Still here, still working, still good. Still seeing incremental improvements to my knee. Just not updating much :)
I have been using a cane. This is both good and bad. Good in that the cane helps my balance when my knee decides to not support me. Bad in that it always takes a hand. You know how you never know how much you use both hands to carry things until one is out of commission? Well, in this case the hand (and arm and shoulder) are fine but occupied.
I started using the cane a little over a month ago. Why? My knee stopped supporting me—while walking on the office treadmill. (Scary!) The cane made it easier to balance myself when my knee went “out”. It also helped support my weight so that my knee could do a bit less work, which made it easier to walk further. Over time I’ve needed it less and less. I’m often stiff when I first get out of a chair, but after taking some steps I often don’t really need it to get around the office.
Other things that aggravate my knee is stepping too quickly on a downslope, or when I start to feel fatigued. The short walks I’ve been doing are flatish but not flat, so I definitely use the can for those.
Today I managed to forget the cane on my way to work. I realized this as I was turning into the office garage. Rather than driving all the way home and back, I decided to try doing without it today. It went better than I expected. I would stay close to my desk or a wall when I first got up (in case I needed to grab it for support) but over time I was less worried. I didn’t push my luck by going for a walk, though.
A couple other things:
- I got my refund for the extra airplane seat I purchased from Alaska Airlines. I would have been okay with purchasing the extra seat if I hadn’t gotten it refunded, but if they’re willing to give me money (about $400 in this case) I’m quite happy to take it.
- I loved Fat-o-matic’s take on the gardening myth. Which reminds me I should prune the roses.
How’s with you?
Living ~400lbs 
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