Chondoplasty/Synovectomy
I went in for a small medial meniscus repair and came out with multiple chondroplasties and synovectomies on my left knee on July 21... little more than 1 month ago. I also developed a blood clot and had to be hospitalized for 4 days, 4 days after my surgery. Before this surgery, I was in excellent health and even jogged 2 miles the day before the surgery...I am 51 years young. Long story short...horrible recovery. I'm still on crutches and cannot straighten nor flex my leg normally. I will say that going to physical therapy 3 times a week for the past two weeks has helped...but it is slow going. I do my exercises religiously 4-5 times a day and ice for 10 minutes after each session. I've not had any pain meds, other than tylenol, for the last couple of weeks. For the first time in my life, I feel depressed and cry waaaay more than I've ever cried before. OK, part of it might be perimenopause, but 99% of this is due to being inactive and so dependent on my husband and friends. I'm just now starting to put maybe 20-30% weight on it while walking with the crutches; also, I started to do the stationary bike this week, but can not yet pedal all the way around. Instead, I do a rocking motion as far forward and then as far back as I can. I can't compare this recovery to anyone as I know of no one who has had this done. I just hope and pray, that with time and following PT exercises, I'll be off the crutches and at least able to walk normally again. I've come to the realization that slow and steady just might win the race!!
From:
susanbus@starstream.net
