Recovery - Day 7

Wednesday 22nd Feb 2006

I went back to the consultant today. The nurses removed the dressings and I got a good look at the scar. It's about three inches long in a hook shape. The consultant said that the knee was looking good; not too much swelling and the scar was healing well. I think they've done an excellant job with the stiches, it looks very neat. Best thing is that the nurses have informed me that I can get the wounds wet - so no more faffing about with plastic bags. It makes washing a right royal pain. I had to book an X-ray appointment, which is to check where the screws in the knee are, in case they move later on. The second part of the hospital appointment involved seeing the physio. She gave me some extra exercises and emphasised that I need to try and get movement into the leg by regularly flexing it as much as possible. To be honest, this is the most painful part of the exercises (the hamstring stretches are annoying but not painful), but it is the main restriction in the leg at the mo. I was also told I could bear minimal weight on the leg without the brace which basically meant I could shower standing up. When it takes an hour to wash sitting down, this was a great relief. So, I'm due to see the consultant in 5 weeks, and the physio once a week for a while. The x-ray and the further consultation had to be cleared by the insurance company. But this wasn't a problem.

After this my mum took me to Amida for lunch. I've never been before and it is very lush. It's getting busier too by all accounts. We bumped into Roo and Sharon T, who we joined for grub and a pint (the medication had gone by now). All very pleasant.

I stopped taking painkillers after a week. Mainly because they had run out and also because I wanted to be able to have some beverages. It's really nice not being able to drive! Besides which the knee doesn't hurt like it did on day 1. It aches occasionally and when it is being flexed, but on the whole it's ok.

Luke came over in the afternoon and we progressed the Indiana Jones trilogy with Temple of Doom. Snake Surprise anyone?......