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Wed, 26 February 2003
I had my second post-op physical therapy session today. It went well, but I was in a fair bit of pain from the various exercises he put me through.
I asked why my calf muscle is so sore. It seems that after I've been on the sofa or in bed for a while, then when I get up, the first 5 minutes, my calf muscle is very painful. As a result I have trouble walking, even with crutches. Its sore even to touch. The therapist (today it was Toby) said that I probably bled into that area of my leg as a result of the surgery and there's bruising there too. He said there's also "waste products" in there too. He said that it will go away, but I should exercise it by making circles with my foot and flexing the muscle. ]
Wrapping my knee in Glad Wrap prior to having a shower
 | My knee is also most sore immediately after getting up from the sofa or bed. I think that's because the shift from horizontal to vertical means that everything shift - blood & weight, making it painful for a while.
He also suggested that I try and get up and walk around throughout the day (but don't over do it). After the first few minutes of pain, I can walk around quite easily, even with only one crutch. In fact, if I'm careful, I can get around the house without crutches at all, so that's good.
I asked about having a shower. He recommended I not get the wounds wet until after the staples are removed on Monday (they are staples, not stitches). He said the best way is to use Glad Wrap to wrap the leg so that water doesn't get in. Much better than using a big garbage bag. I tried it tonight and it was a success.
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