Note
Saw the orthopedist again this morning, and things are looking good. Not too much more damage showing on the new x-rays then when I first got the brace (so it must be doing it's job pretty well!) and he figures I should just keep doing whatever I've been doing. Got the new brace approved by my medical carrier and will get a fitting tomorrow. The orthopedist figures he can probably get me a new brace every 3-4 years, arguing that things will change enough that a new fitting would be required that frequently.
Some arthritis under both knee caps was apparent on the x-rays and that is probably what is causing the sharp pains I get intermittently in both knees; he thinks that stretching will reduce the severity of that so perhaps I will get better about doing those quad stretches that I know I should do.
Note
I still need to add my races from the COCs but it was a really long day at school today and I have no energy and it's not even 9pm. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate boring meetings? I want to do them justice so I'll just wait until I have more time. I particularly liked the middle distance day - it was a really, really fine course.