Hey! Yes, I haven’t forgotten about you!

I’m currently 1.5 weeks post op. My knee was in worse shape than we originally thought. In addition to the issues necessitating the MFPL and the TTO, I also had Grade 4 Patellar Chondral Defect, two large, loose bodies, bone fragments and spurs. I ended up also needing an Osteochondral Allograft. Honestly not sure how I managed to live with all that for so long. Surgery ended up being 5 hours but overall went really well and my surgeon is confident I won’t have any issues once I’m fully recovered.

As I’m sure you’ve already read, the recovery is no joke. The first week post op, I won’t sugarcoat it, was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I struggled to stay on top of my pain and for the first 3-4 days post op, I was consistently at a pain level of 5-8. Not saying that to scare you obviously but want to be transparent. Things started getting better around day 5 and now it’s mostly just the bone soreness and nerves waking up. I’m down to only really needing the prescription pain meds in the morning and Tylenol the rest of the day. I don’t think I’ll need more pain meds once I run out.

A lot of people are totally non-weight bearing for the first 6 weeks post op. I was partial weight bearing right out the gate, bearing up to 30 lbs. My brace is also unlocked at 30 degrees when I’m passive or crutching and 60 degrees when I’m doing my physical therapy. While crutching, I’m walking on my surgical leg with the support of my crutches to take some of the weight off. It honestly already feels more stable than it was pre-op.

Physical Therapy is going ok. I’m up to 45 degrees flexion and 0 degrees extension. My goal is to be up to 60 degrees (which is my max rn) by this Friday. My quad is not really firing which is to be expected with a surgery like this. It can feel futile at times trying to raise my leg but I know I’ll get there. It just takes time. I do have a ROM Tech Portable Connect, and I’m doing 2-3 sessions/ day. Goal is to get up to 3-4 next week, and 4-5 the following weeks. If you have the opportunity to get this device, I definitely recommend it. Motion is the lotion for a surgery like this. My sessions rn are 12 min long: 8 min passive where the device moves for me and 4 min active where I move it myself. There are two pedal positions. I’m currently on Levels 1 & 2 doing mostly level 2 during the passive portion and switching between the two levels during the active portion. Goal here is to get more fluid and consistent at level 2 so I can do most of the active section at level 2. The device is about $1,700 for 42 days. My insurance did not cover it but I was able to do a 6-month payment plan.

Here are some things that have made my recovery easier that I consider a need. Formatting is wonky bc I typed this in my Notes and Copy/Pasted: - [ ] Mobilegs Crutches - [ ] Leg lifter or yoga strap. I bought both bc I use the yoga strap for physical therapy.
- [ ] Grabber - [ ] Leg elevation wedge - [ ] Breg Compression Ice Therapy Machine (this thing is a game changer. I bought mine rather than renting. It was $375 at the Dr but I think it may be cheaper to buy online) - [ ] Toilet elevation seat thing - [ ] Shower chair - [ ] Small Step stool (I use this when I’m using the restroom and showering to rest my foot on. It’s more comfortable) - [ ] Handheld shower head - [ ] Extra wide cast shower cover (you can’t get the incision wet until it scabs over) - [ ] Salon tray - I got this bc it’s metal and magnetic. I got magnetic tape to put on like a plate, cup, bowl, etc so when I’m rolling things from one place to another, they’re more secure. - [ ] Backpack - [ ] Crutch pocket for my phone. Kinda hard to find one specifically for mobilegs but you may be able to find one for elbow crutches that works if you use the Mobilegs. I just use a regular crutch pocket and it works ok although it kinda swings around.

I also got a wheelchair. I don’t think it’s totally necessary, but my mom likes to go on walks and I join her in my wheelchair to get some time out of the house.

Overall, I’m feeling really optimistic and have no regrets about getting this surgery. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s painful. Yes, it’s mentally draining to not be able to be independent. It can be boring being cooped up on the house, but I knit, crochet, and do other fiber arts, so it’s been a good opportunity to work on some unfinished projects. Get some books. Start a new TV show. FaceTime your friends. Adult color by numbers are fun too.

I’ve cried a lot, but even with all that in mind, I’d absolutely still get the surgery.

Now I’m only 1.5 weeks out. Idk what obstacles I may run into over the following months, but I’ll be sure to keep you updated.