Day 205 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

Ditch the brace. Well unless I'm doing pivoting sports. Rehab is reduced to twice a week at this point and I no longer need the CPM device. They're picking up the tens unit and ice machine as well next week.
My knee isn't much more than 130 degrees and not exactly straight when extended. Perhaps without the brace that will change.
Upon my surgeons examination yesterday, the PCL surgery appears to be a success!! No laxity although I am still experiencing that crunching sound but have been denied any further surgery to clean that up. I am still waiting for Orthovisc to be authorized.
So at this point things are getting back to normal after more than six months of recovery.
At times I still have pain in the knee cap area and will continue to work on more range of motion. I am looking forward to gaining strength again.
Pretty close to 30 weeks which is a really long time! I am glad it's behind me.
I'll post more updates as my progress continues.
Stay tuned and drop me a line!

Day 126 Of My PCL Surgery/Recovery

I can do so much more now that my hamstring can be gently used!
Dagan The Doberman. See why I have to be so careful in my house? He's like a small pony!

I'm using my CPM Device three times a day for an hour at a time and it's really paying off. So far, I'm able to get all way the to 108 degrees towards the end of the hour long session. I started off barely getting to 90 degrees.
I am still icing my knee, especially at night. I'm practicing my heel strikes when I walk and trying to follow through the walk with pushing off at the toe. There is so much to remember when learning how to walk. During physical therapy I was asked to walk without my crutches and it's been so long that I walked stiff armed! I forgot how to naturally swing my arms while walking which just cracked me up! I had no idea I was doing that until pointed out. Well? It's been months! You're bound to forget some things!! Things are getting fun now!!

Four Months Post Op Recovery - PCL Surgery

Would I do it again? Heck yeah I would.

Todays the day, four months post op! Wow, what a journey. It's been demanding to say the least. I will list what I can and can't do at this point of recovery.

I can bend my knee max 118 degrees after being warmed up and someone pushing hard enough to make me cry.
I can finally ride in the front seat of the truck instead of being stretched out in the extended cab.
I can walk in public places with one crutch. I have to really concentrate on my heel strikes and leg extentions when I walk but for the most part I do it.
I can walk inside my home w/o any crutches but have to be super careful of my large dogs.
I finally was able to sleep on my side for a few minutes the other night after being flat on my back for so many months. Yesterday marked 6 months post injury.
I still can't walk up regular stairs but I'm beginning to get up small ones while bending and carrying my weight on my knee. I don't want to walk up regular sized stairs until I have more ROM so I don't develop bad habits. I have enough bad habits to break already.
I am getting around my house better and able to do more house work which my husband greatly appreciates.
I still use my ice machine at night and my knee aches and burns like crazy but instead of 24 hours a day, sometimes I get a break.
Anyone considering this surgery please beware, it's going to take a huge commitment on your part. You have to grit your teeth and you have endure months of pain. You know what though? I wouldn't trade these four months for anything. I am going to run again. I am going to drive and be independent very soon. I can feel it. I am so very lucky to have been given this gift. I am grateful. This journey has just begun.

Day 111

That's Dagan, one of my two red dobermans. He pretty much sticks to my side like glue.
This is the gadget I use to set my machine.

Reached 112 degrees at my physical therapy session today. Time seemed to stop every time the physical therapist stretched my knee. I am sure he held it in place three times longer than usual. Brutal, just brutal today.
I'm using my new Continuous Passive Motion device machine now for three hours a day. My knee feels stiff and sore in the morning and by later in the day it's sore and tired. I might have turned a corner but my knee is still fighting me. I wish it would just give up because I know I'm going to win anyway.