Knee surgery

[Catrin]

Well, it's all set for July 24. My knee needs 'fixin' after the bad fall in March at work. It will be a scoping plus a lateral release. The Ortho is great, he does a lot of work on professional level athletes (he operated on Peyton Manning's knee).

[Crankin]

It sounds like you are in good hands. Best to get it done and then move forward.

[Pax]

Sorry you have to have it done, but glad you're getting quality care.

[Catrin]

All I can say is I am very thankful for Workman's Comp - that does decrease the stress for sure! And...people still get hurt on a regular basis in that same area :(

[Helene2013]

Hoping for a quick recovery (although everthing seems to stall when we are healing) and that surgery goes well.

[Catrin]

I am storing up knitting supplies, good books, and advice from my coach about what I CAN do with my kettlebells when I am out. And, yes, I will listen to my PT and doc about that as well. Apparently I won't ever be "non-weight bearing" which is good. AND I live in a 2nd floor walk-up but they promise stairs won't be a problem. I have to accept that I will loose conditioning during my recovery period, but my knee is deteriorating. Time to do something about that.

It's also good that I don't have a built bike or I wouldn't be able to resist the urge to ride before the surgery - even though I shouldn't ride at all for reasons other than my knee... All I can do is to sigh when I look at my frameset, which is a good thing!

[OakLeaf]

Hope all goes well.

[thekarens]

Well, it's all set for July 24. My knee needs 'fixin' after the bad fall in March at work. It will be a scoping plus a lateral release. The Ortho is great, he does a lot of work on professional level athletes (he operated on Peyton Manning's knee).

Had a lateral release when I was 16. Hopefully it will be a quick recovery!

[Catrin]

Had a lateral release when I was 16. Hopefully it will be a quick recovery!

I hope so as well. Apparently there is a huge variability involved with this specific surgery and there is no predictor regarding how long healing will take - and how long it will take me to experience the full results/relief from the lateral release. May it be sooner than later - but I have to try. It would be difficult to have someone better do the work, just a pity that I need more than the scope...

So knitting projects are being set aside, books, audio books, etc., and thinking about what I will be able to do in an attempt to lose as little conditioning as possible. I've a ride HOME from the surgery, just have to figure out how to GET there. If nothing else I will call Urber, been wanting to try them out anyway.

[ridebikeme]

Glad to hear that you have such a great Dr Catrin! I'm sure that you will bounced back quickly and will be determined to PT. Enjoy your time knitting, reading, etc... that time will go fast and you'll be back training before you know it.

[Catrin]

Glad to hear that you have such a great Dr Catrin! I'm sure that you will bounced back quickly and will be determined to PT. Enjoy your time knitting, reading, etc... that time will go fast and you'll be back training before you know it.

I hope you are right! I made the mistake of reading a couple examples of others who have had the scope/(chondroplasty?) + lateral release and their recuperation. I should have known better, I really should have. Everybody, and every body, is different. Now I need a memory wipe so I can relax for the next 3 weeks :-)

[Pax]

I hope you are right! I made the mistake of reading a couple examples of others who have had the scope/(chondroplasty?) + lateral release and their recuperation. I should have known better, I really should have. Everybody, and every body, is different. Now I need a memory wipe so I can relax for the next 3 weeks :-)

Exactly. I did a massive amount of reading and research prior to my knee replacement, peoples results varied from horrific (losing their leg) to astounding (up and running a marathon in six months). Like everything else it's a bell curve, I wish I was recovering faster but I'm just at a different place on the curve than some other people.

[Crankin]

I tell my clients that I am banning them from reading about medical/psych issues on line!
People who write on those sites don't usually share stuff that is good.

[Pax]

I tell my clients that I am banning them from reading about medical/psych issues on line!
People who write on those sites don't usually share stuff that is good.

Reminds me of my mental health days, you always knew who owned their own copy of the DSM IV.

[thekarens]

I tell my clients that I am banning them from reading about medical/psych issues on line!
People who write on those sites don't usually share stuff that is good.

True story! My gyn finally told me to stay away from Dr. Google :)

[Helene2013]

We do all this...read on our issues (whether for us or my pets) ...sometimes it is scary though. It seems that no matter what we look for, we have all the symptoms and more for x issue. haha

I think the worst for me was reading before my eye laser correction surgery.... I have not read anything scarier than this...so much that I refused for years to get it done. Now that I did (in 2008), it is one of the best things I did for me and no major issues either. In fact, no issues at all but some discomfort after numbness went away post-surgery and it did not last.

So you cannot always compare yourself or try to foresee all that can happen or you won't breath for a while. haha

Good luck! :)

[OakLeaf]

I guess I'd take a somewhat contrary view and say we all have a responsibility to educate ourselves before undergoing any medical procedure, but "educating ourselves" is not the same thing as "listening only to everyone who's had a problem." It IS, however, understanding how often problems happen, and how severe they're likely to be, and weighing those risks realistically against the risk of what might happen without the treatment, or with a different treatment.

Like Helene, the problems with LASIK you read about - yes, those problems can be severe and life-altering for those who have them, but it makes a big difference whether those problems happen to 0.5%, 5% or 50% of people who undergo LASIK, and that's the kind of thing you can only find out by poring over medical journals and making sure your research isn't limited to industry-sponsored studies, which are even more misleading than limiting your research to support groups for people who have had severe complications. Understanding statistics helps weed out studies that were poorly designed, or that were designed to yield information other than what you're looking for. Checking a journal's history of retractions helps get a sense of how rigorous their peer review process is.

We can't trust doctors to tell us the whole truth about the likely consequences of treatment or the course of recovery - as Pax recently found out. The existence of people with severe complications doesn't tell us anything about the likelihood of those complications (though sometimes, those support groups offer links to research). We have to do our own homework.

[Catrin]

Yes, it is certainly important we do our homework on the proposed procedure. There was a far more complex procedure that we both considered but rejected with more information. The odds of a lateral release "working" isn't 100%, but it does seem appropriate in my case. I can still opt for "just" the scoping on the day, but I probably won't do that. More research and less reading of other's detailed bad experiences... My Ortho isn't painting a beautiful picture of how miraculous it might be and that actually increases my confidence in his work (neither is he focusing on how bad it will be). Some surgeries, like the scoping, have pretty predictable results, others are highly variable and the lateral release is one of those. So much depends on how our body is put together, our Q angle, just so much. Apparently just being female increases the complexities of dealing with an unstable/deranged patella.

*added: "deranged" patella...hmmm, it certainly does act like that from time to time.

[Crankin]

I wonder who thought up that term?
I do agree that getting information/doing HW is different than the random reading of the publics' experiences with specific procedures or diseases. But, it's really hard to get this information, when you are the average consumer. When I was sick a few years ago, it was very hard for me to stay off the web, so I did it cold turkey. I tend to err on the side of conservatism with medical stuff, but I haven't been faced with any decisions about surgery, etc. When my rheumo wrote me a scrip for Lyrica a few years ago, I tore it up in front of him. I really liked him and had a good relationship with him, but it was like he did it reflexively. He was kind, but didn't quite get me. I knew this when he told me to "ride 5 miles instead of 50." I got what he meant, but I had to take his advice and make it my own. I only knew Lyrica caused weight gain, and that was one side effect I wouldn't accept. The Prolia injections I took for osteoporosis for 4 years came with a host of bad possible things, but I decided to take the risk, given my lifestyle and family history. It worked, so I guess I'm lucky.

[WindingRoad]

Good luck Catrin!

[Catrin]

Thanks everyone, surgery on Friday. Dreading the procedure(s), looking forward to hopefully getting back to normal afterwards!

[Crankin]

Good luck, and keep us informed, Catrin.

[rebeccaC]

Lots of warm encouraging hugs/feelings for before and after your surgery Catrin!!!…..I’m keeping positive thoughts for a fully effective surgery, wonderful nurses and a recovery full of moments of unshakable equanimity!!!!!

[Aromig]

Thanks everyone, surgery on Friday. Dreading the procedure(s), looking forward to hopefully getting back to normal afterwards!

Good Luck Catrin! Having had knee surgery with your doctor, I know you're in excellent hands!

[salsabike]

Good Luck Catrin! Having had knee surgery with your doctor, I know you're in excellent hands!

I think that's one of the most comforting things you could hear before this surgery. Wishing you the best, Catrin, and that things will only get better again from here.

[Pax]

Sending you loads of warm healing thoughts!

[OakLeaf]

Hope everything goes spectacularly well!

[rebeccaC]

Catrin....saw this on my lunch walk as i was thinking of this thread

blessing and healing chants from venice beach :)
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/313/19914966882_cf94c72a24_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/wkPpPY)

[Catrin]

Thanks for the encouraging thoughts and best wishes, I am just thankful that the time has finally arrived. It has been a LONG three weeks! I am much better dealing with things as they happen and really over-think things as I anticipate them. I know that comes as a surprise for those who have known me on this forum since 2010... or not :o

Rebecca, I love the shades of color on that wall, cool!

[OakLeaf]

Thinking of you. Hope everything went excellently!

[Pax]

Hope you're all done and feeling great.

[Crankin]

Hope all went well. Thinking of you.

[Catrin]

I'm feeling much better today than anticipated, or the drugs from surgery haven't yet worn off all the way. They mentioned several times yesterday how fit I am, and so far at least, there is NO apparent swelling in my knee. Trying to be better than normal about following medical advice.

They did do the lateral release, cleaned out the knee, and noted a lot of bone on bone. Hopefully the all of this will be provide the needed relief, as the only option remaining would be a full replacement. If I ever consider that it will be a long time off.

[Crankin]

Yay! Glad you are doing so well.

[OakLeaf]

Glad to hear it! Hope you have a place to sit outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.

[Catrin]

Not this weekend, have to be good and stay down...but I DO have a balcony that I should be able to hang out on in a few days :)

[Pax]

Glad it went well! Hope you get to rest and relax the next few days, don't forget to ice.

[Catrin]

Things aren't too painful on my third day post-surgery but the knee has certainly stiffened a lot. Yesterday I was pretty much walking normally but was expecting that to change. No cyro-cuff when sleeping last night because I over-did it Friday night, they warned me against frostbite :-0 thanks for the well-wishes!

[Helene2013]

Glad to read the "suffering" is not that bad. That is so good to read.

Keep it up!

[salsabike]

Wishing you a fine recovery, Catrin, and glad it's over with!

[ridebikeme]

Glad to hear that you are doing well and wishing you a quick recovery!!

[Crankin]

Just wondering how you are doing today?

[Catrin]

I'm ok, as it turns out I was very sensitive to the dressings they sent home with me. Ironically, he had started using those because so many had problems with the initial dressing, you have to laugh about it. So PT is put off for a week so we can get the wound sites to calm, nothing serious.

I think I'm doing well, all things considered :) walked downstairs for the first time yesterday and it was fine taking one step at a time. Recovery is going to take time but I am optomistic!

[Sky King]

Catrin,
Once the swelling goes down I will be interested to hear if you ended up with a "dimple" I have a pretty prominent one from my lateral release. Of course people say they don't notice unless I point it out but I am somewhat self conscious about it. It on the outside top of my left knee where the tied the ligament

[Catrin]

Interesting, I will let you know. There is an incision for the lateral release, they used the scope to clean the knee out.

[Pax]

Catrin, I'm horribly allergic to tape so my surgeon used this stuff: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Medipore-H-Soft-Cloth-Surgical/dp/B000O0FBL4/ref=pd_bxgy_121_text_y It was amazing, no blistering and peeling around the wound, and I could keep using at it the same place instead of playing jigsaw around the sore spots.

[Catrin]

Thanks Pax! No blisters and so forth, thankfully, just very ugly colors, itching and some light burning. It was very obviously not bruising, though that is starting now. I think I'm in pretty good shape all things considered, through for some reason I wasn't expecting things to be happening behind my knee. Well, of course there is, don't know where that assumption came from :confused: Regardless, looking forward to meeting some friends for dinner in a nice Greek restaurant very close to where I live in another week and a half, hopefully I can drive by then :eek:

[Catrin]

Thankfully I can handle good old-fashioned gauze - both the vaseline soaked and plain varieties - and the compression sock/tight/thing holds it in place. Things are improving though the skin problem put off PT for a week - but I get to start doing LIGHT exercises this weekend :D

So what am I doing to keep my hands and brain occupied? Netflix becomes less attractive as I get to cut back on the drugs. I am going to try to share this picture I just took from Instagram and crossing my fingers that all of you can see this (https://instagram.com/p/5xe4LbhGG5/) :D Can't seem to actually post the picture but the link will work. If anyone knows how to do this from Instagram or Photos please let me know!

BTW, this is only my second knitting project. Ever!

[Pax]

Nope, the picture doesn't show... and here I was, all excited to see what knitting on drugs would yield. :D

[Catrin]

So the link didn't work? Let me retry this :)

[Catrin]

Okay, how does this link work? https://goo.gl/photos/GzvbpXsSrVQaCkJJ9 I've given up trying to post actual photos here, I used to be able to but it no longer works for me.

[Crankin]

I am in awe you can do that on even minimal drugs. My mom was a serious knitter (she made me winter coats when I was a kid), worked in a yarn shop, and taught others. But, she couldn't teach me! It sounds like things will be getting better quickly.

[Catrin]

It is an easy pattern that groups series of knit and purl stitches in repeats. I can even work on it while watching (well, listening) to a movie. I just learned how to knit 3 months ago as an alternative form of hand therapy for some pretty severe arthritis. It has done wonders!

Ortho was hopeful today, the complicated part of my recovery is the lateral release, but I think once the inflammation goes down that things will get much better. The knee is HUGE right now, which they say is normal with the lateral release and not having anyone at home to do my fetching and carrying, so I am up more than I really should be.

[OakLeaf]

Why am I getting a mental image of those tests that they did where they gave spiders different drugs and photographed their webs? :cool:

[Catrin]

You made me laugh out loud Oakleaf :) It will eventually be a very long and warm wrap. The yarn is a Merino - silk blend and this style of knitting goes back to some fishing village. I love the visual, and tactile, texture which keeps my brain engaged to get it right. It is considered an easy pattern...and the drugs might help!

[Crankin]

How is the recovery going?

[Catrin]

How is the recovery going?

The dressings-allergy thing really put things back, I am not as far along as I should be, sadly. However the stitches are out, I start PT Thursday, and my knee is only 3 times it's normal size rather than 5. I actually drove my car across the parking lot to the dumpster today to dispose of a box and it went fine - so things appear to be on an upwards swing. I am still not cleared to drive, but I figure they have to err on the strong side of caution on this (and I've a manual transmission). I figure I can drive when I can get in and out of my car without my knee complaining - as it stands I COULD drive short distances, say a mile or less if I need to do so.

Thanks for asking :)

[Catrin]

So I continue to improve, no more drugs, physical therapy has begun. This wrap is about 30% completed, and will obviously require some intense blocking when the time comes. It WILL, however, be quite warm! How could it not be, it is a merino wool/silk blend :cool: It won't be done before I return to work - at least I really hope so! Photo is interesting, parts of the pattern in this image appear to be reversed but that is not the case. Odd, but that doesn't much matter. I noticed a similar, yet different, oddity in the original photo I posted.

http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/CatrinKB/318111306/4idsjnqwlnpqcxhg7bzdvv638iwvns7eeh4y6iunvzi_w1920-h1080-no_small_best_fit.jpg

[rebeccaC]

no more drugs is GOOD!!!!....nice wrap, LUV the color! has focusing on knitting helped in taking your mind off the healing process?

[creationsbyuli]

Lovely knitting!! I'm a big knitting enthusiast, too. Healing thoughts for your knee after surgery. I'm new around these forums but might as well jump in.

[Catrin]

no more drugs is GOOD!!!!....nice wrap, LUV the color! has focusing on knitting helped in taking your mind off the healing process?
It does help and then I wind up with a nice warm wrap. I hate being cold in the winter...and I am also new, I just learned this last winter. The yarn was actually purchased for another project and it got repurposed when I decided to use another yarn for my sister's shawl. It IS a nice color, though I likely wouldn't have chosen it for myself. I think I am really going to like it though :D



Lovely knitting!! I'm a big knitting enthusiast, too. Healing thoughts for your knee after surgery. I'm new around these forums but might as well jump in.

Welcome and certainly, jump in the pool :cool:

[thekarens]

Catrin,
Once the swelling goes down I will be interested to hear if you ended up with a "dimple" I have a pretty prominent one from my lateral release. Of course people say they don't notice unless I point it out but I am somewhat self conscious about it. It on the outside top of my left knee where the tied the ligament

Funny, I have the same thing, but on the right knee from my lateral release. Mine is very noticeable.

[Catrin]

Catrin,
Once the swelling goes down I will be interested to hear if you ended up with a "dimple" I have a pretty prominent one from my lateral release. Of course people say they don't notice unless I point it out but I am somewhat self conscious about it. It on the outside top of my left knee where the tied the ligament


Funny, I have the same thing, but on the right knee from my lateral release. Mine is very noticeable.

Interesting, did they do both of yours via the scope or a full incision? Mine was the latter, though I understand some do it through the scope as well, so he used both techniques on my knee. Thankfully my patella is back to where it should be, now the real work begins in PT to balance out all of the muscles so the patella will actually stay where it is supposed to be.

[Sky King]

mine was scope. I already had railroad track scars from my first surgery in 75. The Lateral Release was in 98. Happy to say the Patella has stayed in place. Now I have other issues - such is life :)

Interesting, did they do both of yours via the scope or a full incision? Mine was the latter, though I understand some do it through the scope as well, so he used both techniques on my knee. Thankfully my patella is back to where it should be, now the real work begins in PT to balance out all of the muscles so the patella will actually stay where it is supposed to be.

[Catrin]

mine was scope. I already had railroad track scars from my first surgery in 75. The Lateral Release was in 98. Happy to say the Patella has stayed in place. Now I have other issues - such is life :)

Glad the patella has been obedient since then! Sadly my knee has many other issues that can't be solved without a full knee replacement, but I am a long time away from THAT. Hoping that this will allow me to add even more years before that might become necessary. I don't expect to return to trail running, but between my kettlebell lifting and hiking I've sustainable activities that I hope will serve for however many years remain for me! VERY glad I didn't allow him to do that patella realignment surgery he wanted to do.

[thekarens]

I had mine done via scope in 86. They also had to make a separate incision because I had a bone fragment floating around in there that they took out.

My lateral release was done because my knee cap kept popping off my knee to one side. It continued doing that even after three surgery, but not nearly as often.

[Catrin]

I had mine done via scope in 86. They also had to make a separate incision because I had a bone fragment floating around in there that they took out.

My lateral release was done because my knee cap kept popping off my knee to one side. It continued doing that even after three surgery, but not nearly as often.

Yikes! Glad it calmed down a bit - but 3 surgeries! My sympathies. My patella was very comfortable where it was, it was just a very long distance from where it was supposed to be and in a strange angle. Women are more prone to this than men because, I know it will come as a surprise, we are built differently. Now it is where it is supposed to be hopefully we can persuade all my muscles to work properly together to keep it there. Even today, from what I've read, lateral releases done through an incision rather than the scope typically have a better outcome. Except for when they don't, it isn't as predictable a procedure as some are.

Things are improving, I am walking more naturally now and driving shorter distances :-) Hopefully back to the office by the end of August!

[Crankin]

Glad to hear you are moving along in healing. Hopefully, you are not going crazy with boredom.

[Catrin]

Glad to hear you are moving along in healing. Hopefully, you are not going crazy with boredom.

Thanks! Knitting, reading, Netflix, seated kettlebell work and NOT THINKING ABOUT WORK is getting me through :D

[OakLeaf]

How's it going?

[Catrin]

How's it going?

Things are improving :cool: The knee now actually resembles a knee, and I can now walk for 10 minutes or so at a time, albeit slowly. I CAN walk longer but there are consequences. Hoping to get back to the office in a week or two as it would be nice to start returning to something like a normal schedule! Working hard on my PT exercises so I can get back sooner than later. Thanks for asking!

[rebeccaC]

Things are improving :cool: The knee now actually resembles a knee, and I can now walk for 10 minutes or so at a time, albeit slowly. I CAN walk longer but there are consequences. Hoping to get back to the office in a week or two as it would be nice to start returning to something like a normal schedule! Working hard on my PT exercises so I can get back sooner than later. Thanks for asking!

slowly 'or hopefully faster' and surely 'or Shirley' you'll get there. :).....your positive attitude certainly helps!!!!!

[OakLeaf]

Glad to hear it! Hope you keep making such good progress.

[Catrin]

And I saw my Ortho today, I return to the office next week :)

[rebeccaC]

And I saw my Ortho today, I return to the office next week :)

:) :) :)

....well there seems to be a 3 character rule for posting....but then more smiles are good :)

[Catrin]

:) :) :)

....well there seems to be a 3 character rule for posting....but then more smiles are good :)
Yes they are :cool:

[Pax]

Glad you're on the road back to normal!

[Crankin]

Glad things are progressing well. You've done a good job of "following doctor's orders."

[Catrin]

Glad things are progressing well. You've done a good job of "following doctor's orders."

Better than normal :cool: I HAVE pushed the envelope a bit, but cautiously. I've not thrown caution to the wind at the first sign of improvement and THAT is probably a first in my 54 years :o

[Helene2013]

That is good news. Glad things are looking good.

[Catrin]

Back to work today!

[OakLeaf]

Good luck! Glad you're starting to get back to normal!

[rebeccaC]

YAY!!!....more steps towards full recovery......hoping the day brings you lots of good feelings!!!!!!

[Catrin]

Now I want to strap on my hiking boots...now remember that I still have the THINK about walking properly so it's too early. Hopefully I can in 2 weeks, at least for a very short hike. I really need those boots for off-pavement due to my arthritic feet.

[Catrin]

Thanks to all for hanging in with me this last month or so. Things are improving, though I still haven't quite mastered stairs - especially going downstairs...

So here is an image of the wrap I just completed blocking, it took a solid month of knitting to do it but I didn't have much else to do. I read in the morning and started knitting in the mid-afternoon. Yes, it IS that long - ~76 inches long and about 14 inches wide. I blocked it to be 17 inches wide but the tight stitches pulled it back a bit, I suspect that is why the designer stressed the need for "extreme" blocking and gave such huge dimensions to block it do. Hard to see the detail, so the second image provides a small snapshot of a couple of the pattern blocks. Not bad for only the second knitting project I've ever done, am quite surprised at how nice it turned out!

Sorry, the images don't seem to be clickable, so I've provided another link that will hopefully allow details to be seen if you desire to see more.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/8f/cd/ee8fcdaea2154138a73a4bdea7b5039f.jpg
(detail link here (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cIfPDAFy7trDNUXCEho4i1Z8uXa2RvziBxGW14OChAo=w1851-h1041-no))


(Full image detail link here (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d1GuKxG-9DcRWRxaCi1Svk5AACFYs2J7vyaTZVYh0KY=w1851-h1041-no) - quality isn't as good as I would like)
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/16/2a/59/162a59029f41178f4713d0f11244a45d.jpg

[Pax]

That is really nice! I don't know what blocking entails but it does answer a question I've always had about knitting, how do you make things square again.

[Catrin]

That is really nice! I don't know what blocking entails but it does answer a question I've always had about knitting, how do you make things square again.

If it is wool, basically you soak it in water for 30 minutes or so, squeeze out as much water as you can (no wringing!!!!), and lay it flat until it dries. Depending on the article it may need to be pinned into the proper shape. THIS project required wires that were inserted through every little stitch on all four sides, then the WIRES pinned into place to assure the proper dimensions. Normally wires are only used for blocking lace, but also for other projects with straight edges that need aggressive blocking. It took me quite some time, given I can't get on the ground or crawl around on my knees yet ;)

[rebeccaC]

Thanks to all for hanging in with me this last month or so.
isn't that called sisterhood :)

the wrap looks great and like a warm addition to winter days/nights at home!!!!!

i see a successful esty site for your selling beautiful knitting :)

[Catrin]

isn't that called sisterhood :)

the wrap looks great and like a warm addition to winter days/nights at home!!!!!

i see a successful esty site for your selling beautiful knitting :)

Yes it is, and that sisterhood is still while I'm still around even though I can't ride any longer!

I've looked at Etsy, and many of hand-knitted wool items I've seen there are asking prices that MIGHT cover the the cost wool (some of them not at all), never mind the many hours it can take to knit an object. My magic power is pretty cool (string and then waving 2 connected sticks around a lot to create lovely warm items), but it isn't quick - unless you are at home for a month recovering from knee surgery :cool: There are some nice knitted items on Etsy, and they all aren't at bargain basement prices.

[OakLeaf]

Wow, very nice!

[Catrin]

Wow, very nice!

Aw shucks, thanks :D What amazes me is this is only my second knitting project! It came out much better than I dreamed possible. Next I am taking on a cardigan, and am taking a class on that one.

The knee is improving, though walking is still challenging, and stairs and me haven't yet become friends. I live in a 2nd floor walkup that I can maneuver, but we had a serious problem yesterday when the evacuation alarm went off in my building. I work on the 19th floor...thankfully by the time I hemmed and hawed around they cancelled the alarm, it was not a drill. They've evacuation chairs for people like me, but we didn't have access to one. My director was quite unhappy when we realized this and has ordered one just for our office. May there be no more such events until I am bounding up and down the stairs again!

So while my knee is lagging (to me, they tell me I'm doing well), I successfully did some kettlebell deadlifts and clean/presses tonight with no pain! Cautiously, light weights but the movements were fine. And yes, I've permission :-)

[Crankin]

Sounds good, Catrin. Hopefully, there will be no emergencies in your office until your knee is better.
All the talk of knitting reminds me of my mom. I remember talk of sweaters needing to be blocked. She definitely took it to the yarn shop for that. However, I am pretty sure she knew how to do it in her later years. After they moved to San Diego, she worked in a yarn shop for a few years. I never realized what a business that is, and how many people knit. Of course, this is because I did not inherit the gene to do any handwork.
When I was in college, I had a part time nanny job for a woman who designed patterns for Spinnerin (sp?) and also worked at a yarn shop, even though she was a scientist. She was so talented. Years later, I saw her regularly on NBC News as an economics/financial advisor. What a combination of careers.

[Catrin]

It is interesting just who you find knitting. Apparently it is very good for the brain as well as the hand, it keeps both limber :)

BTW, I was convinced I couldn't do it either until my hands got so bad I had no choice but to give it a serious shot.

[Catrin]

Whooohoooo! FIRST kettlebell group training class this morning. Light workout, my coach is being quite vigilant, but it went well. It is good to be getting back into our little community. Also went hiking for about 30-35 minutes this afternoon with Winding Road. Slow pace, but with my new brace, hiking boots and hiking stick my knee/leg was far more stable than I was afraid it might be. I DID make certain that there was 6 hours between kettlebells and trail. I will only be in group once a week until I'm released from PT.

The quad still needs quite a lot of strengthening, but it felt great to actually be outside in the woods - even on a trail that I normally wouldn't consider hitting since it is so featureless. That lack of "trail personality" is what made it perfect for my first attempt at non-pavement walking. I did reach the point where my knee wasn't sure about it all - but that was literally 5 steps away from the picnic table at which we ended our hike :D I don't think I could do it without boots boots and brace, I will try it again tomorrow I think :cool:

[OakLeaf]

Yay!!!

[Crankin]

Wow, it sounds like you are doing well!

[emily_in_nc]

Good going, Catrin! I am sure it feels good to be back!

[Catrin]

Thanks Oak :-)


Wow, it sounds like you are doing well!


Good going, Catrin! I am sure it feels good to be back!

Crankin & Emily - it does feel good, but it is also that "dangerous" stage when I want to assume that I can now do anything I want to do with no hinderance. I AM the "Queen of Overdoing", at least I've been in the past. So now I am trying to push my boundaries but spiced with common sense - not just "open the gates, it's time to GO". Certainly some of you have seen me do that a few times since I've been on TE.

No hiking today, knee was bothering me more this morning than it has been so I put off my little hike today...it will happen first thing tomorrow morning :cool: Back to the "personality challenged trail", but hopefully that will change soon! VERY thankful I've those new hiking boots I bought in June though - I doubt I could do it even with the brace without them.

[Pax]

Catrin - I feel your thrill! I walked my first mile today!! It's been a long slog and I know how good those milestones can feel.

Really tired of hearing people tell me how their best friends moms cousin who was 93, had a knee replacement and walked a mile two weeks after a knee replacement. What the hell EVER. We all heal differently, I've been working my butt off but my knee is taking forever to heal... it's get there when it gets there.

[Catrin]

Yayyy Pax! I didn't get near a mile in my hike yesterday, at least I don't think so. Forcing myself to focus on time, not distance and I am slow...but not as slow as I was!

Congratulations on your walk yesterday! I hear you about that moms friends cousin amazing recovery, I must know someone who knows her as well. :-) All I can say is I know the challenge from a scope plus lateral release. Can't imagine what it must be like to recover from a full replacement!

[Catrin]

I DID go hiking this morning and actually tracked things this time [1.02 miles in 28 minutes]. That is right at half my normal hiking speed on a "no personality" trail (I'm a fast walker naturally/normally) but I will take it for a starting point! AND...that was without my brace. I didn't forget it intentionally but as that trail is close to a half-hour drive from my apartment I wanted to at least attempt it. If the trail had more character I wouldn't have attempted it at all. I won't do that again for some time to come but it was also encouraging. Every day I seem stronger, and I will take that! I actually didn't expect to get far without my brace, but those hiking boots rock - apparently my knee likes them even more than I new! They are NOT light hikers, true backpacking boots but they are not heavy in weight and my arthritic feet like them as well.

[Pax]

Woo HOO!! Impressive hike, congrats!

[Catrin]

Things continue to improve! My knee is grumpy today but yesterday I walked 2 miles round trip for a work meeting, had a PT session, and a scaled kettlebell training session. My walking pace is about 85% of my normal pace. I will take it 😎

[Crankin]

I bet you are glad you had the surgery.

[Catrin]

I bet you are glad you had the surgery.

You know, while I've still some healing to do that may take months to complete, I think that I am. Even if the knee doesn't get back to quite what it was prior to the fall, in some ways it is already better. The knee had no "margin for error" as far as resources from which to draw from to recover from the brutal fall and while I knew the knee was bad, I didn't know just HOW bad.

Winding Road and I just hiked for a little over 3 miles :D Knee feels great, though of course I do wear a brace for hiking. We didn't do too badly considering we are both recovering from surgery!

[OakLeaf]

Glad the healing is going well! Now don't tempt WindingRoad into overdoing it. ;)

[Catrin]

Glad the healing is going well! Now don't tempt Winding Road into overdoing it. ;)

We focus on not allowing the other to over-do things - we seem to be about the same place as far as what our bodies will tolerate so we are are well matched for hiking together. I'm amazed at how much she can do only 2 weeks out - she has actually been walking far longer (time-wise) than I've been.

[emily_in_nc]

Winding Road and I just hiked for a little over 3 miles :D Knee feels great, though of course I do wear a brace for hiking. We didn't do too badly considering we are both recovering from surgery!

Yay! Happy dance! :p

[Catrin]

To be honest, we weren't planning on going that far, it just worked out that way. She could have gone longer, my knee called an end to things.

I want to do much more hiking this year. I've still most of my thermal riding clothes and mixed with some good winter hiking boots it should be fine. Hoping for a cold dry winter rather than lots of snow but we will see.

[Crankin]

Ha, Ha, if there's lots of snow, than you will get snow shoes. Of course, you don't want to put too much strain on that knee, so you will get state of the art, light weight ones.
There's always some temptation.

[Catrin]

Ha, Ha, if there's lots of snow, than you will get snow shoes. Of course, you don't want to put too much strain on that knee, so you will get state of the art, light weight ones.
There's always some temptation.
Yes there is :cool: that being admitted, snow shoes aren't a temptation for me. New hiking boots ARE! I've some great hiking boots already so I will wait and see how things go. If it doesn't get that cold and I've lovely wool hiking socks then my current boots might be fine. At some point I will head inside for the winter so am not in a hurry to get more hiking footwear for my arthritic feet until I see if they will be used.

Today's hike was more challenging than expected, but the trail is a little more difficult. Normally I would consider it a very easy trail but this isn't a normal time for me. No knee buckling but there were several places where my quad/knee had problems working out what to do on the combination of uneven ground and downhill incline. I just took my time in those places and did what felt most safe even if that meant standing frozen in place while my body worked it out. Very thankful for my hiking stick, don't think I could have done it without it. A whopping 1.3 miles in 38 minutes but I'm pretty happy with that, all things considered.

[Catrin]

I've been released from formal PT to a home program - I see my Ortho in another 4 weeks. He says I'm doing great, though it may be another couple months until I've fully recovered (or recovered as much as is going to happen). He likes the kettlebells and hiking and wants me to continue with both. This is good...as I wasn't planning on stopping either. We did discuss how to increase my strength to handle down-hill hiking but he is still happy with things. I asked about using 2 sticks as some I've seen do but he very strongly told me to just use one. Good news, I will take it!

[emily_in_nc]

I asked about using 2 sticks as some I've seen do but he very strongly told me to just use one. Good news, I will take it!

Curious as to his reasoning. We have long used two hiking poles when hiking on hilly terrain and find them very helpful. Not sure why one would be better than two?

[Catrin]

My current problem is quad strength, he thinks it will take longer for me to get it back if I use two...I need to think about this. Perhaps two of them would make my leg work less and be too much of a crutch? He wants me to walk on hilly pavement during the week and hit the woods on the weekend.

I do also wonder if he is really thinking I might go to overly aggressive trails with two poles and get myself in trouble? Right now that can be quite easily done, Saturday proved that. Then again, how can I gain strength in that leg if I don't push the boundaries a bit?

[Pax]

I was curious about that as well, I can see overdoing it if you used both, but I really like the balance aspect on uneven terrain.

[Catrin]

I was curious about that as well, I can see overdoing it if you used both, but I really like the balance aspect on uneven terrain.
I'm still thinking about this one. If my quad strength is the problem when I get on a slight decline with uneven terrain, wouldn't two be better than one for support? I don't need excuses to overdo things, the number of sticks won't make any difference. I AM doing all I can on leg strength but it is slow coming.

I am also thinking my hands might prefer the smaller trekking poles than my thick hiking stick. I won't decide right away but it is food for thought.

[OakLeaf]

You might ask your doctor specifically what he had in mind??

Instinctively I can see it, having spent most of my college years with doctors telling me to "just stay off" my knee rather than rehab it, which in those days was pretty much unheard of. On a narrow staircase (two hand support) I could go up and down to my fourth-floor dorm room without ever putting weight on my bad knee. Single sided support (wider staircases) meant both legs got at least some use. With two poles, you almost have to use them for support, unweighting both legs - the alternative is to carry the poles sideways! With one, you'll switch it hand to hand, for balance only.

Glad you're continuing to heal.

[emily_in_nc]

Catrin, after reading this, I am wondering if your doctor is just not very knowledgeable about hiking poles? Sounds like using just one might cause more harm than good:

http://adventurebuddies.net/blog/2010/09/poles-for-hiking-are-two-poles-better-than-one-yes/

That's just one link of many I found from googling...you can do further research, of course, but this article was very convincing.

[Catrin]

Hiked 2.2 miles today in 50 minutes. That isn't bad! I was on a trail that has SOME personality - not much but some. Things have improved since last Saturday - though this was a less aggressive trail than what I attempted last weekend. What uneven terrain there was presented no problem, there was only a couple places with a decline (not enough to call it a down-hill) where I had to slow down. At no point did I need to freeze and give my body a chance to figure it out :cool: There were a couple times when the knee was right at the edge of feeling like it wanted to give out, but it never did and I will take that!

For now I will stick with the one hiking stick - while I want to help my body out I also don't want to make it TOO easy for that right leg. It needs to work to get stronger...My current trails are very easy, but I will revisit this decision next year when I can hopefully progress to more advanced trails.

[WindingRoad]

Did you hike at EC today? I'm glad you knee held up today :D

[Catrin]

Did you hike at EC today? I'm glad you knee held up today :D

No hiking yesterday - that was from Sunday, kettlebell training group last night. Glad YOU had a good hike :cool:

[Catrin]

I went hiking yesterday - got 3.25 miles with no knee pain!!!!! My feet however...but the hiking shoes meant that my arthritic feet took about 2.75 miles longer to start complaining than they would have in my trail running shoes. The trails were also a mix of dirt and gravel - and my feet are always far more cranky on non-dirt trails. Just the way it is. I've been a bit depressed over the apparent lack of improvement in my knee recovery but I was wrong. It is just sometimes hard to see improvements in daily activities. Crossing my fingers this continues!

[Crankin]

Sounds like a nice hike, Catrin. I imagine that progress is very incremental after that type of surgery. You should be proud of yourself with the pacing you've done. No overtraining!

[Catrin]

Sounds like a nice hike, Catrin. I imagine that progress is very incremental after that type of surgery. You should be proud of yourself with the pacing you've done. No overtraining!
It's a dangerous time for me right now :cool: I've lost enough strength and fitness that I have to go almost all the way back to the beginning with my KB training. The hiking did go well, still a little odd with downhill uneven terrain combinations...it would be easy to overdo things but I do need to start pushing things a bit.

I've a birthday hike scheduled with Winding Road this Friday, I'm considering now the best choice between the 3 parks I need to choose from. I WANT to hike my fav mtb trail but it might be too early for those particular trails. There is another set of mtb trails i also enjoy hiking that might be a better choice..

[Pax]

That's great, Catrin!! So glad you're able to get moving like that!

[rebeccaC]

I've a birthday hike scheduled with Winding Road this Friday, I'm considering now the best choice between the 3 parks I need to choose from. I WANT to hike my fav mtb trail but it might be too early for those particular trails. There is another set of mtb trails i also enjoy hiking that might be a better choice..

Since I’ll be traveling on Friday an early birthday hug and wishes for a new birth year of continuing to see obstacles as teachers and your discomfort as a challenge to relax where you are in recovery.....and a good hike on your fav trail as soon as you feel positive about doing it!!!!!!!

[Catrin]

Now I just need to find the right pace to increase my activity level that both knees and feet will approve of...it's sometimes a downer to have so many body parts that complain but it is far better than any other alternative I can think of :cool:

Thanks Rebecca!

[emily_in_nc]

Now I just need to find the right pace to increase my activity level that both knees and feet will approve of...it's sometimes a downer to have so many body parts that complain but it is far better than any other alternative I can think of :cool:

Boy, do I agree with you there! I am glad you were able to have such a good hike. I can imagine that was a real thrill!

[OakLeaf]

Glad you're doing well and continuing to improve - and that you've been able to enjoy this beautiful weather!

[Catrin]

Had a great 4 mile hike today with Winding Road on a nice trail for my 56th birthday! This trail has more personality than the park I've been hiking in and it was great! There WAS one part with a short sharp decline that was so sharp that I wound up sitting down and sliding down on my butt. My knee wasn't unstable, but that felt safest - and probably looked hilarious :cool: I chose that trail hoping that it would be challenging without being TOO much so, and that was indeed the case. I'm not yet ready to hike it solo, but it was fun and my knee never tried to buckle. I will take it! My gait IS uneven, though I am not limping. I will check with my Ortho when I see him Monday to see if that is to be expected.

For those of you who have had a lateral release, do you remember having problems with an uneven gait 3 months or more post-surgery? Is it too soon for me to worry about it? Just wondering.

[Crankin]

That sounds fun, Catrin. Happy birthday!!

[Pax]

Happy belated birthday, Catrin! Sounds like a very challenging hike, so glad you enjoyed it.

[emily_in_nc]

Happy birthday (late) Catrin! Glad you enjoyed an excellent hike. Butt-scooting is entirely acceptable!

[Catrin]

Thanks! It WAS just challenging enough in my current condition. I am trying not to remember just how easy I once considered that trail. The only problem with the butt-scooting is that it is also a mountain bike trail. The drop where I did that is on the wrong side of a blind curve, thankfully Winding Road was there so she stood back to warn anyone who might come along - and she warned me when someone was coming since it takes me longer to get out of the way than normal. It's an interesting trail, and at one point she almost got creamed by a mtber who was going MUCH too fast, but thankfully it didn't happen! I'm very glad I did it and hope to do it again next weekend, weather and schedule permitting. It wasn't quite 4 miles, but it was close.

[emily_in_nc]

Very smart to have a partner in your condition and when hiking on a shared trail with MTBers!

[Catrin]

Very smart to have a partner in your condition and when hiking on a shared trail with MTBers!

I will admit that I hadn't considered that aspect when I invited Winding Road, but it was an excellent call. Most of the trail was fine, but I am still slower than I thought I was. What matters is I am out there doing things, the speed will come.

[Catrin]

Something just dawned on me yesterday. I've been focusing so much on walking like a drunk sailor (at least that's how it feels when I walk more than 500 feet) that I hadn't noticed most of my pain has disappeared. AND...I was able to kneel the other day - granted on a THICK soft surface, but still, I was able to actually do bird-dogs without pain! Hopefully my mimicking the rolling walk of a sailor will eventually pass but I don't think I'm going to complain about that! My Ortho isn't concerned, but all of this is IS under workman's comp, they aren't concerned about sports performance but about getting me back to work without pain.

[Pax]

That is awesome!! No pain and the ability to kneel, sweet!!

[emily_in_nc]

That's good news, Catrin!

[Catrin]

That is awesome!! No pain and the ability to kneel, sweet!!

When I say no pain, I mean "ok really minor pain that is much less than it was post/pre surgery and it's from the arthritis that is still there" Wheww, easier to say "no pain". I've bone on bone and other issues with my knee but really, it is much better. It still isn't like it was before the fall but they tell me that things are still healing :D

Another hiking test tomorrow, perhaps.

[Crankin]

Sounds great, Catrin!

[nkfrench]

Sounds like you're making a great recovery!

I will make a recommendation that you continue with some rehab exercises on a regular basis from now on.

I had a lateral release done decades ago with great results; I was negligent and did not keep the muscles around the knee strong.
I haven't asked my doc about it but I am convinced that resulting imbalance was just enough to set me up for a catastrophic knee injury I had several years later. No more combat sports but cycling and swimming are great.

[Catrin]

I just learned from workman's comp that there will be a financial settlement due to permanent impairment remaining after the surgery and recovery period. On one hand I am better than before the surgery, but far from what I was able to do prior to the fall that precipitated all of this. Considering that I still act like "if I only work harder" I will get over the restrictions - ignoring all evidence to the contrary - this acknowledgement is almost a relief.

[Pax]

Good news, Catrin. Glad you're getting something out of this, might be fun to get some cool hiking poles or a bike toy, show that knee who's boss!

[Catrin]

Good news, Catrin. Glad you're getting something out of this, might be fun to get some cool hiking poles or a bike toy, show that knee who's boss!

Already have poles, and sadly I can't ride any more so no new bike toys...but some new hiking shoes for sure :-)

[Pax]

Already have poles, and sadly I can't ride any more so no new bike toys...but some new hiking shoes for sure :-)

Excellent!

[Crankin]

Buy something really nice....

[emily_in_nc]

That's good to hear, Catrin! New hiking shoes sound like a great plan. :-)

[Catrin]

It's kind of a shame that I just can't use the same shoes for all hiking-related activities. Then again, I think about how bad it gets and then consider what it would be like if I didn't occasionally have the extra resources to purchase what I need to stay active (trying to do so in regular athletic shoes is almost crippling). It makes me think of other women with similar problems who simply don't have the funds for it - ever - and how easy the couch option then becomes. If everything hurts, at what point do you just give up? I'm thankful to be as stubborn as I am but being able to purchase high-tech from time to time makes it easier to take advantage of my stubbornness.

[Pax]

It's kind of a shame that I just can't use the same shoes for all hiking-related activities. Then again, I think about how bad it gets and then consider what it would be like if I didn't occasionally have the extra resources to purchase what I need to stay active (trying to do so in regular athletic shoes is almost crippling). It makes me think of other women with similar problems who simply don't have the funds for it - ever - and how easy the couch option then becomes. If everything hurts, at what point do you just give up? I'm thankful to be as stubborn as I am but being able to purchase high-tech from time to time makes it easier to take advantage of my stubbornness.
I hear that. I had coworkers back in IL with 2-3 grandkids at home who would tell me how tired and sore they were, their arthritis hurt all the time, but they never had enough money to do anything for themselves. They would ask me about riding, walking, or the gym but when it came down to it, the kids got the new shoes for school and they did without.

[OakLeaf]

Catrin, hope the extra money will be a small offset of everything you've had to go through ....


I think about how bad it gets and then consider what it would be like if I didn't occasionally have the extra resources to purchase what I need to stay active (trying to do so in regular athletic shoes is almost crippling). It makes me think of other women with similar problems who simply don't have the funds for it - ever - and how easy the couch option then becomes. If everything hurts, at what point do you just give up?

I think about that every single time I get on the table for the hours of bodywork I get every week, almost none of which is covered by insurance. My LMT talks a lot about how he sees people walking around and knows he can help them. It makes me super sad and super angry, actually, that good care is accessible only to those who can afford it, especially when you think about how some people want others to have even less access to care.

Of course if most of my injuries had been competently treated when they happened, I probably wouldn't need the hours and hours I do now. And it's not an unrelated discussion, that there are so many licensed practitioners out there who really have no clue what they are doing, but they stay in business because insurance pays them and because people who are in pain or other types of discomfort seek out whatever treatment they can find.

Sigh.

[Crankin]

A bit off topic, but the same thing happens in my profession. I hear horror stories from my clients. Part of being a professional is admitting that you don't have the expertise to do something.

[Catrin]

My reaction to the "permanent partial impairment" of my leg from the fall has been surprising. It's actually been almost comforting - and it finally dawned on me WHY. As most of you know who have been following my various adventures since joining the forum 6 years ago I tend to always want to push my limits. PART of that is due to the fact that I literally don't get sore like most people seem to that I've observed. It HAS happened, but extremely rarely - not even once a year. No matter how hard/often/intensity level/etc., it just doesn't matter - I don't get muscle soreness. I do get fatigued, but that isn't quite the same thing. So traditionally when I feel something it's actual pain and it's too late. Of course now I've so many arthritic bits and broken parts I get pain - but that isn't the same thing either. At least now my body has found a way to get my attention :o

My recovery period from the knee surgery has been frustrating because there has been that little internal voice that I'm just being too easy on myself, not pushing hard enough, giving in, etc. The official notification that I've a permanent partial disability has actually served to shut up that internal voice for the most part and "given me permission" in a way to look at different options to stay active. It was also a surprise to read the actual DX for the impairment on the workman's comp settlement papers:

"Right knee pateltofemoral condyle tearing. Medial femoral condyle tearing of the articular surface"

Youch, no wonder I still can't walk quite right - though the arthroscopy and lateral release DID improve things, fortunately. I think that perhaps I am lucky that it isn't worse, not combined with patellofemoral arthritis.

So I am grateful it isn't worse - and the impairment would be far worse if the surgery hadn't helped as much as it did. So the point here is to listen to your body...

[Crankin]

I can't imagine not feeling sore! I am the opposite from you, and my need to pay attention to rest, recovery, and stretching is increasing exponentially, as I age. I can feel sore from taking a 2 mile walk, despite all of the the stuff I do. I hate this.
Something makes me think that a lot of really good athletes don't feel pain and soreness until it's really bad. My son who raced was like this, and I think it has a lot to so with the ability to endure a high level of suffering.

[OakLeaf]

Hang in there Catrin. Your determination definitely has both positive and negative effects on you - way to emphasize the positive!