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.

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!

Hollywood - do your research

I watched a film the other night called Just Wright.  It's about a physio therapist and her client who is a professional basketball player. I didn't know this until I was watching it but the basketball player tears his pcl.  And looking at the MRI scans (which are much clearer than mine incidentally) it's a complete tear.  But, this being Hollywood, Queen Latifah has him back to playing in a professional match in six weeks.  Seemingly by doing a few sit-ups.  Hmmmm.  I appreciate it's not a medical documentary but come on!  Worth a watch though.

Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpbFC2hTgno&feature=related

Another physio session today.  I've been a bit confused as to whether I should be using crutches, the brace, both or neither!  Today I've been told to not wear the brace and to try and manage with one crutch.  This is good.  I'm not sure my biceps can take it otherwise.

I also need to build up my quad muscles as my leg is really skinny now and there's no muscle there to support the knee.

I managed to bend my knee to 118 degrees although not comfortably (definitely couldn't sit watching tv like that) - so that's an improvement on last week but it will start to slow now I believe.  My good knee is bending to 140 degrees so some way to go.  And I'm about a degree or two from getting my leg straight.  Lots of work to follow over the next couple of weeks.

I have to jiggle my knee cap around.  Ick.  I had read about this but, since no-one talked to me about it, I thought I'd got away with not having to gross myself out.  Actually it's not as bad as it sounds in reality.

A few of us went for a picnic by the river yesterday.  It was lovely - the last bit of proper sunshine this year I expect.  The only problem was getting up after sitting on the ground .....

Bring on the bling!

I am loving Jessie J's customised crutches - these would make me feel a whole lot better!  She's even wearing surgical stockings!

Plodding on ....

Three weeks today post op.

Things are pretty much the same. I’m doing physio three or four times a day and icing regularly. I’m practising my walking outside, although yesterday I came a bit unstuck when my knee suddenly became really painful down the inside and I struggled to get back because I couldn’t weight bear.  I’m hoping everything is fine, it feels ok again today.  Whatever ok is. 

My incisions are starting to heal but I have a wire (from the stitches) coming out of the one on my shin and a wire coming out of the one in my thigh.  I wonder if I pull them my leg will gather up like an elasticated waistband??

I'd been considering going back to work next week but this just isn’t feasible.  I still feel way too fragile.

So three weeks means I can finally say goodbye to my surgical stockings!  Just as well really since there’s not much left of them....

I found this little animation.  It's actually an ACL reconstruction but, although obviously different, has a similar procedure. For anyone considering surgery, I think it's quite good at showing what the surgery involves without showing the real life detail! Please don't watch if you'd rather be blissfully unaware of what happens after the anaesthetic but if you're like me, and want every last detail, then click away ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q96M0jRqn7k

Hello world

Day 16 post op.

Today I decided to try walking without brace and without crutches.  Outside.  Scary!  But if my PT says I can do it then who am I to argue?  I walked to the shops and back.  I suppose it’s about a half mile round trip although I’m not sure as I’m not great with distance.  I thought 13.1 miles wasn’t all that far til I ran a half marathon last year...

I took my crutches with me just in case but I didn’t use them.  Of course I was walking very slowly and deliberately which is the antithesis of my usual hurried style.  I was very aware of people around me and worried about catching my toe on any jutting paving slabs.  I caught my toe twice shortly after the accident and my knee was bent back.  I can’t describe how much that hurt so I really don’t want anything like that to happen as it would put too much strain on the new graft.

I’m finding it a struggle to get downstairs with one foot on each stair.  I just don’t have the confidence to do that quite yet as it involves so much bending.  But going up wasn’t too bad as long as I was holding onto the handrail.

I’m now taking over the counter pain and inflammation relief so I hope that’s it now for the prescription drugs.

People keep asking me if I’m going to go skiing again.  It’s really difficult to answer because right now I can’t even think about it.  I have brand new shiny ski boots which I’ve hardly worn so it would be a real shame not to give them another outing but I definitely won’t be going any time soon.  Certainly not as soon as next season.  I may consider having a lesson at an indoor snow centre to get some confidence back but even that’s not on the cards in the near future.  I definitely intend to dance and run again though as long as everything heals up like it should.

So I’m working on the new exercises.  This exercise, bending and straightening of the knee with resistance, is my favourite because it feels like it’s strengthening the knee without any discomfort.

Where shall I hang my gold star?

I’m back from physio and feeling good.  Last week I was bending my knee to 73 degrees but today I managed to bend my knee to ..... drum roll ..... 105 degrees!!  I’m so chuffed!  I don’t even think it was my best bend actually.  Sometimes I can do it better than others.  I'm so competitive with myself!

I also managed to get up and down the stairs with one foot on each stair.  OK it was a bit shaky but I did it!  My PT said he was ‘amazed’.  So a big fat gold star for me.

If only I could celebrate with a nice glass of merlot ....

I’ve been given some new exercises which include squats and balancing, and even one using resistance.  You only get out what you put in and I'm certainly putting the work in.  My right quad has disappeared and I really need to work at getting the muscle back.

It’s going to be really sunny in London this weekend which is hugely annoying.  It’s no fun when you can’t go anywhere.  I’d much prefer it to be raining.  Hmmmpfh.

Aw - a quick pic of my cards including one signed by all my work colleagues.  Cute!