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Things To Be Aware Of – Post Surgery

Here are some things I am experiencing that might be useful for others about to go through this surgery.

  • Swelling: I am day 5 post surgery and I am still swollen. It took 4 days for the swelling to go down on my feet and ankles but my knee is still pretty swollen. My knee seems more limiting than my hip.
  • They start you on a couple of stretches the day after surgery called quad rocking. They look like they will hurt but they didn’t for me.
  • The first day of PT was a bit of manual ROM stuff, stair training (with crutches), and a few exercises to ensure blood is flowing to prevent blood clots.
  • My ROM was already at 90° and the therapist didn’t want to push it more than that.
  • I thought I would be in a fair amount of pain after that first PT session. To my surprise, I was not.
  • As a female, I was worried going to the bathroom would hurt. It really doesn’t. Just go slow sitting back.
  • Getting in and out of bed at first was a fairly difficult task to get my leg that high. It is getting easier. I am a back sleeper and have a pillow under my knee as it is more comfortable to have it propped up a bit.

Crystal.Gustin

I started kayaking in Wisconsin of all places, because this is where I am from. I then moved to San Diego and took on kayak surfing along with heading to the Kern River when water was available. I then made the move to Asheville, NC and have been hooked on this sport since my Wisconsin days. With whatever it is that you do, do it because you love it, not because society tells you should or for other outside factors. Don't simply exist, live!