More knee adventures

Yesterday I had a PT appointment and my therapist said my knee was way too swollen. She asked me if I had any numbness and I told her my foot had been numb off and on. Apparently this means either fluid is being moved to my foot or I have nerve damage (the fact that that foot's shoes have been tighter leads me to the fluid theory). She told me that she thought I would need to have my knee asperated. This involves a needle. UGH! She had the PA look at my knee (same PA that has been dealing with me the whole time) and he said definately needed to be aperated. So, after an hour wait, he gave me a shot of lidacaine (OUCH) and then sprayed this freezing spray on. He then SHOVED the needle in and drew out 66cc's of fluid. (ALOT) They are testing it to make sure there's no problem. He said there is a chance I could swell up again. If I do, they may have to go back in and see what the problem is. I was over 3 cm larger on the right knee that the left. THis apparently is not good. Now my knee looks and feels much better. They have me wrapped tight in an ace bandage to help keep the swelling down. So far so good. My CPM machine goes back today or tomorrow so I won't be doing that any more.

I've been getting out and running errands and so far I have done well. I still have to elevate and ice quite a bit and exercises 4x a day. I can't be on my feet for more than 45 min to an hour or the swelling starts. I am off work until June 8th, so I have some time to get completely recovered.

:)

On the mend

I am home and on the mend! The surgery was not a major as they thought it would have to be. When Dr. Motley got into my knee, he cut a ligament and my knee cap moved over! He did not have to break the knee or anything else. It was a simple Arthroscopic Debriedment with a lateral

release. This means a much quicker recovery, but I will probably still stay out of work for the full month. It will give me time to work on the strength in my knee and catch Kyle up (if possible) in his school work. I am hoping to get my tattoos during my time out as well. I have a huge stack of books I wanted to get through as well as a ton of movies I have purchased but not watched. In general I have a ton of things I would love to get under control and caught up on during this short break I have. Phillip is home with me all next week, then he goes back to work. I haven't been cleared to drive or to go back to work, but I have been taken down to one crutch. Wednesday (the 13th) is my one week appointment when I will see the PA during PT. They should give me a lesser list of limitations. I am hoping to be released to go to the gym. I want to get on the eliptical as soon as I am able and then start taking classes at the gym. (not a comfortable thing for me).

I have been doing pretty good about doing 8 hours a day in the CPM machine and PT exercisesx 4 times a day. Phillip has to move my knee cap 4 ways, for 1 minute each, 4 times each, 4 times a day. It hurts ALOT, but has to be done. If I don;t have continuous movement in my knee the "stuff" between my knee and the bone will "cement" together and result in an emergency surgery to release it. It will in effect cement my knee in place and I will not be able to move it. So far my ROM (range of motion) has been excellent. It was 100 the first PT day and 120 the next day. My ROM on the machine is 125 right now. I think 130 is the goal.
Today two of the dogs got washed and 30 bags of soil got put in the newest flower bed / retaining wall. We didn't do much because I certainly didn't feel like walking around a whole lot today. Tomorrow we have to go to Sam's to buy groceries and I am getting my Mother's Days pedicure (I love pedicures). Will visit Mamaw of course, then will have to rest alot after that.

:)