I never imagined that I would be blogging about my knee. If my knee could talk, what would it say today?  “Help - get me some fast and permanent relief!”

I am in agonizing pain. Eight weeks into my recovery: my knee is stiff, swollen and hurting! How could this be? I was used to exercising daily and now I can hardly walk. I am supposed to be getting better. I can barely do my physical therapy program, let alone my own exercise program.

My doctor’s response: “You’ve got arthritis of the knee. We fix the meniscus and now we have another problem. I’m going to give you a cortisone shot. This shot is a miracle in that it will speed up your recovery! You’ll feel much better in a few days. You’ll feel like you can run. No running or squatting for now!”

As if I could joyfully run and merrily sprint out of his office. Instead, I will slowly and carefully hobble out, stunned after hearing the word - arthritis. The word stinging like the swift injection of the cortisone shot in my knee. Hopeful that this ”miracle” will get me back on the road to recovery.

A few days later and I am skeptical. My knee feels funky - although not quite as painful - a bit stiff.  I do have better range of motion.  I used my elliptical trainer yesterday for the first time in months. Today I’ll try my spin bike. I feel like I am starting over or perhaps I am beginning again.

I am not one to give up quickly and let arthritis or injury to prevent me from leading an active and healthy life. After some initial adjustment, I have signed up for the Brain Tumor Society Ride for Research in May. I’ll begin training next week.