Three weeks post knee surgery and still on crutches. It’s taking longer than I thought but my physiotherapist (Daphne) assures me I am right on track and that my progress is actually good. I’ve been given exercises to do and I have to ice and elevate my knee for half an hour three times a day, which has been pretty challenging with my busy schedule at home.
It’s pretty embarrassing having Daphne work on my leg. Ever since the surgery I haven’t been able to bend or stretch enough to comfortably shave or put lotion on my legs. They are looking pretty scary. Even my toes have nail polish from over a month ago that is faded and neglected. No one mentions this part of the aftermath of surgery! I’m sure she’s seen everything and has had to massage her share of hairy legs (from men, to boot) but it is still quite embarrassing.
Probably the nicest thing about all this is that Daniel has been driving me twice a week to the hospital for my physiotherapy. Right after the the last of the kids leaves on the school bus, we make the 45 minute trip. He double parks in front of the doors and helps me out of the car, then while I’m at physio he sits in the waiting room and reads the paper. After my session, on our way back home, we run errands and we sometimes go out to eat. Doesn’t it sound like something seniors do – drive each other to the doctor, wait, and then go to a restaurant after?
Last week we had lunch at an Italian restaurant on the Lachine canal. It was a gorgeous day and we sat outside and it felt like a real date. He must have read my wish list (see previous blog entry!).
On Tuesday I see my surgeon and he’ll likely clear me to drive myself so that will be the end of our little trips. I’m almost sad thinking about it.
i should read all your blogs… miss you!
when you say reconstructive surgery, does that mean that after full recovery your knee will be just like new? or will there still be some limitations in terms of movement?
If the surgery and rehab are successful, then after 9 months the knee should be as good as new (if not better). A reconstructed knee has actually more stability than a regular knee because the hamstring or patella graft used to replace the torn ligament is stronger than a ligament. Sorry i got so scientific on you!