Unfortunately, my pain is only getting worse and not better as time goes on. Days #3 and #4 were amazing in comparison to past surgeries and then it got blah! In the evening, my knee swells right above the kneecap and starts burning – it gets really painful because it really feels like my knee is on fire! And now I'm also get shooting pains by my 3" incision like someone is repeatedly stabbing me – yikes! I saw an orthopedic surgeon (OS), not the guy who did my surgery, but a partner of an OS "friend," and he said that it's still within the normal range.

I'm also getting really antsy just sitting around the house. At first it was pretty relaxing (also because I wasn't in as much pain), but now it's really lonely! Both brothers are at school until at least 3:30 and then both parents work until at least that time and they all leave the house by 7am. I have to get up that early to change my ice for the machine, take pain med, and do PT so I just sit around watching TV / DVDs all day – not that interesting actually! I just can't wait until I don't have to elevate my leg 24/7 (which = bedrest) so I can drive and go hang out with my friends from U of M and my high school buddies, especially since my closest high school friend leaves in two weeks for Italy…

Pain Bible Verse: "Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." [Matthew 11:28]

I joined this daily devotion group for Rest Ministries, which is a ministry for those dealing with chronic illness and pain. That Bible Verse was in today's and it really hit a chord with me. Sometimes I just get so worn down and in so much pain that I just sit and cry; it's really comforting for me to know that God is there getting me through this and He won't give me anything I can't handle. Plus, he's put some amazing people in my life to help me out (U of M friends with the gift bag and my parents).