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Day 6 post partial knee replacement surgery.

The nerve block is still holding fast and while I have numbness, there’s no horrific pain.

But there is a little bruising.

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The surgeon applies a tourniquet before the operation to keep the area clear of blood so it’s got to pool somewhere.

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It looks nasty and it’s tender, but doesn’t really hurt.

To be perfectly honest, I’m amazed at the lack of pain. I was expecting a tear filled horror show and don’t get me wrong… I’m swollen, stiff and most certainly uncomfortable… but I haven’t taken a single narcotic and am getting by on alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen.

I’ve had four visits from four different home health care workers and they are all gobsmacked by my progress. The physical therapist said they strive for a 90 degree bend at 4 weeks and I had a 97 at 4 days. I can walk, albeit slowly, without the walker or cane. I shower. Dress. Make myself something to eat and do all the exercises they suggest.

Yesterday, I put on a shoe.

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It’s amazing how thrilling the normal little things you take for granted can become when you’ve been unable to do them.

It’s not a walk in the park, don’t get me wrong. I tire very easily and I ache. Constantly. I move slowly and very carefully and haven’t attempted stairs yet. My knee feels solid enough but there’s residual fear of buckling left over from that first day that keeps me super cautious.

The PTs said I must have a very high pain tolerance because most of their patients are using heavy drugs to get through the first week. They ask me to rate my pain when they come and I usually say 3-4. They chuckle and say most people say 8-9 at this point.

Overall? I’m pleased.

Still scared the block will wear off completely and mad pain will come rushing in, but that awful bone on bone crunching I’ve had for years? The sharp stabbing pain I had when I stood after sitting more than ten minutes?

Gone.

That in itself makes all this worthwhile.

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