D14 - To Knee or not to Knee

 That is the Question

Taking An Active Stance (Pun Intended)

Today, after contemplating what surgery might look like for my knee issues and the fact it will probably be October at the earliest drove me to start searching online four options that don't require surgery. I'll be the first to admit I frequently believe that I have a medical degree that was granted to me by the University of Google.  I fully know that when something's wrong we shouldn't necessarily consult WebMD or other internet favorites because we can come away with some tragic horrible disease when in fact we just have a common cold.

That being said, when I consulted numerous sites there is it definitely a movement in the physical therapy world that recommends a regimen of strengthening exercises that even if they don't help with the meniscus and ACL problems they set me on course for better success after a surgical procedure.   

I came upon several YouTube videos by Jessica Valant specifically designed for physical therapy for meniscus and other knee pain.  Videos demonstrated nothing crazy but rather just simple exercises that if done daily strengthen all the other areas of the knee the quads the hips and other parts of your leg that are designed to relieve the pain. I fully intend to begin these exercises daily to see if I can't strengthen everything else between now and the time we're settled in Fort Myers.  Who knows maybe this will be a solution that makes it so that I don't have to have any surgery at all.  THAT would be fabulous!  While I was surfing around on her YouTube channel and website I found that she has videos covering a broad range of subjects from headache relief & bedtime stretches to body image and of course killer Pilates. I included a link below in case you want to check her out. I found her very motivating and that's what I need.

Jessica Valant Pilates

I am cautiously optimistic that I may be able to start doing something productive. I feel like I've been giving it time to do some healing and allowing the inflammation to go down.  I'll continue to be careful and wear the brace as the doctor recommended. I'm also considering seeking the services of a physical therapist once we get to Florida.

I'll keep you all posted on how things are going - wish me luck!