It’s now almost 8 months since surgery and I’m finally pleased to say that I have taken some positive steps towards healing. In fact just this week I did my second run on a treadmill. When I say “run” I mean more like a Cliff Young shuffle at 7kmph, but hey in my book that is a run! It was also only for 30 seconds (30s run, 30s walk x 10), but that’s 30 seconds more than I have done in 8 months. Now I’m trying to not get too excited as I still have a long way to go. But today on that treadmill for a brief moment I experienced a runners’ high, a brief sense of euphoria, I felt invincible! The feeling of running again, a movement I haven’t been able to do since January, was fantastic. I can’t wait to do it again later this week.
Over the past few months I’ve had a chance to reflect on this whole journey. A bit like pregnancy (so people tell me), there are many things that you aren’t told about what to expect in recovering from such an invasive procedure. Here is my list of top 10 things I have learnt from having knee surgery:
- Ask more questions
The brief consultations with the surgeon pre and post-surgery are a window of opportunities to ask questions. Write them down so that you remember and note any answers.
- Rehab takes longer than you think
Everyone who undergoes surgical procedures will have a different length of recovery. It really depends on the extent and trauma associated with the surgery. There is no set time frame.
- Be patient
It can be so easy to give up when progress is very slow. With each rehab session comes a step closer to getting better. Just keep going!
- Enjoy progress
When rehabbing daily you become very in-tune with your body and tend to notice any little changes or progress. These milestones bring such joy and excitement, even when they are small.
- Set goals
It’s important to set goals to tick off along the way. My goal originally to be back running a short distance pain-free was 6 months, but now it seems more realistic for it to be 12 months. It will happen.
- Buy shares in a physiotherapy business
No one really warns you of the expenses post-surgery. Between fortnightly physiotherapy, myotherapy, gym and pool sessions over the last 8 months I cringe at the cost calculation.
- Get on a Medical Care Plan
If you have had recent surgery then you are eligible through your GP for a Medical Care Plan. This entitles you to 5 half price physiotherapy sessions which makes a huge difference!
- It’s all about the un-sexy exercises
I am the one in the gym doing all the not-so-glamorous exercises like lying on the ground with a ball between my legs and butt in the air like I’m giving birth to a medicine ball. Not attractive but effective.
- Don’t forget about the other knee
When the recovering knee receives all the attention it is easy to forget about the good knee. As rehab progresses remember to do the same exercises on both sides of the body.
- I’m a cyclist, not a runner
Years of knee pain and this recovery journey has made me re-assess how to get the best out of my body going forward. Cycling reduces the impact through my knee and over the last 7+ years has become my passion with running taking a firm back-seat. That’s just how it has to be now.
