I’m in a great mood today. Waking up to fog-less, sunny morning in San Francisco is such an uplifting experience. After my physical therapy appointment in the Castro early this morning, I cut through Pacific Heights and the Presidio on my way to work. Steep hills galore — worth the extra wear on the brake pads for such a breathtaking view of the Bay. Ever so often I need a day like today to remind myself how lucky I am to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country. It makes me giddy.
It’s been 3 weeks since my surgery and physical therapy has become more challenging. Initially, I thought it was ridiculous that I had to attend so many sessions — that I had to start out with the most remedial of stretches — that I would have to “relearn” how to walk. I can walk now, dammit! However, this morning’s session involving steps was a little trying on my patience — a bittersweet reminder that I need to slow down and strengthen muscles that have grown weak after months of improper knee use. A tough reality for me to accept because I want to run, now! So we’re eliminating bad habits, resetting my muscle’s memory. It’s weird to think while walking, step heel, roll to toe, squeeze buttocks, tighten quads, engage core!
Funny, crutches are a conversation piece. Because I’m young, most assume it was an accident, an injury. It’s such a buzzkill to reveal that I have arthritis, I often reply, “eh, me knee just went bad”. I gave up self-loathing years ago, so pity is a huge turn off for me. And that’s what made me decide to have surgery, because I didn’t want the auto immunity to win. So, I opted to have my knee sliced open and hollowed out like a jack-o-lantern and repaired. Good as new. Arthritis 0, Kirsten 1.
I’ve been told that additional surgery is a strong possibility in my future. I certainly hope not. I prefer not to live my life in that mindset. Yeah, I have bad day every once and awhile, and it’s frustrating. But I have more days like today where I feel on top of the world. How many people can say that? Before my procedure, my Orthopedic held my hand and told me that he’ll be with me for the next 25 years. Daunting, but it’s reassuring that my first surgery went as well as it did…. you know, just in case.
Long post. Treat your bodies well, folks. Never take any of its functions for granted, ever.