug]

Better work on the front of the shoulder for that recoil...Especially if I ever let you shoot that 450 that I'm still trying to figure out how to smuggle into the house, yet claim I've had it for years. Yep, I'm whipped.

 

[Skeet]

I know what you mean, Doug. My husband loves to tell his friends that I am not only good with more guns but I encourage his 'habit'. My guns have minimal recoil, which is great!