It’s been 44 days since my total knee replacement surgery on my right knee. I’ll be in front of a class of students in 27 days. So far, my recovery has been a bit tougher than last summer’s recovery from getting my left knee replaced. My right knee had more arthritis and bone spurs. More issues. I had little pain last summer. This summer, I was popping Lortabs like they were Tic-Tacs. But the Good News is that the metrics are improving on all fronts. I have full extension of my new right knee. I can bend my new knee 104 degrees. I can ride a stationary bike for 10 minutes (but it hurts!). The swelling in my new knee is decreasing. Strength is slowly returning. I’m getting better range-of-motion daily. Pain is lessening incrementally day by day. And today I got the Green Light to return to the pool! Last summer, those daily trips to the pool accelerated my recovery immensely. For those of you with knee problems, total knee replacement surgery is a viable option to retaining your mobility. The recovery takes a few months, but if you work at it you’ll be happy with the results. I am!
Thank you all for the kind wishes, gifts, and advice during my recovery. Your positive karma gave my physical and mental health a boost!
George, I had a stern talk with the Knee Fairy. Told him to get his crap together, and he promised that your knee will start healing much quicker in the immediate future.
I sometimes see the Knee Fairy when I’m taking those Lortabs, Drongo. My physical therapist says my progress is ahead of schedule. But Opening Day at my College is looming quickly.
Jackie wants to know: why didn’t you do the right knee first if that one was worse?
Anyway, the pool should definitely help. By Bouchercon you’ll be back to your old dancing self.
Both of my knees were equally shot, Jeff. I could have flipped a coin to choose which one to have replaced first. But I picked the left knee because I figured I needed the right knee for driving. Then, after the surgery last summer, I had to put more stress on the right knee during the recovery. And then a year more wear-and-tear on the the right knee. It all added up to more arthritis and bone spurs. So while the left knee was improving, the right knee was deteriorating.
Glad to hear all is well – however slow the recovery. You gave yourself plenty of recovery time and are obviously committed to it.
When teaching next month, lean against the desk.
You can bet on me leaning against the desk, Beth! Standing for an hour on a new knee is tough. But the pool will help me strengthen it.
George, thanks for the update, diagram and all. I’m REALLY glad to read you’re making good progress, ahead of schedule. I’m sure the pool time will help just as much as last time. Are you able to drive yet? Why before long you’ll be doing the triple jump!
I went to the pool last night and frolicked for an hour, Rick. Today, I’m sore from head to foot! I have to remember to take my time in recovering from surgery! But it felt good to move around in the water.