One year on the 28th November

What a difference a year makes.  I had my surgery on the 28th November 2015 at that point I could not walk to the end of my drive and was taking massive doses of Ibrufen.  In fairness, I had a very easy ride, up the next day, suppassed all goals and walked out with just one crutch three days later.  I was driving at one month and slowly walking the dogs on the beach throughout January. I had no additional physio support, but they had equipped me well with a marvoulous book of exercises to follow, a brilliant leg lifter and an exercise ball, and I did those exercises religiously, that  I am convinced is the key. 

I went through all the usual problems, first was not making it to the loo in time after the Catheter (that lasted nearly six weeks) not being to lie on my side, and when I did, I got stuck!  Very swollen knee (not bruised) which lasted many months, and is still larger than the other knee, some minor pain, muscle ache, took me forever to walk up the stairs properly   and I still won't risk kneeling.  But, all in all life has changed, I can litterally do anything, the knee is now completely healed no pain, no problems and unless I notice the scar, I seldom think about it.  It can be difficult at the beginning, but as long as you do the exercises you will get there, and a few months down the line you will be so pleased at the results.  My only advice to those about to embark on this journey is, check if your Physio provides you with a leg lifter right at the beginning, if not, buy one, take it to hospital with you, it will be your best friend and make everything easier and it speeds up being able to move off the bed, lying on your side, getting in and out of cars, the gadget is pure genious!  For those who do not know this gadget it looks like a stiff lead/leash with a loop on the end and it lifts your leg into position without pain.

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