July 16, 2020  mid-afternoon

Just a short post that the recovery from my knee replacement is going well.

After two weeks, I was no longer using the walker.  It just seemed to get in the way.  I never transitioned to a cane.  Just walking pretty well, although I have not been outside to walk a few blocks because we’re in a heatwave of 90-degree temperatures.  Instead, I tour the cul-de-sac on foot after the heat of the day, and every second round I stop by my mailbox to do some leg lifts/knee bends.

Physical therapy is going well.  I like my therapist, Dan.  He has a master’s degree, gives good instructions, demonstrates exercises, and he’s professional.  We seem to be of the same type:  Let’s get to work.  Not a lot of chitchat.

Dan was impressed that I was walking on my own after just two weeks, and I surprised him with my flexibility when I was asked to bend down to stretch.  The concern we both shared was the stiffness of the knee, so he recommended going back to icing and elevating for 30 minutes three times a day.  That has made a big difference and I feel like I’m making pretty good progress.

Here’s a photo of my 15-year-old cockapoo, Cinnamon, taken one day within the first two weeks when I was just icing the knee a bit.  His care and supervision were much appreciated.

I look forward to getting permission to drive.  I see the surgeon in early August for a 6-week check-in.  Not that I’ll be going to many places or even shopping during these COVID times.  But once I can drive, then I can get back on a regular schedule of visiting Mom.  Her community will be opening up a bit for outside in-person visits with masks and social distancing in the courtyard.  Not sure how well that will work with the heat of July and August in Missouri, but I look forward to making an appointment to see her, bring her some flowers, and check in on her functioning.  No hugs or touching, so that will be difficult.