Wow!

Today was another day of PT and I didn't feel I'd progressed, but I have! I bent my leg back 100˚! That's from 96˚ 2 days ago! And it's getting easier each day. I have 2˚ more to go to get my leg completely straight. Walking is more comfortable each day and I have not taken pain pills ... except before Lynelle comes. And then ice after PT. Now if the weather would co-operate and stop the snow & rain, I'd get out to walk more.

Standing is still a problem. Chuck got me a fresh pineapple which I cleaned and cut up ... and then I was ready to sit. Before that I was antsy about 1 minute after standing.

Tues. I get my 6 week check up and he'd better tell me I can drive! I'm ready!

Progress

I'm sitting and icing my knee after PT, but only because Lynelle said to; not because I'm hurting. Yes, she pushed me, but I'm finding it easier. I only have about 2 degrees more for straight, but can't see how that will happen until all the swelling goes away. "They" tell me that may take 3 months. And bending is consistently improving.

Last night I walked up the stairs using alternating legs! It wasn't easy, but it worked!

Last week after downloading some software ... security updates, etc. my computer started acting strange. I tried "fixing" it, because I always seem to think it's something I have done, I finally called the Apple store. We made an appointment at the Genius Bar and they fixed it. We were there from 2 until 7, which was a long time up and about for me, but the good news was that I did it! I even walked the mall somewhat, exercised, listened while the Geniuses told me what they were going to try next ... Greek to me ... went to dinner, Chuck bought a pair of slip on shoes for his impending hip surgery and enjoyed a Starbucks Chai. Wish I had remembered to bring my Kindle ... next time.

A week from today I see Dr. Niles & am hoping he'll say I can drive. I still can't stand for long, but even that is getting better.

Reality Check

OK. It's been 4 weeks since the new knee and I thought I'd be much more independent by now. I expressed my frustration to Lynelle (PT) and she patiently explained that even though this is now a routine procedure, it is still major surgery and that I am progressing very well. Lynelle also said the next progress will not be in big leaps and bounds, but that I am walking very well and gaining more stamina each time she visits. She is pleased so I guess I should be, too. Now if I remember correctly, I recall being told the first few weeks are the toughest, not that I'd be all healed. Oh, how we read into what is said and not the reality. I'm now adjusted so will be content with my progress.

Yesterday I walked outside quite a bit ... oh, it was such nice weather & felt so good! I saw Matt Truesdale on my walk and he asked how I was doing. I told him that I would be having the Physical Terrorist this afternoon. No sympathy from him! He grinned and said that means she's doing her job.

I'm going to try and machine sew on the binding to Judy's quilt as I don't have a therapist visit today. Yes, I'll do my exercises even without the PT visit, too, but I haven't been in the sewing room for 4+ weeks. I'm having real withdrawal!

Tomorrow I'm going to try choir and Thurs. is quilt club. I'll go for show & tell, lunch and the speaker. Then Fri. is the Pops concert. The last August Wilson play is on Sunday afternoon @ GEVA. I'll see how I do at the Pops concert before I decide about the play. I hear it's a long one. But I don't want to miss it. See? That's my problem. I don't want to miss anything.

Just got a notice that Sue Nickels, our quilt club speaker, will not be able to come as she is attending a family crisis. So Pat Berardi has agreed to do a trunk show. I like Pat's work!

Off to do something physical ... walking, stretching & bending. Have to get in good shape to take as good care of Chuck as he has been doing for me!

Yippee!

Yesterday we met with some friends at Bill Gray's & there wasn't enough room for all of us to sit together so the "boys" got a booth & the "girls" had a table. I've been watching Chuck grimace each time he gets up from a chair & trying to encourage him not to wait for me to heal completely before he starts the process of getting his hip replaced. The "boys" convinced him so he called Dr. Niles and has his first appointment April 14. Yippee!

I had a different therapist yesterday and have to work harder on getting my leg straight. The bending is S L O W L Y progressing, but straightening seems to be at a stand still. Lynelle measured 5° and Tracy measured 10° so I'm stretching every hour or so and rubbing and massaging.

I went outside today and tomorrow is supposed to be warmer ... 60°s. Perhaps we can think of putting away our winter clothes soon.

Off to bend & stretch some more.