Six Months is up!

[sdunn4]

This past week I finally reached the 6-month mark since my resurfacing last October!  It is a great feeling to finally reach this point, but it is not like something magic happens.  Recovery is still ongoing, and as I become more active I can feel the muscles that are still repairing.  I rode my bike outside yesterday after using the trainer all winter and I can definitely feel the workout- just a 13 mile ride.  I actually jogged a little as well last week- only 100-200 paces every several minutes on a 3.5 mile walk, but enough that it felt good to be jogging.  I am swimming 20-25 minutes almost every day and am back to using my Concept 2 rower.  The real test will come with the first water-ski session of the year (maybe next weekend).  After careful consideration I plan to treat the first year as a "recovery" year and fight the urge to train seriously for anything in particular.  I believe that I will listen to the advice of many on this site and give my bones the benefit of a full year of recovery.

Steve

[mslendzion]

Huge deal. What kind of waterskiing are you going to do this summer?

[hernanu]

Good stuff, Steve - like the attitude and the patience   8) .

[LAB123]

Hi Steve,

Congratulations on your progress! I'm coming up on 6 weeks post op w Dr Gross and am trying to recall the schedule on which I can resume activities. As of now I'm walking a couple of miles a day, still using one crutch for that although not much else. Even 2 miles is more than Dr. Gross recommends. Biking is one activity that I'm looking forward to, but I think thats off limits until the 12 month mark for Dr. Gross' patients. Sounds like your Dr. okays biking at 6 months?

All advice is appreciated...

Thanks!

[John C]

Hi Lab,
Unless Dr Gross has changed his protocol, it used to be six months for biking, since that is when he feels we are past the risk for femoral neck fracture from falling.

[WTW15]

Way to Go Steve!  Can't wait to see how the waterskiing goes. 

[Kiwi]

Congrats Steve - the 6 month mark is worth acknowledgement. You're doing well & it'll only get better!
I'm just a few weeks behind you, doing great & feel I have heaps of improving to come.

[Arrojo]

So....do people have a giant party at the 6 month mark?   :)

[sdunn4]

Thanks for the words of encouragement!  I did not have any party at 6 months, but it is really nice to know that the risk of femoral neck fractures has dropped way off.  I do find that my old approach to activities- "just do it" has changed a little.  I am definitely going to give things a little longer to heal.  I find that I am sore as I resume activities, and I back off a little earlier to avoid taking any Ibuprofen or Alleve.  I am trying to stay away from medicine now unless absolutely needed.  I will keep you posted on how the waterskiing goes this weekend- I slalom ski with fixed boots.

[jb46]

Congrats and good luck on the skis!
Your almost six months to the day ahead of me, and I too am a Gross hippy.
Did you go back to see him at 6 weeks or were you too far?
Hope you continue to heal and enjoy...isn't it great to be bionic?...jb