I had my knee replacement surgery at the end of September. It was my sixth knee surgery. I had to have hardware removed in order to have the knee replaced. My surgeon said because of the number of modifications done through multiple surgeries that my healing time might take longer. But to help me recover faster, I now have to use a splint that forces my knee straighten to negative degrees and to force the bend. I have to do this 3 hours per day. I am basically locked down and cannot move, not to mention the pain of keeping a healing joint in place for long lengths of time and forcing it into place. Between the pain in my back from arthritis, ruptured discs and nerve damage; pain in my knee and not being able to sleep well because of anxiety and nightmares, I am so tired and starting to feel weak. Not to mention that I am also teaching my rehabilitative Tai Chi Class. I have 3 months to go with this splint. I guess I just need a little support right now. I am hoping that I will be able to get back to my walks again. This is making the holidays difficult. It's hard to spend a lot of time standing and cooking. As much as I love cooking for my small family, I feel guilty, but think for Christmas they are going to get a package meal from honey baked ham because I am not sure I can prepare everything from scratch. I did for Thanksgiving and the standing was excruciating. 

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. Wishing you all Happy Holidays.