Confidently vulnerable

Six weeks today post op!  This is quite a milestone.  How am I feeling?  Well my knee is stiff and sore but I’m feeling more confident following a good physio session yesterday.  I had a go on the exercise bike and enjoyed a light jog on the trampette!  I’m now allowed to use some gym equipment.  Anything which ensures my feet are firmly planted on something.  This means cross trainers, exercise bikes and rowing machines.  Not skis!

I’ve been in touch with my gym at work and I’m going to have a look around when I return but I’m almost certain I’m going to sign up.  Much as I’d prefer to be running outside, it sounds great for now and has all the equipment I need to get my knee moving.

The crutches have been fairly well used but they’ve now been put to one side.  I’m really working hard on my walking.  I’m limping quite a bit but more in the outside world than inside.  It’s because I panic a bit when I’m around crowds of people.  Prams and children come flying towards you and your natural instinct is to protect your injury.  Recently I was walking outside thinking I was doing quite well and a lady came over to me and asked if I was alright and did I need any help.  When my physio showed me how I’d been walking I could see why!  I really must do better at this.  It’s partly uncomfortable and partly a mental challenge.

I’m not doing great with stairs – not one foot per stair anyway.  I can get up ok if there’s a banister on either side but going downstairs is tricky.  Transferring all my weight over to my knee whilst bending it is just something I can’t deal with at the moment.  My physio has given me a good exercise which involves stepping onto and over a large book.

The number of physio exercises is building.  They include squats, knee bends, balance work, leg strengthening etc.  They're keeping me busy.

Today is my first day without any medication.  I’ve been taking anti-inflammatories for six weeks now and it’s been suggested I come off them and just use the ice.

I’ve been doing some work from home which has made me feel a bit useful. And last week I was away visiting my family which was such a refreshing change of scenery.  I baked a Curly Wurly cake which was indulgent but nomtastic and worth every calorie!