Update: 4 months minus one week

[CG'sknees]

It's almost four months since my RTKA and I have to say things are GREAT! I've been back at work for almost 2 months, and that's about the biggest struggle for me. That is, remembering to get up from my desk to keep the juices flowing in the legs. I haven't had to take any vicodin for the past month, just the usual ibuprofen since I still have inflammatory arthritic condition that make other parts do strange things. And the tissue underneath the incision above my knee is still pretty lumpy in places, so I try my best to massage it. But otherwise the right leg is terrific.

It's the still-to-be-operated-on left side that is causing some problems. First I developed tendonitis in the heel/ankle area, and went off to see a podiatrist. I was doing some more intense stretching of my too-tight calf muscles, which seemed to cause a problem with my IT band, or some other tendons in my left leg. I could barely walk on it a few days ago. But the podiatrist got the OK from knee surgeon to do a short course of oral cortisone, and that seems to have helped my left side immensely. I was able to take my first bike ride outdoors today, the first in 5 months, and I was in tears with happiness. Now if lefty can just hang on for awhile I should be OK for the next few months. *fingers crossed*

I hope everyone is doing well. This board has been, and continues to be, such a wonderful resource for people facing these life changing surgeries. We are all lucky to have found it.

Hugs,
CG

 

[Judles]

Sounds like you're doing great CG! Keep up the great recup!

 

[JudyS]

CG
So glad the oral steroids have helped. I know it can be frustrating for the other side of our bodies to become jealous of all the attention!!!
Congrats on your bike ride. I am waiting for the ok from my dec. knee scope to get on my bike.
judy

 

[Jamie]

CG.....wonderful report! You were brave to attempt work so early in your recovery. What a trooper!!! I'm sure things will settle down in the operated knee. 'Course then you'll just begin a new round of fun with the other one, won't you. But look ahead and how wonderful life will be when they are both bionic. Let us hear from you now and then when you can....but ESPECIALLY when you know you will be going in for that second surgery. We'll be here for you.