I had an appointment with my OS today. It is hard to believe it has been FIVE months since surgery! Ralph is coming along. The bad pain I had from the PT incident has finally gone away - thanks to time and the TENS unit. I have the occasional jolt when those nerves keep waking up, although the numb spot is still fairly large. It is still strange shaving a numb knee! Ha! The knee continues to swell when I am on it. The swelling causes a discomfort - perhaps a level 2 on the pain scale. My extension and flexion are hampered by the swelling. I am riding my recumbent at least 20 minutes a day with the seat set as far forward as I can stand to make a rotation. Usually I have to raise my hip to make those first few rotations, but then can peddle ok. Ralph makes a clicking when I peddle - the OS said this was normal - saying " after all, the knee is mechanical". I do really like my surgeon and his willingness to talk with me. I asked him how he felt I was in my recovery and he feels I am doing fine considering everything I have been through. He stated that some people stop swelling within a couple of months, some 6 months and some a year. Guess which one I will be? He is referring me to the home PT office to see one of the therapists that does a special type of wrapping for edema. I am not sure about it, but I am always game to try anything that doesn't involve medications. Medication has made my recovery a nightmare. The gastroenterologist feels my morphine withdrawal may have contributed to the diverticulitis. I don't have diarrhea every day anymore, but the pain is with me most days. I would really like to get over this. I am thankful that the diarrhea is not happening every day now - just once a week perhaps. Finding the food that triggers this is still a mystery.
Charlie has made me more active playing with him and I have started walking him around the block. Getting a little beagle helps in many ways. The cat, GiGi, is really trying to get him to play, but he just ignores her still.
I am ever thankful for the support and friendship I have received here on BoneSmart. Having a knee replaced is not for the faint of heart - as many of us have found out the hard way. May each of you know painfree days and the joy of walking with a natural gait.
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I can't say I have more hair like you and Karol - I have been losing the hair on my head though! Wish it would grow there. Perhaps all the massaging that is done on the knee? Thank you for saying you have the click on the bike. I usually ride after being outside with Charlie. I play with him, then come in the basement (it is a daylight basement) and ride my recumbent in front of the double windows so I can watch him. So, it is swollen by that time. Charlie is really coming into his own. I am really trying to work on the recall command. It is a little tough with his beagle nose!! He will be making a bee line for me when I whistle, then smell something on the way and make a sudden turn to follow the scent. It is kinda funny to watch, but is getting very frustrating! You are right, it is good for both of us to walk. We are working on intentional walking instead of marking and sniffing EVERY blade of grass around the block.
