Eight month update

Eight months and two days ago I had a life-changing operation.  I was gifted with two new knees.  I use the word "gifted" because, even though the process was not cheap, I now have a new lease on life. 

This past weekend I walked around in a large shopping centre for the first time in years.  The walk in January in the shopping centre was to a specific shop and back.  This time I walked, like a normal person. I walked with knees that bent at the appropriate time in the step.  I walked without agony.  I walked further than I have walked for ages.  And I walked with a smile on my face. 

It is still a miracle and thrill to me every now and then when I realise I can take a normal step - like everyone else.  If you're reading this and have not had knee problems needing replacements, you may not appreciate the miracle.  If you have the knee problems, you'll appreciate that shopping centres can be places of torture with long passages and not many places to sit - and when you do find a place to sit the seat is so low you struggle to get up. And you walk stiff-legged, like an arthritic pug (okay, I did).

Back to the update:

• the scars have faded - still there, but practically the same colour as my flesh;
• if I was exercising regularly I would be more mobile, but I don't.  Big note - this problem is not the knees, the problem is the supporting muscles which I am not exercising regularly.  So stairs and inclines are still a little challenging;
• exercise - when I do exercise, I am still using the heated rehab pool at the gym - following the physiotherapist and biokineticist programmes.  I need to tackle the stationery bike and elliptical trainer some time soon, just have to get out of the comfort zone and do it;
• we have cold, wet winters here - and no associated pain and discomfort;
• mobility is excellent and I can fully bend my knees;
• I struggle to sit down on and get up from low chairs and toilets - once again, this is because of lack of exercise.  If I had exercised more my legs would have been stronger;
• I find I have to re-train my brain as to what I can do.  With hurting knees your life becomes very small.  I'm constantly amazed at how much bigger my world is, how many places I can go to now - how many places I can actually walk to now! Don't get limited by your mind, test your knees - you'll be surprised how quickly your world expands!

Big lesson learned is to try and stay disciplined and do your exercises to strengthen your legs. If I did I would be able to tackle stairs and get up off low chaires better.  My next goal ... a 5km charity walk  in September / October (may need to revise the date).

If you've had the op - enjoy the miracle. If you're not sure about the op -  get the knees and get a life!!

Regards
Charmaine