Physiosadists

Just come back from my first physiotherapy appointment since the operation.

Wow. PAIN!!!!!!

I understand completely Caryll!

The worst I found was the physioterrorist bending my knee as far as it would go, and then a bit further .... I won't deny that it does nip a bit, but SO worth it. It doesn't happen immediately but bit by bit your knee will become more flexible - honestly! And please do the beastly exercises!

Empathy, empathy

I've got some more exercises to do because the twist I did in bed has made the knee stiffen.

Yes, Lynda, that 'extra' push is mean, nasty, sadistic, evil & totally necessary!

She was pleased (& so was I) with the muscle control I've managed to get in raising my foot etc, but the flexation needs some serious work.

OUCH, OUCH, OUCH!

Stick with it Caryll - grit your teeth and think of England!  It WILL be worth it - promise!

You have to be a special kind of sadist to be a physiotherapist! Hope it feels less sore soon, Caryll.

It'll get there, I'm sure.

I'm niw having a battle with my doctors to get stronver painkillers on prescription - I don't think they see the need.

Mmmmmm, how would they know - it's you that is feeling it!!!

Ah, but the quacks know best! Hehehe!

Caryll, I was taking 4 x Cocodomol a day after my op, and wasn't too uncomfortable. Morphine is of course verboten at home.

You shouldn't be in agony - is it worth asking for an x-ray to make sure you didn't do any mischief when you twisted your knee?

The physio (also a qualified nurse) didn't think there was any damage done - she said I'd be screaming otherwise! - but thought I'd set up some general inflammation which is subsiding, to be honest. She's actually very nice, I just don't like being told what to do!

Strangely enough, I had a similar mishap yesterday. I thought I wouldhave a quiet, ME day & I settled myself down in the armchair with a cup of tea, my Terry Pratchett book & my operated leg up on a chair, nicely cushioned & comfortable. After a while I started to doze (as you do) & was thoroughly comfortable & enjoying myself when the postman knocked.....it made me jump & I automatically swung my bad leg sideways off the chair! The pain was incredible & the air turned the deepest shade of blue you can possibly imagine. But I got to the door & even smiled at the postie. By the time I'd swallowed a couple of tablets & sat down again, it wasn't too bad. This morning, it's a little sore, but otherwise okay. So I think it's going in the right direction. It's really the stiffness I have to work on now, and that's the painful bit!

Oh dear Caryll- do take care of your poor knee, it's still mending!

Yes the stiffness is painful to overcome, but HAS to be done - gradually! It took quite a while, but now I can bend my "bad" knee as well as my other knee.

Stick with it - you're getting there!

Right, finally managed to get some stronger codeine from the doctors - 30mg per tablet compared to 12mg that i currently take.

Hopefully that'll take the exercises one stage further & finally loosen the muscles around my knee.

Fingers crossed!

I hope the stronger codeine is helping!

Your knee will be stiff, it's gone through a lot. I won't lie to you - the physio may well (as my physio did to me) put you through some discomfort to gradually loosen the muscles and introduce more flexibility into the knee. It might well nip a bit, but like childbirth soon forgotten, and WELL worth it believe me!

Early days yet Caryll - you're getting there!

Is it helping?

Yes, it is helping a little. Mind you, it still hurts like hell; just not quite as hellish!

The trouble with such a high dose of codeine is that I feel so tired. Every time I sit down I start yawning & just want to sleep!

Sleep is the best healer!

Another thoroughly painful physio appointment.

Sitting still, now, waiting for the throbbing to stop.

I expect you've got some bruising from where Dempsey crashed into it!

Stick at it (and those boring exercises) - it's worth it in the end!

Poor you - just think of the goal.