8 Week Update!

[brianebanta]

Hey all,

I am absolutely stoked!  I think it is fair to say (knock on wood) that I have had a Cinderella recovery so far.  The first week was pretty bad, but after that it has been clear sailing. I was very lucky to not have any swelling, or any problems sleeping and only minor incision pain.  I really tried to focus on the idea that my "work" the first few weeks was resting and healing. When I got to PT on week four, I still needed one crutch.  I have been working hard the last four weeks in PT and it has really paid off.  I have been incorporating hiking, elliptical, and swimming in the ocean the last two weeks.  I saw Dr. Callander for my 8 week follow-up and he was really pleased, with my 4 week xrays, and update from PT.  He told me that I can start to introduce any non-contact sports I want as long as I ramp up slowly and listen to my body.  He said he doesn't want to see me till my one year follow up.  ;D

Totally excited for the next phase, of continuing PT to strengthen, and start to get back to all the activities I enjoy.  How to define.. what is reasonable? that is the question.  Still have the vision that this is a journey, and patience and hard work (and healing and resting) will get me to 110% by my one year follow up!!

-Brian

38yo, RBHR on 52113

[hernanu]

That's excellent Brian!

I kept off anything involving running until six months had passed.

I also didn't lift anything above 50 lbs in any activity that used my legs. Stretching was slowly introduced, and only until the slightest resistance was felt. I didn't do any stretching that rotated the leg until the smaller muscles could be used.

At three months or so (until six months, really) the femoral neck is still at risk. By six months, it is strong enough to support more activites.

I didn't get back to impact sports (hitting a punching bag, running, heavier weight lifting) until about 9 to ten months, although some of us have gone back earlier.

The one year checkup is a good goal. By then you should be mostly healed at the bone and rarin' to go.