It’s 1:13am. Just ate a yummy chocolate from Escazu Artisan Chocolates in downtown Raleigh. Their chocolates are handmade using fresh, local ingredients, no preservatives. (Thanks, Ginger and Jay!) Eating chocolate is probably why I’m awake.
One thing I’ve learned the last few days is the huge role the quadriceps femoris muscle - quads – plays in recovery. This large muscle group includes the four prevailing muscles on the front of the thigh. They help provide the strength needed for locomotion and stability of the knee. Several people said prior to surgery to strengthen those quads. I did halfheartedly, occasionally. If you’re anticipating knee replacement, strengthen those quads!!!!
It’s been discouraging to not be able to do two of my PT exercises because I cannot make that quad move my leg. Then Dr. Fajgenbaum said I was several days behind most of his patients (and I thought I was doing fabulously well) because I can’t lift my recovering leg with my quads alone. Called two people who’ve had knee replacement within the last year, but neither could remember when they were able to accomplish this task. Saw a tad improvement over weekend. Was able yesterday afternoon to lift foot about 3” off floor. I’ll keep you posted. This is NOT going to get me down!
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” - Frederick Douglass
Keep up the good work, you can do it!!!
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