thank you, everyone! Your experiences are a big help. I feel better knowing that what I'm feeling is normal and WILL go away. I even called the doc today who said the same thing. I feel like such a wimp for calling but I was sort of freaking out I guess, never having done this beforenot really knowing what to expect. I wasn't told that I would feel such restriction! I really wanted it taken out. But then my knees started feeling better already, and you all answered so I feel way better now. thankyouthankyouthankyou