6 Week Post Op Anniversary

gibbcutter · August 16, 2011, 07:04:14 AM

First steps in the morning are difficult but mobility improves as I move around. Without Tylenol I will walk with a limp. Progress is slow but I am slowly progressing. I am very diligent doing my excercises and 3 days a week I ride a bike.

I am looking forward to painless movement, limp free walking, and no need to take pain meds.

hernanu · August 16, 2011, 07:28:40 AM

Congrats, the first steps will be an issue for a while, I found keeping hydrated and not launching into it sometimes helps.

I do the Sponge Bob Square Pants around town stretch (as I demonstrated to my daughters - 21 and 18 to their eternal dismay) - stand up and do a slow circle with your hips. This cut down on the initial step problems, and also got me used to standing.

Lopsided · August 16, 2011, 11:08:27 AM

Startup stiffness can last a few months, but definitely does go.

If you still have a limp, for the time being use a stick, or at least carry one with you. Better to rely temporarily on a stick than medication.

D.

ScubaDuck · August 16, 2011, 12:22:12 PM

Gibb -

Are you riding a bike outside already? Or are you referring to a stationary bike? I plan on using the spinning cycles at my gym for awhile before considering getting out on the roads.

I look forward to walking unassisted more than just a few steps around the house. I plan on carrying a cane for awhile after the crutches so that I don't develop bad habits.

Dan

gibbcutter · August 16, 2011, 04:26:56 PM

Quote from: DGossack on August 16, 2011, 12:22:12 PM
Gibb -

Are you riding a bike outside already? Or are you referring to a stationary bike? I plan on using the spinning cycles at my gym for awhile before considering getting out on the roads.
Dan

Doing both....I have a quality recumbent bike and a mountain bike. When riding outside, I stay on flat roads and don't push it.

Luann · August 16, 2011, 07:13:07 PM

Hang in there, Gibb, it will just keep getting better(HR 6/02/10). Not to worry about a little stiffness, mine lasted into the winter months (though very mild) off and on. A little NSAID here and there is very helpful. I did the recumbant bike, also.
Congrats on the milestone. Lop is right, use a cane if needed (I liked the one with "legs" as I could let go of it and not have to lean it against something! ) Lu