I get the same question everyday. "How are you how's your knee?" It's one question. Not two. My knee and I are one in the same these days as we can't possibly have conflicting emotional states. Well the answer to this double edged loaded question is this:
We are AMAZING.
That was me using a great descriptor whilst deleting colorful cuss words in front of it. Because THAT would be the real answer.
I don't think I moved for 8 days after my first ACL surgery. I went to the gym 4 of the last 5 days this week. My swelling is low. I bent to 90 degrees all on my own. My pain is so minimal that it feels like an attention stunt to complain about it. On Wednesday, I was granted weight free flexion. What's that you say? Weight free flexion is when my surgeon allows my immobilizer to click into a bent position as long as I'm sitting, driving, sleeping (basically NOT standing or walking). Flexion a week post op?! If you've torn your ACL before your jaw is dropped. I'm killin it.
I vaguely remember being a teenager and planning my "first day of school outfit." I'm sure it was short and tight with a hint of tomboy, but who knows? I've had 5 first days of high school since I graduated, and next week will be my 6th. Believe me when I say I don't think twice about my outfit and totally smirk at the students who so clearly and rightfully do. It does, however, feel like a victory to grant exit access out of this immobilizer and back into the sports brace the morning of that first day. Best outfit change ever. So long straight legged limp. Hello sports brace - nothing I haven't done before.
Remember when I questioned whether going through this before would help or hinder? Answer: HELP! Every move I make, literally, is better than when I did it the first time (and second) around. If I hadn't torn the other guy, I might even think things were tough right now. They're not. But that hasn't stopped the general public from thinking so.
My new daily adventure is the gym locker room. (My pre-tear routine didn't involve this gym). I dragged my leg out of the shower the other day, scars and stitches exposed, and this little old lady was beside herself! "And I thought I had problems!" she yelled while I stood stark naked and shakily pulled my underwear over my busted leg. I gave the silent smile. "Ants!" Wait what? "Ants are my problem. They're everywhere! The exterminator is with my husband right now. And they're so small!"
They're no maggots or flourmites but the lady has a point.
We all have issues. This lady's is clearly that she has no social tact as she proceeded to tell me all about her ant infestation while staring at my nakedness and dressing struggle for a full 6 minutes. Oh and ants - her other issue. And I have rubber bands for ACLs. So be it. What's she going to do? Avoid buying food in order to keep the ants out? Doubt it. What about me? Avoid all physical activity and contact to save my ACLs? Nice try. You think I don't know that I could very well do this again? I wouldn't be blogging if I wasn't looking forward to life on the other side - risk and all. As my recovery continues to be epic - and believe me - it IS epic, I've started compiling goals to get to in order to regain my life con ACLs.
Since August is just about over, I'm going to work hard (without pushing it too far) to do these exciting things by September:
1. Bike. I'm talking full pedal strokes.
2. Walk Larry. Limp free and at his pace.
3. Travel in planes, trains, and cars pain free
4. Not gain a pound - this is a pretty constant goal that I try not to battle too extremely.
In the world of unexciting happenings, this is it for tonight. The episode of Friends where Joey and Rachel first kiss is on.