One more thing I should have mentioned. This weekend is new years eve and I should say I am grateful for having the opportunity to have this surgery this year and cannot wait to fully recover in 2012. Physically, 2011 has been a tough year and Im ready to put it behind me!!!
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Recovery Weeks 9 and 10
So Ive made it to the 2 1/2 month mark.......lol!
Anyhow, weeks 9 and 10 have been relatively uneventful. Still going to PT 2 times a week and doing the same exercises: riding on the bike, balance block, calf raises, and quad sets. I am now able to flex to 120 degrees but still having trouble getting back flat to zero or even -1. The last dr appt he said he thought I would be able to walk without any appliances by the next appt in 3 weeks. That appointment happens this Friday and this may be the first milestone I am cant meet. I have been able to get rid of the brace.....which of course is great news! yeah!!! However, I still need the cane to walk sometimes. There are times when I feel strong and am pretty sure I can get around without it. Then there are times, especially when Ive been sitting for a while, when I cant walk at all. I know it just takes time.....and of course Im getting there! :)
I am also still exercising on my own on the days Im not in therapy and definitely feel this is how my muscle is coming back. I ride the bike (with resistance) for 30 minutes and then do a pilates workout for another 30. Riding the bike makes my knee feel pretty good and the pilates workout is definitely helping my quad and hamstring gain strength.....plus it makes me feel like Im not turning into a vegetable......lol! The first few times I rode the bike I was only able to ride about 1 mile an hour and I am very happy that I am up to 15 miles an hour.......some serious progress!
Overall.......feeling pretty good these last 2 weeks......and continuing to make progress!!!
Anyhow, weeks 9 and 10 have been relatively uneventful. Still going to PT 2 times a week and doing the same exercises: riding on the bike, balance block, calf raises, and quad sets. I am now able to flex to 120 degrees but still having trouble getting back flat to zero or even -1. The last dr appt he said he thought I would be able to walk without any appliances by the next appt in 3 weeks. That appointment happens this Friday and this may be the first milestone I am cant meet. I have been able to get rid of the brace.....which of course is great news! yeah!!! However, I still need the cane to walk sometimes. There are times when I feel strong and am pretty sure I can get around without it. Then there are times, especially when Ive been sitting for a while, when I cant walk at all. I know it just takes time.....and of course Im getting there! :)
I am also still exercising on my own on the days Im not in therapy and definitely feel this is how my muscle is coming back. I ride the bike (with resistance) for 30 minutes and then do a pilates workout for another 30. Riding the bike makes my knee feel pretty good and the pilates workout is definitely helping my quad and hamstring gain strength.....plus it makes me feel like Im not turning into a vegetable......lol! The first few times I rode the bike I was only able to ride about 1 mile an hour and I am very happy that I am up to 15 miles an hour.......some serious progress!
Overall.......feeling pretty good these last 2 weeks......and continuing to make progress!!!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Recovery week 8
Week 8.......feeling like Im on a roll!! :)
This week has been a huge transition week and quite honestly the first week Ive begun feeling like myself since the surgery. I had a doctors appointment this week and he is very happy with the progress so far. The doctor said I am able to put down 100% of my weight and suggested transitioning to a cane and my next appoitment is not for another 3 weeks.....seems like an eternity! Of course, still in therapy twice a week and I am definitely getting stronger. This scar tissue/incision business is extremely painful and the first appointment this week was really tough......in fact I was in a funk for a couple days after....I believe it has something to do with being in so much pain. However, the second appointment of the week was manageable and I survived. In therapy, we practiced walking with a cane and Ive been using it now for about 4 days. I have to say it is much harder than I would expect and I can see why it strengthens more than 1 crutch. Walking on a single crutch allows you to lean with more weight on the crutch, you're not really forced to attempt to walk upright. With the cane, there is far more balance involved and there's not as much leverage and you're forced to engage the quad, butt, and calf to steady yourself. The first couple days I was extremely fatigued just using the cane up and down the stairs and to and from the kitchen. However, today I feel much stronger and am able to walk a little ways.
Im also now able to use some resistance on the bike, which is awesome!! Im also able to get on the pilates machine and have been working out my arms and core this week. Its nice to feel productive!
I turn 40 tomorrow and while I dont feel I look 40, this year has been tough physically.....I definitely feel 40. The good news is since the rehab appears slightly faster than originally anticipated, Ive got a bike race on my calendar......I'd be ecstatic if I could be ready in time! At least it gives me something to look forward to!
This week has been a huge transition week and quite honestly the first week Ive begun feeling like myself since the surgery. I had a doctors appointment this week and he is very happy with the progress so far. The doctor said I am able to put down 100% of my weight and suggested transitioning to a cane and my next appoitment is not for another 3 weeks.....seems like an eternity! Of course, still in therapy twice a week and I am definitely getting stronger. This scar tissue/incision business is extremely painful and the first appointment this week was really tough......in fact I was in a funk for a couple days after....I believe it has something to do with being in so much pain. However, the second appointment of the week was manageable and I survived. In therapy, we practiced walking with a cane and Ive been using it now for about 4 days. I have to say it is much harder than I would expect and I can see why it strengthens more than 1 crutch. Walking on a single crutch allows you to lean with more weight on the crutch, you're not really forced to attempt to walk upright. With the cane, there is far more balance involved and there's not as much leverage and you're forced to engage the quad, butt, and calf to steady yourself. The first couple days I was extremely fatigued just using the cane up and down the stairs and to and from the kitchen. However, today I feel much stronger and am able to walk a little ways.
Im also now able to use some resistance on the bike, which is awesome!! Im also able to get on the pilates machine and have been working out my arms and core this week. Its nice to feel productive!
I turn 40 tomorrow and while I dont feel I look 40, this year has been tough physically.....I definitely feel 40. The good news is since the rehab appears slightly faster than originally anticipated, Ive got a bike race on my calendar......I'd be ecstatic if I could be ready in time! At least it gives me something to look forward to!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Recovery weeks 6 and 7!
Weeks 6 and 7 have been pretty good and most importantly LESS pain!!!
Week 6 I had a doctors appt and he said he thought I was doing really well. He released the brace so I could have 80 degrees of movement and am allowed to have 75% of my body weight. Of course, this is easier said than done because I have lost a tremendous amount of muscle and have quite a bit of scar tissue in and around the joint. Ive been going to PT twice a week....so far so good!
Week 7 in PT we've added a few exercises. Ive been having a lot of trouble with cramps in my legs so weve added some calf stretchs on the balance board. Im also riding the bike for 10 minutes, wall sits 3 for 1min each (although not very low), straight leg raises and quad sets (which hurt because Im so weak), and balancing on the board (holding on). Overall, feels pretty good to be doing something at least! Im also riding on my bike at home...am up to an hour with no resistance. Ive got a dr. appt coming up next week and Im hoping to be able to add a little bit of resistance. In PT we also started practicing walking on 1 crutch.....I should be getting around with only 1 by next week.
Im beginning to feel stronger.....yeah!!
Week 6 I had a doctors appt and he said he thought I was doing really well. He released the brace so I could have 80 degrees of movement and am allowed to have 75% of my body weight. Of course, this is easier said than done because I have lost a tremendous amount of muscle and have quite a bit of scar tissue in and around the joint. Ive been going to PT twice a week....so far so good!
Week 7 in PT we've added a few exercises. Ive been having a lot of trouble with cramps in my legs so weve added some calf stretchs on the balance board. Im also riding the bike for 10 minutes, wall sits 3 for 1min each (although not very low), straight leg raises and quad sets (which hurt because Im so weak), and balancing on the board (holding on). Overall, feels pretty good to be doing something at least! Im also riding on my bike at home...am up to an hour with no resistance. Ive got a dr. appt coming up next week and Im hoping to be able to add a little bit of resistance. In PT we also started practicing walking on 1 crutch.....I should be getting around with only 1 by next week.
Im beginning to feel stronger.....yeah!!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
ACI Recover........Week 5
Week 5.......I know I keep saying this but WOW.........I cannot believe I have made it 5 weeks.
This week I started physical therapy and while it was exciting to get out of the house......I think I have an anxiety attack every time I start therapy. I am scared to death at how much it will hurt.....and of course it did hurt pretty bad! The dr. gave me a new pain killer prescription, but its a new type and my insurance wont cover it. I survived therapy with just ibuprofen but during my next dr appt Im going to get something else. The therapist was pretty gently on day 1.....Im pretty sure Im going to need pain killers for the next couple weeks. For whatever reason I always develop a lot of scar tissue and this time appears no different.
In regards to exercise I am now able to ride the exercise bike at zero resistance. I rode in therapy the other day then rode at home on my own yesterday. I rode for over an hour and a little more than a mile. Funny, I used to ride 18 mile an hour and now Im riding 1 mile an hour......a lot of work to do to get back to my pre-surgery shape! We also discussed shifting my weight while Im standing on my crutches to get the muscles in my leg firing.......this of course hurts more than you would think.....but Ive been practicing. The therapist also told me to really work on straightening my leg as much as possible and doing straight leg raises. I was blown away, I could not even do 1 straight leg raise. I had to keep leaning back and enlarging the angle before I could even lift my leg.....crazy.
Also, after working on the CPM for 5 weeks it was picked up this morning....I was sad to see it go! lol!
The first day of therapy I could get my leg to 5% straight and 90% flexed on my own. Didnt sound too bad considering how much work had been done!!
Have a good thanksgiving......looking forward to week 6!
This week I started physical therapy and while it was exciting to get out of the house......I think I have an anxiety attack every time I start therapy. I am scared to death at how much it will hurt.....and of course it did hurt pretty bad! The dr. gave me a new pain killer prescription, but its a new type and my insurance wont cover it. I survived therapy with just ibuprofen but during my next dr appt Im going to get something else. The therapist was pretty gently on day 1.....Im pretty sure Im going to need pain killers for the next couple weeks. For whatever reason I always develop a lot of scar tissue and this time appears no different.
In regards to exercise I am now able to ride the exercise bike at zero resistance. I rode in therapy the other day then rode at home on my own yesterday. I rode for over an hour and a little more than a mile. Funny, I used to ride 18 mile an hour and now Im riding 1 mile an hour......a lot of work to do to get back to my pre-surgery shape! We also discussed shifting my weight while Im standing on my crutches to get the muscles in my leg firing.......this of course hurts more than you would think.....but Ive been practicing. The therapist also told me to really work on straightening my leg as much as possible and doing straight leg raises. I was blown away, I could not even do 1 straight leg raise. I had to keep leaning back and enlarging the angle before I could even lift my leg.....crazy.
Also, after working on the CPM for 5 weeks it was picked up this morning....I was sad to see it go! lol!
The first day of therapy I could get my leg to 5% straight and 90% flexed on my own. Didnt sound too bad considering how much work had been done!!
Have a good thanksgiving......looking forward to week 6!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
I Keep Forgetting to Mention........
Hi All
There is one important piece of information I keep forgetting to mention. The information I received from Carticel described the surgery and recovery. The last couple post-op visits the dr has let me know that the information from Carticel was necessary for the procedure to be FDA approved. Basically, things move a little quicker than the information suggests. Since the procedure is nearing 10 years old or so, recovery is faster than initially expected.
I was thinking I'd be out of commission for 12-18 months where the actual will probably be 8-12 months. Overall, I thought this was pretty good news!! :)
There is one important piece of information I keep forgetting to mention. The information I received from Carticel described the surgery and recovery. The last couple post-op visits the dr has let me know that the information from Carticel was necessary for the procedure to be FDA approved. Basically, things move a little quicker than the information suggests. Since the procedure is nearing 10 years old or so, recovery is faster than initially expected.
I was thinking I'd be out of commission for 12-18 months where the actual will probably be 8-12 months. Overall, I thought this was pretty good news!! :)
Monday, November 14, 2011
ACI Recovery......Week 3 and 4
WOW.......I simply cant believe its been 4 weeks since the day of surgery. I didnt post last week because there wasnt too much to report. I just had my 4 week doctors appointment and they think Im doing pretty well.
I am not able to start trying to walk on my crutches putting 50% pressure on my foot/knee. Any idea how hard it is to judge 50% pressure? lol! Anyway, I am making attempts today and it is pretty scary. Of course, I'll keep after it but not being able to walk for 4 weeks does a number on you!
I have been at 90 degrees on the CPM for a week now and the doctor recommended I keep it for another 10 to 14 days. I explained that I feel it helps to keep my knee from getting so stiff and he understood and agreed. He said to keep increasing and I can go all the way up to 125 degrees. He also suggested I keep working on pushing my knee straight.....interesting because you begin to feel that the flexion is the most important until the dr tells you that you will have to have another surgery if you dont work on keeping it straight......I got that point today!
Also, more good news.... the dr recommended I start PT this week. Yes, I realize how utterly painful therapy is however I am concerned about the amount of muscle I have lost and getting out of the house can only make me feel better. The last visit the dr gave me a new pain killer perscription (for people who get sick on all the others) and suggested this morning that I make sure to get that filled because I will need it to survive PT.......ugh......a little nervous!! :)
The bad news for the week......I have felt so good moving around the house that I thought I would be able to go to the grocery store with my husband over the weekend. Seriously, I dont know who I was kidding but that was a painful experience. My shoulders and hands were so sore the next day. My foot was incredibly swollen, in fact was still swollen the next day. Ive learned my lesson and the dr said something this morning about not trying to go 0 to 100 all at once.......lol....was quite the learning experience! :)
I will make sure to post again in week 5 to update how PT starts!!
I am not able to start trying to walk on my crutches putting 50% pressure on my foot/knee. Any idea how hard it is to judge 50% pressure? lol! Anyway, I am making attempts today and it is pretty scary. Of course, I'll keep after it but not being able to walk for 4 weeks does a number on you!
I have been at 90 degrees on the CPM for a week now and the doctor recommended I keep it for another 10 to 14 days. I explained that I feel it helps to keep my knee from getting so stiff and he understood and agreed. He said to keep increasing and I can go all the way up to 125 degrees. He also suggested I keep working on pushing my knee straight.....interesting because you begin to feel that the flexion is the most important until the dr tells you that you will have to have another surgery if you dont work on keeping it straight......I got that point today!
Also, more good news.... the dr recommended I start PT this week. Yes, I realize how utterly painful therapy is however I am concerned about the amount of muscle I have lost and getting out of the house can only make me feel better. The last visit the dr gave me a new pain killer perscription (for people who get sick on all the others) and suggested this morning that I make sure to get that filled because I will need it to survive PT.......ugh......a little nervous!! :)
The bad news for the week......I have felt so good moving around the house that I thought I would be able to go to the grocery store with my husband over the weekend. Seriously, I dont know who I was kidding but that was a painful experience. My shoulders and hands were so sore the next day. My foot was incredibly swollen, in fact was still swollen the next day. Ive learned my lesson and the dr said something this morning about not trying to go 0 to 100 all at once.......lol....was quite the learning experience! :)
I will make sure to post again in week 5 to update how PT starts!!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
ACI Recovery.......Week 2
Wow.......So I cant believe I have survived 2 weeks since surgery. Honestly, its been a couple rough weeks but I definitely feel Im on the upswing! :)
I had my first post op appointment where they removed about 25-30 stitches. It was a little traumatic but I was really happy to see they used the incision scar from my ACL surgery a couple years ago. This means I have only 1 gigantic scar down the front of my knee. They also told me that I had 4 defects, not the 2 they saw previously on the MRI's. They used all of the cells that had been sent and also took this opportunity to realign my knee cap and cleaned up the remaining pieces of cartilage that were still causing damage under there. I love my doctor by the way and as I was waking up from surgery said something along the lines of my knee isnt looking too young anymore. Oh well, as long as I can get back to walking and riding my bike (like I used to) I'll think Im doing pretty good. The doctor also told me I can touch my toe down (25%) to stabilize if I need to. My next appointment is in 2 weeks. At that point they'll release some of the angle on my brace and said I should be able to put my foot down about 50%. This would continue every 2 weeks until I am walking with crutches, then I will start physical therapy. The removal of the stitches allows me to shower (by myself) without my husband sitting outside the shower holding my braced leg straight out so it doesnt get wet......a little uncomfortable for all of us! The showers have made me feel much better and Im starting to get around the house better too. Im looking forward to the next appointment because I think I'll be able to drive after that.
Im still on the CPM machine and currently at 75% increasing 5% a day. I had quite a bit of trouble yesterday around the 70% mark and had to back it down quite a few times. Today, I was concerned moving towards 75% but the stretch happened pretty quickly and I didnt have as much trouble as I thought I would. I am definitely concerned with the amount of muscle mass Ive already lost in my leg; in my hamstring, quad, and calf. When the time comes, Im afraid walking is going to be pretty tough.
Overall, a pretty good week!
I had my first post op appointment where they removed about 25-30 stitches. It was a little traumatic but I was really happy to see they used the incision scar from my ACL surgery a couple years ago. This means I have only 1 gigantic scar down the front of my knee. They also told me that I had 4 defects, not the 2 they saw previously on the MRI's. They used all of the cells that had been sent and also took this opportunity to realign my knee cap and cleaned up the remaining pieces of cartilage that were still causing damage under there. I love my doctor by the way and as I was waking up from surgery said something along the lines of my knee isnt looking too young anymore. Oh well, as long as I can get back to walking and riding my bike (like I used to) I'll think Im doing pretty good. The doctor also told me I can touch my toe down (25%) to stabilize if I need to. My next appointment is in 2 weeks. At that point they'll release some of the angle on my brace and said I should be able to put my foot down about 50%. This would continue every 2 weeks until I am walking with crutches, then I will start physical therapy. The removal of the stitches allows me to shower (by myself) without my husband sitting outside the shower holding my braced leg straight out so it doesnt get wet......a little uncomfortable for all of us! The showers have made me feel much better and Im starting to get around the house better too. Im looking forward to the next appointment because I think I'll be able to drive after that.
Im still on the CPM machine and currently at 75% increasing 5% a day. I had quite a bit of trouble yesterday around the 70% mark and had to back it down quite a few times. Today, I was concerned moving towards 75% but the stretch happened pretty quickly and I didnt have as much trouble as I thought I would. I am definitely concerned with the amount of muscle mass Ive already lost in my leg; in my hamstring, quad, and calf. When the time comes, Im afraid walking is going to be pretty tough.
Overall, a pretty good week!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
ACI Recovery......Week 1
So, Ive survived my first week of recovering from ACI surgery. I have to say its been a pretty rough week but feel much better on day 7 than I thought possible! :)
Ive thought alot about my initial questions about the surgery and if theres anything I wish I would have asked ahead of time. The answer is no. My doctor is fabulous and thoroughly explained everything I would be dealing with. There not much he can do about my reactions to pain and anesthesia. I had 2 large defects implanted and the doctor took this opportunity to clean up all the misc debris and realigned my knee cap. So far, Im not sure what the incision looks like and to be honest Im pretty scared. I know vanity doesnt mean much at this stage of the game......but you know! I did have my husband take before pictures which I'll upload when I can get to his camera and once my bandages are removed.
The best of week 1: allowing the accompanying ankle surgery to wait until sometime next year (the pain would have been unbearable), making sure my sister was here to take care of me for the first 5 days, how great my husband and son have been through this whole ordeal.........thats about it! lol!
The worst of week 1: not allowing the doctor to prescribe the strongest pain killers possible (of course I was taking percoset until day 3 and then did not think I would make it), and trying to get past the whole dry shampoo thing.........cause your hair just looks like crap!! lol!
I began the CPM on day 3 and started at 30 degrees for 6 hours. I have increased 5 degrees every day and have my first post-op appointment in a couple days. Im anxious to get the ice machine off and take a look at the damage. I was really freaked out a couple days ago I accidentally touched my toe down. I was devastated and scared to death that I would have gone through such a rough week to undo the surgery. It took a while for my husband to calm me down and he finally convinced me that if that were a possibility they would have kept me in the hospital. I'll chat with the doctor on Thursday and find out for sure.....but it was pretty darn scary!!!
Ive thought alot about my initial questions about the surgery and if theres anything I wish I would have asked ahead of time. The answer is no. My doctor is fabulous and thoroughly explained everything I would be dealing with. There not much he can do about my reactions to pain and anesthesia. I had 2 large defects implanted and the doctor took this opportunity to clean up all the misc debris and realigned my knee cap. So far, Im not sure what the incision looks like and to be honest Im pretty scared. I know vanity doesnt mean much at this stage of the game......but you know! I did have my husband take before pictures which I'll upload when I can get to his camera and once my bandages are removed.
The best of week 1: allowing the accompanying ankle surgery to wait until sometime next year (the pain would have been unbearable), making sure my sister was here to take care of me for the first 5 days, how great my husband and son have been through this whole ordeal.........thats about it! lol!
The worst of week 1: not allowing the doctor to prescribe the strongest pain killers possible (of course I was taking percoset until day 3 and then did not think I would make it), and trying to get past the whole dry shampoo thing.........cause your hair just looks like crap!! lol!
I began the CPM on day 3 and started at 30 degrees for 6 hours. I have increased 5 degrees every day and have my first post-op appointment in a couple days. Im anxious to get the ice machine off and take a look at the damage. I was really freaked out a couple days ago I accidentally touched my toe down. I was devastated and scared to death that I would have gone through such a rough week to undo the surgery. It took a while for my husband to calm me down and he finally convinced me that if that were a possibility they would have kept me in the hospital. I'll chat with the doctor on Thursday and find out for sure.....but it was pretty darn scary!!!
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