4 months post-op and going strong!
So it has been a while since my last post and I'm happy to report that things are still going well. I started light jumping (getting no more than about 4 - 6 inches off the ground and landing on both feet) as well as "4-square jumping." This is where I use 4 floor tiles and jump front and back, side to side, around in a circle and diagonally.
I have also been doing really light jogging in place for about 2 minutes at a time. That was scary at the beginning, but it got easier once I started.
Today I had my 4 month post-op Dr visit. I was nervous for some reason before the appointment. Everything turned out to be great though. Dr is happy with my progress, my knee feels strong and sturdy and he said I'm ready to start more jumping, running and some lateral movements.
I have been having pain below my knee in my upper shin right below my bigger scar. When I asked him about it he said it was normal. There are a lot of nerves and things there that are still repairing themselves. Just takes time I guess.
I can't believe it's been 4 months since my surgery and 6 months since I have danced! Part of me says it seems like it's been forever, but it also seems like my surgery was last week!
I'm excited to see how the next few weeks play out and to start a bit more of getting back to my active lifestyle!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
13 Weeks Post Op...
Week 13 post op Update:
Wow, I can't believe it's been 13 weeks today since my surgery. I'd say "time flies when you're having fun," but fun isn't quite the word for it.
Progress with my knee is going very well. Had to fight hard with my company to continue physical therapy and was granted 2 times a week for 3 weeks. I would have settled for 1 time a week, but was happy with this outcome.
Had my evaluation with the physical therapists yesterday and my extension is at -3 so I'm SO close to straight. It's better than it was (can't remember what it was last time, but know it's better.) My flexion is at 120 passive (measured with me lying on my stomach and bending my knee) and 127 (still on my stomach) if they bend my knee for me. My PT said I'm back in the "normal" range, but still have a ways to go as they'd like to get me to about the lower/mid 130s since I'm a dancer and was pretty flexable.
Still doing a lot of the same exercises, but increasing the weights. Also, able to go up stairs normally without shaking. Coming down is still a bit challenging as my knee wants to catch or lock a times.
I'm SO excited because I'm able to walk without a limp most of the time. Most people say that they wouldn't even know that I had had surgery so that makes me very happy.
Had my 3 month post op visit with my OS - He is happy with my progress (finally ) and said I seem to be right on track. This next month he said I can begin with some very light jumping and some jogging in place. Very low impact type movements. After month 4 I'll be moving on to more jogging, running, etc. After month 5 I can begin rehearsing dance a bit more. Then After month 6 I should be back dancing. He said my graft feels very strong and he can tell my knee is getting stronger and stronger.
I'm excited for this weekend as my boyfriend (who lives out of state) is coming into town for a visit. My Dr gave me full clearance to ride on theme park rides and so we are going to Univeral Studios park tomorrow and Disneyland Saturday. So excited. Then I worked today and stood/walked the entire 6 hour shift. Worked out to be about 4 miles all together. I'm sore tonight and iced/used my e-stim machine, but was happy to be doing a job where I get to interact with the guests.
Can I express how much the thought of jumping/jogging freaks me out? I know it's like falling off of a horse and having to get back on, but I just don't want to ever have to go through this again. I trust my Dr and my physical therapists, but it is still scary.
Yea for new adventures though. Excited to get things going and continue to improve. :)
Wow, I can't believe it's been 13 weeks today since my surgery. I'd say "time flies when you're having fun," but fun isn't quite the word for it.
Progress with my knee is going very well. Had to fight hard with my company to continue physical therapy and was granted 2 times a week for 3 weeks. I would have settled for 1 time a week, but was happy with this outcome.
Had my evaluation with the physical therapists yesterday and my extension is at -3 so I'm SO close to straight. It's better than it was (can't remember what it was last time, but know it's better.) My flexion is at 120 passive (measured with me lying on my stomach and bending my knee) and 127 (still on my stomach) if they bend my knee for me. My PT said I'm back in the "normal" range, but still have a ways to go as they'd like to get me to about the lower/mid 130s since I'm a dancer and was pretty flexable.
Still doing a lot of the same exercises, but increasing the weights. Also, able to go up stairs normally without shaking. Coming down is still a bit challenging as my knee wants to catch or lock a times.
I'm SO excited because I'm able to walk without a limp most of the time. Most people say that they wouldn't even know that I had had surgery so that makes me very happy.
Had my 3 month post op visit with my OS - He is happy with my progress (finally ) and said I seem to be right on track. This next month he said I can begin with some very light jumping and some jogging in place. Very low impact type movements. After month 4 I'll be moving on to more jogging, running, etc. After month 5 I can begin rehearsing dance a bit more. Then After month 6 I should be back dancing. He said my graft feels very strong and he can tell my knee is getting stronger and stronger.
I'm excited for this weekend as my boyfriend (who lives out of state) is coming into town for a visit. My Dr gave me full clearance to ride on theme park rides and so we are going to Univeral Studios park tomorrow and Disneyland Saturday. So excited. Then I worked today and stood/walked the entire 6 hour shift. Worked out to be about 4 miles all together. I'm sore tonight and iced/used my e-stim machine, but was happy to be doing a job where I get to interact with the guests.
Can I express how much the thought of jumping/jogging freaks me out? I know it's like falling off of a horse and having to get back on, but I just don't want to ever have to go through this again. I trust my Dr and my physical therapists, but it is still scary.
Yea for new adventures though. Excited to get things going and continue to improve. :)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
10 Weeks Post-op
10 Weeks Post Op today!
Had a dream come true and got to meet Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, etc) last weekend. I was a bit nervous as I had to get up VERY early in the morning and wait to meet her. Didn't know how my knee would handle it, but it worked out okay because we had chairs to wait in and I didn't have to stand as long as I thought I would. It was amazing!
Well, things have been a bit frustrating the rest of the week as I have been waiting to have my new physical therapy prescription approved. Only had PT 1 time this week (suppose to have it 3 times a week), but made the most of it. 10 minutes on exercise bike, 10 minutes walking backwards on the treadmill, heel walking, wall sits, etc. My straight leg raise is SO close to being there. I just feel like my knee wants to bend everytime.
I'm just pray that my PT gets approved soon so I can start back. I have been doing exercises at home, but really like having someone there to push me or make sure everything is going okay.
First week back to work went okay. Lots of walking and my knee is not used to sitting in a chair for long peroids of time. Had a LOT of nights of swelling and being sore. Thank goodness for ice and my e-stim machine.
I sort of feel like I have been battling depression lately. Being back to work is nice, but it's really hard to be reminded everyday that I can't dance. It's also difficult as my family all lives out of state and most of my friends are always working. It's hard to feel alone when you are recovering. I'm just trying to stay up beat and know that things will get better.
Had a dream come true and got to meet Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, etc) last weekend. I was a bit nervous as I had to get up VERY early in the morning and wait to meet her. Didn't know how my knee would handle it, but it worked out okay because we had chairs to wait in and I didn't have to stand as long as I thought I would. It was amazing!
Well, things have been a bit frustrating the rest of the week as I have been waiting to have my new physical therapy prescription approved. Only had PT 1 time this week (suppose to have it 3 times a week), but made the most of it. 10 minutes on exercise bike, 10 minutes walking backwards on the treadmill, heel walking, wall sits, etc. My straight leg raise is SO close to being there. I just feel like my knee wants to bend everytime.
I'm just pray that my PT gets approved soon so I can start back. I have been doing exercises at home, but really like having someone there to push me or make sure everything is going okay.
First week back to work went okay. Lots of walking and my knee is not used to sitting in a chair for long peroids of time. Had a LOT of nights of swelling and being sore. Thank goodness for ice and my e-stim machine.
I sort of feel like I have been battling depression lately. Being back to work is nice, but it's really hard to be reminded everyday that I can't dance. It's also difficult as my family all lives out of state and most of my friends are always working. It's hard to feel alone when you are recovering. I'm just trying to stay up beat and know that things will get better.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Back to work...
I'm officially 9 weeks post-op today!
Today was my first day back to work since my surgery. The doctor restricted me to "seated work only." Basically "seated work" at Disney means rolling silverware in napkins or making kid meal boxes. Today, I was at "Pavillion" rolling silverware in napkins for 6 hours.
Well, had a LOT of walking that I had to do and then my knee is not accustom to sitting in a chair for about 6 hours. I kept straightening it every once in a while, but it didn't help much.
Talked to my physical therapist today before work and they said that I would probably be sore so to give my knee a break from exercises for a day or 2. I did 3 days of physical therapy in a row before my doctor's appointment (so I could use all of my prescription) and so my knee was already a bit tired. Then I started work on top of that.
When I got off of work, my knee was KILLING me. Once I got home I hooked up my E-Stim machine and it helped, but I'm still pretty sore this evening. Ice is my friend.
Tomorrow is my day off so I plan to kind of take it as easy as I can. I have a couple errands that need to be done, but other than that, I will be relaxing my knee. It needs it badly.
Today was my first day back to work since my surgery. The doctor restricted me to "seated work only." Basically "seated work" at Disney means rolling silverware in napkins or making kid meal boxes. Today, I was at "Pavillion" rolling silverware in napkins for 6 hours.
Well, had a LOT of walking that I had to do and then my knee is not accustom to sitting in a chair for about 6 hours. I kept straightening it every once in a while, but it didn't help much.
Talked to my physical therapist today before work and they said that I would probably be sore so to give my knee a break from exercises for a day or 2. I did 3 days of physical therapy in a row before my doctor's appointment (so I could use all of my prescription) and so my knee was already a bit tired. Then I started work on top of that.
When I got off of work, my knee was KILLING me. Once I got home I hooked up my E-Stim machine and it helped, but I'm still pretty sore this evening. Ice is my friend.
Tomorrow is my day off so I plan to kind of take it as easy as I can. I have a couple errands that need to be done, but other than that, I will be relaxing my knee. It needs it badly.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
2 months Post-Op
Tomorrow I am officially 9 weeks post-op!
So today I had my 2 month post-op appointment with my OS.
I was SO nervous as at my last appointment he didn't seem happy with my progress. Luckily, today was SO much better!
Went to PT this afternoon before the doctor and they did my evaluation.
My measurements were all done cold without warming up my knee:
Active flexion (laying on my stomach and bending on my own) is at 114 degrees
Passive flexion (laying on stomach and bending using my other leg to push) is at 120 degrees
Active flexion (laying on my back and pulling my heel toward my bottom) is at 125 degrees
Active extension (sitting on edge of bench and straightening my leg) is at -12
Passive extension (sitting on edge and using other leg to make my leg straight) is at about -4
Strength is still needed in the Quad of my op leg.
I really focused the last month to getting my extension back. It is a TON better than last doctor's appointment. The doctor even said my "extension is perfect!" Yea!
The doctor said I'm a bit behind on my flexion, but said it will come with time. He said I am only behind about 10-15 degrees and then I'll be back to my pre-op flexion.
Asked the doctor about the "catching" I feel in my knee cap - basically after I have my leg totally straight I feel like something right below my knee cap catches at about 80 degrees of flexion and hurts so I can't bend my knee farther. Once I straighten my leg again and bend it again most of the time the "catching" goes away. The doctor said that he thinks it is due to having a weaker quad muscle. He thinks that once my quad is stronger, it will pull the knee cap the right way and the problem will go away. I hope this is the case!
He said I don't need to wear my brace for day to day walking, but to wear it if I'm going to be in crowds like at work at Disneyland . I also will wear it when I begin being more active like jogging, jumping, pivoting (which is still a ways away)
I also got black and white photos from the surgery. It's weird to see the inside of my knee. Can't see a whole lot, but they are going to try to email me the color pictures so I can see more.
Still doing physical therapy 3 times a week for the next 4 weeks. I'll have my 3 month post-op appointment September 23rd.
I'm going back to work starting tomorrow, but seated work only. Still a LONG way before I'm dancing in the parades again, but at least it is one step closer!
So today I had my 2 month post-op appointment with my OS.
I was SO nervous as at my last appointment he didn't seem happy with my progress. Luckily, today was SO much better!
Went to PT this afternoon before the doctor and they did my evaluation.
My measurements were all done cold without warming up my knee:
Active flexion (laying on my stomach and bending on my own) is at 114 degrees
Passive flexion (laying on stomach and bending using my other leg to push) is at 120 degrees
Active flexion (laying on my back and pulling my heel toward my bottom) is at 125 degrees
Active extension (sitting on edge of bench and straightening my leg) is at -12
Passive extension (sitting on edge and using other leg to make my leg straight) is at about -4
Strength is still needed in the Quad of my op leg.
I really focused the last month to getting my extension back. It is a TON better than last doctor's appointment. The doctor even said my "extension is perfect!" Yea!
The doctor said I'm a bit behind on my flexion, but said it will come with time. He said I am only behind about 10-15 degrees and then I'll be back to my pre-op flexion.
Asked the doctor about the "catching" I feel in my knee cap - basically after I have my leg totally straight I feel like something right below my knee cap catches at about 80 degrees of flexion and hurts so I can't bend my knee farther. Once I straighten my leg again and bend it again most of the time the "catching" goes away. The doctor said that he thinks it is due to having a weaker quad muscle. He thinks that once my quad is stronger, it will pull the knee cap the right way and the problem will go away. I hope this is the case!
He said I don't need to wear my brace for day to day walking, but to wear it if I'm going to be in crowds like at work at Disneyland . I also will wear it when I begin being more active like jogging, jumping, pivoting (which is still a ways away)
I also got black and white photos from the surgery. It's weird to see the inside of my knee. Can't see a whole lot, but they are going to try to email me the color pictures so I can see more.
Still doing physical therapy 3 times a week for the next 4 weeks. I'll have my 3 month post-op appointment September 23rd.
I'm going back to work starting tomorrow, but seated work only. Still a LONG way before I'm dancing in the parades again, but at least it is one step closer!
Friday, August 21, 2009
What I Miss The Most.... .
So don't take this blog the wrong way. I am not complaining that I cannot do these things, but I was thinking today about the simple things that I miss after my knee surgery. I wanted to make a list so I could be happy to look back once I'm completely healed and know what not to take for granted.
What I miss:
Going out in public without carrying a cane or crutch
Walking without a limp
Wearing no knee brace
Being able to walk or go somewhere in public without people staring at me or asking what happened
Not being worried when I go out of the house that someone will bump into my hurt knee
Walking long distances
Walking Fast/Jogging/Running
Skipping
Cardio - dancing, jumping, biking
Not being as worried about what I am eating because I can exercise
Sitting cross-legged on the floor
Sitting for a long peroid of time with my knee bent
Being able to bend my knees the same amount
Having no pain in my knee
Having no numb spot on my knee
Having a reason to get up, get dressed and actually look nice
Performing
Seeing my friends when I go to work
Being happy because I am not missing out on anything
Feeling whole
DANCING!!!!!
What I miss:
Going out in public without carrying a cane or crutch
Walking without a limp
Wearing no knee brace
Being able to walk or go somewhere in public without people staring at me or asking what happened
Not being worried when I go out of the house that someone will bump into my hurt knee
Walking long distances
Walking Fast/Jogging/Running
Skipping
Cardio - dancing, jumping, biking
Not being as worried about what I am eating because I can exercise
Sitting cross-legged on the floor
Sitting for a long peroid of time with my knee bent
Being able to bend my knees the same amount
Having no pain in my knee
Having no numb spot on my knee
Having a reason to get up, get dressed and actually look nice
Performing
Seeing my friends when I go to work
Being happy because I am not missing out on anything
Feeling whole
DANCING!!!!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Update...
Well, I stink at keeping up with my blog. :)
Just wanted to give you an update on how things have been going.
I have been attending physical therapy 3 times a week for the past 6.5 weeks. I started with being able to bend my knee only to 70 degrees and now am up to 120 degrees.
I started on 2 crutches and now I am off of crutches, but if I go out in public I take a cane to help keep people from bumping into me.
Back at the end of July I flew back to Kansas City to attend a wedding. It was a bit scary to fly after surgery, but the people at Southwest were very helpful. I was able to board the plane first and sit in the front row so I could stretch my leg out in front of me. While I was home, my brother sprained his ankle and was also on crutches. We were quite the pair.
I finished my work with the knee CPM (Constant Passive Motion) machine on July 21st and so was on it for a little less than a month. For the first 6 weeks, I was given an electric stim machine that sends electric shocks through my knee to help with pain. It has been my best friend. I went to see the new Harry Potter movie (2.5 hours long) and would not have been able to sit though it without my e-stim machine. It also helped with my flights when I went back to Kansas City. Luckily they extended the use of it for another 6 weeks and after that peroid, if I am still using it, they will go to my insurance company and ask if they will purchase it for me. I hope that happens.
I'm considering changing physical therapists as I am not getting as much 1 on 1 time with the Disney physical therapists as I'd like. They have too many patients and not enough space or therapists. I hate to hurt their feelings or make them mad, but I need to get better.
At my last doctor's appointment on July 29th, I had to wait for over an hour to be seen. Then, after having my leg bent that long in the waiting room, it did not want to go straight. The doctor told me I needed to work on this (I wanted to say he needed to work on getting his patients in faster, but I bit my tounge haha). Then he said that I was making good progress, but he hoped I would be farther than where I am. That was SO frustrating to hear. I feel I can only do what my knee allows me to do.
Anyway, I have another doctors appointment next Wednesday, August 26th. I think I'll be released back to seated work only. This means I'll be backstage at Disney rolling silverwear in napkins or making kid meal boxes again. Not excited to go back to that work, but ready to do something.
Just wanted to give you an update on how things have been going.
I have been attending physical therapy 3 times a week for the past 6.5 weeks. I started with being able to bend my knee only to 70 degrees and now am up to 120 degrees.
I started on 2 crutches and now I am off of crutches, but if I go out in public I take a cane to help keep people from bumping into me.
Back at the end of July I flew back to Kansas City to attend a wedding. It was a bit scary to fly after surgery, but the people at Southwest were very helpful. I was able to board the plane first and sit in the front row so I could stretch my leg out in front of me. While I was home, my brother sprained his ankle and was also on crutches. We were quite the pair.
I finished my work with the knee CPM (Constant Passive Motion) machine on July 21st and so was on it for a little less than a month. For the first 6 weeks, I was given an electric stim machine that sends electric shocks through my knee to help with pain. It has been my best friend. I went to see the new Harry Potter movie (2.5 hours long) and would not have been able to sit though it without my e-stim machine. It also helped with my flights when I went back to Kansas City. Luckily they extended the use of it for another 6 weeks and after that peroid, if I am still using it, they will go to my insurance company and ask if they will purchase it for me. I hope that happens.
I'm considering changing physical therapists as I am not getting as much 1 on 1 time with the Disney physical therapists as I'd like. They have too many patients and not enough space or therapists. I hate to hurt their feelings or make them mad, but I need to get better.
At my last doctor's appointment on July 29th, I had to wait for over an hour to be seen. Then, after having my leg bent that long in the waiting room, it did not want to go straight. The doctor told me I needed to work on this (I wanted to say he needed to work on getting his patients in faster, but I bit my tounge haha). Then he said that I was making good progress, but he hoped I would be farther than where I am. That was SO frustrating to hear. I feel I can only do what my knee allows me to do.
Anyway, I have another doctors appointment next Wednesday, August 26th. I think I'll be released back to seated work only. This means I'll be backstage at Disney rolling silverwear in napkins or making kid meal boxes again. Not excited to go back to that work, but ready to do something.
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