Range of Motion: I have reached 30 degrees on the CPM and it is relatively pain free. First thing in the morning it is very stiff and I have to work up to 30 degrees but by the end of the day I'm relatively pain free while doing it.
Physical Therapy: My morning PT session focuses on my knee exercises. I am very limited to what I can do due to how fragile the graft is. I am still focussing on trying to contract my quad. I have been able to do this but it is weak and I can only hold the contraction for a few seconds then I lose it. I also do straight leg raises (SLR) with the brace on. I need help from my therapist to lift my leg and lower it. However, he applies the minimal pressure so I am still using my muscle. The straight leg raises are extremely painful but I am able to work through the pain by focusing on breathing.
In addition to the quad sets and SLRs I now do scar massage and move my knee cap around (patellar mobilization) to break up scar tissue. My therapist does this for me but I will begin doing it myself at home when I can stand the pain. Also I have a hard time finding my kneecap due to the swelling. I attached a video of me doing patellar mobilization and scar massage at post op week 7.
My afternoon PT session focuses on the rest of my body. I do some form of cardio such as an arm bike or one-legged rowing. Then I do exercises which focus on my core and upper body. The afternoon PT sessions are my choice to go. I was very worried about losing my fitness level due to this surgery. My therapist is fantastic and works with me to maintain my overall level of fitness. The rehab center I go to has a full gym so my therapist helps me get into weight lifting machines and designs exercises for me that I can do despite crutches and being locked out in a bulky brace. Being able to workout the rest of my body and stay in shape has helped me more mentally than physically. Exercise is such a big part of my life and I am glad that I can keep some level of fitness.
Pain: I am off Percocet for the most part. I take it occasionally at night to help sleep. The Percocet has been tearing up my stomach so I am determined not to take it unless I really need it. My pain level is much better than the first week.
Sleeping: I still have trouble getting comfortable at night. I still have to sleep on my back since lying on my side is still too painful. I usually wake up around 3 am with painful throbbing but I am able to drift back asleep sometimes. I am supposed to wear the brace at all times unless showering, in the CPM, or at therapy for the first 8 weeks. It is bulky so that partly contributes to my issues getting comfortable at night.
Other Thoughts: I am able to move around easier. Getting in and out of the car is much less daunting. I only shower every 2 days since it's a pain in the ass and I'm worried about falling. Sometimes I just don't have the energy. I haven't felt up to going out and doing any activities yet.
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