Recovery Progress and Setbacks: September 18–21, 2025
- bobchuckpatterson
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - I continue to rely on my cane for long distances, though I’m able to navigate around the house without it.
Driving is manageable, but exiting the driver’s seat remains a challenge—my knee doesn’t bend easily, so I have to push my seat all the way back and slowly maneuver my leg out.
I am diligent with my physical therapy exercises, performing them twice each day.
On Saturday, September 20, we had an interesting outing.
Mary Kay’s daughter had access to a cottage located on a peninsula, reachable only by boat or by walking half a mile along a narrow, hilly ridge. We opted for the boat, traveling in an open skiff with a small 3hp motor.
After docking at a floating dock, we slid onto the deck and crossed over to the island. The boat was secured on the shore, allowing us to climb out with some help by sitting on the gunnels. Thankfully, the walk from this point was over level ground.
Returning was another adventure. We re-entered the boat from the shore without issue, but getting out onto the floating dock was more difficult. While the boat rocked, I managed to shift myself across the side and onto the dock, swinging my legs up after.
That’s when I realized I couldn’t get onto my knees on the hard boards to stand up. Fortunately, our companion was strong enough to help lift me to a position where I could bring my legs under me and stand. The experience was humbling.
Friday, September 19, 2025 - Today’s physical therapy session involved riding the stationary bike. I was pleased to complete a full 360-degree pedal rotation for five minutes, and my knee flexion measured at 113 degrees. Despite these achievements, the day left me feeling quite tired.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - I may have become overconfident, having walked without my cane for two days.
Planning to return the wheelchair I borrowed before surgery, I carried it out the front door, loaded it into the car, and headed back to the house. Distracted and not paying attention, I approached the three unrailed steps.
Attempting to step up with my right foot, I didn’t clear the sill, and I fell hard, landing on both knees. The pain was intense and I saw stars and needed to sit for several minutes before I could get up.
Thankfully, the walker was still by the door, which I used to get to the family room.
Mary Kay was understandably worried when she heard what happened, but I declined to call the doctor. I spent several hours icing my knee.
Later, at 9:15 p.m., I took the dog out using my walker. She did her business, then went to bed. I followed after watching TV, turning in at 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 21, 2025 - I woke at 6:30 a.m. feeling somewhat better, though my knee still ached. With the cane, I managed to attend church, icing my knee again when I returned home.
Despite the previous night’s mishap, I repeated a similar mistake: while taking Daisy outside, I misjudged the step into the house, tripped again, and now both knees were hurting. The ongoing setbacks are frustrating and humbling.
On Monday, I attended class using only my cane, but the pain in both knees forced me to walk stiff-legged. After class, I rested for the remainder of the day. I will finish up on Thursday about my knee and let you know what I would do in the future.