A brief update as some requested. Will keep it simple but informative.
- Range of motion - I believe 135 deg is max for new knee and I'm at aprox 110. On stationary bike last two sessions. A lot of grunting and sweating.
- Completed first week of out-patient therapy and they feel I'm a little ahead of schedule. I feel like I'm way behind. I call the therapy center the 'house of pain' and feel water-boarding must be easier.
- Weight...eehuh, I dunno. I lost close to 20 lbs before surgery and glad I did. Mostly plant based eating. Since surgery I lost another 8 lbs, same style eating. Wasn't prepared for that! Last two weeks I thought I looked like a death camp survivor, but now getting used to the new look. Checked my BMI (body mass index) and I'm more than safe.
Muscle atrophy - wasn't expecting that either but told some atrophy is normal. Eating more protein and adding more exercise as I can endure it.
Gluten free - never knew what it was actually. When you're on an opioid based pain-killer you find that gluten is a real set-back. Just eat the prunes! Hate that...
Scar tissue - something to learn, you're in a race against your scar healing and your knee stiffening up. The scar is going to heal. Take it from there. Unfortunately (?) I heal rather quickly, scar line looks good but makes fighting knee flexibility by breaking up the scar tissue that much harder.
Home prep and equipment - glad I did all I did, even if I only used something for just a week.
Walking - short intervals no problem. Down the block and back, slight problem. Around the block, not possible. I don't use any support now. I drove for the first time yesterday no problem but not long distance.
If you're looking done the road at doing this, or know someone that is and you would like more information, feel free to contact me for more information.
Good health to you! |
