Finding Fi For Me: Getting Back on Track After Knee Surgery Part 2

Getting back to normal life after the surgery was going to take some time and I spent much of my time watching the world go by.

For about a week after the operation my appetite was minimal but following that I had a regular appetite, I was concerned about gaining weight but not so much in a vanity sense as it was in the sense that I didn't want to have to focus on both weight management and rehab as I knew my ability to exercise for the time being was affected along with my usual day to day activities. That being said I made the decision to reduce my carbohydrate intake because of my reduced energy expenditure.

Well that was my thought but I did not take into account the amount of energy it would zap from me to do this meal prep I had planned. Getting around the kitchen on one leg was an effort but I managed, just very slowly until I had the idea of using the office chair on wheels. I wheeled around that kitchen like a boss! Also all the effort to meal prep was actually really good as it reduced the amount of work it took me to get a meal organised and cleaned up especially for times I was alone, and I am not very good at asking for help.

Moving around was hard and I was noticing the difficulty more and more especially since my legs were noticeably different sizes. Sitting on the side of my bed I bend my left leg back and forth and then compare it with the right and I have a long way to do as it moves stiffly and begins to shake as I get it to bend further.

The few weeks post op definitely took it's toll on us as a family, I am the main homemaker and do pretty much all the bits and bobs around the house (not garden unless it's ripping out bushes or something). Sitting back and watching my husband attempt to take on the work was hard, I wanted to guide him but also hold my tongue as he did things his way, it was such a challenge as I wanted to be grateful for him pitching in but at the same time wanting it done my way.

I learnt so much about letting go during this time and understanding that as long as the main priorities were sorted, our kids clean, fed and happy, food in the fridge clean clothes for school and work we can manage all the other stuff and will get done as it is needed. I have held onto this right up to the present day and it has made a big impact on how I priorities things. I can also ask someone else to do a job and not feel so consumed by how well it was done but being happy it was getting done and my time was free to get on with other things.

Requesting things got annoying sitting with my feet up asking for a cup of tea and items to be brought to me. The most unusual was "Honey can you please hold my foot". My foot got so cold!! I called the surgeon's office a number of times about this and the nurses were great gave me things to look out for so it was all good. Not comfortable though as my foot got so cold it hurt.

This was about 6 weeks but it went quick as I had a few things going on. I hosted a screening of Embrace The Documentary for The Body Image Movement and it was great to keep myself busy promoting that and when the big night came talking to the people who came along about the wonderful initiative of positive body image. The timing was perfect as I avoided being frustrated with myself and limitations (although temporary) thanks to the wonderful messages this movie sends out.

This part of my recovery was the most mentally challenging as I felt like there was not much to distract me apart from organising the movie screening. Doing nothing or not much is incredibly demotivating especially when the things you want to do are things you are not able to do. But I knew it wasn't permanent and that was the silver lining.

Thanks for reading

Part 3 to come
Click here for Part 1