Aerial's post-op story

[Two4One]

Congratulations on your beautiful ride, Aerial!

[imgetinold]

Now that I'm done, nothing sounds better ro me than your statement, " I thought post op time would crawl by.  It really has gone quickly." Thank you!

[Aerial]

I had my 6 week check up today with Lee Webb (I am actually 4 days short of 6 weeks but have a work commitment on my true six week day).  I did not even see Dr. Gross around the office.  Very quick process.  Got X-rays done.  My cup angle was verified at 33, same as the X-ray taken immediately post op so nothing has moved.  My legs are of equal length (yeah).  I already had the phase two exercise downloaded on my iPad and I was familiar with them.  We went over those quickly and Lee checked my ROM, hip flexor and abduction/adduction strength.  My flexibility is really good, hip flexor strength is good for this point (as measured by leg lifts) but abduction is a little weak.  This doesn't surprise me since I was weak in abduction especially prior to surgery.  I was told I could use the abduction and adduction machines at the gym, which I prefer to some of the exercises.  I can't ease back into yoga but nothing extreme for six months (that is going to be tough).  I can use my elliptical and ease back into spinning class. I am a little disappointed that Dr. Gross says no outdoor cycling for six months.  That is another favorite activity of mine.  All in all, I celebrated the good news with 20 minutes on my elliptical and freely bent over (legally, repetitively and comfortably breaking 90 degrees) washing the Z4 and giving the wheels a good cleaning.  I also got a bonus "kudos" from my neighbor today who came over and told me how much better my walking looks.....he always sees me out doing my walking.  Anyway, hang in there if you just had surgery, it'll all work out!  Life is good right now!  Next appointment is at 10 months.

[Kiwi]

Good stuff Aerial. This sounds like a great 6 week check up - you should be stoked! Keep up the good work.
Cherz
Kiwi

[Two4One]

Hey There Aerial,

While you had a terrific six week check up, I know how eager you are to resume "real life".  I feel that way.  I guess we have to encourage each other to do what's allowed now, and when we have our ONE YEAR anniversary we can go back to (Donkey) kicking up our heels and tripoding for all we're worth!!

Maybe we can make friends with the pool and be 'water babies', and try all sorts of safe classes offered at a large pool center.  I emailed my surgeon & asked if I could break the 90 degree bend over rule yet.

Better keep an eye on neighbor Bob!  He might have a crush on you!                         

[Aerial]

Hahaha, neighbor Bob is married with kids and i am also married (no kids).  Truthfully I moved though some yoga poses that don't involve heavy internal rotation last night and everything felt great......and yes I had to do a couple of handstands (it is simply in my blood as a former college gymnast)!  I came into the living room with a huge smile on my face last night and my husband asked what's up.  I said I did a couple handstands and all is right with the world!  Nothing like inversion to get things "right"!  I do like swimming and swim laps quite a bit in the summer when I can be in the outdoor pool on campus.  I just freeze in the water indoors in the winter!  I'm a little sore in a muscular sense this morning which I'm sure is from the elliptical yesterday but this to will pass.

[hernanu]

Aerial, it all sounds great.

It's great to be able to bend to do stuff - I had a stupid grin on my face the first time I put some air into my tires and had no problem squatting down. It must be especially nice to work on the Z4 ... now aren't you glad you got it?

[Aerial]

Absolutely glad I got the car and yes, I definitely noticed that I could squat down and clean the wheels in a way I have not been able to do in years.  Very nice indeed to bend, squat etc.  This is something "normal" people take for granted but you really appreciate it when you haven't had that ability for so long!  I might have the cleanest wheels in town right now  ;)

[Two4One]

When I was little I sooo wanted to do the tumbling and gymnast classes, but as the youngest of a rather large family, my folks couldn't afford it.  Also, at 5'9 and a 35 inch inseam, I didn't exactly have the compact gymnast build, right?  I was just starting to get some decent upper body strength through downward dog and pushing up into cobra when the OA hit in '09. 

Very nice, Aerial, headstands feel so good!  When we get the release to do a full yoga practice, I would love to pick your brain for some ideas to increase my upper body strength.  I practiced Vinyasa Style with some Yin yoga on alternate days.  I did a low key morning practice, a strong afternoon/evening practice, and ended most days with a gentle practice to prepare for a short meditation at night.

I know what you mean about the brrrr of winter swimming, but hopping in the hot tub pre swim, and then laying in the sauna afterwards helps mitigate the chills somewhat.

Have a great weekend!

[Aerial]

This is my official six week post op day.  The biggest change I notice now is how much more natural walking is feeling.  I am able to walk much faster now, including up and down hills.  I have the day off for MLK day and did a 4.42 mile walk today with a total time of 1:04:19 and an average speed of 4.12 MPH.  I now feel like I am able to fitness walk vs. just walk!  A couple weeks ago my walking speed was almost a mile per hour slower and generally a distance of around 2 miles.  Again, I am promoting the "My tracks" app for Android phones.  Great way to track your walks and appreciate progress!!  To go from dreading walking through the store to walking over 4 miles (and enjoying it) is certainly worth celebrating at 6 weeks.  Thank you Dr. Gross.

[Two4One]

Wow, Aerial, that is fantastic!  You are walking like a champ!

You should definitely celebrate!  How will you celebrate this terrific milestone?

[Aerial]

I celebrated the milestone with a birthday!  I am a year older but feel younger this year than last.....due to the new hip  ;)

[Two4One]

Did you get any B Day Loot?  Other than a shiny new, expensive dahling, hip?

[mslendzion]

Happy birthday Aerial. Good timing on the gift you gave yourself.

[Aerial]

For my birthday I got a weekend trip to Charleston with my hubby (since we did nothing over Christmas due to my surgery) and a gorgeous new Lululemon yoga top that I hope to begin using next week when I start back to yoga!  My new hip and the ability to walk freely around Charleston for hours is the best gift though.  It truly is one of the rare birthdays I'll remember because I feel younger!

[newdog]

My new hip and the ability to walk freely around Charleston for hours is the best gift though.

Charleston is a beautiful city to visit. My wife and I went there during my 6 week recheck. I too will never forget walking around the city without pain. The first time we visited there right before my surgeries, I could hardly walk. I'll bet you are smiling all the time now. Happy Birthday!

[Two4One]

What a wonderful birthday gift!  Charleston is a jewel.  If you have the opportunity to someday visit Pawley's Island, you will love the lack of signage and cars and the gorgeous quiet beaches that go on forever.

[Aerial]

Strange things you notice in recovery that you wouldn't have connected to your hip.  I have a great Lifefitness elliptical (high end machine that I got basically for peanuts because someone wanted to get rid of it.....love bargains and would never buy exercise equipment new because there is always someone selling it in like new condition!!).  Anyway, I used this before surgery and always had a problem with my right hand going numb.  I always thought this to be weird but never really connected it to my hip.  However, post surgery no more hand numbness on the elliptical.  My bad hip messed up my right lower back which messed up my right shoulder which I now believe is what was caused the numbness in my right hand!  Another elliptical tip, I find back pedaling (moving the feet in the opposite direction on the elliptical) really feels good that remaing area of "monkey fist" in my rear end!

[newdog]

Yes, there are many stories about bad hips messing with the rest of the body. I haven't had pain in my right knee since my hips were fixed. I wonder, could it be........nahh. Just a thought. I doubt if it affected my thinning hair.   :(

[Aerial]

Hip, shoulder, back and life in general all doing well and what happens?  I get a cold, sore throat and my ears hurt!  Just whining  :-\. It seems to be going around campus.  I guess I need to monitor it for anything infectious like strep or a sinus infection due to my new hip. Haven't had strep throat in years but sinus infections get me now and again.