Thursday, April 14, 2016

What to write about today?

A shower of pink petals
No hike for me today. I also happened to notice that although it's after 3:00pm, the rain hasn't let up all day. This means my fellow hikers spent the day in their rain gear while I stayed dry. I would have traded places with them in a minute, though. And now I am casting about for topics to write about on Thursdays. This won't be the last hike I will miss, unfortunately.

No change in the knee. I have an appointment to see my primary care physician a week from tomorrow, and at that time I'm hoping enough time will have passed with no change that he will send me to a specialist. I feel confident I know what happened: while stepping down and lowering myself onto a steep rock (even with the help of my trekking poles), something snapped or tore or otherwise made my knee unusable in the medial area. It hasn't changed in a week, no better and no worse.
My pain is spelled out in the light green words
I found this picture online, although I don't remember where I got it from or I'd link it, and now I can't find it again. Anyway, I can still get around if I take stairs with one leg, both up and down, bringing the injured one along with a straight knee. Yep, Chester and I still walk the same. My limp is no less noticeable but when I inconveniently forget that I'm injured and try to hurry, I am immediately reminded.

Nevertheless, I walked the half mile to the bus stop and managed to do my gym routine. I couldn't actually use the rowing machine again today because my arms are really sore from yesterday's rowing activity! Instead I used the exercise bike and then attended the hour-long strength and tone class. I usually can't take it on Thursdays because, well, you know: I'm out hiking. (glum face)

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised to find that nothing I did in yoga class hurt my knee at all. This is good news, and other than not being able to walk normally or navigate steps, I can pretty much carry out my regular routine. Everything takes longer, but at least I am not a complete invalid. (smile trying to take over glum face) I'll continue to stay as positive as I can and hope for the best.
:-}

22 comments:

  1. Hugs.
    I am so pleased that you can still do most things.
    My hip is behaving nastily at the moment and there is a LOT I can't do. And your post has reminded me to be thankful for the things I can still manage. Slowly. Without grace.

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  2. I love your attitude. Well done! This too will pass.

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  3. I think attitude has a lot to do with the healing process...and with your attitude, I expect you will heal up just fine!

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  4. Hang in there, I'm feeling for you.

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  5. Since you c an do most movements, you might not be that far away from some improvement. I hope they find something that will help. Well, today you didn't have to spend time out in the rain.

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  6. The question is, will tears heal on their own or is some sort of surgery needed. This is what I have always wanted to know.
    Studying this diagram, and thanks for publishing it, my pain is in the green section and I'm convinced that I had a tear of the medial meniscus which never really healed, and now has attracted arthritis.
    I will be watching to see what you find out.

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  7. Those pink trees are so pretty! I sure hope you can get some help for your knee. It's no fun to be laid up!

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  8. This has to be such a big change for you. I am so sorry that your Thursday routine has been disrupted and stopped for a spell. Ever since I first met you (online), you have been doing the Thursday hikes. If it were a Thursday, we knew where you were. I hope that you get this all solved and fixed soon.

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  9. I, too, want the fast fix. It's a hard lesson that I have to relearn over and over.

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  10. I've learned that tears on tendons, and the healing of it will take 6-8 weeks depending on how bad the tear is/was. Especially if you work it daily. So....all I can say is...take it easy DJ.

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  11. That photo of the pink flowers is incredible. So pretty.

    It's too bad that your insurance does not permit you to see a specialist immediately.

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  12. Sometimes you just have to let it heal DJan and that means no further damage, however, your knee is reminding you that it is tender, so I know you will respect that. Unfortunately ( sad face) give it the time it needs and repair for future hikes. Bravo for keeping in shape with the things you can do. Hope the visit to your Doctor solves some of your knee issues. lol

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  13. Patience isn't always easy. I hope you get to see a specialist after next week's appointment. I can't help but think that you have done a lot less damage to your knee than you would have had you still been jumping out of airplanes. ;) Just thinking positive over here. I think you will heal up over the next few weeks. Take it easy, though, so you don't do any further damage to that precious knee. :)

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  14. I tore the meniscus about 25 years ago. The tendon was not torn completely away from the bone, so I didn't need surgery. However, I was in a soft cast for 6 weeks and did extensive physical therapy including electrical stimulation. For years after that, I'd be walking along, get on something uneven, and my knee would "give" enough to pitch me to the ground. Happily, that hasn't happened in years, and I continue to be physically active. The tear to my calf this season took about 5 weeks to heal. The thing is not to rush into physical activity too soon or you might injure yourself worse. Of course, I understand your impatience to be out and about. Be patient!

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  15. If it hurts at all, stop. Your knee will let you know when you have gone too far. Listen to it.
    I had a friend who had the surgery for a torn meniscus and she is pain free and very active today. Hope you get some answers soon.

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  16. awww. i know you miss the outdoor activity. you're such an active soul. hang in there, chester...

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  17. I hope your knee improves soon! I do feel your pain. I walked through my last tear and have yet to go for surgery. I do not want RA or OA whichever one it was he said I would instantly get when he removed the torn meniscus, so I make do with walking and lots of aspercreme with lidocaine. I hope you can get back out soon- I know you love hiking. Have a good weekend!

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  18. You are not an invalid, just temporarily afflicted! Hang in there! :) Those trees are beautiful! :)

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  19. You have a good attitude about things. That inspires those around you and those with whom you come in contact. I know that doesn't replace hiking with your friends, and I pray that your healing will be quick and complete. Sending you hugs while you wait.
    Keep smiling,
    Jackie

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  20. I don't think anything can hold you down long, DJan. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that a specialist will find the right exercise and solution for you. It might just need a little time to heal properly. Mom's knee healed very well and she's able to get around easily these days.

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  21. May the knee get the attention you seek so you can bounce back to the Thursdays you enjoy. I enjoyed the pink flowered tress. We don't even have buds yet in these parts.

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