I graduated from physical therapy last week about the time I got a paycheck for $54.00. Time to go back to work so I don't owe them money for my benefits!
Over a week ago, I achieved a flexibility level of 126 on both knees - had no issues from the start with getting to 0 on my straight legs. I have some wobbliness and weakness on my right knee that I am working on strengthening for, but I was the first of my PT group to "graduate".
I spent my last few sessions working on things like balance, climbing stairs and the hardest for me - getting on and off a regular chair without pushing off with my arms. Ouch. (I admit my biggest fear is getting stuck on a low public toilet and not being able to get up!) I had to put my fear of the pain behind me and after a few practice tries at standing up from the low chair in the gym - I could do it pretty well and it got less painful as I went.
I also started driving during week 7. Freedom!!! Though I wouldn't want to try to drive very long or far at this point! That driving leg is my weaker one and it gets stiff when I am in stop and go traffic.
At my appointment with the surgeon I asked for a letter to return to work on a limited basis and was given permission so long as I keep in mind this is still "early days" as he put it. So I started last Friday for just 3.5 hours with 1 break to ice and a few stretching out walks around the office. I went again today for the same amount of time and might try for 4 hours tomorrow.
Not sure if there was a betting pool on the likelihood of my returning at 8 weeks - but there were some very surprised people...also very welcoming people. Nice to be out of the house for a few hours a day, then home to do my PT and rest.
Normal here we come.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment