Extension finally getting better

Well I’ve still been using the dynasplint at night; I have the tension cranked up as high as it will go.  It’s very uncomfortable but I’m willing to go through the pain and discomfort to get my extension back.  I’ve also been doing a lot of squats and lunges (no weight).  I’ve noticed I’ve been walking more normal also.  The other day I kind of tried to start jogging to see how it would feel, it felt awkward so I stopped and haven’t done it since.  I do a lot of walking around and I try to go as fast as I can while still being comfortable.  My next OS appointment is Feb 22^nd, I’m hoping I’ll go in and he will clear me to go back to full duty.  I realize I won’t be 100 percent but I know my limits and will just have to be more relaxed than normal and take it easy.  At least I’ll be living my “normal” life and making up on all the money I’ve been losing.

7 weeks post op

Well I’ve stopped going to the crappy therapy here and am doing my own exercises at my house and I’ll have my gf do they pulling and pushing.  Everything is going good I hope.  On Tuesday a guy came down to my house and fitted me with one of those dynasplints to help my extension.  I wear it at night or when I’m just sitting around the house.  It has different tensions and I think right now I’m at 11.  I’ll probably boost the tension up when I get home today.  My next OS appointment is Feb. 22, I’m hoping I’ll go in there with full extension and the doc will clear me to go back to normal work but who knows.  Overall I think my extension is getting better but its hard to tell by myself today when the gf comes over I’ll ask her if it looks any better.  But my overall goal now is to go back to work around Feb. 22

I think all is getting better

Well I think the extension problems are getting better. I've been doing a ton of stretches. I think its probably at a norm of 5 degrees. Hopefully by the weekend I'll have 0 degrees.

6 weeks post op--------------extension problems........still

Well I’m 6 weeks post op.  Still stuck at 5-10 degrees extension.  Went to see the doctor on Tuesday and he said I really need to get to 0 degrees extension.  He said I didn’t need to panic but I could tell he was concerned.  He said he was going to try and order me a splint to help out with it.  He said my flexion, and strength were better than average at this time.  It’s frustrating not being able to straighten my leg.  I do all the exercises but just can’t get to 0 degrees.  Hopefully I’ll get it soon and then start to think about going back to work.  I think I’m also ready to start light jogging but I don’t know if doing this without being able to straighten my leg will do more harm than good.

5 weeks post op

Well I'm 5 weeks post op.  I’ve ditched the brace for good.  I felt the same with it then I did without out and was tired wearing it under or over my clothes.  I see the OS next week so we will see what he says.  Pt has been going good but I feel that they are not changing my exercises at all.  The only new thing I’ve done since the begging is I began walking on the treadmill forwards and backwards, other than that it’s the same exercises.  I might stop going and do a home program if my OS agrees with it.  I’m hoping I’ll be back to normal work by March because I’m losing way to much money not being able to work OT or nights.  Other than that 2011 has been a really good year so far.  I have an amazing girl who I love dearly.  We are great together; I’m looking forward to what the future holds for both of us

4 weeks post op

Overall I feel I’m doing good with my rehab.  PT is going good and my knee is definitely feeling more stable and normal.  I’m almost at 0 degrees extension and my flexion is at like 115 degrees (depending on the day).  I’m just having one problem when I go to therapy and start using my knee it feels excellent but when I get home and wake up it feels so stiff and my limp becomes worse.  I’ll set up the exercise bike I got today when I get home from work.  I have 5 days off from work and therapy starting tomorrow.  I’m looking forward to relaxing and spending time with my girlfriend.  I’ll also spend quite a bit of time on my new exercise bike.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Well I’m still walking without the crutches which feels great.  I’m going up stairs with no problem, still not comfortable going down stairs though.  Yesterday at therapy my PT had me do 15 minutes on the bike (I can finally pedal around going backwards), a mile on the treadmill (walking) and really starting bending my knee to get my extension and flexion.  Needless to say my knee was pretty sore last night and today but I know this is a good thing.  Hopefully at PT today he will work me harder than yesterday.  I’ve realized that most of my lack of flexion and extension are mental things.  It feels great to be doing more.  I also ordered an exercise bike and it should arrive today when I get home from therapy.  I would recommend this to anyone who has the surgery.  Riding on an exercise bike is good to strengthen your knees even if you don’t have any problems, and it is even better for rehab.