Now I Know Nickel Allergy to my BHRs - On The Path To Healing

[Two4One]

Pain is a friend. An old & cherished friend, Pain is the trusted friend who tells you the truth, especially when you don't want to hear it.  "Fix it, Fix, Fix it!" Pain shouts relentlessly, giving no quarter, goading and driving you until you find the solution.  Pain is your emergency warning system, telling you to get in the cellar, seek immediate shelter, safety, or you will be swept away, never to be seen or heard from again.  Pain is the siren, blaring it's message of Death.  Pain yells "You WILL Die. You MUST Fix it!"  Pain cares nothing for anything but itself.

Once you are Fixed, Pain gently pinches and prods your body into a perfect healing compliance with it's own unpublished, somewhat mysterious laws that demand you to not over do it.  Pain insists that you not fall into lethargy and stasis.  Otherwise, pain comes calling again to say "Don't just lay there.  Do something!"  Pain is the equilibrium, the calibration, the energy, that your body gifts you and guides you into following your own unique path of complete recovery, a path to wellness your body has laid out for you to follow.

Pain is my friend, always there when I need it and gone when I don't.

One


A lesson without pain is meaningless. For you cannot gain anything without sacrificing something else in return, but once you have overcome it and made it your own...you will gain an irreplaceable fullmetal heart.”
― Hiromu Arakawa

P.S.  You have a lot of time to think about things when you're like Christopher Reeve, except with pain, for over 2 years pre op.  This is how I view my relationship with my friend Pain.  Take what you need, and throw away the rest.  What stays for me is a strong sense of gratitude. Thank you, Hippies, who are on this journey, for working through your own path, for your teachings, and for helping me and countless others through this life changing, life enhancing experience.  Thank you, Pat, for a place of peace and healing.

[Woodstock Hippy]

Yea, you're paying for it today,but didn't it feel good to go so far yesterday?  We need those days.  Maybe you took too big of a step forward, but we need to keep stepping forward.  We don't make any progress doing the same thing over and over.

Congratulations on you HALF MILE walk!

[hernanu]

I agree with Woodstock.

We all overdid it and had different reactions; no one wants pain or wants others in pain, but as we are not perfect, we can't gauge what will push us over the edge.

I'm still experiencing overreaching, which leads me to modify the workouts slightly, but just enough to still let me strengthen those muscles.

My latest episode was when I had a deep tissue massage, where much work was done on the hip area and the glutes and hamstrings. It actually affected my oldest hip the most, causing me to be very sore for about four days. I have a feeling some deep scar tissue was mobilized, and I was starting to get concerned that she may have caused some problems, but the pain went away and now that hip feels very good.

I may tell her to tone it down a bit next time, but some good seems to have come from it, so I am seeking a middle ground.

[Luanna]

Hi Two4One:

Pain is a friend. An old & cherished friend, Pain is the trusted friend who tells you the truth, especially when you don't want to hear it.

So true. Time perhaps to take a day and recup and relax and ICE. Congratulations on your walk yesterday. 4 steps forward 1 step back. Seems like that's how recovery goes for the most part.

Hope your day is a GREAT one!!
Luanna

[Two4One]

Thanks, Luanna.  Recovery seems to be a dance the way you and others have described it.  I'm icing right now, as I've already been too busy and over doing it this morning.  What happened to my resolve to be more gentle?

Today, I still have to do 2 PT sessions, force myself to meditate/relax, and take my 1/10 mile 'hike', so I was so pleased this morning when my friend gave me a cool copper cane!  It's perfect not only for my therapy walks, but it will also be a huge help when I'm getting out and about next week!

In the midst of my enthusing how lucky and wonderful my new FREE cane was, wouldn't you know that Hubs had to go and tease me? He just had to get my Irish up, "I've named your new cane Herman!" 

I said "What is wrong with you?  You can't name MY cane!  It's mine, NOT yours!  What do you want to name next?  Do you want to call my --- Chuck?!  I'm calling my cane 'Sassy', and there's nothing you can do about it!  You stick to naming your stuff and leave my stuff out of it!" 

Hubs cracks up and is doubled over laughing.  "You should see your face!  You look crazy!"  I'm all "Whatever.", thoroughly sick and tired of him planting himself in my garden the way he likes to do, which in turn drives me up the freakin' wall!  "Can't you stay out of my business even one time?"  Unbelievable.

Then, Hubs hits me with the pièce de résistance, "I'm calling it Cain!" He's got that shite eating grin on his face, and finally I get it - 'Herman Cain'. ;D

[Aerial]

I am hearing you on getting a little sore.  The other day I needed to pick up a few things for a potluck lunch we were having in our department the next day. After the workday I still needed to get a walk in so I left my office and walked to the grocery and back......3.89 miles later I'm thinking yeh that was stupid.  I was sore when I got home and a little tighter than usual the next morning but it did pass.  Your body definitely let's you know when you did too much.  However, isn't it cool to be out and about some?

[Two4One]

Ariel, I LOVE being out and about some! Thanks for telling me neat o stuff like how you are just living your life.  Remember when we thought that was a pipe dream? Next week is going to be completely awesome because I'll be driving myself to PT at least three times!

My post 'Pain is a Friend' was more a meditation on the pain of the past, and how it's informing my future.  The here and now is mostly all soreness and spasms and nothing like my pre op pain.  Why it's practically a cheeky little pinch to remind me to reign it in a little so I don't lose too many days to inflammatory enforced downtime.

Almost 4 miles is fantastic, Ariel!!  This getting out on our own 2 legs is majorly cool.

[Two4One]

Thanks, Woody, it felt GREAT to walk a half mile.  (No way could I have done that pre op; a few steps with limping on both sides was all I could manage.)  I will train for my next 1/2 to 1 mile walk by doing the shorter easy distances every day.  Starting Monday, I will be making use of the indoor track at the Health Complex.  It's weird figuring out what too much or too little is. 

[Two4One]

We all overdid it and had different reactions; no one wants pain or wants others in pain, but as we are not perfect, we can't gauge what will push us over the edge.

I'm still experiencing overreaching, which leads me to modify the workouts slightly, but just enough to still let me strengthen those muscles.

Thanks, Hernanu, for your thoughts.  The key seems to be a combination plate: a portion of overuse, a dollop of restraint, and the lion's share being strength training.  Also, Thanks for the massage idea.  I plan to ask my out patient PT for massage each time; I'd like to loosen up my hip flexors and pound out some of the puffiness and bulging under my incisions.

[Two4One]

Sunday 1,8.12

Keep working hard and you can get anything that you want. - Aaliyah


Slept from 10:30    (Woke 1:30 to 2am)
to 4:30am
5 1/2 Hours Total Sleep Saturday night 1.7.12

164.5 lbs

7am -  Showered washed my hair.  Picked up around the house, straightened
8am    the kitchen, and made coffee & breakfast.


8:10     Angel Food Cake, Strawberries, Blackberries, Coffee & Cream
10:3     Salmon, Broccoli, Milk & Hershey Bar
3pm     Salmon, Chex Mix, Blackberries & Strawberries
4:15     Angel Food Cake, Raspberries, Blackberries
9pm     Ruby Red Grapefruit

8am - Chair Time
10pm  Pain 6

10:10 -12noon  Standing PT, Adductors, Semi Squats, Heel and Toes Raises, and a few
           Tadasanas. Blow dried Hair, Cleaned & Organized Bathroom Sink

12:30    Pain 6
2pm      Pain 5

2:05 -   Walked the Dog Outside.  Stopped and talked with 4 sets of neighbors.  Chris,
2:50      Eric & Deb (no longer working), and Linda (Mom has bad rheumatoid  arthritis)
            - I recommended Glazier for Linda's Mom Pain 5 (a 7 toward end of walk)

2:50 -   Chair Time and Standing PT Exercises, All of them   
4pm
       
4:15     Pain 7,  Made a snack
6pm     Bed PT
6:45     Pain 6
9pm     Pain 3 - Amazing what some R&R and bed rest can do for my recovering hips. ;D

[Aerial]

So cool on your progress.  So are you walking fully unassisted at this point?  That must be fantastic.  Good luck driving to PT.  it is so liberating to get out.  I just made a comment in my thread about how quick recovery goes.  I can't relive you are 20 days already.  Have a great week!

[Two4One]

Thanks, Aerial! 

Yes, I walk completely unassisted.  I carry the cane with me on walks just in case I get tired or need it for balance. 

It will be 3 weeks post op tomorrow, and the time has flown by!

By my calculations, I had had SEVEN HOURS out of my 'Recovery Pod' (rented hospital bed in the Living room I've had for over 2yrs) today.  At the end of January, we're sending the bed back to the medical supply company!!

Have a good week at work, Aerial.

[Two4One]

For everyone who's scheduled resurfacing, for everyone who's in the first week of post op recovery, and for everyone who is even thinking about getting hip resurfacing, here's a glimpse of your new life. I sent my email, below, to my best friend first thing this morning.  This is what it's like going from 2 years of undiagnosed bone on bone OA to literally coming back to life again 3 weeks today post op bilateral resurfacing.

'I've Got to Admit it's Getting Better' - The Beatles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRL00smhmc4&feature=related

***********************************************************************
Mon, January 9, 2012 7:30:13 AM
Re: New lease on life - you better believe it!
From: 'One
To:  B-------

B---, please don't feel like you have to hold my hand everyday with an email.  Don't get me wrong, I love 'chatting' with my 'Sis' friend, but I expect everyone I love and all my friends to have a life of their own too, and that's what should come first.  I don't have but a minute here and there my own self, so I'm busy too & might not be able to write a note as often. 

Instead, I forward you only the best email jokes so we can be sharing laughs about this funny world we live in and giggling over our really silly in-jokes.  As you know though, I don't like getting 'junk' emails filling up my already overloaded inbox (I've seen your inbox, so I know you can relate!), but I've somewhat relaxed my joke/junk ban and now read and send on only what I think is the best & most hilarious stuff.  B---, if you want me to can the 'junk' emails I've been inundating you with recently, just say the word.  Don't be shy!

Right now, I'm unbelievably busy with the business of my really strong recovery.....I spent over SEVEN hours yesterday out of bed and off the couch!  In home PT twice a day, In Home Occupational Therapists and RNs, splitting last Wednesday's 8 hour round trip drive to my Detroit surgeon's 2 week follow up into two days, walking my Bichon all by myself for the very first time yesterday!!, completing walking requirements everyday & gradually increasing my distance, preparing simple meals, using the flight of stairs 3 or 4 times a day, showering, doing my makeup and hair (I haven't lost any more hair clumps since the first day after my surgery!  It's growing back beautifully, and I'm trying to hold out getting it cut or colored until I can see you for an appointment this summer.), picking up around the house and being super neat so Hubs doesn't have more work than he already does, and now this week I'm driving to PT & the gym on top of all that!  I love having the privilege of sound health.

Good for you to pay cash only for your next vacation that I'm hoping will be with us; it's the only way to go.  When talking about going on trips together, what I meant was that I should be a LOT stronger by this summer.  I like to visualize all good things happening for myself and my loved ones - sending out good energy has always helped me to be successful in whatever I set my mind to, and I really think that energy helps everyone I pray for/vibe/best wish too.

I have lost twelve pounds since being released from the hospital on December 23rd, and yesterday Hubs hit our downstairs gym for the first time in 2 years.  Ha!  He better be hitting it hard to catch up with 'The Breeze'.  By the time we see you two again, we will all be fitter, right?... and more toned than ever!  Bring on the health kick 'cause I'm already nailing it!  The pizza and yonana goodies sound scrumptious and healthy (if you don't get a wild hair and pig out!).  That fruit concoction will sure go down a treat on a hot summer's day.

Well, I better get going if I'm going to get all my stuff done today!  Have a great week, B--!

'One

P.S.  You said you didn't want me to hold back and gloss over the darker side of my long, very difficult haul these past 2+ years.  Because you've asked me to, I'm gonna send you a copy of my yesterday's email reply to a hip buddy that's a little intense.  I want to stress though that the worst is way, way behind me.  Now, I'm literally marching into my immediate future with my full mobility, my excellent health, and my strength, back in full force.

[hernanu]

Love the attitude, 'One...

[Two4One]

Thanks, hernanu.  I'm following your posts and am inspired!

[Two4One]

Monday 1.9.12 - THREE WEEKS POST OP

164 lbs!

                     Slept from midnight to 5am = 5 Hours Sleep last night. 
                     Hubs and dog woke me; Otherwise I may have slept more.

Breakfast -     Oatmeal, Banana, Strawberries, Walnuts, & Skim Milk. 1/2 c Coffee & Cream
Lunch -          Cauliflower Casserole, Angelfood Cake, blackberries, raspberries, Skim Milk
Snack -          Chex Mix, Vodka & Grapefruit Juice -
Desert -         Hershey Bar & Skim Milk
Lite Dinner -   Bowl of Ruby Red Grapefruit

5:30 - 8:00    Bed rest
(2 Hrs, 30m)

8:00 - 9:45        Got up & gathered my gear, organized for trek downstairs.  Put away
                         clean clothes.  Washed face.  Made Breakfast, cleaned up kitchen,
                         loaded dishwasher.  Straightened my recovery zone in the living room.
                         Trained dog to come up on the bed for his lead, & go outside on
                         command; then brought him back in, treating and training.

(1.45 Hrs)          Chair Time - 40min
                       

9:45 - 11am      Bed rest & 1/2 c Coffee & Cream, Pain 6, Heating Pads both Hips
(1Hr, 15m)

12 - 1:30          Shower, straighten bedrooms & both upstairs and downstairs bathrooms.
                        prepare lunch, kitchen clean up & vacuumed, wash 2 small downstairs
                        mirrors.  Put away dishes, put away clothes, organized drawers.

1:30 - 3pm       Chair Time - 30min                 
(3 Hrs, 10m)     Trained dog to come up on the bed for his lead and to go outside on
                        command; then brought him back in, treating and training.      
    
3:10pm             Bed rest
                        Pain 7.5, Lower back really hurts from all the bending and cleaning &
                        walking the flights of stairs 3 times.  I guess working on the house paid
                        off in exercise and strength building + Hubs really appreciated my
                        efforts.                         

6pm                 PT

8 - 9pm            Cleaned out the downstairs bathroom Vanity, evening activities to turn in, hauled
                        my ice, heating pads, meds, water, magazines, lap top, and change of clothes, up
                        the flight of stairs to my bedroom.

9:05 - 9:35       Ice hips, my knees have not hurt for days!  Remember to ice more tomorrow.

9:40 - 10:15      Heating pads on both hips, Pain 3

*I had 8 1/2 hours on my feet & puttering around the house today!

* I climbed the stairs of our 2 story home 5 times today!

[Aerial]

Three weeks was the real turning point for me.  Sounds like the same for you!  Enjoy!

[Two4One]

You called it, Aerial.  Although my pain is about a 6 or 7 all day, it's no doubt because I'm running around the house so much and being so active!  I've also dropped down on my narcotics too because I'm forgetting to take them; I'm feeling good enough that I don't need the full dosages anymore.

[Pat Walter]

Two4One

Sounds like you are coming along quite nicely.  Thanks for the update and good luck. You are sure eating healthy.  I need to follow your example.

Pat

[Two4One]

Thank you, Pat.  I will be sure to pass your compliments on to the Chef.  (Hubs)

Also, may I recommend 'The Griddler' by Cuisinart ?
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-GR-4N-5-in-1-Griddler/dp/B002YD99Y4/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1326168495&sr=1-1-catcorr
Spray whatever with Olive Oil or real Butter Spray, close the lid and wait less than 5 minutes, and then sit back and enjoy food the way it's meant to be, full of flavor and without all the grody additives.

Perhaps a personal size microwave steamer for broccoli or any number of steamed veggies in a hurry would help your intake of the 'good stuff'?

Oh yeah, be sure to have a treat everyday to help prevent cravings, ("Give in" I always say, "you know you want to") followed by gorging.  If you prefer more of a savory decadence, you can substitute your 'sweet treat' with a taste of white wine and 5 plain Carr's Table Water Crackers with Cracked Pepper, topped with a smidge of Boursin soft, spreadable cheese. 

I'll never forget the look on the Weight Watchers classes' faces when I was asked how do you stay so slim & how do you use your points, and I replied "I use the White Wine Diet.  Anytime I want to eat junk food, I have a glass of white wine and forget all about it."  (True story ::)*

*(Disclaimer:  This happened many, many years ago, in the golden age before OA and all the wicked narcotic cocktails, courtesy of pain management.)