In the first week I felt a lot of improvement over the last surgery, but during the 2nd week it tapered off a little and I started to focus on my pain level and how much bend I was getting. There was a lot of aching when at rest and it constantly feels like the kneecap would catch, which kept me from improving my gait and working on things like going down stairs. More than either of those is the pain I'm feeling on the outside of my thigh, even just to the touch. Drew tried to explain that it might be coming from the bruising I have irritating some nerve endings and causing the sensitivity... I am not sure that's what he meant, but whatever is causing it, I think it's something that needs to run it's course.
There has been improvement now as I'm closer to 2.5 weeks. The general aching pain has subsided, but the thigh sensitivity is still present. I can stand/walk for longer periods of time and we've added some strengthening items to the PT exercises. Those exercises include angled squats (knee bending from 90 degree bend to straight), mini-squats on the Bosu and balancing on my surgical leg while throwing and catching a weighted ball. I feel strong in these exercises and have been doing them at home to stay on track. Only once has Drew had to do a little "forced bending" at PT to work on my range of motion (ROM), but it was not nearly as bad as last time, and hopefully we can avoid it going forward!
One thing I have to remember is that I can't compare myself to myself... When I mention feeling "behind" to my physical therapist he stopped and (quite seriously) claimed that it doesn't matter that I've had the same surgeon, same procedure and same physical therapist... Every recovery is different and I just have to listen to my body and work on the rehab!
Photos from 7/30, 13 days post-op:
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| Yes, I'm trying to flex my right quad! |
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| Working the bend, bruising starting to fade |
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| Crazy bruising; waaaay more than last time |
