LOL! That ended in 1971 when I originally splattered the distal end of the femur. Even after really
serious efforts, the remaining misalignment in the joint caused it to switch from pivoting to prying
itself apart at something past 90 deg, est maybe 100 deg, but never measured in those simpler
times. In the last decade that is shrunk to probably a max of 80-85 degrees, and about 4-5 short of
full extension.
Now, on Sat AM the therapist measured 111 degress flex, and I can relatively easily get to full lock, straight
and one measurement showed three deg past full extension. Currently, I am nearly certain that the 111
is out of reach right now due to increased swelling and stiffness, but I hope to get to something like 105-115
degrees at least, maybe more. My good knee is limited only by muscle against muscle compression,
and I can pull it in, compressing thigh and calf muscles to put my heel to my butt, no strain on the
joint at all. I am pretty flexible. I can stand flat footed and put the knuckles of my clenched fists on
the floor. That has been helpful putting shoes and sox on the less-than-flexible leg this last week.
I also wonder if 49 years of limited flexure of that knee hasn't done some permanent damage to the
ligaments and tendons that can't be undone at this point, even if the new joint is kinematically
capable of more flex. We'll see. I'm pretty game on the pain game at PT, we'll see how that
works out in reality. Trying to be realistic and not get too over optimistic. Things are way ahead
of my expectations so far, but willing to believe that I may have some limitations coming down.
I'll let it develop as it does.
The Occupational Therapist pretty much gave up and said...."You'll be fine" after 20 minutes of me
showing her how I could just reach down and do all the stuff she was going to teach me special tricks to be
able to do (grippers, long handled shoehorns, etc) when I am "all stove up".
Thirty plus years of picking up mine and others brass for a couple of hours on a Friday
night and one or two Saturdays per month set that flexibility up and I have kept it by stretching
exercises. Sorta a fluke gift from IPSC days, but I am happy to have it.
The suppressor fits fine on the S&W M&P45, too, haven't fired it. Tried to unscrew the end
cap with their little knobby wrench. No joy in either direction, will read more before getting
more forceful than just hand torque. Need taller sights for the M&P45, though.
Thanks, Missionary. And a loan of any spare prayers you might have out there just laying around doing
nothing would be appreciated, too. I am sure I am getting some help on this stuff from
above. I know I had some friends and family praying, and I asked for some guidance for the
surgeon's hands, and a little help for me, too.