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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Monday, 8 September 2025

Knee update

 Oh dear, I have been very lax in keeping up to date with the blog. It was a harsh, gentle reminder from Marilyn asking what was happening that spurred me on to do one! 

So here goes.... this was my reply to Marilyn. 

All was going well, walking much improved, no more using the crutches or stick. Knee still felt tight at the back, but exercises helped. Nearly at the 90 degrees when I had a massive setback nearly two weeks ago. 
In bed, trying to turn on my side, when suddenly had shooting pains go from my outer knee right down to my foot. From that moment, all attempts of exercises went out of the window! I suffered for 5 days before deciding I had to speak to the physio. She immediately asked if I could see her that afternoon, so on Wednesday Ian drove me the 2 hours to the Park hospital in Nottingham. (We were still at our sons in Milton Keynes)
Long story short, I have damaged the soft tissue which is causing the cramping pain that I'm getting. Cold compression was advised and gently exercise, no going to run the marathon! Apart from that, she was really pleased. I have done better than most people, 5 weeks post op. She was amazed I walked in with barely a limp, and all the tests she gave I passed with flying colours. She even said my bend was already past the 90 degrees (not in my book, I thought, but the very large set square she used told a different story!) Anyway, I have been given more exercises to do when I'm able, and she has signed me off. One thing that has worried me slightly is how will I cope back on FS. For 5 weeks, I have had the space to move around and to exercise without any obstacles to hinder my progress. Quite how I will cope back on FS was something I didn't want to think about. I mentioned to Marilyn that we may have to reconsider our plans and sell FS to buy a Park Home.

Marilyn immediately came back with this reply.

Oh bugger! 
It’s those over confidence moves that catch people out. A lot of stretch in that turning movement that previously you’d never even think about. 

I’m pleased you’re on the mend again and excellent re the >90deg bend!!

It’ll be good to be back on the boat, Irene. And in a way I’m not surprised about you looking to move on land. Is a park home fully serviced? Is it a retirement community? Does it have nursing/care staff?
Tell me more!!
 
Instead of me trying to explain all about Park Homes, it's easier to click the link HERE

Then, about 3 days ago and doing a step-up exercise, another shooting pain but this time even worse! It didn't wear off when sitting or having the foot raised. In fact, leaving my leg in one position for any length of time and then trying to move, meant I had to keep changing leg positions before finding the least painful position to be able to stand up! Painkillers once again became the norm and because we were due to return to FS in a few days, decided not to phone the hospital again but wait until our return (which was yesterday 7th Sept) So that's where I'm at, at the moment. I have phoned the physio department and a return phone call will be sometime today. Hopefully it's not something bad like nerve damage. I also had a letter waiting from the consultant changing my September appointment to October 2nd. Blast.... I was hoping to see him earlier! I will update later.

 

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