A huge thank you and shout out to Dr. Jason Holm, Aaron Klatt, and Alex Barney. I fell off my bike in May when the brakes locked up resulting in a bad landing on my left knee. I had not fallen off my bike since I was a kid. I have osteoporosis so I was anxious about this whole thing. I had to be at TCO Burnsville early that Thursday. Living solo at age 76 added to the challenges of this experience but I was able to be picked up and have someone stay with me for a few days to help in my recovery.
After healing from my procedure, I was finally able to prepare for a trip to see my kids and grandkids in Atlanta. I worked hard during my physical therapy appointments with Alex and learned how my new knee now functions. I powered through our sessions, and I challenged myself to whole way. Alex told me to listen to my body, especially if my body was telling me not to do specific exercises for a little while and take a break. I realized what was manageable and what wasn’t. My appointments started as twice a week, but I was able to stretch my appointments to once a week then once a month. I went through withdrawal as my PT appointments lessened, but I realized I was finally able to handle life much better as recovery went on.
I am so much happier now post-surgery. I have lost 15 lbs. since the procedure and have been more active at home and out-and-about. I was finally able to swim again during Labor Day, and I have been going to the Eagan YMCA to work specifically on strength exercises and swimming. My first time back to the pool, I realized I can do strokes that I could not do prior. I do stretches in bed and I can now bend to get up and down from the floor. My leg is truly functioning again!
Conveniently, I have a high pain tolerance, and I didn’t need much pain medication. Icy Hot became very helpful for any achy pains during recovery. Overall, healing happens if you are patient with the directions and put in the work. Thank you again to the masterful team of Dr. Holm, Aaron, and Alex! I will be forever grateful for your professional help in giving me back a positive quality of life after many years of frustrating limitations.