I awoke this morning after a great sleep and almost jumped out of bed before the sight of the adjacent crutches sent a sharpish reminder that I’d had surgery less than 48 hours before. But you know what, I reckon I could have jumped out as the leg looks and feels fine. I’m under “half weight bearing” orders, which means walking using the big sticks and only putting the toes and ball of my ailing limb on the ground, but I strongly suspect I could go “full weight bearing” or even without the crutches already. There’s zero pain and I don’t notice any swelling, although you can look for yourself on the photo to the right.
I took the bulky bandages off after breakfast (small bowl of porridge, a banana and a cup of tea, 383 calories; who’s counting? fat me, that’s who!) to leave just the bare dressing and I was pleasantly surprised to note the absence of swelling. See for yourself on the photo. I’m also in zero pain, although that’s probably due to the meds. In any case, the recovery seems to be going remarkably well. I’m giving the knee as much RICE as possible but too much Resting, Icing, Compressing and Elevating is boring, and I so I ventured out for a hobble around the condo before lunch.
I’m in great spirits today but it’s Saturday tomorrow, which means another big bike riding day missed, and with it a further loss of fitness. Roll on Monday when I go see Doc and ask if I can get on the spin bike. I’ve already made an appointment to see the physio straight after Doc :-)
Recovery from a torn meniscus can mean a complete return to full physical activity or sometimes it doesn’t. My good lady wife Ruth reminded our son this morning that she too has had a meniscectomy (some 10 years ago, the result of cliff jumping in Jamaica going wrong) and she’s since taken up triathlon, so let’s hope I’m handed a similar fate. With 50 percent of the meniscus gone, though, I'm going to be realistic and I’m willing to sacrifice future running, just as long as I can get back on the bike.