Had my first post-op appointment with my OS this morning. They took x-rays and he showed me the "before" view of my poor knee. Was tilted, bone-on-bone toward the inner side. My kneecap had slid way over, and there was a huge bone spur. I jokingly said he could tell I wasn't faking the pain and he heartily agreed. My new knee is a thing of beauty. Perfectly straight, kneecap exactly centered. He suggested I see his partner who is a foot and ankle man about getting some othotics. I am pretty flat-footed, and my fused left ankle makes my left foot even more askew. I talked to him about my other knee. I have pretty good space in the joint, but my kneecap is horrible, just like its former mate. He said that he preferred to wait until my new knee fully blossoms, since I am really having no discomfort on my left side at present. So unless that changes, I think I will wait until the same time, next year for my left knee. He was happy with my extension and flexion, and wants me to get to 120. He said I should try to do it in the first four months. I did not explain to him that I can improve up to a year.
He said I can swim
.
And gave me a return-to-work release.
I went into the office to find flowers, balloons, and a cake awaiting me. My co-workers are so sweet. I babied my knee all day, icing and elevating, and moving carefully and slowly. I was a little worried around 1pm, when I felt a little queasy, but soon ascribed that to the slice of cake I had. I have been so careful with my diet since the surgery that my body was in shock from that serving of sugar. That feeling passed quickly.
I had piles of work waiting for me, and I did not get it all done, but made great progress. Am now home icing and elevating. I don't see any swelling, but my knee was tighter getting in the car to come home, so I know some exists. My husband and son are heading off to the gym and when they get back we are all going swimming. My pool light was checked out and found not to be a death trap.
So a great first day back. We will see how I sleep tonight and feel in the morning. The only thing that hurts right now is my fused ankle - it has not gotten a workout in 3 1/2 weeks, and needs a good stretch. And I am not going to swim, really. Just float around draped over my noodle. Life is good!
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