When to start PT

I am now 18 days post op and I was doing so well until... I developed a killer hematoma that sent everything sideways. While doing PT, the tech noticed this and said I should go to see my surgeon. My surgeon told me to put a compression sleeve on it and to see him in four days. I did. The pain from thia overwhelmed my knee pain and I suffered for two days and then suddenly it seemed fine. I did a few stretches and it was back again within minutes but without the associated pain. This led to another day of nothing but compression and ice.

This morning I am fine and the hematoma has subsided. I can feel the pain in my knee which is not much. I see the doc this morning. BTW I had 122 degrees of range when this started. I hope that I will be able to resume PYT and get back to that range of motion quickly. Wish me luck.

@bobnaquinThat's a fabulous ROM, 122! I wish I had that, mine is under 120.
I hope things went well this morning and that you are able to get back to PT. I am curious, what is your ROM now? If you were at 122 before I am certain you will be back there in no time. Good luck. 😉
JK

Thanks for the well wishes. Doc gave me clearance to restart PT on Monday. He also allowed me to go to the pool which allows me some minimum form of workout. My knee has some pain but nothing too bad. I am even thinking of going to the batting cages today and start working my way back into game shape. My muscles have so atrophied after three weeks of inactivity.

@bobnaquin that sounds great! I rely a lot on water exercise but was not allowed to get in the pool, until the incision was totally healed. I forget how long that took.
You sound like you are quite athletic so I’m sure you will be back in full form in no time, and if you need meds, take them.
You obviously live in a much warmer climate than I do. I assume batting cages here don’t open here until April.
JK

I live in Southern Utah which is called Dixie because it is so much warmer than the rest of Utah. The batting cages open up year round at 45 degrees. I did go and di pretty well. Batting does not impact my new knee at all so that is good. I also I did hot laps at Las Vegas Motor Speedway yesterday in my Corvette. So I am healing. Good wishes to you.

@bobnaquin I'm surprised that it does not impact your knee. I would think your knee would need to pivot.
Glad you are healing well.
Good wishes to you too.
JK

JK;
No. I play slow pitch softball. To bat well one must load up on the hind foot, my right, unoperated leg in this case. When striking the ball one tends to cock the left, operated leg, into the air, and then swing and move body weight forward as one swings, coming to rest on the left, operated leg. So it was good as the landing on my operated knee is relatively soft and painless.
Running the bases,which I use to spectacular at, is the next challenge. My batting was never spectacular so it won't be hard for me to regain all of my skills there. 🙂

@bobnaquin I would love to be able to run, but I can't at all. It's not that I was ever a runner, but sometimes in a rush, it would be nice to be able to run a few steps. No-go.
JK

That is sad. Running is the only thing I am better than average at. I use to be at least. Best wishes.

@santi : Since you are in a 6 months waiting period, let me throw some ideas at you. I had arthroscopic knee surgery 10/17, hoping it would do the trick (meniscus+cartilage tear, etc.). It did not. After 11 months of pretty much constant - though not excruciating - pain that really limited what I could physically do, I gave in and had TKR. Average to above average recovery, pretty much I’d say it was worth it. HOWEVER: my brother, who was 65 at the time, also had sudden onset of knee pain. Xray showed meniscus tear and severe inflammation on bone. TKR recommended. He figured, that will always be an option, and went searching for alternatives. Found a PT/massage therapist who was a ski racer himself and has treated many athletes. My brother had 10 sessions of acu-massage and manipulation and was given daily exercises to do. Initially no change in pain, but after 3 months a new Xray showed healed bone and meniscus. This was followed up with 8 sessions of acupuncture by a specialist in TCM (traditional chinese medicine). Also, he took several natural supplements. After 6 months he is pain free and fully functional. So while you are waiting on surgery, perhaps explore alternatives. Not trying to scare you away or question your orthos’ judgement, but what can it hurt? If I had known, I would also have tried something else (in addition to useless cortisone shots and supartz injections) before TKR.