CPM Machine

A CPM (continuous passive motion) machine is a device that is used to gently flex and extend the knee joint. A knee replacement patient can spend several hours a day in this machine. The foot rests in the end and the leg is placed along the length of the machine. When turned on the machine bends and straightens the knee again and again and again.

It doesn't look too painful with all the cushioned, soft padding. But let me tell you, being strapped in the machine for FOUR HOURS EVERY DAY is not so fun. What else isn't so fun? Physical therapy. One week with a new joint and a couple dozen staples running down the knee and I'm walking on a treadmill? Doing exercises on a balance board? Ouchy!

But it'll all be worth it when I can walk again. I continue to be hopeful for the future and grateful for the present.

Torn

I'm torn about today's picture. Do I put up the über-cool X-ray taken at the doctor's office today? The new knee joint, the rebuilt kneecap, the awesome looking staples holding the incision together?

Or do I put a picture of an empty porch? The same porch I took a picture of yesterday, only this time minus the cat? Ms. Too-Big-For-Her-Britches Country Cat-turned-City Cat decided to wander a little too far this morning. How far? We're not quite sure, but it must have been a ways because she has yet to wander back home. And she had been so good about sticking close by the Boise place! I'm still holding out hope that she'll return so I'll wait on the empty porch picture.

So let's go with something more interesting.

City Cat

While it's been hot here (100 degrees +) I've made sure to get outside everyday. One day I walked to the corner and back to exercise my knee but mostly I just walk back and forth in the driveway and do a good bit of sitting in the shade. Each time we go out we make sure the kitty comes outside, too.

Our kitty has always been a country cat. But now that we have her in Boise with us I guess she can call herself a city cat. Although she's not into exploring much of the neighborhood. In fact, she doesn't move too far off the porch.

My Partner

We have kitty with us in Boise this time. She must think she's my caregiver because she's snuggling about as close an anyone - human or animal - could get. You can barely see my eyes peeking out from behind her head. Guess she missed me.

Staples

I got to leave the hospital today! Before I left they changed the dressing on my knee and I got a picture of what was underneath. A HUGE warning here. If you don't like gross, please don't look at today's picture of the staples in my knee. If you think you can handle it, go for it.









Again, a warning...don't look if you don't like gross.










If you don't want to see the 24 staples, stop now or you might be sorry.










Last chance.










Last, last chance to back out.










For those who think they can stomache it, here's what I've got down my right knee.