POD2: Walkies

 

My personal Nurse took me outside today and I was able to walk around the house! Prior to this I spent the morning itching like crazy due to the regular Hydromorphone, so we have added some Benedryl to the mix, which I was not too happy about. In fact, I think my exact words where, "no more drugs!!" But I got that look from him and realised that even though I was terribly itchy due to regular meds, I was improving my movement and ability to stretch, flex, and straighten the knee. 

My whole nursing common sense has gone out the window: I feel like a child who looks pathetically uncomfortable, with big bags under her eyes. But despite this, I am moving, and when I do, I feel better. I am chirpier, I giggle, I laugh, and make fun of Kevin. Everything around me is loud and muffled, and I hate it, especially since I know it is due to the meds. But if I don't take something regularly, I become incredibly sore and freeze up.

Last night was not fun. 10/10 pain because I thought I was tough enough to deal with the pain mentally, and I did not want to wake Kevin up to help me to turn. So instead I just lay there, got more ridged, more sore, had the cryocuff on way too long, and froze my ass off. My pathetic sobs finally woke him...

So, new day today. Take the pain medications regularly, nap when required, but keep the movement steady. It's near the end of the day and here are my exercises that I am able to complete with some degree of confidence:

Quad Sets
While sitting on a flat surface with your legs straight, tighten your thigh muscle while pushing the back of your knee into the bed. I cannot do enough of these! This exercise should help to get my leg straight. 

Heel Slides
Lying on my back, I slowly bend the knee, sliding the foot along the surface of the floor. Once I have bent the knee as much as possible, I then slide my foot back down until the knee is straight. 

Seated passive knee motion
While sitting on the edge of the bed or chair, I let my knees bend and legs dangle over the edge. My normal foot goes behind the other ankle and gently assists in lifting the bung leg until my  knee is straight. Next, use your non-involved leg to slowly lower your involved leg. Your will feel some discomfort as your surgically repaired knee bends. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

I will add some photos tomorrow to these exercises as that helps to make sense of everything. Have just been trying out some upper body exercises too using my resistance band but it's a bit tricky when you're a bit wobbly on both feet due to the pain meds! 

I am barely transferring my weight onto the crutches tonight, which is super exciting! I don't went to get too cocky and push myself towards a fall but I think I am quite close to walking only using 1 crutch. For now I will just use the 2 and concentrate more on strengthening the quad and straightening that knee!!