Aerial's post-op story

[imgetinold]

Congrats, Aerial.  Is the 6-week-before-swimming a Dr. Gross rule?

[tennisgirl]

Having just driven back from Columbia today, I can attest to the fabulous weather there.  It felt like spring.

Aerial, extra thanks to you for saying hello to Lee Webb for me...she did mention that you told her I said hi.

Here's to your continued good recovery.

Mindi

[Aerial]

Congrats, Aerial.  Is the 6-week-before-swimming a Dr. Gross rule?

Imgetinold- I am just assuming that by six weeks the incision would be healed and pool work would be allowed.  Truthfully, I'm not sure what Dr. Gross's protocol is after six weeks.  I kind of think he really tends to keep things low key because so many of his patients are young and active and he knows we would overdo (me included more than likely). I would really like to ride my cycling trainer.  Contacted the office and "no machines" until after six weeks.

Tennisgirl- Are you at six weeks already!  Man time goes quick.  How is your recovery going?

[Woodstock Hippy]

''I am just assuming that by six weeks the incision would be healed and pool work would be allowed.''

Check with the doctor on that.  When I saw Dr Marwin at 3 weeks he told me to get in the water as soon as I possible.

[Aerial]

FYI- In another post today Tennisgirl  pointed out that the phase 2 exercises for Gross's patients are on his website.  I just looked at them and swimming/water activity is listed as a very good activity after week six.

[curt]

    Basically, anything other than running and jumping is good from Dr. Gross after 6 weeks.  Then anything after 6 months.  No big flutter or frog kicks in the pool.
     Curt

[imgetinold]

As I get closer....six weeks seems like a LONG time to not do anything (like biking or water work).  I'm sure it flies by, but it seems like it will take forever. 

[Aerial]

As I get closer....six weeks seems like a LONG time to not do anything (like biking or water work).  I'm sure it flies by, but it seems like it will take forever.

That is what I am thinking.  Six weeks is a long time.  I'm starting to feel better so I want to do more but I will be cautious.  I had three years of hip issues leading up to this so I keep saying, what is 6 more weeks.

[Aerial]

Right after surgery most of my pain was dead center in my right butt cheek.  Someone accurately described this as a "monkey fist".  At this point the discomfort is certainly in a smaller region and is lower on my butt cheek and much more to the outside.  I do not have a lot to report.  Ice still feels really good (polar ice machine rocks). I actually had no bruising at all after surgery (lots of swelling though).  The ice kept the bruising down thanks to my husband who willingly made many ice runs!  The incision looks suprisingly good as well.  There are only a few scabby areas and the incision looks to be right at four inches and a very small line (they used adhesive not staples).  I'll wear this battle scar proudly come bikini season (probably half will be covered by bottoms which is better than I was thinking).  I did quite a bit of walking around the house yesterday cane free.  I did my walk today and did slightly longer unassisted intervals.  Interestingly my calf on my operated leg is quite sore.  I would guess this is due to the fact that my foot now points straight ahead.  My gait was so altered prior to surgery that I am now using my foot and calf differently.  I'm going to take it easy the rest of the day.  My leg is tired simply from moving around more (unassisted) but I have absolutely no hip pain. Unfortunately I live in a hilly area and I am not driving yet so I have been walking on some moderate sized hills.  We also also have big hills in my neighborhood but I am staying away from them.  The unassisted intervals I have been doing are only on the most flat areas I can find. I have a couple of goals for the weekend.  First, attend a family Christmas party with the cane (crutches in the car just in case).  I am really looking forward to that.  Second, try driving, first in my husbands Prius.  I don't think I am ready to get in my Z4 yet.  Don't laugh but I think when I can comfortably use the toilet without the raiser then I will be able to get low enough to get into my car  :-\

[jjmclain]

Imgetinold,

As soon as your surgeon allows you in the water (mine was at 4 weeks post-op) you can swim and do water work. I was allowed to flutter kick but was told to wait on flip turns and had to do open turns for awhile. As soon as you are off the 90 degree restriction (which was also 4 weeks for me) an exercise bike or your bike on a trainer works great. Some people have been able to get on bikes sooner if they figure out how not to break the 90 degree restriction rule. It will all be how you adjust your position. Plus you can walk!!! With your PT and walking, you will be fine the first few weeks post-surgery.

June

[hernanu]

As I get closer....six weeks seems like a LONG time to not do anything (like biking or water work).  I'm sure it flies by, but it seems like it will take forever.

I think also, you may be thinking that it's six weeks of inactivity. It was completely different for me.

My typical schedule the first couple of weeks was:

• Wake up, do my first rep of flat (in bed) exercises.
• Get up, shower, get in loose daily clothes.
• Eat, do first rep of standing daily exercises.
• If the in house PT came, do those exercises, work with her.
• Ice, relax a bit, maybe doze. Walk as far as comfortable.
• Eat, do second rep of lying down exercises, second rep of standing exercises.
• Nap (usually about an hour).
• Walk and rest, usually a couple of times.
• Dinner, then exercise (flat and standing).
• Watch some TV and sleep.

After the first few weeks, I started walking outside, so the walks became longer (about 1/4 mile) and I transitioned to one crutch, eventually no crutch. I also started driving at about 2.5 weeks, so I would go to the store, etc. and walk with the carts. Then at about four weeks, I started outpatient PT, in addition to what I was doing in the house.

Looking back on it, I really was pretty active throughout, just maybe not with the type of workouts I had been doing before. I'm doing those now, but still do some of the exercises that I learned from PT.

I think you'll find the recuperation challenging; the worst was being housebound, but that really only lasted a couple of weeks for me.

[Luanna]

The Z4 ahhhhhh now that's a goal worth working towards! You'll be rid of that toilet seat raiser in no time.... :)

Luanna

[Aerial]

The Z4 ahhhhhh now that's a goal worth working towards! You'll be rid of that toilet seat raiser in no time.... :)

Luanna

Yes, my Z4 is calling me.  I may have been crazed out on drugs but I think I asked Dr. Gross about driving it when he visited the next morning.  He knew of the Z4 because he test drove one but found it too small for his height (this is what I remember the conversation to be anyway).  He said it is not the best choice when I begin driving.  Anyway, Christmas party today and my husband is wishing I could serve as designated driver!  I did a 15 minute walk this morning without the cane.  Truly amazing.  I find myself sore later in the day so if I walk early I can manage more.  One thing I do recognize is that Celebrex seems to be doing something.  I am taking 2 per day (part of the recovery protocol) for the first two weeks.  I definitely feel better after taking it.  I will soon finish the prescription.  I hope this doesn't impact the level of walking I have been able to obtain this week. Happy weekend to all!

[sdunn4]

Aerial,

When my Celebrex prescription ran out at two weeks I knew it!  I didn't realize how much it was helping to mask the pain / cut the inflammation.  I cut back on walking somewhat at two weeks after realizing I had been overdoing it!

One more caveat from Lee Webb- no rowing (in case you may be considering this a non-impact sport and thus okay at 6 weeks) for 6 months.  You would tend to over-flex the legs / thighs and will sublect the femoral neck to lots of repetitive forces while rowing.  This really hurt because I use my Concept 2 indoor rower a lot in the winter to stay in shape and I actually did use it several times before checking with Lee.  It felt pretty good!  However, I backed off using it and will follow doctor's orders!  No sense coming this far and spoiling it...

Steve

[Aerial]

 :) Oh all is right with the world!  13 days post op and was able to get into and drive my Z4.  For those of you who recall my post back in October, I deliberated over buying the car before surgery.  Since it is so low, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to drive it for some time after surgery.  The car has 2 way memory seats.  I set the first memory to a seat setting so the seat is high and back and then hit memory 2 which takes the seat lower and into the driving position.  The car also has sport seats so there is a nice pull out ledge in the seat for good thigh support.  I had to be careful getting in and out but it is doable (relying alot on my arms and my good leg).  I don't plan on any long drives for a while (since I have to brake with the left) but I think I can manage trips to the grocery or to finish up Christmas shopping in the car.  As others have said, being able to drive is liberating.

[Luanna]

PERFECT!!!!!!  Congrats! I'm driving my clunky GMC Envoy.... I've got Z4 envy!!!!  :) Maybe if I hint a lot between now and Christmas I'll find one in my stocking.....

Luanna

[OtterDriver]

Hello Aerial!

Here I've been thinking all along that a Z4 is a Chevrolet of some sort...maybe that's a Z1!?  Anyway, Congratulations on the accomplishment.  Have fun.  Looks sharp!

Take care, Bruce

[Aerial]

Hello Aerial!

Here I've been thinking all along that a Z4 is a Chevrolet of some sort...maybe that's a Z1!?  Anyway, Congratulations on the accomplishment.  Have fun.  Looks sharp!

Take care, Bruce

Nope, it is a mid-life crisis BMW Z4 sdrive 35i :)

[Aerial]

Two weeks post-op today!  I am thrilled with the results so far.  I am able to walk just over a mile with probably 3/4 of the walk unassisted (use the cane on hills) .  I would love to try to increase the distance but I guess that violates doctor's protocol.  Like everyone, I am struggling with patience I suppose.  If you feel good, is it harmful to do a little more distance?  After the first week, each day has brought some real progress.  I was able to get out to a holiday party this weekend and was able to drive (I was expecting neither this early on).  Also, am now able to get my sock and shoe on the operated side (turning knee out to side, not as easy as the good side but gets the job done).  Mentally, I feel much better than a week ago (getting more mobile, getting out of the house and driving certainly contibute to this).  I am grateful for my recovery so far and pray it continues. I feel like I could go back to work at least for half days.  I took 2 weeks off work and now the university I work at has a two week break.  I'll officially go back to work in January, two days short of 1 month post-op.  After three years of increasing hip pain, including arthroscopic  surgery for a severe labral tear, it's amazing that two weeks and HR can make such a difference.  Wishing the best to all others out there in various stages of information gathering and/or recovery  :)  I am now an offical fan of Dr. Gross! I have hope now vs. just trying to hang on!

[hernanu]

Sounds great, just in time for the holidays, and now you can tool around looking slick in that prime Z4! Good scheduling with that work break also.

Patience is necessary, we all screw up by doing too much and getting some pushback from the body, but you sound like you're doing well.