Wow, I can't believe how fast time is going by. As long as some days are, I am already 9 weeks post-op and things are moving along well. I think my greatest problem is the fact that I actually feel as though I can do more but after I do it I realize that I've done too much. I need to remember to take things slow and not push myself too soon. I saw the surgeon last week and he gave me the ok to put more weight down on my leg. I was max. 50% weight bearing since 1 week post-op on surgeon's orders. I am still to use my crutches to assist with the walking but he wants me to get the weight down and work on the natural walking motion. I've also been given the ok to start muscle strengthening. Other than that, my flexion is at 106 degrees but I have issues with extension. He is putting me back into a JAS brace for the next month or so. JAS brace is a "Joint Active Systems" brace which I also used after my skiing accident to get my flexion and extension. It's quite an interesting contraption, check it out on the web!!
While at physio the other day I was doing an exercise and my knee kept on catching/clicking. My physiotherapist said it was a kneecap tracking issue and should resolve itself when I regain some of the lost leg muscles. The area where they took the patellar tendon graft is tender and easily gets swollen. It is a very warm area on the knee that even the coldest ice doesn't cool down. Time, icing and rest will help that! I still have a large section of numbness (the size of my hand) on the left side of my incision. When I asked the surgeon and his resident, they explained that my MCL reconstruction required a lot of work in an area where the nerves cross over to the other side of the leg and the feeling may or may not return. It may be 6 months or so before I know! Talk about a wierd feeling.
As for my PCL, I guess its still hanging in there!! He decided to do the ACL/MCL reconstruction in hopes that it provides enough stability. HOPES?????? Anyhow, the posterior sag isn't too bad according to the surgeon but I think my shin has fallen far behind the tibia and looks rather ridiculous. He'll keep and eye on this I'm sure. Anyhow, I'll add some photos when I get my new JAS brace.
The thought of doing anything other than my slow walk seems too far into the future it's crazy. I've been like this for a year now and this seems to be the norm and everything else seems out of reach. I had a dream the other night that I was running and I was as light as a feather on my feet - WOW what a feeling!
www.jointactivesystems.com/ (JAS Brace information)
http://www.mysportphysio.com/ (My Physiotherapy Hangout)
