Knee Update

I thought everything was going fine, my physio was helping improve my flexion (bending) up to 120 degrees and my extension (straightening) was at 0.

Today was my consultant appointment and have shown a different story. He says my flexion is 95 and my extension is only 0.
This has crushed me...

2 days before I go on holiday and I haven't been doing as well as I thought, it seems the Range of Movement (ROM) is based on the amount you can actually move of you own free well rather than being "forced" by someone.

I have been advised told I will need even more physio (I am currently having 2-3 days a week) and if things don't improve within the next 4 weeks, then I have to seriously consider MUA Manipulation under anesthesia before my knee stays like it is... Permanently.
Most people requiring this kind of procedure do so as they have had a total knee replacement (TKR), I can't seem to find anyone that needs a MUA for a "Normal" problem such as mine.

Found a great site about a woman who had MUA, in particular, this post. She couldn't bend her knee past 90 degrees (110 at a push) it seemed to work for her. At least it's given me some hope, if only as a last resort.

I will definately be doing as much as I can over the next 4 weeks, even if 2 of them are while sunning it in Tenerife, who knows, maybe the sun will help too. (I know the large measures of JD & Coke certainly will)

Physiotherapy Todays show is brought to you by the number 95 and the letters R, O and M, (the acronym has changed from CRP to ROM (Range of Movement))

a ROM refers to the amount a knee (or other joint) can bend, when I came out of hospital my ROM was less than 35 degrees, a week later I managed 50, then 70 on Friday, after speaking to the surgeon I though I could just blag it and if I couldn't increase it, then opt for the manipulation - basically take the easy way out.

That was Friday, I got home and as one does, googled knee manipulation, this I'm both glad I did and wish I hadn't.

This varied between causing more even more excruating pain and problems to rupturing the Cruciate Ligament

I decided to knuckle down (pardon the pun), and do more exercises and work harder doing a few hours physio each day, which has definately paid off.

Todays physio session measured my ROM at 95.

I passed the magic 90 degrees...

I have been able to start in the hospital gym (leg pressing 70lb, "nutcracker", spot jogging etc,
my next goal is 100 so I can start using the bikes.
40 degrees more than that and we're even...

Anyone for a Knees up

Had my appointments with physio and the consultant today,

Physio seems happy with my progress despite SWMBO telling him I'm not doing my exercises (I am, it's just Im doing the minimum recommended), I can now bend my knee between 50 and 70 degrees on my own - or 80 degrees with a little painful help from the physio. I have been told to keep up with the exercises.

The consultant however has told me additional information, he's not happy with the tissue and scar damage in my knee, this is what is causing pain and stopping my knee bending to its full capacity (around 140 degrees),

My consultant has worked with Derby County players apparently football players with knee injuries have £150k worth of physio and spend 8 HOURS A DAY doing so, this is why they get better quicker,

Therefore in order for me to get better as soon as possible, I need to spend as much time as I can doing my physio. if there's no progress made within the next 2-3 weeks then I'll need to go back into hospital and have my knee "Manipulated"...

of course I had to ask what this meant...

Another epidural or General anaesthetic - once this kicks in, the surgeon simply bends my knee "for me".

OW-"f'kin"-CH was my response

To avoid more time in the lovely Nuffield, I have decided to do as much physio as time, my knee, and my daughter will allow.

On a positive though, my PICC line has now been removed, so I no longer need my daily 4 nurse visits. I'm onto tablets for 3 weeks - again no beer, Im wasting away with the lack of alcohol.