4 weeks and 4 days post op and things are moving along and looking up. I reached 100 unassisted with my ROM on Wednesday. What an accomplishment considering I left the hospital at 48. I will admit that the stress of ROM had really taken a toll on my mentally during this journey. I was so afraid with two blood clots that I would never make it 90 much less 100. I can see the sun now through all the clouds! I will tell everyone that is struggling with their ROM to hang in there. It will get better. I had my 4 week post op check on Tuesday. My surgeon was satisfied with my flexion and extension. He has a very dry sense of humor so satisfied is how he reacts to just about everything. He did show a glimmer of excitement with my gait and seemed pleased to see how well I was walking, lack of a limp, and my weight distribution while walking. He took my walker away and told me to use a cane while I am out in public if I felt the need but for the most part he was fine with me ditching all the mobility aids. I have been cleared to drive but haven't tried it yet. I think I will try a parking lot first just so my husband can see that I am able to drive without causing a five car pile up. I was cleared for the swimming pool-thank goodness. There is nothing like being in the horrid heat of Tampa, Florida with a beautiful pool in your backyard and not being allowed to use it. Tomorrow will be my last day of in home physical therapy and Monday I start outpatient. I was very fortunate to find a place that is 3 miles from my house and has a good reputation. I have already talked to all the therapists and informed them that I did not want them trying to bend and break my knee in position. They all assured me that I am control of my therapy and they are in there to see me succeed! I will see the surgeon again in four weeks. I was taken off of Coumadin and put on xarelto because my PT INR levels would not come down. I was only on 2 mgs of Coumadin and my levels were still at a 5.4. I am okay with the new med as it means no more finger pokes and I can eat my greens again. I stopped on the way home and got the biggest bag of spinach I could find and ate just about all of it along with an avocado and a few stalks of broccoli. I am a green veggie addict! I was able to see the x-ray of my new knee. I think it is amazing and it looks beautiful to me. My first bill came in the mail on Monday. The hospital has billed my insurance 106,470.00 thus far. That figure does not include the doctor's fee or anesthesia. My husband and I did a quick total of all my knee procedures and our total is about 750,000.00. I would imagine that number is low. That did not include physical therapy, drugs, durable equipment, or office visits. Amazing. Thank goodness for some very good medical insurance. This is one of the good things that we earned for the 20+ years my husband spent serving this country.
I have a quick story to tell before I sign off. The day I was given the all clear to get in the pool and I came home and immediately suited up. It had rained right before I got in the pool so the water was a tad colder than it normally is for this time of year. I think the thermometer said 86 when I got in. It was all I could do not jump in the pool but I squashed the little kid talking in my head and took it slow and easy down the steps. I got in to my waist and just stood in the water letting my body relax. All of a sudden the weirdest feeling came over my leg that was painful and nauseating at the same time. The cooler water temps had penetrated my skin and I could feel it creeping down my replacement. I actually felt the cold water in the metal going down the internal portion of my lower leg. The best description would be like pouring cold water directly into the marrow of your leg bone. I had to put my head down on the side of the pool and ride out the very unnerving feeling. Thank goodness it was short lived but it is something I will not forget anytime soon. I will say that they water was extremely relaxing and better than any pain medication I could have taken. Stretching my leg was so much easier and pleasant than ever and my poor tight muscles relaxed instantly. My back had been hurting and sore lately so the pool brought some relief that area as well. I was so tempted to take off dive underwater but I decided to save that for later on when I am stronger. I would hate to come this far only to drown because I was trying to be Micheal Phelps! I basically spent 30 minutes floating around in the water bending and stretching my leg feeling like life could only get better if I had a cold beer in my hand. It has been a wonderful week thus far me. I look forward to accomplishing more and maybe putting my dance shoes on and trying out a few steps in the coming weeks. Best wishes to all my Bonesmart friends.
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