At the beginning of July our wonderful physiotherapist, Jackie Snape, will be taking a short leave of absence as she undergoes knee replacement surgery. Her dedication to her patients and her profession has always been an inspiration – now it’s her turn to focus on her own healing and recovery!
Jackie will be sharing updates on her progress on our website blog, so feel free to check in and follow along with her journey back to health.
My Left Knee
My left knee will soon be no longer. Part of a pair that have carried me to many places, helped to carry two heavy pregnancies, played netball and hockey, looked after horses, skied and trekked the Inca Trail. I will soon say goodbye to my left knee and hello to a shiny new one.
I’ve never been a wanter. I’ve always found it difficult to simply throw something, anything, away and buy a sparkling new whatever. I often think that is a legacy of being a product of parents who were war years children. I’m feeling the same about my knee. Sounds a bit batty, but I talk to it. I apologise to it. It’s been a friend to me.
I’ve rehabbed a great number of knees over my 40+ years of being a Physio and now it’s my turn. The boot is on the other foot – at least it would be if it wasn’t so painful. And boy, is it painful. If I didn’t work here, I would not be able to work. I’m cocooned by the space (and the people). If I worked in a hospital it would take me all day to walk down a corridor – not a good look for a Physio.
Correct posture and alignment is key in horse riding!
I’ve known it was coming. In 2019 I had an MRI of both knees under the care of Professor Cheah. He said then, ‘five years and you’ll need new knees’! I’ve struggled on borrowed time for the last year. A stoic and sad attempt at denial. Kevin has now retired and I’m in the hands of a surgeon who was one of his PhD students. He’s had the best mentor. When I told Kevin – I have a date – July 7th, his response was: “Ok Jackie, now you look after your general health, you don’t want the surgery cancelled due to undiagnosed diabetes. If you have any concerns, you know who to call”. Not sure what Ghostbusters are going to do for me. We did laugh but I know I am lucky to have such expertise in my camp.
So now I await the pre-op assessment and try to keep up with all the pre-op I have preached over the years. The isometric exercises, the icing, the breathing exercises and the weight control/loss. What a task when mobility is so restricted. Tomorrow will be a visit to the Dentist because I have a loose tooth. What’s that got to do with your knee, I hear you say. Loose teeth and anaesthetics are not a good combo.
I don’t plan to be off for long. I’ll come back to a shorter day and Jim will drive and deliver me to the door. Best laid plans and all that. I’ll be keeping you all posted with my journey…………
Jackie