Knee Update

This Wednesday will mark week 4 of post-op. I've been in Physical Therapy for about 2 weeks now. I have my next check in with my doctor tomorrow. Things are going by fast (but sometimes it feels like not fast enough when I look at my goal of where my knee needs to be).

Physical Therapy

I'm slowly getting stronger and more flexible with my knee's range of motion (ROM). I'm so close to doing leg lifts by myself. It's so incredibly painful - but it's good to know i'm so close. Between now and week 6 (post op) I will be working on getting my ROM to 90 degrees. Today I pushed it to about 52 degrees in physical therapy. I was only wearing my brace when I went places...kept it off in the house. It was beginning to be more of a pain than anything else. Today after PT, I put on my brace and the straps starting flinging off. I looked at my PT and said, if you don't mind I think I'll keep it off. It's a sign. So as of right now, my brace is kicked to the curb. Hopefully we'll keep it that way. My Physical therapist is happy where I'm at with everything so far. Hopefully I keep making my goals!

At home I have set exercises I have to do daily (or several times a day). And I have two machines helping me in my recovery...

First is my Knee Hab

Knee Hab! :)

Kneehab is a portable electrical stimulator for my quad muscles. I use this bad boy about 2 (preferably 3) times a day).

Second is the ice machine...



Polarcare Cube ice machine

 The ice machine works fabulous. (Big thanks to my father in law and his wife Louise for sending me theirs!!) I had one of these for my very first knee surgery and loved it. But I guess they don't approve these anymore due to cost. I asked my doctor for one of these before my surgery and was told they only request these for replacement surgery. Thankfully my Father in law and Wzy had one they could send me - it's been a blessing. For those who don't know what it is - you fill the cube with ice and water. The blue hose connects to a pad you wrap around your knee. The machine circulates ice cold water through the pad to keep your knee cold. It's wonderful!

So there you have it...making progress. Still impatient with not being able to walk or have strength...but I'm getting there slowly!