After 7 days of moving as little as possible, I see my doctor again. The infected spot is no longer oozing, but it is very tender, and quite red. My doctor explained the purpose of barely moving.
A test was done with two Petrie dishes of bacteria, one kept still, and the other on a gently vibrating platform. The vibrated bacteria grew significantly faster. So what we have done is allow my body the maximum opportunity to fight the infection by keeping its growth rate done, and assaulting it with antibiotics.
Now the course of action shifts: it is time to put a bit of stress on the knee. I continue antibiotics for another 7 days, and watch it closely. If the red area grows, or I start to see streaks of red from it, or if I develop a fever, it's an emergency call to the doctor. If it starts to ooze again, I go back to clean/neosporin/bandage daily.
I begin physical therapy again, and start back toward my normal lifestyle. I am mentally eager to get moving again! I am also scared that this infection is going to move into the joint and require drastic intervention.
Today I took it fairly easily..my energy is low due to the inactivity of the past weeks. So I watch the clock: 1 hour sitting (I still have a quilt to finish!); followed by movement and exercise for 20-40 minutes. I focus on doing exercise and movements that will flex and stretch the knee to promote blood flow and fluidity of movement. I go for a walk, (Yay!), and I go to the store to get m prescription refilled.
I am to check with my doctor again in 7 days. I have also decided to put a castor oil soaked bandage on the red spot at night, to promote healing and to keep the skin soft. I don't know if this is wise, or if it will help. But I have used herbs and natural remedies for many years, and castor oil is supposed to be good for healing infection. I have used it in the past for bruises/muscle strains.
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