Jennifer,
Even though we have never corresponded, I felt compelled to write you a short note.
I have been a student of "Aiki" related arts and various others since the age of 9. Around 18, I suffered a horrible knee injury that tore my quad tendon and destroyed my cartilage.
Sine that time I have had 10 knee operations to postpone the inevitable which happened this December - a total knee replacement.
Every time I start to complain to myself about my knee or my rehab, I call myself all sorts of names which I can't print here and then think about my friend Ole Kingston. This is a link to an article written about him in Aikido Journal.
http://www.aikidojournal.com/article.php?articleID=293
Yesterday was 4 months since my total knee replacement. I have taken a few full ukemi, but not with my right leg landing down yet, only my left. Yes, it was very scary. Thought of my implant popping out were racing through my head as I went over.
Well, Iam fine, and you will be too. All the advice you have been given is correct. Aikido will be there. Heal first, but.......practice stance work, practice body movements. If you practice very softly, I bet you can figure out a one-handed nikyo or shihonage. Go on the internet and look at some of Akuzawa's body conditioning skills.
Don't let this get you down. Turn it into a positive experience.
If you need help, ask....there are so many wonderful people on this board that would help.
I know, many of them helped me.
Do your physical therapy and then get back to the dojo. IT misses you.
Be well,
Howard Popkin
Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Roppokai
New York