Two PCLs, the gym and a party

Seven weeks post op tomorrow.

This week I had my six week post surgery check up. I was a little anxious about it. I mean I don’t know if I’ve been pushing the physio too much or what all the different pains and twinges are so it was a fairly big deal and I just wanted to know the graft was ok and happily installed and comfortable in its new home.

So it was a huge relief to know that, not only is everything ok, but my injured leg is on track to become stronger than my other. My other knee has slightly more laxity now. Bizarre! I’m so happy and relieved - I put on a dance album and boogied around the kitchen when I got home. Don’t tell anyone ....

I found out what all the various incisions are, from where the graft went in and out, where the camera went, where the water pump was etc. Possibly not interesting to anyone but me – but I really wanted to know. I’m so fascinated by the whole clever procedure. The operation sounded very complicated but I got the gist. I think.

Surprisingly my hamstring hadn’t been used as I was originally told – instead a man made graft was inserted. I can’t remember the name of the material. Bit too late for me to argue about that but as long as it works I really don’t care.

From what I can gather, I now have two PCLs in my right leg. The original one is pretty much rendered useless and has been stretched so much that it’s unable to spring back into shape. And the new one is obviously the graft. My ACL was apparently slightly lax and flopping backwards but that’s ok now as I understand. I looked at all the pictures but, without a medically trained eye, it’s pretty difficult to make out what’s what.

I’m feeling sturdier and less delicate by the day although I still have a problem with people coming near me in the street. I’m under no illusion about the amount of physio I have do in the coming months. I’m not phased by it though. I think, because I have a sporting background, I’m equipped to deal with the work ethic. Sure, it gets a bit boring but I’m completely focused on it. I’m currently doing three half hour sessions a day and going outside and walking (without crutches or brace) once a day.

And it’s time to introduce my new bionic knee to the gym. I went along yesterday.  I’ve been aching ever since - I think my muscles have quickly become used to doing absolutely nothing and didn't like waking up. I used the exercise bike, the rowing machine, the wobble cushion, hand weights and thigh presses. Today I’ve been out walking for about half an hour. Got caught in the rain but it was good! I think I’ll try the gym again tomorrow.

On Saturday I went to my friend's wedding drinks in London. I've been out locally but this was the first time in the big city. It was really great to be frocked up, coiffed and socialising. I had to sit down for a lot of the party but I felt I was starting to feel like myself again.

Tomorrow was the date I was originally given for my surgery when I rang in the summer. I don’t know if it was ever official as I didn’t receive anything in writing but, when I look at how far I’ve come, I’m so happy my operation was brought forward by seven weeks. I can’t imagine being at the start of that journey now.