Enter the Rainbow Warrior

I’ll take the loss–poor lighting. Within these three exists every ROY G. BIV color.  Perhaps even more importantly is the noticeable shrink–lower leg is down to not much more than normal size. Just below knee to upper quad is a different story; yet still materially better. Yeah!! I’ll give credit to the bag of Easter peanut m&ms.  Mmmm.

Now that we’re well into the last part of February (and nearly a full week post-op) it’s time to put some targets to align with the surgeon’s expectations.

First phase, up to two weeks rehab protocol

• full knee extension range of motion                       (check)

• 90 degrees flexion range of motion                       (check)
• Good quad set                                                       (mostly)
• Emphasize normal gait pattern                               (mostly, little slow) 

At this point two main things are contributing to heartburn; or maybe the headaches.  (A)First is the headaches. While owning a lifetime history of them they didn’t start this round until three-four days ago. Normally I can trace back to an origin; these are likely a culmination yet still frustrating as they just fired up again.

Secondly is the inflexibility in the knee. Sitting on a standard-kitchen height chair and dangling the knee results in around 80-85% flex but sitting/laying and trying to get the same angle is still not happening.  Fortunately this falls within the broad 0-2 Weeks, not ……Five Days post….    I’ll give it to the weekend before I start digging around for some norms. And try to forget about it. Unlikely; (see A).

Lighten up a bit–distractions needed. It’s mid-February and in the Midwest it could (should) look like this. A great time to get away from the hustle and bustle….homebound in the middle of winter.  

Leave with this~ back on the animal gigs. In fact, a cat just crossed the keys deleting about half the page. She’s cute and forgivable and its so nice to have a few critters around again. Great distractions.