Day 11 - July 13 - a day of lessons learned

Today started out rough, but it gave me vital information that I can use to help my recovery fuller!

I had PT first thing in the morning and I did not stretch or use my CPM machine before she can. We had a really tough time getting my leg limber and awake. It was also much more painful. This gives me the information:

1. My leg is MUCH stiffer in the morning
2. I need to do stretching and strengthening exercises 1st thing in the AM
3. Before PT I need to use my CPM machine as well as my exercises
4. Before my DR appointment on Wednesday (post-op) I need to use my CPM machine and exercises

Finally after working hard, I finally got the same measurements as on Friday. This really bummed me out since I have worked so hard this weekend on my knee. But I really feel I would have had better measurements if my knee was not so stiff.

I have GREAT news! I am able to walk completely around my house WITHOUT my walker, cane, crutches ANYTHING!!! And I WALK I do not LIMP!!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I look like a normal person for the first time in a long time.

I also learned another thing. My 12 hour meds really only last 8-9 hours. So I need to be proactive about this and take the break through meds sooner. However, I only need to take 1 break through med not 2. I am also trying to find a way to test to see if I can lower my 12 hour dosage without causing pain. So after I see the Dr on Wednesday I am going to try to lower my dosage to just 1 pill every 12 hours instead of 2...If it doesn't work I will wait a few days and try again. My focus is on staying pain managed though so I can recover fast like I have been. However, I need to have a plan on weaning myself off the meds. Oxycotin is synthetic heroin and I do not want to become addicted. So this has to be part of my recovery game plan.

Since I waited a little too long to take my break through meds, Honora was worried the pain would get out of control and that nothing would bring it down. But I remember that last time I was in pain Honora suggested that I take a walk and it helped bring the pain under control. So I was like...I need a walk. So Meghan and Daniel came with me. IT HELPED!!! So 1 pill and a nice brisk walk helps the pain get controllable!!!

I also made another major accomplishment. I was able to walk (with my walker) all the way down to the mailboxes and back. I really want to get a pedometer so I can see how far I am walking. Meghan and Daniel came with me and they both said I was walking normal and FAST! That is awesome. My arms, back, and hands were the things to get tired out! My legs did great. My feet also did better than last time. I need to get off the walker as soon as possible because my hands/wrists do not like it much! But I also do not want to compromise my progress. I am dedicated to work my butt off, BUT NOT hurt myself.

It was exciting, after the walk and I iced my knee I discovered that I gave myself a sore right calf!!! It was exciting, it has been such a long time since I used my right calf muscle enough for it to be sore from exercise.

I also had a nice day relaxing and playing with Elizabeth. It really helps me not feel so useless. It also helps me not be so bored. I was also able to do some laundry.

I am very excited with my progress. I think I am doing really well and Honora is really proud of how fast I am recovering. I showed her today how I can walk without my walker!!!!

It has been nice having her here, especially for company. I really do not NEED the help but I do NEED to company. We are use to hanging out a lot, so if she was not here...I think I would be lonely.

Well that is all for now. Meghan has to drive Daniel home (I get to ride shotgun) and then I need to come back and do my 3 set of exercises and go to bed!

Hopefully we can jump start my car, the battery is currently dead. I need to find out what is wrong and get it fixed as soon as possible!