Tough Chicks Need Vicodin

Yeah, I went back on the pain meds yesterday. And I get why they're necessary. What I don't get is why people who aren't in pain find them entertaining.

I think, though, I pushed through a major pain hurdle with regard to the knee. It seems to have loosened up quite a bit and my quads are actually beginning to contract. From what I've gleaned when reading knee replacement forums, the major strengthening post-surgery is in the quads. During the operation, the quad muscles are cut in order to give the surgeon access to the knee joint. Then, of course, the quads are essentially lifeless for awhile, especially since most knee replacement patients stay off their feet for weeks. I've pushed the envelope. I know that. Yesterday I pushed a little too hard. But today I'm feeling the benefits. My quads are working. I can easily contract them, which means my leg won't lose as much strength or stability because I've already made them remember what they're supposed to be doing.

I slept with my leg in the torture device for four hours. While I'm sleeping, I put it on easy settings. The point is to simply keep the joint moving.

Today, I feel remarkably better than I did yesterday. My leg no longer feels dead. It's weak though. When I sit or get in the bed, it won't lift on its own. I have to use my hands to pick it up. That too shall pass once my quads get stronger.

I slowly walked around the corner, on my cane, to my mom's house today. She was not happy to find me at her front door, thinking I'd really overdone it this time. I hadn't. It's just that my leg felt good and I knew I needed to put some weight on it for a bit. Each step I take makes those quads do a little more work. After coming back home, I iced the knee.

Today is a good day. I can already see the light at the end of this tunnel. Guess what? There's a surfboard down there too!