Hi Leslie---I just saw your note to me from December 12. I'm not sure why I didn't get the usual email notification that someone had tagged me. But I'm glad I saw it, and wanted to respond.
I can tell something is still not right behind my left knee, but it is much better with my reduced kneeling and activity level. I am glad to hear that your meniscus tear healed its own, and hope that mine will too. Another friend said she had a repair to hers a long time ago and it was not that difficult of a surgery. Of course, as you and I both know recovery from any type of surgery can be so unpredictable, and like you with your knee, I also hope to avoid a surgery.
I looked into Feldenkrais after you mentioned it. There are a couple of places in Boulder and Fort Collins I found that offer classes, but they are through private fitness centers/studios and really pricey. ( And 40-60 minutes from where I live.) One of my goals after the holidays is to come up with a couple of classes/activities I can do without overdoing in order to build my fitness back up. I still plan to see if there are other options for Feldenkrais---do you know if it goes by any other name? Do you live in a large city? The area I am in is typically very with it in terms of fitness options so I keep thinking I just be missing something.
Your anxiety attack over the exercise equipment at PT sounds really rough. So glad you made it through it, and your therapist proved to be a helpful, empathetic person! There is nothing worse than a full blown anxiety attack. I am not prone to them but have had a couple in my life and it's really hard to describe to others how awful you feel in the midst of one. I sure hope your therapy continues to help you with your knee. And also, remember that sometimes just backing off, doing the ice, rest, and acetaminophen treatment can help settle things down.
Do you take any supplements? Since I'm unable to take NSAIDS, I have found supplements with turmeric/curcumin, glucosamine, and magnesium to be especially helpful in reducing pain and inflammation.
I hope your birthday, and your Christmas were both very jolly!