3rd Update – The 6th Week, Turning Point?

5 Jul – 12 Jul 07, Thu – Thu, D37 – D44. The 6th week.

The 6th week – this is the turning point, when the semi-liquid cells start to consolidate into semi-solid form. Someone mentioned that this cartilage cell implantation is like filling a pothole with normal cement. You use a formwork to keep the cement in place; it will achieve initial setting over a day or so and achieving the final full strength over 28 days. The time frame for cell remodeling takes much longer, 6 weeks for “initial setting” and 2 to 3 years for recovery to full strength. In my case, owing to the severity of the cartilage damage and my age, my time frame may be more likely to be on the slow setting mode.

Saw the Prof this morning. He said he intended the rehab programme to be slow during the first 6 weeks, capping the range of motion (ROM) to 30° for my case. As the wound healing appeared to be good, he said I could now commence increasing the ROM from 30° to 90° over the next couple of weeks and intensify my workouts in the Ortho Gym. He extended my hospitalization leave until 10 Aug 07.

During my physiotherapy session yesterday – the physio mentioned that my leg muscles have shrank by at least 1 cm owing to atrophy from disuse. He said he would want to start the active motion and weight training as soon as possible, in addition to isometric exercises. I heard that this is going to be tough and painful. At home, I’ve also been exercising conscientiously – was able to reach 505 sit-ups. My family felt that I shouldn’t strain my back – but not to worry. My sit-ups are not full sit-ups, more like ¾ relaxed form of sit-ups - something like swimming butterfly stroke, dry swimming on the bed. At over 200 sit-ups, I would start sweating and my heartbeat could reach over 110 per minute, almost like getting an aerobic workout. To reach the lower aerobic range for a normal person, the minimum heart rate can be estimated from the following formula: (220 – your age) x (0.65), and with deep breathing.