A change is as good as a rest

My appointment at the limb centre yesterday was positive. I say that because I was meeting my new prosthetist for the first time following the relatively sudden departure of Caroline, only months after she replaced Steve who I had known for more than 10 years. I have said this so many times before but the relationship is so unique, even closer than patient-GP.

If this first appointment is anything to go by then it’s onwards and upwards! She was lovely, she listened and had so obviously read my history (which is lengthy).

I also saw the specialist limb doctor – he wanted to be brought up to date on my knee replacement op and on-going recovery. We also spoke at length about my appointment early last year with an eminent plastic surgeon who thought I could be a good candidate for treatment on my stump. However I had a very negative experience in that I never actually got to see him, instead I was ‘fobbed off’ by a junior surgeon, clearly not that interested (or knowledgeable) in my particular problem. My limb doctor took this up with the surgeon I should have seen and I have been offered another consultation. I have declined. I can’t face another operation so soon and I’m scared it might be a long recovery. I know this might seem short-sighted but it’s how I feel and I’m listening to myself on this one! So it’s on hold – I may regret it because my stump skin is so fragile, but it’s my regret and I’ll deal with it.

Still confined to base!

Now into day 3 of ‘house arrest’ so lots of thinking time. Admittedly my knee feels better and I can only assume that’s because I’ve been resting a lot more. My stump however is still sore and quite fragile. I’ve been asking myself the question who am I trying to impress? Dashing around ( not literally) saying yes to everything and even volunteering when I should say a polite no. However it’s hard to change the habit of a lifetime but I need to be stronger and firmer with myself if I am to heal properly and feel the benefits of a full knee replacement long-term.

Reading other peoples blogs is very helpful, particularly in the early post-op days because everyone’s initial recovery period follows a fairly similar pattern. It gets difficult when as individuals we start to pick up the pace of our pre-op life as this varies so much depending on age, level of fitness and whether or not you have any other physical needs or complications – this is where I fail miserably! I have tried my whole life, since losing my leg in an accident 40 years ago to lead as full a life as I can. I never considered myself as disabled even though it was quite obvious I was. Now I am older I am not able to do that because my needs are more. However I seem to forget that sometimes and end up right where I am now – confined to base!

Listen to the expert

I was treated to a lovely lunch by my husband at our favourite restaurant yesterday – it felt very decadent dressing up at lunchtime! I had a little taste of what it feels like to be pain free  which was lovely, and I think that’s because I made a conscious decision not to exercise, or drive at all for the whole day.

Saw my consultant who was really pleased with my progress (especially regarding my recent infection) he told me I can start showering properly which was music to my ears!  The appointment consisted of lots of advice regarding moving forward – the best of which was that I cannot do anything to speed up my knee recovery – it must be left to nature to heal at its own pace.  I am now master of my own destiny and I need to take charge. No more appointments for 6 weeks so hopefully he will see a real improvement by then.

Today I have physio and I am going to attempt to drive there myself (approx. 5 miles) however, I will have a co-pilot…..just in case.