Wow.  It has been six weeks since I have had surgery.  This week has been an exciting week.  Monday started early with Physical Therapy which really sucked and I ended up being sore most of the day.  Tuesday and Wednesday was absolutely horrible with achy pain.  I ended up going back to using the cane.  I think those two days were due to a weather front moving though and the knee just hurt.  I was worried that I did something stupid.

Thursday was an monumental day as I had my retirement ceremony from the Army.  26 years of service and I was filled with emotions.  People traveled from up and down the east coast to be there for the ceremony.  It was a very humbling experience to have everyone there.  As I stated in my speech, it wasn't about me it was about my profession and everyone that got me to where I am today.  Without their support I would not have made it on my own.

Training for Ironman Maryland is well on its way.  I am up to 30 minutes on the trainer and have finally riding based on terrain verses controlled power.  I am not pushing it, still sticking around 50-110 watts and finishing most rides at around 70-80 watts Normalized Power.

This morning I rode for 30 minutes and then headed out the door for a walk while it was still dark.  I just started plodding away and walk 1.5 miles.  I looked at my watch and I average a 16:30 pace. Who knew I was walking that fast.  I guess with it being dark I didn't realize I was moving along as fast as I was.

God is so good.  I am 30-days post total knee replacement and things are still progressing faster than anticipated.  Everyday is a measurable improvement.  I can see it; feel it; appreciate it; and praise Jesus Christ for it.

The pain is so much better than it was prior to surgery; other than during exercise and physical therapy.  My normal daily routine.  Early morning bike, walk, stairs, leg extensions, hamstring curls, and heel slides or another type of stretch and then repeat in the afternoon.

Today consisted of 15 minutes on the bike with controlled resistance of 30 watts, 15 minute walk and heel slides this morning.  This afternoon was, 15 minutes on the bike with increased controlled resistance of 50 watts, 1.25 mile walk with the first mile without cane, 5 sets of stairs (16 steps) up an down using cane, 15 leg extension with 2.5 pound ankle weight, 15 ham string curls with 2.5 pound ankle weight, 1 minute stability cushion with both feet, 1 minute left foot, 1 minute right foot, 15 squats using chair to stabilize followed by feel slides.  The below photo will give you a visual of where I am in comparison to the right leg.  The top photo I picked my right foot and placed it as close to the buttocks as I could without assistance.  I then did the same with the left foot (total knee replacement leg) and I am only with a few inches.  The below picture pulling the left leg toward the buttocks.  

I am trying each and everyday to get that leg just a little bit further.  I have been released from in home physical therapy so not I won't be seen as often, but I have my first outpatient appointment on Friday.  My goal is to be able to place the foot at the same location as the right foot by the end of next week; or at least be closer.  Then I will start comparing it by pulling the right foot all the way in and then the left.

All this said, I am ecstatic on the progress.  I am way ahead of where I anticipated to be by this time.  My retirement ceremony is next week and I should be walking just fine by then.

It has been a week since I last provided an update.

My goals have slowly been met, no more narcotics as pain killers.  I am now only taking Tylenol as needed for pain.  Most of my pain is at night and during the day it is mostly a "stiff" feeling in the knee as I move around.  Stretching still sucks, pain can be pretty strong while trying to get to 120 degrees.  Some days I can get pretty close and other days I can barely get past 90 degrees.  It can be very frustrating.

I have been walking daily getting up to 1 mile per walk, most are at a 1/2 mile.  The Physical Therapist has me walking up stairs "normal", however I still come down one step at a time.  I have been working on standing on a stability cushion to help with my balance and control within my knee.  The stability cushion hurts when I try and stand without holding to a chair for stability.  My goal is to work up to 2 minutes without holding onto anything.  

Friday the Physical Therapist will have me go for a walk without the cane.  I have walked short distances around the house without the cane.  Sometime I just forget the cane until I take a few steps.  But tomorrow will be a challenge to see how far she has me go without the cane.

Cycling has been getting easier.  I did raise my saddle an inch to make it easier and this morning I rode for 5 minutes.  I will gradually increase the length of time on the bike everyday.  I just want to make sure it doesn't cause any issues after the fact; don't want to increase too quickly.  The PT told me to let pain be my guide for how long to ride.

I hope everyone is having a wonder day and celebrating the fact that Jesus Christ has Risen.  We are celebrating today with my in-laws.  I am cooking a ham and my wife is making mac-n-cheese and green bean cassarole.  I am not sure what the in-laws are bring but we are looking forward to the celebration.

I woke up this morning at 5 a.m. and did my "laying" down exercises in the bed for about 30 minutes.  Sliding the heel in toward the buttocks really sucks.  The pain almost brings tears to the eyes, but it is worth it.  Last I looked at the clock it was 5:30 and I must have fell asleep again because I was thinking I needed to get up and finish my exercises and when I looked at the clock it was 7:30.  Oops.  Oh well it was much needed sleep.  I got up and had my morning shake and coffee and then proceeded to finish my exercises.  Once I finally went up stairs to get on my bike, I struggle pedaling forward and back.  I decided to place the heel on the pedal and to my surprise I was able to pedal over the top.  I hurts something awful, but I was able to do it.  After this short video I focus on not letting my knee swing out.

This was my major victory for today.