Hi Team
Forgot to mention that Memorial Day marked the 3 yr anniversary of my knee injury. It's bitter sweet you know.....the seemingly innocent knee injury that has taken over and consumed the last 3 years. However, I am on the other side of this tunnel and feeling better than ever!! So....happy anniversary!! :)
Friday, June 6, 2014
7 Months Post TKR!!! WOOHOOOO!!!
Hi ACI Team
Seriously, I am a kinda sucky blogger......don't think this could ever be my profession since I don't update very often! lol!
So, if you've read anything I've ever written you will not be surprised to hear me say....I cannot believe I've made it this far! I have survived 7 months post TKR and in fact just realized today this is the longest stretch of not being cut into since Aug 2012.....my story seems unimaginable....but I'll take 7 months all day!! :)
Wanted to give everyone an update since my last post in March. I stopped PT at 4 months for a lot of reasons, some of which started centering around depression stemming from anesthesia and plain ole surgical trauma. Seems odd I know, to be honest I had felt so horrible since the surgery back in August and since I've never suffered from any type of depression really didn't recognize the signs as they were happening. I've never shared too many feelings in all of my posts since I figured if you're reading my blog you probably already know how it feels. I also didn't want to "poison the well" if you know what I mean and never really wanted my blog to be about anything other than physical recover. After some therapy (mental) and research surrounding Post Surgical Anxiety and Depression (it is a real thing here's a link if you're interested or feeling the same way http://www.rolereboot.org/life/details/2013-04-depression-after-surgery-is-a-real-and-dangerous-thi) I feel better than ever!
So....getting back to it. I stopped PT at 4 months and decided I could handle the rest on my own. At first I took a week off. This was advice from my acupuncturist, we had a long conversation about active and passive recovery and chances are I needed a little passive recovery! On a side note, I also quit going to spin class for a while, spin was really bothering both my knees, hips, back, etc.....really I just wasn't ready. After that week I started walking around this small reservoir near our house, then getting around it twice, then walking fast around it twice. After a couple weeks, I headed back to the rec center and started walking on the treadmill 30 minutes alternating between a 2,4,6, and 8% grade, kind of doing my own tabata drills....on off days I was doing Pilate's and total gym at home. Then I started alternating between the treadmill and arc trainer (stepper type thing).....won't lie, that was a little scary but I did it....doing cardio 3x a week for an hour and strength training 2x a week. About a month ago I bought a set of Body Pump DVD's and weights to add in more strength training, also started working on the elliptical I have in the basement. SO....the last 4 weeks have been pretty awesome. I've been working out 5 or 6 days a week with 3 of those strength training and the other 2 or 3 cardio.....Big difference! I feel so much stronger and I seriously love these DVD's.....like everyone I had gained some weight after these last few surgeries but I have seen serious improvement in the last 4 weeks.....I'm talking I can see quad in that leg, you know the line on the side where your quad is and starting to see definition in my back, chest, arms, etc....just kinda of buff looking....lol! Only those of you who've been through it know....if you know then you know! lol!
I've also been riding outside about once a week and so far the longest ride has been 15 miles. During the rides my knee feels good...I mean really good! In fact, my next ride is one of my fav ways to go and its 16 miles.....which is what I was doing last year when I was riding outside.
My 6 month dr appt the dr asked me if this surgery was worth it.....it almost made me cry and if you've read any of my posts you know how my dr loves it when I start crying.....anyhow the answer is YES!!! If you had asked me at any point before that my answer would not have been yes....but now that the pain is almost none (I hardly even take ibuprofen anymore) I can't believe it took so long to get to this point!
Anyhow......I'll keep you all updated and hope you all are doing well....we are a TEAM you know!! :)
Seriously, I am a kinda sucky blogger......don't think this could ever be my profession since I don't update very often! lol!
So, if you've read anything I've ever written you will not be surprised to hear me say....I cannot believe I've made it this far! I have survived 7 months post TKR and in fact just realized today this is the longest stretch of not being cut into since Aug 2012.....my story seems unimaginable....but I'll take 7 months all day!! :)
Wanted to give everyone an update since my last post in March. I stopped PT at 4 months for a lot of reasons, some of which started centering around depression stemming from anesthesia and plain ole surgical trauma. Seems odd I know, to be honest I had felt so horrible since the surgery back in August and since I've never suffered from any type of depression really didn't recognize the signs as they were happening. I've never shared too many feelings in all of my posts since I figured if you're reading my blog you probably already know how it feels. I also didn't want to "poison the well" if you know what I mean and never really wanted my blog to be about anything other than physical recover. After some therapy (mental) and research surrounding Post Surgical Anxiety and Depression (it is a real thing here's a link if you're interested or feeling the same way http://www.rolereboot.org/life/details/2013-04-depression-after-surgery-is-a-real-and-dangerous-thi) I feel better than ever!
So....getting back to it. I stopped PT at 4 months and decided I could handle the rest on my own. At first I took a week off. This was advice from my acupuncturist, we had a long conversation about active and passive recovery and chances are I needed a little passive recovery! On a side note, I also quit going to spin class for a while, spin was really bothering both my knees, hips, back, etc.....really I just wasn't ready. After that week I started walking around this small reservoir near our house, then getting around it twice, then walking fast around it twice. After a couple weeks, I headed back to the rec center and started walking on the treadmill 30 minutes alternating between a 2,4,6, and 8% grade, kind of doing my own tabata drills....on off days I was doing Pilate's and total gym at home. Then I started alternating between the treadmill and arc trainer (stepper type thing).....won't lie, that was a little scary but I did it....doing cardio 3x a week for an hour and strength training 2x a week. About a month ago I bought a set of Body Pump DVD's and weights to add in more strength training, also started working on the elliptical I have in the basement. SO....the last 4 weeks have been pretty awesome. I've been working out 5 or 6 days a week with 3 of those strength training and the other 2 or 3 cardio.....Big difference! I feel so much stronger and I seriously love these DVD's.....like everyone I had gained some weight after these last few surgeries but I have seen serious improvement in the last 4 weeks.....I'm talking I can see quad in that leg, you know the line on the side where your quad is and starting to see definition in my back, chest, arms, etc....just kinda of buff looking....lol! Only those of you who've been through it know....if you know then you know! lol!
I've also been riding outside about once a week and so far the longest ride has been 15 miles. During the rides my knee feels good...I mean really good! In fact, my next ride is one of my fav ways to go and its 16 miles.....which is what I was doing last year when I was riding outside.
My 6 month dr appt the dr asked me if this surgery was worth it.....it almost made me cry and if you've read any of my posts you know how my dr loves it when I start crying.....anyhow the answer is YES!!! If you had asked me at any point before that my answer would not have been yes....but now that the pain is almost none (I hardly even take ibuprofen anymore) I can't believe it took so long to get to this point!
Anyhow......I'll keep you all updated and hope you all are doing well....we are a TEAM you know!! :)
Monday, March 10, 2014
14 Weeks....OR 3 1/2 months :)
Hi Team!!
Ok, so I'm a slacker blogger and didn't even realize my last post was in January. I'm still in PT, still working on getting that quad back, and still trying to build enough stamina to go for a bike ride of any significance sometime soon. :)
Here's the lowdown! Since my last post I've had another doctors appt. and of course my fears were all the same; was I far enough along, did I heal okay, was there any sign of an infection, was I getting enough flexion, and should I STILL be taking pain medication. The doc was very pleased. I was able to ditch the cane for good at 7 weeks and actually have still been taking pain medication at night....up until the last couple nights. I'm not even taking a whole one anymore, I split them and have been taking half every night. I've always had so much trouble taking pain medication I NEVER thought I would still be taking it over 3 months later. The pain I do have is primarily muscular and there is quite a bit of nerve pain. I don't feel the nerve pain in my back or hip, the pain actually starts on the outside of my knee and runs down into my foot and ankle. Actually, it is quite painful and really has begun to just be kind of a pain in the ass! I always try to look at the bright side.... but I'm getting kind of over some of this stuff! lol!
I DID go for a bike ride....wait for it...OUTSIDE in week 10. Honestly, it was probably the scariest thing I've done in a while. Of course, once I got over my crazy fear I rode 7 miles. I've done this a few times since....it still creates quite a bit of anxiety, but I persevere. I went back to spin class in week 7....basically it hurt like hell and was WAY too early! I tried again in week 8...and while I felt a tad better, it still felt too early. I waited another month before trying again and went to one in week 12. At that point, it was tough but manageable. I haven't tried yet since....I swear I don't know what it is about some of these irrational fears...but I will try again this week!!!
Let me update on what I've been doing in therapy....It's really only looking back at my last post that I see how far I've come.....Got some good news from the PT front! :)
I ride for 10 minutes, stretch on balance board for 3 min, single leg stand on the blue theraband 4x1min, leg press 110lbs 1 set of 10 and 3 sets at 100lbs, TKE black band 4x10, short arc 5lbs 4x10, long arc 5lbs 4x10, calf raises 4x10, straight leg raise 3lbs 4x10, hamstring curls 5lbs 4x10, and last week I just started the hip series and competed 2 sets.....btw....THOSE were a killer!! Some of these exercises hurt more than others obviously....for instance single leg stand has really become my least favorite and hurts quite a bit!
One more funny item to share.......my PTA told me a massage would be beneficial and my PT office has a massage guy. SO.....I had a massage....lets just say this wasn't a leisurely stress reducing massage...in fact I refer to it as fist in quad and IT band....for an hour. It was extremely painful and I was super bruised up near my hips...hip flexors. I was so sore for a couple days.....BUT, now that the worst is over I think it actually helped. If I could survive another one, my hamstrings and calf's really need...you know some fist work! lol! I'll keep you all posted....not sure if another one is in the cards or not!
Take care team!!
Ralean
Ok, so I'm a slacker blogger and didn't even realize my last post was in January. I'm still in PT, still working on getting that quad back, and still trying to build enough stamina to go for a bike ride of any significance sometime soon. :)
Here's the lowdown! Since my last post I've had another doctors appt. and of course my fears were all the same; was I far enough along, did I heal okay, was there any sign of an infection, was I getting enough flexion, and should I STILL be taking pain medication. The doc was very pleased. I was able to ditch the cane for good at 7 weeks and actually have still been taking pain medication at night....up until the last couple nights. I'm not even taking a whole one anymore, I split them and have been taking half every night. I've always had so much trouble taking pain medication I NEVER thought I would still be taking it over 3 months later. The pain I do have is primarily muscular and there is quite a bit of nerve pain. I don't feel the nerve pain in my back or hip, the pain actually starts on the outside of my knee and runs down into my foot and ankle. Actually, it is quite painful and really has begun to just be kind of a pain in the ass! I always try to look at the bright side.... but I'm getting kind of over some of this stuff! lol!
I DID go for a bike ride....wait for it...OUTSIDE in week 10. Honestly, it was probably the scariest thing I've done in a while. Of course, once I got over my crazy fear I rode 7 miles. I've done this a few times since....it still creates quite a bit of anxiety, but I persevere. I went back to spin class in week 7....basically it hurt like hell and was WAY too early! I tried again in week 8...and while I felt a tad better, it still felt too early. I waited another month before trying again and went to one in week 12. At that point, it was tough but manageable. I haven't tried yet since....I swear I don't know what it is about some of these irrational fears...but I will try again this week!!!
Let me update on what I've been doing in therapy....It's really only looking back at my last post that I see how far I've come.....Got some good news from the PT front! :)
I ride for 10 minutes, stretch on balance board for 3 min, single leg stand on the blue theraband 4x1min, leg press 110lbs 1 set of 10 and 3 sets at 100lbs, TKE black band 4x10, short arc 5lbs 4x10, long arc 5lbs 4x10, calf raises 4x10, straight leg raise 3lbs 4x10, hamstring curls 5lbs 4x10, and last week I just started the hip series and competed 2 sets.....btw....THOSE were a killer!! Some of these exercises hurt more than others obviously....for instance single leg stand has really become my least favorite and hurts quite a bit!
One more funny item to share.......my PTA told me a massage would be beneficial and my PT office has a massage guy. SO.....I had a massage....lets just say this wasn't a leisurely stress reducing massage...in fact I refer to it as fist in quad and IT band....for an hour. It was extremely painful and I was super bruised up near my hips...hip flexors. I was so sore for a couple days.....BUT, now that the worst is over I think it actually helped. If I could survive another one, my hamstrings and calf's really need...you know some fist work! lol! I'll keep you all posted....not sure if another one is in the cards or not!
Take care team!!
Ralean
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Whew......6 weeks 2 days!!
Hi Team
I wanted to update on what's been going on through week 6! First, let me say I feel better this week than at any point since the surgery......still a little tired, still achy if I walk too far or stand too long....but much better!! Not surprising I know, but when you're in the midst of feeling so incredibly crappy......it's hard to imagine you'll ever feel normal or see a light at the end of the post-op tunnel!! My therapist and her asst kept giving me goals....hang on until week 2, hang on until week 4, hang on until week 6.....now I understand how good week 6 feels. The last few days......really heading into week 6.....I've been feeling pretty good and definitely much stronger (physically and mentally, amazing what getting off all the medication does for your spirit). I've starting getting out of the house a little more, even actually went to the grocery store by myself to grab a couple things!
I had my 6 week dr. appt a couple days ago, and he is very pleased. It was a good appt!! Walking in cold I was able to flex to 116 and the scar looks super good (thanks to acupuncture)! He told me to keep on working out and riding my bike, of course keep on 2x a week to PT, and keep on taking pain medication when I need it....primarily at night before bed and for PT (funny I needed that permission since I thought I should NOT be taking them and had been trying to manage without)!!
Let me give you an update on what I've been doing exercise wise. I am still riding my bike just about everyday.....1 or 2x a day...I am up to 8.15 miles in 30 minutes......meaning I'm averaging slightly over 16 miles an hour. Basically...I'm cooking!! lol!! In PT: bike x10 minutes, stretching on balance board 3x1 minute, tke with green band 4x10, wall sits 1 for 2 minutes and 3 for 1 minute, calf raises 4x10, single leg raises 2x10, quad sets or short arc 4x10, heel slides 10 minutes, and single leg balance for 1 minute!! I haven't been able to completely ditch my cane yet, but have been walking around the house without it and I imagine I'll be able to get rid of it in the next week or so.
Hope everyone has a good week!!
Ralean
PS.....I haven't started back to spin yet....I still don't move too fast and quite honestly I'm a little nervous (I have no idea why)! I'm really thinking about starting back this Sunday, which would be just about 7 weeks! :)
I wanted to update on what's been going on through week 6! First, let me say I feel better this week than at any point since the surgery......still a little tired, still achy if I walk too far or stand too long....but much better!! Not surprising I know, but when you're in the midst of feeling so incredibly crappy......it's hard to imagine you'll ever feel normal or see a light at the end of the post-op tunnel!! My therapist and her asst kept giving me goals....hang on until week 2, hang on until week 4, hang on until week 6.....now I understand how good week 6 feels. The last few days......really heading into week 6.....I've been feeling pretty good and definitely much stronger (physically and mentally, amazing what getting off all the medication does for your spirit). I've starting getting out of the house a little more, even actually went to the grocery store by myself to grab a couple things!
I had my 6 week dr. appt a couple days ago, and he is very pleased. It was a good appt!! Walking in cold I was able to flex to 116 and the scar looks super good (thanks to acupuncture)! He told me to keep on working out and riding my bike, of course keep on 2x a week to PT, and keep on taking pain medication when I need it....primarily at night before bed and for PT (funny I needed that permission since I thought I should NOT be taking them and had been trying to manage without)!!
Let me give you an update on what I've been doing exercise wise. I am still riding my bike just about everyday.....1 or 2x a day...I am up to 8.15 miles in 30 minutes......meaning I'm averaging slightly over 16 miles an hour. Basically...I'm cooking!! lol!! In PT: bike x10 minutes, stretching on balance board 3x1 minute, tke with green band 4x10, wall sits 1 for 2 minutes and 3 for 1 minute, calf raises 4x10, single leg raises 2x10, quad sets or short arc 4x10, heel slides 10 minutes, and single leg balance for 1 minute!! I haven't been able to completely ditch my cane yet, but have been walking around the house without it and I imagine I'll be able to get rid of it in the next week or so.
Hope everyone has a good week!!
Ralean
PS.....I haven't started back to spin yet....I still don't move too fast and quite honestly I'm a little nervous (I have no idea why)! I'm really thinking about starting back this Sunday, which would be just about 7 weeks! :)
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Happy New Year....4 weeks 3 days!!
Hi ACI Team!!
So......I have survived through the 4 week mark and watched the new year come in......boy am I glad to put 2013 behind me! For the record I don't generally make much out of new years resolutions......but his year my resolution is no more knee surgery! :)
Let me just say, heading into 4 week was significant!! The pain has dramatically decreased in its intensity and I've even started tapering down the pain medication.....to be honest, every once in a while it doesn't even hurt.....STRANGE I KNOW!!! My therapist and her asst. kept telling me a couple weeks ago to hang on until 4 the week mark..... I am pleasantly surprised!!! In fact, I've even made it out of the house other than therapy....lol....we went to an indoor lacrosse game last weekend....I managed to make it through the stadium and to our seat!! It was a harrowing experience.....but fun nonetheless!!
You'll be surprised at the quick changes in strength, here is my current list of exercises. Bike x10 min, balance board stretching 3x1 min, squats on total gym 4x10, tke still with orange band 4x 10 (I'll be moving up the band next week), heel slides 10 min (replaces ball range of motion), wall sits 4x 1min, quad sets and MY QUAD IS MOVING AND MY FOOT IS OFF THE TABLE!!! 4x 10,today I did 4 single leg raises and balanced on that leg for 7 seconds.....sounds lame I know but this is some serious improvement!!! I'm still riding when I'm at home, but still feeling very tired most of the day and still in that post surgery funk......so sometimes I'm just a slacker. My therapist said this morning I should head back to spin class....would it make you laugh if I said I was scared....why? I have absolutely no idea....but I may try one next week!
Hope you all had a wonderful (and pain free) new year!!
Ralean
So......I have survived through the 4 week mark and watched the new year come in......boy am I glad to put 2013 behind me! For the record I don't generally make much out of new years resolutions......but his year my resolution is no more knee surgery! :)
Let me just say, heading into 4 week was significant!! The pain has dramatically decreased in its intensity and I've even started tapering down the pain medication.....to be honest, every once in a while it doesn't even hurt.....STRANGE I KNOW!!! My therapist and her asst. kept telling me a couple weeks ago to hang on until 4 the week mark..... I am pleasantly surprised!!! In fact, I've even made it out of the house other than therapy....lol....we went to an indoor lacrosse game last weekend....I managed to make it through the stadium and to our seat!! It was a harrowing experience.....but fun nonetheless!!
You'll be surprised at the quick changes in strength, here is my current list of exercises. Bike x10 min, balance board stretching 3x1 min, squats on total gym 4x10, tke still with orange band 4x 10 (I'll be moving up the band next week), heel slides 10 min (replaces ball range of motion), wall sits 4x 1min, quad sets and MY QUAD IS MOVING AND MY FOOT IS OFF THE TABLE!!! 4x 10,today I did 4 single leg raises and balanced on that leg for 7 seconds.....sounds lame I know but this is some serious improvement!!! I'm still riding when I'm at home, but still feeling very tired most of the day and still in that post surgery funk......so sometimes I'm just a slacker. My therapist said this morning I should head back to spin class....would it make you laugh if I said I was scared....why? I have absolutely no idea....but I may try one next week!
Hope you all had a wonderful (and pain free) new year!!
Ralean
Thursday, December 26, 2013
2 years Post ACI....TKR!!!
Hi my fellow ACI'ers
I hope everyone had an awesome and pain free holiday!! I thought I should give you all a quick update. So I DID have the TKR on 12/2 and so far have survived a little over 3 weeks post op. I won't lie friends, it has been extremely painful and leading up to the surgery I was getting super anxious and really did not know if I had 1 more in me, but.......I did it.......honestly, it has been surprisingly painful. The difference is there is absolutely NO pain in my joint......I will say that again because it seems utterly impossible.....there is absolutely NO pain in my joint!! Can I get a WOOHOOO!!! However.....there is serious pain.....just about everywhere else! :)
I'll also say, that my last post I talked about being in prime condition heading into the TKR.....and I absolutely followed everything I planned out. I ate super healthy, exercised and went to spin 5 days a week, and also went to acupuncture every week for the 4 weeks leading up to the surgery......there is nothing else I could have done to be better prepared. However.....I don't remember reading anywhere OR hearing anyone discuss how quickly your calf, hamstring, and quad basically clamp down and really don't want to move.....is it possible I missed this key information and was caught off guard? Oh well......moving on.... It has been pretty tough.....I'll update quickly on the exercise I'm doing and what I've done since the surgery.
The doctor recommends home PT for 2 weeks following surgery.....as you all know...I've been in therapy for so long I'll only let my favorite therapist touch my knee.......so I nixed the home therapy part and starting at PT the 5th day after surgery. In saying that......it was probably the best and the worst thing I've ever done. When I say I felt like shit, that is an understatement....however, it did give me an opportunity to leave the house. My first visit I was able to get around on the bike after a few minutes, range of motion on the ball, and flexion was 110 degrees.....which is INSANE!!!! My therapist was blown away......it was pretty cool. I haven't had much trouble with flexion, although my quad has been slow to fully turn back on.....but I digress. The following 4 appts were basically the same. I should also add, starting on day 6, I started riding my bike in the basement and the first couple tries was riding at about 4 miles an hour. Over the last couple weeks I've been riding 2x 30 minutes and am up to 7.5 miles every 1/2 hour......or riding close to 15 miles an hour and 15 miles a day. Riding's been fantastic...makes me feel better and allows my new knee to get stretched out.
This week.....therapy includes: wall sits (today I did 2 for 1 min and 1 for 30), ball range of motion, bike for 10, total gym squats 4x10, tke 4x10 with orange band, quad sets 4x10, and stretching 4x30 seconds. I'll add that today.....FOR THE FIRST TIME......I was able to get my foot off the table doing quad sets with the foam roller......basically like a short arc....seems like small potatoes but really was pretty exciting! At home I basically alternate ice and heat for pretty much the entire day and work frequently on stretching my calf and hamstring.
That's all I've got for now.......heading into the new year.......I am looking forward to continued recovery and a LONG stretch of NO surgeries!! :)
Now that I'm feeling better and am back to PT fulltime, I'll keep my progress updated!
Ralean
I hope everyone had an awesome and pain free holiday!! I thought I should give you all a quick update. So I DID have the TKR on 12/2 and so far have survived a little over 3 weeks post op. I won't lie friends, it has been extremely painful and leading up to the surgery I was getting super anxious and really did not know if I had 1 more in me, but.......I did it.......honestly, it has been surprisingly painful. The difference is there is absolutely NO pain in my joint......I will say that again because it seems utterly impossible.....there is absolutely NO pain in my joint!! Can I get a WOOHOOO!!! However.....there is serious pain.....just about everywhere else! :)
I'll also say, that my last post I talked about being in prime condition heading into the TKR.....and I absolutely followed everything I planned out. I ate super healthy, exercised and went to spin 5 days a week, and also went to acupuncture every week for the 4 weeks leading up to the surgery......there is nothing else I could have done to be better prepared. However.....I don't remember reading anywhere OR hearing anyone discuss how quickly your calf, hamstring, and quad basically clamp down and really don't want to move.....is it possible I missed this key information and was caught off guard? Oh well......moving on.... It has been pretty tough.....I'll update quickly on the exercise I'm doing and what I've done since the surgery.
The doctor recommends home PT for 2 weeks following surgery.....as you all know...I've been in therapy for so long I'll only let my favorite therapist touch my knee.......so I nixed the home therapy part and starting at PT the 5th day after surgery. In saying that......it was probably the best and the worst thing I've ever done. When I say I felt like shit, that is an understatement....however, it did give me an opportunity to leave the house. My first visit I was able to get around on the bike after a few minutes, range of motion on the ball, and flexion was 110 degrees.....which is INSANE!!!! My therapist was blown away......it was pretty cool. I haven't had much trouble with flexion, although my quad has been slow to fully turn back on.....but I digress. The following 4 appts were basically the same. I should also add, starting on day 6, I started riding my bike in the basement and the first couple tries was riding at about 4 miles an hour. Over the last couple weeks I've been riding 2x 30 minutes and am up to 7.5 miles every 1/2 hour......or riding close to 15 miles an hour and 15 miles a day. Riding's been fantastic...makes me feel better and allows my new knee to get stretched out.
This week.....therapy includes: wall sits (today I did 2 for 1 min and 1 for 30), ball range of motion, bike for 10, total gym squats 4x10, tke 4x10 with orange band, quad sets 4x10, and stretching 4x30 seconds. I'll add that today.....FOR THE FIRST TIME......I was able to get my foot off the table doing quad sets with the foam roller......basically like a short arc....seems like small potatoes but really was pretty exciting! At home I basically alternate ice and heat for pretty much the entire day and work frequently on stretching my calf and hamstring.
That's all I've got for now.......heading into the new year.......I am looking forward to continued recovery and a LONG stretch of NO surgeries!! :)
Now that I'm feeling better and am back to PT fulltime, I'll keep my progress updated!
Ralean
Saturday, October 5, 2013
The TWO year mark!!
Hi ACI TEam!!
Well.........It'll be 2 years exactly next week!! I've said it before but it bears repeating....I can't believe I've made it this far!!
So since my last post it's been a good news/bad news couple months!! First, let's get the bad news over with. I had a dr. appt a couple days before the scheduled TKR and he decided he could not do the replacement and fix the tibia/bone graft at the same time. Initially he thought he could, but after measuring the replacement it didn't quite fit with the 2 screws needed for my tibia. Many of you have read the entire blog, so I'm sure you can imagine how upsetting and frustrating that was. In fact, I was so upset I almost felt bad for the dr. To clarify, the feeling of devastation stemmed from having to have another 2 surgeries instead of the 1 I had geared up for. Instead of the TKR I had another bone graft, you know the worst case scenario surgery I listed a couple posts ago. The one that meant screws out, debride the bone, screws back in.....YEAH....that one! So.....I've been recovering for almost 8 weeks now.......and NOW we're ready for the TKR! The bone is healing, looks good on the x-ray, wrapping up 6 weeks of PT next week.....and we're now moving on!!
The good news....the TKR has now been scheduled for 12/2......a couple weeks before I turn 42 and just a little longer than 2 years from the initial ACI surgery. Seriously......I didn't think I could do another surgery.....but I'm anxious to get to a closing point and be done with this knee business for a while. I just can't believe this business has been going on for a little over 2 years.......guess the universe is teaching me I have absolutely no control? I'll spend the next 6-7 weeks working out and eating healthy to make sure I'm in a prime healing position.....I won't lie...I'm a little nervous!!
Anyhow....hope the rest of the team is doing well!! I do receive your emails.....and hope the blog helps figure out some of this crazy ACI stuff!
Well.........It'll be 2 years exactly next week!! I've said it before but it bears repeating....I can't believe I've made it this far!!
So since my last post it's been a good news/bad news couple months!! First, let's get the bad news over with. I had a dr. appt a couple days before the scheduled TKR and he decided he could not do the replacement and fix the tibia/bone graft at the same time. Initially he thought he could, but after measuring the replacement it didn't quite fit with the 2 screws needed for my tibia. Many of you have read the entire blog, so I'm sure you can imagine how upsetting and frustrating that was. In fact, I was so upset I almost felt bad for the dr. To clarify, the feeling of devastation stemmed from having to have another 2 surgeries instead of the 1 I had geared up for. Instead of the TKR I had another bone graft, you know the worst case scenario surgery I listed a couple posts ago. The one that meant screws out, debride the bone, screws back in.....YEAH....that one! So.....I've been recovering for almost 8 weeks now.......and NOW we're ready for the TKR! The bone is healing, looks good on the x-ray, wrapping up 6 weeks of PT next week.....and we're now moving on!!
The good news....the TKR has now been scheduled for 12/2......a couple weeks before I turn 42 and just a little longer than 2 years from the initial ACI surgery. Seriously......I didn't think I could do another surgery.....but I'm anxious to get to a closing point and be done with this knee business for a while. I just can't believe this business has been going on for a little over 2 years.......guess the universe is teaching me I have absolutely no control? I'll spend the next 6-7 weeks working out and eating healthy to make sure I'm in a prime healing position.....I won't lie...I'm a little nervous!!
Anyhow....hope the rest of the team is doing well!! I do receive your emails.....and hope the blog helps figure out some of this crazy ACI stuff!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Here We Go!!
Hi ACI Team!!
Wanted to quickly update......I'm having a TKR....in less than 2 weeks now....on 8/14/13. I'll post in a couple days all the juicy details.....however I will quickly say I'm scared shitless! lol! Seriously, you'd think after everything I've (and you've) been through the thought of a total knee would be a relief. Of course, there is this pesky little pain thing to deal with......and as noted in the last couple years of recovery.....it's kinda getting on my nerves!
Last year I definitely felt like a total knee was the only way to go, but the farther away I get from the ACI (or big one as I lovingly call it) I started believing I could go a few more years.
Welp......that's a no!
Anyhow, for my fellow ACI'ers who follow......wanted to update what was going on!
I'll post again before the surgery and of course will post about the recovery!! :)
Wanted to quickly update......I'm having a TKR....in less than 2 weeks now....on 8/14/13. I'll post in a couple days all the juicy details.....however I will quickly say I'm scared shitless! lol! Seriously, you'd think after everything I've (and you've) been through the thought of a total knee would be a relief. Of course, there is this pesky little pain thing to deal with......and as noted in the last couple years of recovery.....it's kinda getting on my nerves!
Last year I definitely felt like a total knee was the only way to go, but the farther away I get from the ACI (or big one as I lovingly call it) I started believing I could go a few more years.
Welp......that's a no!
Anyhow, for my fellow ACI'ers who follow......wanted to update what was going on!
I'll post again before the surgery and of course will post about the recovery!! :)
Sunday, June 30, 2013
The Un-imaginable Phase!
Hi Fellow ACI'ers!!
Well......just had another dr. appt on Friday and we are heading toward what I like to call the un-imaginable phase! Seriously......it doesn't seem possible!! So......still no bone growing on the tibia and it's clear my knee now needs to be "cleaned out". What to do? I have to say I love my dr. and he does try to offer alternatives....but we are now down to 2. Here's where we stand: he's going to talk with the dr. who is eventually going to do my knee replacement and see if I can go ahead and have a knee replacement with the bone like it is and they can bone graft more bone in there while they do it (sounds a wee risky) OR if that answer is no, we'll need to do this more invasive bone graft where the screws (I have many) need to be removed, the area debrided and a larger bone graft implanted, then everything screwed back together. During this surgery, he'd also take a couple minutes and "clean out" my knee......so it can move.
The dr. is touching base with my (now) other dr and he should be calling me by tomorrow. I normally try to stay positive......but you know......this business is getting kinda old! :)
I'll let you all know how it goes........
Well......just had another dr. appt on Friday and we are heading toward what I like to call the un-imaginable phase! Seriously......it doesn't seem possible!! So......still no bone growing on the tibia and it's clear my knee now needs to be "cleaned out". What to do? I have to say I love my dr. and he does try to offer alternatives....but we are now down to 2. Here's where we stand: he's going to talk with the dr. who is eventually going to do my knee replacement and see if I can go ahead and have a knee replacement with the bone like it is and they can bone graft more bone in there while they do it (sounds a wee risky) OR if that answer is no, we'll need to do this more invasive bone graft where the screws (I have many) need to be removed, the area debrided and a larger bone graft implanted, then everything screwed back together. During this surgery, he'd also take a couple minutes and "clean out" my knee......so it can move.
The dr. is touching base with my (now) other dr and he should be calling me by tomorrow. I normally try to stay positive......but you know......this business is getting kinda old! :)
I'll let you all know how it goes........
Monday, May 20, 2013
Dr. Update......and Other Stuff!!
Hi Fellow ACI'ers!!
Wanted to update you on my latest dr. appt from Friday. Basically, we did more x-rays and still nothing showing as far as bone growth. Interesting, I think my dr. was a little concerned except I'm feeling pretty good, so maybe something's happening and it's just not visible yet! :)......Anyway, that's my hope. We did have a discussion about what would need to happen surgically if something happens and bone in fact doesnt grow or I start to not feel so great.......I've got to say this surgical option makes me sick to my stomach. You all know this is my 4th surgery in less than 2 years......to now discuss removing all screws completely and rescrewing everything back together after adding more bone.......well......it's just un-imaginable!! In fact, I told my dr. that made me sick to my stomach and he said it made him a little queasy too......it made me laugh!! :)
On a good note....I'm still riding and the last couple weeks have ridden quite a bit!! In fact, my husband and I just rode in an event yesterday morning......30 miles!! YEAH!!! Funny, for a minute I kind of beat myself up because I have trouble climbing hills, I have to stop occasionally because my hips and back hurts, and am just kind of generally slow on these longer distances......I swear it's a battle to keep the mind in check!! However.....I effing finished it.....and not too shabby either......we finished 2:45!!! I've had so much trouble since "the surgery" trying to get back to pre-injury form.....when I ride I have to constantly check and adjust my form otherwise I hurt my shoulders, neck, ankle, hips, wrists, back, etc........it's really ridiculous actually. All this time I always think my family knows what I'm talking about and yesterday my husband mentioned on our way home that he never thinks about the "right" riding form, he just gets on his bike and rides. Funny, I remember pre-injury just hopping on my bike and going for a ride.....never thinking about proper riding form and nothing EVER hurt. Oh well.......guess it's just part of my now life.......nothing to get down about. I just keep on.......well keeping on!! I'll keep riding, trying to continue building back up so none of my other parts hurt so bad or carry the load and of course I'll keep spinning....
So goes it........got to thinking too.....it's been almost exactly 2 years since "the injury".....lol!! 2 years Memorial Day Weekend........I'm loving these little anniversaries of mine!! :)
Cause for a drink I suspect....... :)
Wanted to update you on my latest dr. appt from Friday. Basically, we did more x-rays and still nothing showing as far as bone growth. Interesting, I think my dr. was a little concerned except I'm feeling pretty good, so maybe something's happening and it's just not visible yet! :)......Anyway, that's my hope. We did have a discussion about what would need to happen surgically if something happens and bone in fact doesnt grow or I start to not feel so great.......I've got to say this surgical option makes me sick to my stomach. You all know this is my 4th surgery in less than 2 years......to now discuss removing all screws completely and rescrewing everything back together after adding more bone.......well......it's just un-imaginable!! In fact, I told my dr. that made me sick to my stomach and he said it made him a little queasy too......it made me laugh!! :)
On a good note....I'm still riding and the last couple weeks have ridden quite a bit!! In fact, my husband and I just rode in an event yesterday morning......30 miles!! YEAH!!! Funny, for a minute I kind of beat myself up because I have trouble climbing hills, I have to stop occasionally because my hips and back hurts, and am just kind of generally slow on these longer distances......I swear it's a battle to keep the mind in check!! However.....I effing finished it.....and not too shabby either......we finished 2:45!!! I've had so much trouble since "the surgery" trying to get back to pre-injury form.....when I ride I have to constantly check and adjust my form otherwise I hurt my shoulders, neck, ankle, hips, wrists, back, etc........it's really ridiculous actually. All this time I always think my family knows what I'm talking about and yesterday my husband mentioned on our way home that he never thinks about the "right" riding form, he just gets on his bike and rides. Funny, I remember pre-injury just hopping on my bike and going for a ride.....never thinking about proper riding form and nothing EVER hurt. Oh well.......guess it's just part of my now life.......nothing to get down about. I just keep on.......well keeping on!! I'll keep riding, trying to continue building back up so none of my other parts hurt so bad or carry the load and of course I'll keep spinning....
So goes it........got to thinking too.....it's been almost exactly 2 years since "the injury".....lol!! 2 years Memorial Day Weekend........I'm loving these little anniversaries of mine!! :)
Cause for a drink I suspect....... :)
Monday, April 29, 2013
Endorphin high?.........Why Yes!!
Hi fellow ACI-ers!!
I'm am feeling really good today!! Went to spin this morning and am riding this endorphin high!!
Wanted to provide a couple updates!!
The first is I had x-rays done on that dr. appt on 4/10 and he couldn't see much bone growing. In fact, as I was leaving that day he reminded me to think positive thoughts. It kind of amused me......my technical orthopedic surgeon telling me to think positive thoughts. At this point in the game......I'm thinking positive thoughts, carrying a rabbits foots, and got everything crossed! lol!
The second update........only someone who's had this type of injury or surgery will understand.....but I rode STANDING up in spin class....TWICE last week. Yes I know, sounds like small potatoes for a person with a healthy knee.......but for me this was some serious stuff!! In fact, my husband and I went riding outside yesterday and I stood up for a tiny bit too. It's seriously harder to stand and ride outside, and my back and knee were seriously sore last night. However, I felt good this morning, went to mega-spin, and rode STANDING up!! YEAH....I haven't been able to do this since before the injury.....almost 2 years ago!!
The last update........I am actually ALMOST able to get down the stairs.....you know, that whole step down thing. It's kind of a funny thing for people who've never had our type of injury or surgery.......I mean just walk down the stairs.......it is like the last frontier!! However, it is quite a feat......my PT would be proud.......I am proud.......it's been a long time!! :)
I've got another dr. appt in another 1 1/2 weeks to take more xrays (seems excessive I know) to see if that bone is growing. I FEEL like it's growing.......now looking for some proof!!
Talk to you all then.........
I'm am feeling really good today!! Went to spin this morning and am riding this endorphin high!!
Wanted to provide a couple updates!!
The first is I had x-rays done on that dr. appt on 4/10 and he couldn't see much bone growing. In fact, as I was leaving that day he reminded me to think positive thoughts. It kind of amused me......my technical orthopedic surgeon telling me to think positive thoughts. At this point in the game......I'm thinking positive thoughts, carrying a rabbits foots, and got everything crossed! lol!
The second update........only someone who's had this type of injury or surgery will understand.....but I rode STANDING up in spin class....TWICE last week. Yes I know, sounds like small potatoes for a person with a healthy knee.......but for me this was some serious stuff!! In fact, my husband and I went riding outside yesterday and I stood up for a tiny bit too. It's seriously harder to stand and ride outside, and my back and knee were seriously sore last night. However, I felt good this morning, went to mega-spin, and rode STANDING up!! YEAH....I haven't been able to do this since before the injury.....almost 2 years ago!!
The last update........I am actually ALMOST able to get down the stairs.....you know, that whole step down thing. It's kind of a funny thing for people who've never had our type of injury or surgery.......I mean just walk down the stairs.......it is like the last frontier!! However, it is quite a feat......my PT would be proud.......I am proud.......it's been a long time!! :)
I've got another dr. appt in another 1 1/2 weeks to take more xrays (seems excessive I know) to see if that bone is growing. I FEEL like it's growing.......now looking for some proof!!
Talk to you all then.........
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Hold On....I've made it to the 17 month mark!!!
Hi fellow ACI'ers!!
I've decided that's our new name....ACI'ers......and only we can understand how difficult the journey is!!
AHHH.....it's been a whirlwind these last few months, I can't believe I haven't posted since November. So, I had the Sinvisc (sp) in November and it only lasted until Christmas...seriously......by the time Christmas hit I was back in pain and actually more depressed as I'd had a few weeks of NO pain.....I had forgotten what that felt like!! I'll walk you through the next steps!!
- After the surgery in Sept where we found out 1 of the implants didn't work my dr. suggested a partial replacement
- I chatted with my physical therapist after the new year and she gave me a couple names to get another opinion. I have to say, I've loved my doctor....to get another opinion felt very dis-loyal...but I did it anyway..
- I saw this new dr. the beginning of Jan 2013 and he said I need a total knee.....but said I needed to wait another 10 years until I was over 50. WHAT? This dude, I mean dr. thinks I should suffer with this crap for another 10 years.....he even said I should have it injected every few months and scoped once a year......honestly.......this is crap and needless to say I didn't go back to him!!
- I called my dr. and told him what the other opinion was, he suggested I see another dr. in his same practice who specializes in replacements on younger patients and keeps as much bone as possible for future revisions. Btw, he definitely doesn't think I need to wait another 10 crappy years! :)
- The beginning of Feb 2013 I saw a new dr. in the same practice. He was super nice, we did new x-rays.....and wait....we cannot discuss a knee replacement because the bone from the tibial tubercle osteotomy never healed. WAIT.....back up.....the bone never healed? At this point it had been like 14 months since the "big one" and the bone never healed. Basically, my knee cap is being held down by screws....it was the most devastating news I'd heard in a long time!!
- After I had time to drink/smoke/feel sorry for myself/ then get back to being healthy........I talked with my dr. and we scheduled a bone graft on my tibia. Lets be clear.....I can't have a knee replacement if that bone is not secure.
- I had ANOTHER surgery the beginning of March.....I have to say.....no where near the type of pain we're all used to because it wasn't in my joint but was right below it. It still hurt, don't get me wrong....but it was much more manageable than I had feared.
- TODAY.....it's been 4 weeks since that surgery and I've got an appt on Friday to take new x-rays and see if the bone graft is working. I'm just sick.....seriously sick........but keeping my fingers crossed.....I'm sure it worked!
To end my super cool 17 month post......I will sound like a broken record and say again....I CAN'T believe I've made it this far. The last couple months I've actually been thinking I can just get used to this pain because the thought of another surgery just makes me sick. However, I want good parts...and if it's a total knee......then that's the way it'll be!! :)
I'll also update on my exercise stuff.......I quit going to PT right before the surgery in March....she was afraid to keep working on me with the knee cap and tibia situation. However...you know I've been continuing to work it on my own!! I'm still going to spin class 2 or 3 times a week and have started lifting more weights about 2x a week. The last couple weeks it's been warm enough to start riding outside, so I've added that also. Honestly, the last couple weeks I've been in a funk......I seriously think it has something to do with all this anesthesia and pain killer crap.....but I'm back on it. Spin 2x a week, outside rides (16-20 miles) 2x a week, and weights (including many PT exercises) 2x a week.
Hope all my fellow ACI'ers are doing well and most importantly I hope my blog helps in some way!!!
I've decided that's our new name....ACI'ers......and only we can understand how difficult the journey is!!
AHHH.....it's been a whirlwind these last few months, I can't believe I haven't posted since November. So, I had the Sinvisc (sp) in November and it only lasted until Christmas...seriously......by the time Christmas hit I was back in pain and actually more depressed as I'd had a few weeks of NO pain.....I had forgotten what that felt like!! I'll walk you through the next steps!!
- After the surgery in Sept where we found out 1 of the implants didn't work my dr. suggested a partial replacement
- I chatted with my physical therapist after the new year and she gave me a couple names to get another opinion. I have to say, I've loved my doctor....to get another opinion felt very dis-loyal...but I did it anyway..
- I saw this new dr. the beginning of Jan 2013 and he said I need a total knee.....but said I needed to wait another 10 years until I was over 50. WHAT? This dude, I mean dr. thinks I should suffer with this crap for another 10 years.....he even said I should have it injected every few months and scoped once a year......honestly.......this is crap and needless to say I didn't go back to him!!
- I called my dr. and told him what the other opinion was, he suggested I see another dr. in his same practice who specializes in replacements on younger patients and keeps as much bone as possible for future revisions. Btw, he definitely doesn't think I need to wait another 10 crappy years! :)
- The beginning of Feb 2013 I saw a new dr. in the same practice. He was super nice, we did new x-rays.....and wait....we cannot discuss a knee replacement because the bone from the tibial tubercle osteotomy never healed. WAIT.....back up.....the bone never healed? At this point it had been like 14 months since the "big one" and the bone never healed. Basically, my knee cap is being held down by screws....it was the most devastating news I'd heard in a long time!!
- After I had time to drink/smoke/feel sorry for myself/ then get back to being healthy........I talked with my dr. and we scheduled a bone graft on my tibia. Lets be clear.....I can't have a knee replacement if that bone is not secure.
- I had ANOTHER surgery the beginning of March.....I have to say.....no where near the type of pain we're all used to because it wasn't in my joint but was right below it. It still hurt, don't get me wrong....but it was much more manageable than I had feared.
- TODAY.....it's been 4 weeks since that surgery and I've got an appt on Friday to take new x-rays and see if the bone graft is working. I'm just sick.....seriously sick........but keeping my fingers crossed.....I'm sure it worked!
To end my super cool 17 month post......I will sound like a broken record and say again....I CAN'T believe I've made it this far. The last couple months I've actually been thinking I can just get used to this pain because the thought of another surgery just makes me sick. However, I want good parts...and if it's a total knee......then that's the way it'll be!! :)
I'll also update on my exercise stuff.......I quit going to PT right before the surgery in March....she was afraid to keep working on me with the knee cap and tibia situation. However...you know I've been continuing to work it on my own!! I'm still going to spin class 2 or 3 times a week and have started lifting more weights about 2x a week. The last couple weeks it's been warm enough to start riding outside, so I've added that also. Honestly, the last couple weeks I've been in a funk......I seriously think it has something to do with all this anesthesia and pain killer crap.....but I'm back on it. Spin 2x a week, outside rides (16-20 miles) 2x a week, and weights (including many PT exercises) 2x a week.
Hope all my fellow ACI'ers are doing well and most importantly I hope my blog helps in some way!!!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Synvisc Injection
A quick update!
I had a Synvisc injection this morning......seriously.....I was scared to death. I know, I know, after all I've been through how could I be so fearful of a little injection. My husband went with me this morning and was surprised that I seemed so much more scared of the injection versus surgery. Well, most of you know that you're knocked out for surgery.....had I been knocked out for the injection I wouldn't have been scared at all! lol!
I suppose if my knee didn't hurt ALL the time it wouldnt have been too bad. Needless to say, I had trouble sleeping last night and was pretty much a whimpering mess when I got to the dr this morning. However......I DID survive!! :)
It was interesting, one of those things where my imagination blew it out of proportion......and then not so much. It hurt less than I expected and worse than I expected....funny to even say outloud!
Anyhow, I survived and will wait to see what kind of results Synvisc will deliver. Hopefully it will make a difference......according to the dr, should see the best results starting about Christmas time (6 weeks).
Keep your fingers crossed! :)
I had a Synvisc injection this morning......seriously.....I was scared to death. I know, I know, after all I've been through how could I be so fearful of a little injection. My husband went with me this morning and was surprised that I seemed so much more scared of the injection versus surgery. Well, most of you know that you're knocked out for surgery.....had I been knocked out for the injection I wouldn't have been scared at all! lol!
I suppose if my knee didn't hurt ALL the time it wouldnt have been too bad. Needless to say, I had trouble sleeping last night and was pretty much a whimpering mess when I got to the dr this morning. However......I DID survive!! :)
It was interesting, one of those things where my imagination blew it out of proportion......and then not so much. It hurt less than I expected and worse than I expected....funny to even say outloud!
Anyhow, I survived and will wait to see what kind of results Synvisc will deliver. Hopefully it will make a difference......according to the dr, should see the best results starting about Christmas time (6 weeks).
Keep your fingers crossed! :)
Thursday, November 1, 2012
ONE YEAR!!! YEEEHAWWW!!! :)
WOW!!! I have made it to the 1 year mark......boy it has been 1 long year!! Actually, today is 11/1/12 and I hit the 1 year mark a couple weeks ago!! I've been meaning to post but have been thinking about my own next steps and it's taken me this long to get back to the positive side of things. :)
So, the big question is was the surgery a success? Well, the answer to that is yes and no. As stated initially, I had 4 large "defects" to be implanted and 3 went well and the 4th......well lets just say thats a big fat no! My knee was scoped the beginning of Sept (now 8 weeks ago) to shave down the cartilage that grew, address some serious crunching I was feeling under my knee cap, and for the dr to take a look around and see how things looked. Funny, I had read so many other articles and such that I expected to have an MRI after a year, then we would go from there. I was a little taken back when we discussed surgery at the visit in August.....oh well, it's old news now.
So, the implant that didn't take. No one knows why, it's not my fault (I have a tendency to blame myself for everything) and it's not the dr's fault either.....just one of those things.
The second big question is would I do it again? I have to say, no. It has been an extremely difficult year and I don't think I would elect this surgery twice....but we'll see!
Next steps for me: First, I recently got fitted for and received an unloader brace. The brace is supposed to push on certain parts of my knee to release some of the bone on bone pressure from the "defect". It's okay, although it's much bigger than I thought it would be and is a little uncomfortable. I still don't wear it every day and am supposed to be getting used to it and building up time. I may be a bad patient! lol!
Second, I am having a synvisk (sp) injection next week. My doctor refers to it as WD40 for the knee joint. It is supposed to kind of coat everything and create some cushion where there is none left. I would be lying if I said I was prepared.....I'm scared shitless. I know I know, after everything I've been through I'm scared of an injection......YES!!! Basically, my knee hurts all the time and sticking a needle into a joint that hurts......well, it's not my idea of fun. But, I'm a big girl and I'll probably be crying as I walk into the dr's office, but I'll (he and I) will survive.
Third, the injection and brace are supposed to allow me to put off additional surgeries until sometime next year. At this point there are 3 (not so great) options: another Carticel implant, OATES procedure, and a partial knee replacement. Here's my thought process: Carticel is no way, OATES is just as bad as an implan- NO, and if I'm going to have another surgery I want new parts. Meaning it will be a new partial knee for me.
I won't lie, it's been a rough couple months coming to grips with the fact that it feels a little like this past year has been for nothing. Days when I don't hurt too bad, I know this isn't true but the thought of another surgery just makes me sick to my stomach. Which is the reason why the brace and the injections are in play.......basically postponing the inevitable. AND of course I'm STILL in PT......really......I know!
On the sunny side- in addition to PT I now go to spin classes 2x a week and lift weights 2x a week. I was having so much trouble with my back and shoulders, I quit riding outside for the time being. I'll try again next spring. For the moment though, I'm feeling good about what I've accomplished (physically).
I get an occasional email from fellow implant-ERS who have found my blog. I'll keep posting my progress and next steps so you all can follow if you'd like.
So, the big question is was the surgery a success? Well, the answer to that is yes and no. As stated initially, I had 4 large "defects" to be implanted and 3 went well and the 4th......well lets just say thats a big fat no! My knee was scoped the beginning of Sept (now 8 weeks ago) to shave down the cartilage that grew, address some serious crunching I was feeling under my knee cap, and for the dr to take a look around and see how things looked. Funny, I had read so many other articles and such that I expected to have an MRI after a year, then we would go from there. I was a little taken back when we discussed surgery at the visit in August.....oh well, it's old news now.
So, the implant that didn't take. No one knows why, it's not my fault (I have a tendency to blame myself for everything) and it's not the dr's fault either.....just one of those things.
The second big question is would I do it again? I have to say, no. It has been an extremely difficult year and I don't think I would elect this surgery twice....but we'll see!
Next steps for me: First, I recently got fitted for and received an unloader brace. The brace is supposed to push on certain parts of my knee to release some of the bone on bone pressure from the "defect". It's okay, although it's much bigger than I thought it would be and is a little uncomfortable. I still don't wear it every day and am supposed to be getting used to it and building up time. I may be a bad patient! lol!
Second, I am having a synvisk (sp) injection next week. My doctor refers to it as WD40 for the knee joint. It is supposed to kind of coat everything and create some cushion where there is none left. I would be lying if I said I was prepared.....I'm scared shitless. I know I know, after everything I've been through I'm scared of an injection......YES!!! Basically, my knee hurts all the time and sticking a needle into a joint that hurts......well, it's not my idea of fun. But, I'm a big girl and I'll probably be crying as I walk into the dr's office, but I'll (he and I) will survive.
Third, the injection and brace are supposed to allow me to put off additional surgeries until sometime next year. At this point there are 3 (not so great) options: another Carticel implant, OATES procedure, and a partial knee replacement. Here's my thought process: Carticel is no way, OATES is just as bad as an implan- NO, and if I'm going to have another surgery I want new parts. Meaning it will be a new partial knee for me.
I won't lie, it's been a rough couple months coming to grips with the fact that it feels a little like this past year has been for nothing. Days when I don't hurt too bad, I know this isn't true but the thought of another surgery just makes me sick to my stomach. Which is the reason why the brace and the injections are in play.......basically postponing the inevitable. AND of course I'm STILL in PT......really......I know!
On the sunny side- in addition to PT I now go to spin classes 2x a week and lift weights 2x a week. I was having so much trouble with my back and shoulders, I quit riding outside for the time being. I'll try again next spring. For the moment though, I'm feeling good about what I've accomplished (physically).
I get an occasional email from fellow implant-ERS who have found my blog. I'll keep posting my progress and next steps so you all can follow if you'd like.
Friday, July 6, 2012
9 Months.....Almost!!
Well......have I said this before? I simply cannot believe I have made it to the almost 9 month mark. I feel so accomplished and am physically stronger than I've been in........well 9 months! lol!
I'll start by saying I absolutely survived the Elephant Rock Ride!! Yeah!! I made it a grueling 34 miles and let me tell you it was grueling. I think the entire ride was uphill!! It took me close to 4 1/2 hours but I finished....I look forward to riding it again next year when I am physically stronger. Realistically, I was no where near ready....but I'm still glad I did it!! :)
Now, PT.....yes, I'm still in therapy 2 times a week and imagine I will be for another few months. I still have quite a bit of trouble with my hips and back and have started having a lot of trouble riding; thumbs, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and back. In fact, Ive managed to develop some nasty tendinitis in my shoulders. I had not had my bike properly fitted since the surgery and after getting re-fit, the guy at the bike store told me he thought it'd take care of pretty much all of my pain. Walking however.....that's another story!! lol
So......PT! Here's my current list of exercise: riding on bike 10 minutes level 3, side steps 3 laps with blue tube (this seriously makes me sweat), duck unders (basically back and forth side lunges like a boxer) 3 sets for 2 min, single leg stance 4 x 40 seconds, squat machine 4 sets of 10 70lbs, treadmill 10 minutes alternating uphill level 3 at 2.6 and flat 2.9, total gym single leg 4 sets of 10, v sits (killer) 2 for 45 seconds, planks (on elbows) 2 for 1 minute, hamstring curl 4 sets of 10 9lbs, small arc 4 sets of 10 7.5lbs, straight leg raise 4 sets of 10 5lbs, and hip series I'm up to 2 sets per side. Overall, I feel I'm making pretty significant progress. I won't lie, it's been tough and there are STILL times when I have trouble walking and serious joint pain when I stand up. I think at this point some of the pain is more muscular instead of joint, but my knee cap still hurts and sometimes just aches. The last thing, I am doing pretty good getting up the stairs now. In the last couple weeks Ive transitioned from pulling myself up the stairs with my arms, to actually using the muscle in that leg to get me up....pretty exciting! Sometimes it actually doesn't hurt.........that seems strange to say, but it has hurt for such a long time it feels very strange when I do go up the stairs and it doesn't hurt!! I STILL don't get down the stairs very well. I'm definitely getting stronger and can kind of "fall" down the stairs, but this step down business does not feel good!!!
Here's to getting stronger!!! :)
I'll start by saying I absolutely survived the Elephant Rock Ride!! Yeah!! I made it a grueling 34 miles and let me tell you it was grueling. I think the entire ride was uphill!! It took me close to 4 1/2 hours but I finished....I look forward to riding it again next year when I am physically stronger. Realistically, I was no where near ready....but I'm still glad I did it!! :)
Now, PT.....yes, I'm still in therapy 2 times a week and imagine I will be for another few months. I still have quite a bit of trouble with my hips and back and have started having a lot of trouble riding; thumbs, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and back. In fact, Ive managed to develop some nasty tendinitis in my shoulders. I had not had my bike properly fitted since the surgery and after getting re-fit, the guy at the bike store told me he thought it'd take care of pretty much all of my pain. Walking however.....that's another story!! lol
So......PT! Here's my current list of exercise: riding on bike 10 minutes level 3, side steps 3 laps with blue tube (this seriously makes me sweat), duck unders (basically back and forth side lunges like a boxer) 3 sets for 2 min, single leg stance 4 x 40 seconds, squat machine 4 sets of 10 70lbs, treadmill 10 minutes alternating uphill level 3 at 2.6 and flat 2.9, total gym single leg 4 sets of 10, v sits (killer) 2 for 45 seconds, planks (on elbows) 2 for 1 minute, hamstring curl 4 sets of 10 9lbs, small arc 4 sets of 10 7.5lbs, straight leg raise 4 sets of 10 5lbs, and hip series I'm up to 2 sets per side. Overall, I feel I'm making pretty significant progress. I won't lie, it's been tough and there are STILL times when I have trouble walking and serious joint pain when I stand up. I think at this point some of the pain is more muscular instead of joint, but my knee cap still hurts and sometimes just aches. The last thing, I am doing pretty good getting up the stairs now. In the last couple weeks Ive transitioned from pulling myself up the stairs with my arms, to actually using the muscle in that leg to get me up....pretty exciting! Sometimes it actually doesn't hurt.........that seems strange to say, but it has hurt for such a long time it feels very strange when I do go up the stairs and it doesn't hurt!! I STILL don't get down the stairs very well. I'm definitely getting stronger and can kind of "fall" down the stairs, but this step down business does not feel good!!!
Here's to getting stronger!!! :)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
7 Month Mark....No More Counting Weeks! :)
Hello!
Its been a while since my last post but thought it was exciting that Ive made it to the 7 month mark! I feel so much stronger, still have some trouble walking, standing, getting up and down the stairs.....but getting better everyday!!!
Of course, Im still in therapy 2x a week.....feels like forever and of course still hurts like hell...lol.....good think I like them! :) This week for my 2nd appt we're going to do some dry needling....hip, back, calf, quad, hamstring......Im thinking of a pain killer before I go!! I've had quite a time with basically all the muscle groups on that whole side of my body......Ive had serious trouble with my back, hip, and ankle......getting stronger should straighten all these other issues out!
Heres my current therapy run down: bike 10 minutes, 3 laps of side steps with green band, 4 x 10 step ups on 6 in step, 4 x 10 calf raises, 4 x 10 squats on BOSU ball, 4 x 10 single leg stance for 30 seconds on BOSU ball, 4 x 10 squat machine (the laying down one) 70lbs, 10 minutes walking on treadmill Im up to 2.9, 4 x 10 single leg squat on total gym (I have to hold on for my bad leg and cant squat too much, but still getting it done), 4 x 10 push ups on ball, 4 x 10 hamstring curl 7lbs, 4 x 10 small arc 5 lbs, and 4 x 10 straight leg raises 3lbs. Last week for the first time I was able to do a step down....seriously.....that is the hardest thing Ive ever done. I did 13 with my bad leg in 30 seconds and was so sore the next day I could barely walk. Today was my first appt this week and the therapist said we should probably hold off on those for a few more months....maybe never actually. She said the angle of bend and the pressure on your knee....not a good combo for carticel patients.
The really great news is how far Im riding!! This week so far Ive done 16, 11, and 16.....with another ride planned for Sat 18 or 20. My husband, son, and I are signed up to do Elephant Rock on 6/3....we are either doing 25, 34, or 3x 8 mile track.....whatever we can do.......seriously, I cant even begin to explain how accomplished Im going to feel!!! I'll probably be bawling like a baby! lol! Im excited......but of course this means I need to be atleast to 20 miles by this weekend and 24 early next week.....then a few days off before the race........so excited!!! I'll let you know how it goes!!
Its been a while since my last post but thought it was exciting that Ive made it to the 7 month mark! I feel so much stronger, still have some trouble walking, standing, getting up and down the stairs.....but getting better everyday!!!
Of course, Im still in therapy 2x a week.....feels like forever and of course still hurts like hell...lol.....good think I like them! :) This week for my 2nd appt we're going to do some dry needling....hip, back, calf, quad, hamstring......Im thinking of a pain killer before I go!! I've had quite a time with basically all the muscle groups on that whole side of my body......Ive had serious trouble with my back, hip, and ankle......getting stronger should straighten all these other issues out!
Heres my current therapy run down: bike 10 minutes, 3 laps of side steps with green band, 4 x 10 step ups on 6 in step, 4 x 10 calf raises, 4 x 10 squats on BOSU ball, 4 x 10 single leg stance for 30 seconds on BOSU ball, 4 x 10 squat machine (the laying down one) 70lbs, 10 minutes walking on treadmill Im up to 2.9, 4 x 10 single leg squat on total gym (I have to hold on for my bad leg and cant squat too much, but still getting it done), 4 x 10 push ups on ball, 4 x 10 hamstring curl 7lbs, 4 x 10 small arc 5 lbs, and 4 x 10 straight leg raises 3lbs. Last week for the first time I was able to do a step down....seriously.....that is the hardest thing Ive ever done. I did 13 with my bad leg in 30 seconds and was so sore the next day I could barely walk. Today was my first appt this week and the therapist said we should probably hold off on those for a few more months....maybe never actually. She said the angle of bend and the pressure on your knee....not a good combo for carticel patients.
The really great news is how far Im riding!! This week so far Ive done 16, 11, and 16.....with another ride planned for Sat 18 or 20. My husband, son, and I are signed up to do Elephant Rock on 6/3....we are either doing 25, 34, or 3x 8 mile track.....whatever we can do.......seriously, I cant even begin to explain how accomplished Im going to feel!!! I'll probably be bawling like a baby! lol! Im excited......but of course this means I need to be atleast to 20 miles by this weekend and 24 early next week.....then a few days off before the race........so excited!!! I'll let you know how it goes!!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Recovery Weeks 21, 22, and 23
The last few weeks have been really eventful! lol! In PT we have changed up the exercises...hallelujah!!! Following are the exercises I have been doing for the last 2 weeks: bike level 3 10 minutes, treadmill at 2.3 for 10 minutes, side steps 3 laps with a red band, step ups and calf raises 4 sets of 10, single leg balance on BOSU ball 4 on each leg for 10-15 seconds, 4 sets of 10 mini (and I mean mini! lol!) squats on the BOSU ball, 3lbs hamstring curl 4 sets of 10, 30 lbs on squat machine (the one that lays down), 4 sets of 10 on the total gym, 4 sets of 10 push ups with the red ball under my hips (laying on top of the ball- core exercise), small arc 2 1/2 lb weight 4 sets of 10, and last but not least 1 1/2 lb weight on 4 sets of 10 straight leg raises......OK....seriously! lol! I do some major work and am now at therapy for 2 hours!!! PT is still really tough, working through a lot of scar tissue business and it seems unbelievable that Im coming up on the 6 month mark. Im still walking with a cane since Im not strong enough to walk straight and I end up with pretty severe hip, ankle, and back pain if I try. Of course, I use the cane based on the therapists orders....I have tried going without it......at this point Im just not there.
My last dr appt was uneventful, he told me to keep working at it and my knee would follow. I wont lie, it is disheartening that I am still having so much trouble. I would never have thought that at the 6 month mark I would still be alking with a cane....however.....Im not giving up yet. I am still working out pretty much every day, or atleast 6 days a week. I now alternate between riding my bike outside, the Pilates videos that I have come to love along with biking indoors, PT (which is really tough), and Ive just ordered a BOSU ball for the house....that one comes with videos and I think they'll be really challenging! Ive even started adding in one of the P90X videos- back and shoulders.
So......still hanging in there! lol!
My last dr appt was uneventful, he told me to keep working at it and my knee would follow. I wont lie, it is disheartening that I am still having so much trouble. I would never have thought that at the 6 month mark I would still be alking with a cane....however.....Im not giving up yet. I am still working out pretty much every day, or atleast 6 days a week. I now alternate between riding my bike outside, the Pilates videos that I have come to love along with biking indoors, PT (which is really tough), and Ive just ordered a BOSU ball for the house....that one comes with videos and I think they'll be really challenging! Ive even started adding in one of the P90X videos- back and shoulders.
So......still hanging in there! lol!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Weeks 18, 19, and 20
I know I sound like a broken record, but I cant believe Ive made it to the 5 month mark! It just seems incredible. On the one hand it seems so long, on the other I cant believe its only been 5 months! lol!
So, Ive been feeling like I really turned a corner a few weeks ago and it is showing. I am able to walk at 2.2 for 10 minutes. Although, I am still holding on for dear life...lol! If I only hold on with 1 hand I can walk at 2.0. Funny, walking on the treadmill is by all accounts the hardest exercise I perform.....it is very stressful! I am able to do 5 wall sits for 2 minutes, 5 single leg stances for 1 minute, bike for 10 minutes on level 3, 4 sets of 10 step ups on a 4 inch step, 4 sets of 10 calf raises on a 4 inch step, 4 sets of 10 squats on the total gym, 4 sets of 10 straight leg raises with a 1 pound weight, 4 sets of 10 arc raises with a 2 pound weight......therapy is quite a workout!!
The really great news is I took my bike out twice this week and rode outside......boy am I out of shape! However, it was awesome! The first ride was 6 miles, even up one of my challenge hills and the other was a little more than 5 miles with a strong head wind!! It felt really good!!
I am still not quite done with the cane since I have a hard time keeping my leg and hip straight when I walk. Im pretty close though, Im thinking the next couple weeks. I still have a hard time walking when Ive been sitting for any length of time and Im a little concerned about an upcoming trip with a 3 or 4 hour flight. Im going to have to take my cane just in case......but should be able to ditch it pretty soon!
Overall, the therapist is happy with results so far and I feel much, MUCH stronger!!
So, Ive been feeling like I really turned a corner a few weeks ago and it is showing. I am able to walk at 2.2 for 10 minutes. Although, I am still holding on for dear life...lol! If I only hold on with 1 hand I can walk at 2.0. Funny, walking on the treadmill is by all accounts the hardest exercise I perform.....it is very stressful! I am able to do 5 wall sits for 2 minutes, 5 single leg stances for 1 minute, bike for 10 minutes on level 3, 4 sets of 10 step ups on a 4 inch step, 4 sets of 10 calf raises on a 4 inch step, 4 sets of 10 squats on the total gym, 4 sets of 10 straight leg raises with a 1 pound weight, 4 sets of 10 arc raises with a 2 pound weight......therapy is quite a workout!!
The really great news is I took my bike out twice this week and rode outside......boy am I out of shape! However, it was awesome! The first ride was 6 miles, even up one of my challenge hills and the other was a little more than 5 miles with a strong head wind!! It felt really good!!
I am still not quite done with the cane since I have a hard time keeping my leg and hip straight when I walk. Im pretty close though, Im thinking the next couple weeks. I still have a hard time walking when Ive been sitting for any length of time and Im a little concerned about an upcoming trip with a 3 or 4 hour flight. Im going to have to take my cane just in case......but should be able to ditch it pretty soon!
Overall, the therapist is happy with results so far and I feel much, MUCH stronger!!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Week 17 Recovery
Well.......very happy to report I think Ive turned a corner!! The therapist has been working hard on the inside of my knee and it seems to have reduced/thinned some of the scar tissue that keeps getting in the way. The not so great news, I'm having trouble with my stride/gait and my knee kind of falls in when I walk. This, of course, has created an issue with my hip (possible bursitis). The therapist has suggested I start walking with the cane (again) until I get strong enough to hold my leg straight when I stride. I had a doctors appointment this morning and he agreed to going back to the cane temporarily until we get this stuff figured out. Does this make sense to anyone? It's hard to explain but I figure those having had this knee surgery probably know what I'm talking about! :)
So, I did have my monthly doctors appointment this morning......jeez I get so emotional sometimes about why I'm not getting better, if I'm recovering fast enough, if the implant worked, why does it still hurt,......all of these overwhelming ideas that float around. However, like Ive said before, Ive got a pretty great doctor and he spent the appointment reassuring me that I am heading in the right direction and am about 1/3 of the way through the recovery. He told me the cartilage is starting to get more like the consistency of rubber versus jello.....so my body will determine what it can or cant do. I think this setback in Jan really did a number on my emotionally and I'm still trying to recover.
However.......remaining positive....I have made a few strides this last week in therapy!!!
My current therapy routine:
ride on level 3 for 10 minutes, 4 wall sits for 1min 30 sec, 4 sets of 10 calf raises, 4 sets of 10 step ups (with bad leg and an extremely small step), 4 sets of 10 on the balance board, treadmill 10 minutes on 2.0, total gym 4 sets of 10 squats, straight leg raises 4 sets of 15, small arc with a 1 1/2 weight 4 sets of 10. On the other days I am still riding 10 miles a day (30 minutes) on high resistance and a 30 minute level 2 Pilates DVD.
So, I did have my monthly doctors appointment this morning......jeez I get so emotional sometimes about why I'm not getting better, if I'm recovering fast enough, if the implant worked, why does it still hurt,......all of these overwhelming ideas that float around. However, like Ive said before, Ive got a pretty great doctor and he spent the appointment reassuring me that I am heading in the right direction and am about 1/3 of the way through the recovery. He told me the cartilage is starting to get more like the consistency of rubber versus jello.....so my body will determine what it can or cant do. I think this setback in Jan really did a number on my emotionally and I'm still trying to recover.
However.......remaining positive....I have made a few strides this last week in therapy!!!
My current therapy routine:
ride on level 3 for 10 minutes, 4 wall sits for 1min 30 sec, 4 sets of 10 calf raises, 4 sets of 10 step ups (with bad leg and an extremely small step), 4 sets of 10 on the balance board, treadmill 10 minutes on 2.0, total gym 4 sets of 10 squats, straight leg raises 4 sets of 15, small arc with a 1 1/2 weight 4 sets of 10. On the other days I am still riding 10 miles a day (30 minutes) on high resistance and a 30 minute level 2 Pilates DVD.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Oh......One more thing
Wow.....I just realized that the 16 week mark is really significant! Ive made it 4 months post-op....Yahoo!!! I think that deserves a starbucks or cookie....or something!! :)
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