Good afternoon all.
I am sorry that I have been quieter and not replying as much as I should have, but I fell into a slump and having a bit of trouble climbing out. My appointment went the same. I am at 70 degrees but struggling to maintain it due to swelling. I will not allow anyone to push my knee, either. I am improving that way because of all of you here and the way you share the more natural way to heal. Once I got my mind to accept this fantastic method of therapy, I found myself improving. But swelling has now become 13 pounds in fluid, and I am losing the ROM because of it. All my surgeon says is he wants the 90 degrees and that I needed to be in the Ted Hose he forgot. Not one word of encouragement. The PA wanted to start compression wraps, which I know work from using them in the past, and finally, the surgeon agreed. They both asked me if I was still taking blood thinners when I tell them they never gave them to me. They exchange glances and say, well, aspirin is good too, but I know from my own experience they bare not as effective as Brilinta, which I have been on before for DVTs.
They X-rayed me again, and the PA, while looking at them, seemed bothered. She abruptly said I will be right back. The surgeon came in and directly went to the x-rays and just exchanged looks again, so I asked. The comment was that he hoped we do not need to redo the surgery as it would be a nightmare for him and me. What aren't they telling me? This, the Ted hose, the blood thinners, and their shock over the 13 pounds of fluid. It's so uncomfortable with this excess weight from the beginning and increasing. They told me it is not unusual, but this much is concerning but to keep pushing for 90 to 110 degrees by the next visit. They may have gotten mad because I looked at them and laughed. I informed them that my knee improves but only when babied and doing easy moves-not being tortured. Now, they are suggesting I see a different therapist-#3 as she is a friend of theirs who does this compression bandages after therapy. I thought about it, but it is a very long drive, and my husband and I know how to do the wraps.
Maybe I am nothing more than a child who needs that recognition from their authority consulted, but I felt going from 51 degrees on Friday to 70 degrees on Monday was a big deal. They didn't! I do not care, but I did. A small token of encouragement from them would be nice instead of constant disappointment. Make sense?
Has anyone experienced this kind of issue or retained so many pounds, and knowing you can't fix it alone? How do you get out of your slump? I was excited about my progress, especially since it was done without much discomfort. I still am but bumped by my medical care. I hope I can help all of you as you have me. You are all in my prayers, and I thank you for yours too.
Thank you for listening,
Mamie