One Year Update

Well, today, one year ago, was the day I broke my tibial plateau. Like all of us, it was a day that I’ll never forget. I’m usually a very positive person but I have to say this was a very humbling experience. I wouldn’t wish it on any one. I was so naïve about what this entailed when I got my diagnosis. I truly thought that after the bone healed I would be fine and go back to life as normal. When I began weight bearing my leg was like a toothpick. My good leg was almost 3 times the size the bad one.

Looking back it seems like I remember every milestone, every setback, and I always celebrated the smallest of successes. I vividly remember walking to the mailbox (maybe 25 feet round trip) and feeling like I had accomplished a remarkable feat, which it was at the time. All through this ordeal I was lucky to have my dear husband Al with me every step of the way, literally. He went to every appointment with me, waited on me, encouraged me to press on and never seemed to tire about hearing how my leg was doing that moment. I’m sure he never thought his retirement would start like this!

So let me update you all on how I’m doing at one year!

Pros
Walking is very good, most of the time. I can do up to 5 miles a day, broken up into segments. Not all at once. I especially like to walk uphill. I think it builds up those quads and strong quads make the leg feel more stable and strong. I do get an occasional bout of swelling that puts a damper on the walking. Then it is back to ice and ibuprofen.
ROM is pretty good. Not as much as the good leg, for sure, but good enough for me. Pain is pretty much non-existent most of the time. I do get the odd aches, throbbing, and twinges. I’m thinking my muscle strength hasn’t totally come back yet.

Cons
Going down stairs is still awkward. Even when I try really had, I look like a dork. Going up is no problem. I still hold on to the rain going down, or try to use the elevator.
My plate makes my leg look lumpy. Not that I’m vain, but my OS said that it is a bit too big for my small bones. The good news is that she told me I can have my hardware removed anytime. I have some big vacations coming up and wanted to do that before my removal, so it looks like November/December is when I’ll have it done. I’m thinking that HW removal will bring me a lot of closure and I’m looking forward to getting that done.

Yes, it’s been a long, long road. But, of course, looking back, it seems to have gone by fast. If you are just starting out, just remember, it does get better. Read up on everything related to your knee. Become knowledgeable about your condition and your OS will tell you things and you will understand what they are talking about. Remember, life eventually returns to a comfortable routine. Best of luck to all of you!