Happy Anniversary, New Knees!

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It is hard to believe that it has been 12 months since my knee replacements.   When I consider where I was 12 months ago, the past year has been amazing.  To be able to walk without my knees hurting is fantastic.  Yes, my muscles around my knees do not always feel pain free, but the actual mechanics of walking produces no pain.  Sleeping all night without knee pain certainly makes for a much better day.  No longer sleeping with an assortment of pillows in the bed is freeing.  To get in and out of my car without effort is a delight.  To have the option of going somewhere without having to figure out where the parking is, how far to the entrance, whether the seating will be high enough or firm enough, whether there will be steps to navigate has freed up tons of psychic energy.


 In spite of everything I read in preparing for knee replacement surgery, in spite of everything my doctor told me prior to surgery, I still fantasized in my head about how things were going to be.  I would have my surgery-- yes, recovery would be hard and painful, but in the end, by 6 months or so, I would be behaving like someone with the knees of a 35 year old.  I would not need any assistance, my knees would bend easily, I would be able to get up and down easily off the floor, I would be walking with the best of them around the neighborhood, I would be dancing-- basically there would be no limits to what I could do.


There has been some benefit to my fantasies being dashed.  How could I help someone else if my recovery had been totally smooth and up to my expectations?  I know of others who have had smooth sailing, and I know some who have had wretched times and would consider my course smooth sailing.  In addition, if I could behave like a 35 year old, I would certainly be less compassionate towards my husband and some of his aches and pains!


I have spent the past 4 or 5 weeks being gracious to myself, and reconciling myself to the fact that I will not be meeting my 12 month goals.  I was told in the beginning that recovery could take 12-18 months.  So I am now allowing myself the full 18 months to recover.  It hasn't been easy accepting this, but I have come to terms with it, and I am looking forward to more small accomplishments.  I have experienced several lately, and I am certain that there are more to come before I reach total recovery. Plus, I am not ready to declare that where I am right now is the best I will be. While I was waiting for my mother at physical therapy,  I met a guy who had had two knee replacements also.  He was told by his therapist that his functioning was 80%; he got a personal trainer and can now do absolutely anything he wants that will not cause possible damage to his replacements.  A personal trainer may be in my future.


 I am so thankful that I live at a time when knee replacements are possible.  I'm glad I did it; I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to work very hard afterwards.

Walking in Memphis, Part II

Still not loving my walking program, but here are some hints I have learned that I will share.

1.  Stretch Out Strap 


I used this strap in physical therapy, so I had been taught some specific exercises to do.  Using this strap is much better than using a yoga strap.  I bought mine from Amazon with a booklet of stretches for less than $13.  I have learned that if I will stretch before and after my walk, my muscles get less tight and hurty. (just made that up)


I have been using this strap for the past 6 weeks and the unevenness of extension of my knees is much less noticeable. I am very impressed with the progress I have made.  Worth every dollar!


2.  Walk practically out in the middle of the street.  That way you don't have those barely perceptible slopes on both sides with which to contend.  To use those almost imperceptible slopes to my advantage, I walk with my left knee on the curb side since it has less extension.  Then my right knee is a little higher which helps evens things out.


3.  Since I still have a little balance problem where I want to lean to the right, I have pulled out one of my old walking sticks.  Using the stick allows me to walk a little faster, plus not use so much effort keeping myself from tilting to the right.