4 months and counting

I can't believe that it has now been more than 4 months sense the surgery.  Things continue to move at a snail pace.  I find myself longing to get back to some normal physical activity.  Riding the stationary bike at 14 mph just isn't cutting it and I am tired of adjusting my eating for the lack of exercise.

The past week I did go and buy a new bike in hopes of riding it soon.  I had to ask the bike shop to keep it on the shelf until September.  Otherwise the temptation to ride would be too great...as I am still not allowed to ride outside until the fall.  Below are some basic things to note:

- The knee is still swollen.  I wonder how long it will take until I can see my knee cap again?

- The past week I have had some moments of sharp pain.  Those moments bring enough pain that it leaves me gasping for air and causes me to lose focus on whatever I was doing.  The pan doesn't last very long but it is intense when it happens.  The weird thing I haven't been able to figure out what is triggering the moments.

- My left quad muscle is still squishy...really squishy.  But, if you look hard enough and turn your head in to the right place you can make out some contour of my small muscles.  At this point I take anything I can get.

- My limp is barely noticeable, but still present. The leg gives out randomly once or twice per day, usually for a nanosecond, and then I quickly recapture my normal walking form.

- Stairs remain problematic. I don’t have to avoid stairs, but I do need to handle them with care, especially going down.

- My ROM is still good.  However, deep bending or squatting are still beyond me.

Another DOC visit

Another week...another doctor visit.  At just over 14 weeks post-op...I am feeling good and I was really looking forward to talking with Dr. Tarlow to see my latest progress and to ask some big questions.  Teh appointment was quick and full of exciting news.  The first news I got was that my doctor has decided to drop my health care provider.

Yes...not my fault.  And really I can't blame him for the challenge doctors have to face with providers these days.  What does that mean for me?  It means I have to go back to my old doctor that couldn't provide surgical services because the provider wouldn't cover the facility.  At least...I think I can go back as long as they haven't dropped my provider too.  Just another fun think to navigate through...

Back to the knee news...

1. The knee is still swollen but that isn't something that is totally abnormal at this point.

2. I have to wear my unloader brace for another 6 months and then for any periods of extended time on my feet.

3. Everything looks and feels like it is healing nicely.  I do have some popping and grinding still when the knee is flexed but the Doc told me that is fairly normal at this point and over time it should go away.

4. Stationary bike is a good thing as long as I don't overdo it!  Thus, I keep doing what I am doing and I actually road 5 miles yesterday.  My furthest bike ride in almost a year.

5. I asked if I could eventually Mountain bike again...while keeping my fingers crossed.  To which I couldn't believe my ears...the answer was YES!  In 18 months I can begin to mountain bike again.  That news was almost too good to hear.  I can't wait to get back on a bike soon- 18 months will not come fast enough.  (And yes, I will be allowed to single speed as long as it isn't a steady diet of it)

6. Dr. Tarlow, also felt that the cells are growing like weeds and that over the next 20 weeks they should begin to morph into a thicker substance that resembles the new cartilage that is to come.

Overall, the news was all good.  I couldn't be more excited.