An Update

This is my new cane. Yes, as in hobbling-old-woman. After a few scarey falls I decided that the added stability would be good. And because you don't buy a walking stick every day of your life, I opted for a carbon one, decorated in butterflies. Very light, very pretty. Still not all that much fun to walk with.

So, since my last update, I've finished the SynVisc shots and my knees are much less painful. For that I am grateful. However, the rest of my body is terribly out of balance, as a result of the wobbly way I walk. A week ago I managed to rupture a disc in my lumbar (no motor nerves were involved, thank heavens), so now I'm weaning myself off the Vicodin. Next week I go back to physical therapy (third time this year, for the record) to let them show me how to get my strength back and ease back into an exercise routine without further injury.

That's probably the worst part of the knee deterioration. Everything in our bodies is in balance with other parts of our bodies, and when something as structurally integral as the knees go, there is a kind of domino effect that follows. So far this year I've dealt with a number of spinal and feet issues, to say nothing of an increasing battle with not gaining weight. Forget losing--I'm down to eating less than 1200 calories a day just to maintain. At least I like vegetables.

My latest experiment has been to see an accupuncturist. It's been an amazing experience, although I can't really say why. Yesterday she was working in the center of my back when a bright, hot light seemed to fly across the muscles in that area. After that, the sciatica in my hip just stopped hurting. It was freaky.

Tonight I have a deep tissue massage. Tomorrow, spinal adjustment with my chiropracter. Monday starts PT. I have become incredibly high maintenance!

All in all, I'm feeling very positive about my surgery, which is scheduled for January 27. After everything I've been through, I just am not worried about the rehab. It will feel great to get on with it.