4. Post-Surgery

Walking

First steps

Since patients who walk sooner have been shown to recover faster, it is common practice to have patients walking with assistance within 12 hours after surgery, assuming the pain is under control. Would I be able to walk that soon after my surgery? I was skeptical after the first surgery, but by the second, I had learned the routine. I had taken my pain meds an hour or so earlier. When the time came, the nurse removed the compression sleeve and helped me sit on the edge of the bed. The bandaged leg was carefully positioned alongside its counterpart.

Keenly aware of my legs and the orientation of my entire body, I collected the pieces of my mind that seemed strangely scattered and prepared for the next challenge. In retropect, it almost seemed ceremonial. I rested my hands on the top rung on the walker before me and pushed/pulled myself up. There was no sharp pain—just a dull ache and a bit of instability. With one hand on my arm and the other at my back (or possibly on the strap around my waist), the PT helped guide me to the nearby chair where I sat down.

After a short rest, the PT asked if I was ready to try walking, and I replied, “Yes”. Again, I pushed myself up to a standing position and noticed that it was not as difficult this time. Perhaps the medication was helping keep my anxiety under control as I took my first steps toward the door. In any event, walking was not nearly as problematic as I had imagined it would be. I moved slowly down the hallway with all my attending medical apparatus. People walking by smiled in encouragement. The PT kept a firm grip on my belt while my husband watched approvingly from the side. It was a celebratory moment. I was mobile again!

After a slow walk to the end of the hall, we returned to my room, and I backed into my chair. Using my arms for support, I eased my body down onto the seat, relieved with how well things had gone, and assumed I was through for the moment.

But that was not the case; the worst was yet to come. The PT produced a transparent device with two moving arms and numbers printed on it. After each exercise session, I learned that this was the dreaded goniometer, the ROM or Range of Motion. For those with a competitive nature, the goniometer provided the opportunity to best each previous effort. I was told some people enjoyed getting their knee flexion measured. My reaction, however, was quite the opposite. For me, it was like ending a good meal by being forced to drink a cup of straight vinegar. Fortunately, the PT found the measurement acceptable, greater than 90°, and I was able to leave the hospital as scheduled.