So, so tired. The knee is taking such a long time to get back to normal. Of course "everyone" says that the knee is worse than the hip, but how many of them have had both done in the course of 6 months?
So tired of all the advice, none of which is "good" and all of which is based usually on hearsay. So tired of feeling tired, especially after exercising. The best time of the day is early morning when the knee hasn't had a chance to swell, the scar looks as though it's fading (10 weeks) and there is a good feeling of well-being. Of course, all that depends on whether there's been a good night's sleep preceeding it. I weaned myself off sleeping pills at week 9 although I didn't force the issue. If I felt I couldn't sleep, then I simply took a pill. Then, fairly suddenly, the body just got back into a rhythm of sleeping. But turning over means waking to place the knee or hip carefully... and sleeping in strange beds (yes, even at my age) plays havoc.
The feet are still sore and tender and occasionally the knee will spazz on me and nearly put me on the ground. Recovery is slow. Instead of a daily realisation of improvement in strength, as with the hip, this is more a fortnightly realisation, such as that I may not have to swing my knee a couple of times to unclick it before getting into the car, or that I can clamber up the stairs without clinging with both hands to the handrail.
There have been no New Year's Resolutions this year. Little point, really, when recovery is first and foremost on my mind. The only good thing has been an unanticipated weight-loss through the feeling of constant nausea. Sorry to say that has gone away and the appetite is back, but am hopeful I can keep the weight away.
Went to aqarobics this morning and the knee is very tender now. Muscles in both legs are sore along with the arms. Which proves how good the exercise is for one. If only the chlorine didn't make the skin super-sensitive.
So, week 10:
- walking better, but rolling gait. Need more physio.
- Swimming and aqarobics are good, strong exercises
- Still feel sorry for myself, wishing I could be back to normal
- Tiredness still there, even though diet and sleep and exercise are good
- Walking up stairs help to strengthen the quads
- Need stronger quads - can't stand on one leg and balance - or walk up stairs without lunging at the handrail
- Rest quite a bit with leg up - watching stupid tv like Come Dine with Me
- Find it difficult to concentrate for long on any subject
- Sitting on hard chairs is uncomfortable.
- Driving is fine, but cramped in one position is very uncomfortable
- Can't get up from chairs quickly. That includes the loo.
- Still clicks and graunches!
Time, as they say, will tell. I'll keep an eye on it for you.
