Just got back from my physical therapy appointment and I will say I’m doing better, but boy oh boy is it a chore to get my leg straight. I’m still hovering around a 10 which is a bit disconcerting, but my therapist feels that if my massage therapist, Vadim, works on the groin more to loosen it up and I keep doing my leg straightening exercises, it will improve. The groin and quad are integrally related so that if I try straightening the back of my leg, it pulls on my groin muscle and uh boy, does it hurt! Fortunately, my groin feels pretty good in a seated position ever since my massage with Vadim. It’s not as bad as it used to be, thank goodness! I can only assume and hope that it will get better and better as he works on that psoas muscle to loosen everything up. After all, it’s been years since it’s felt relaxed, so it will take awhile to become loose. My bend measured at 120, so at least that’s improving!
One more additional issue is the swelling but Leslie mentioned that it could take anywhere between 4-6 months to resolve. And sometimes even longer. I had no idea! Good thing it’s not shorts weather although today it’s going to be in the high 60’s. Gotta love California! 🙂
I’ve noticed I’m walking better, however, but it takes concentration for me not to walk with a limp. It’s so easy to go back to the old habits I relied upon for years. My strength is slowly coming back but I need to go slow so I don’t aggravate everything else. The one step forward, two steps back thing is not working for me. Well, let’s say that’s what happens but I don’t like it! LOL! I’d rather inch along slowly moving forward with an occasional setback. So what’s needed is for me to be very mindful in what I do and how much I do it.
Icing and elevation are the other two very important things I need to do at least three times a day. In fact, I’m doing it right now! Sometimes it’s not so bad recovering when I’m relaxed like this in my chair with a pack of ice on my knee. 🙂
Laura Macky Photography 
February 1, 2013 at 1:23 pm
You are a trooper Laura. So many people just give up. . Hang in there. We are all behind you. 🙂
February 1, 2013 at 5:46 pm
Thank you Bob! It really means a lot to have your support. 🙂
February 2, 2013 at 8:12 am
You are on your way, remember go slow in the gym ,those 2 or 4 steps backwards can be worse, I have a friend who experienced this. Give your self TIME. This may be the best gift you could get. long slow healing is better than quick fast breaking…lol keep up the good work,Bear
February 3, 2013 at 8:22 am
Thanks Bear as always. I went slower today on the bike so this is my beta test! 🙂
February 3, 2013 at 11:30 am
Wishing you well as you continue to heal!
February 3, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Thank you Gospel. 🙂
February 8, 2013 at 6:24 pm
Hi Laura,
I was checking to see if anyone had thought of doing a knee replacement blog, and found you! I had a half knee replacement on December 12, the day after you. I thought of starting a blog about it, and really wish I had now! However, I’m thinking of starting it anyway, and calling it the Oxford Knee blog, not to be confused with the Oxford comma (I’m an editor:-)). Anyway, thanks for the inspiration and good luck with your healing. Good to know someone else in a similar situation.
February 8, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Thank you jocelain. I’m glad you found me too! I hope you’re doing well with your new half knee. 🙂 Thank you for the wishes!