catch up

I know it has been weeks since my last post but due to setbacks, I was unable to post. I have been through many changes in my recovery and will touch on a few. First, the complications I was having with the cpm and range of motion modalities, stemmed from what we initially thought was celluitis. Dr. Looney, immediately put me on Augmentin and did an aspiration of my knee. The procedure was less painful than I feared and the 25cc of blood removed looked normal. Next, I was sent for STAT labwork which thanks to hospitals farting around took about 4 days to get the results back. During, that time my knee had massive edema and near circumferential redness and heat.I was scheduled for a Lavage, in case infection was found. Thankfully, all labwork came back normal and no additional surgery was necessary. With a second opinion from Dr Calendine, the diagnosis was major trauma from the surgery caused the skin to become inflammed, irritated and heavily bruised.
In fact, I am now ten weeks out and the bruising and edema are still visible.

Range of Motion: I have slowly progressed and then degressed. In week eight my extension was 108 and flexion 119, weeks nine and ten, the flexion was 109 and 115 respectively. I am unsure of the change as my physical therapy practice has remained the same, two complete sessions a day with multiple quad sets and heel slides. We have now added low resistance stationary bike riding, which doesn't bring the relief I was hoping for. With my other surgeries, it would break up the scar tissue and take away most of the pressure, within the knee. But this isn't most surgeries! Dr Looney, is satisfied with my ROM and when I asked about the amount of pain that is still present, he reminded me that I'm only two months postop. I should expect this amount of pain until around the sixth month.

The osteotomy hurts just as bad as the knee does. Evenmore, now that I'm full weightbearing. I can feel the screws under the skin now and I must admit, it's freaky. I notice an increase in pain when the weather turns cool and when its raining. A myth? I don't think so.

I felt horrible until week six, that's when I became full weightbearing. Well technically, because I still had to use the walker, then progressed to the cane. I spent the better part of two months indoors, only going out for pt and Dr appointments. Trust me, you won't have any desire to go out and if you do, the pain and weakness isn't worth it.

At week ten, I feel much better. I can't say that I walk much better but I'm getting there. The fine staff at Top Rehab are doing their best to get me healed. Even, when I complain and pretend to do mini squats. Dr. Looney and Dr Calendine have given me their all and dedication. As I must say this surgery has been hard on not only me, but my family, friends, and medical team.