3 months on...

29 April 2016: 3 months post op

It is Autumn now and three months ago I had a total replacement of my right knee. 

As I was walking into the swimming pool this morning I was greeted by a nice older man in his 80s who I chat to when we are in the gym on our exercycles. He is waiting for a knee replacement but can't get on the public waiting list for the operation and he doesn't have health insurance. He called out to me cheerily and said how well I was walking and what a difference he could see in me since the surgery. He said "your whole face looks 10 years younger without the pain you had before". 

It was a great way to start the day and a good start to reflecting on progress to date. Three months on:

- I am walking around the house without any crutches. I still use walking poles when I go out for dog walks with Lewis. I can easily walk 3-5km a day. 6km is still a bit too far.

- I am moving well except when tired I tend to limp - but the walking poles help keep me on an even keel

- the post op swelling and bruising has reduced significantly and the scar has healed well but is still creepily warm to touch

- the pain is much reduced. I get a deep kind of bone pain in my right thigh when I have overdone things. I still find it hard to stand still and chat to people - I need to keep moving rather than stand in one place 

-  my new knee hair regrowth is rampant

-  my walking and cycling in the gym is getting speedier and my I am able to do more complex and vigorous aquajogging. I can easily cycle 7km but 9 km is at present, too far  

- my cooking is improving - I have even managed to cook a couple of meals for friends. I tried less ambitious dishes that I could pre-prepare and that worked out well

- I can sleep through the night without pain

- I can get up off the toilet without having to lever myself up using the walls. (This is great progress!)

- some days I feel like I could dance!

I had a visit with my surgeon on Tuesday this week. He was also really positive about my progress. I had been feeling a bit disheartened that I am not fully able to enjoy the benefits of the new bionic knee because of the arthritis in my left knee gets sore when I get too active. He said he was expecting me to say that - given that my left knee is also very arthritic. He said that my new right knee would take another 6-12 months to get into peak condition. I should expect to still feel the bone pain and also the heat from the scar for quite a few more months. But that over time the new knee would become the dominant knee and reduce the strain on the left knee... So here's hoping!

I also really hope that my 80 year old gym buddy also gets a chance to have his knees replaced and that he has the chance to sleep through the night and to enjoy life again.