WTW15 - On the Other Side - and it's GREAT!

[WTW15]

Day 31 for my hip and year 47 for me - Birthday :-) 

Got gutsy and went on my merry way down the ice/snow packed driveway with cane in hand and good grippers on feet and walked my WHOLE 1.2 mile loop!!!   ;D    That's my Happy Birthday Present to myself!  Used the cane only when the road was ice/snow packed and climbing or descending.  I don't live in your oridinary neighborhood.  We are on dirt roads and had  50" of snow last week so still fairly snowy, but there is a good amount of dirt showing.  Also - not flat.  Probably a total gain of 300' elevation on the loop, and that's starting at 9,000' elevation.  Good work out for the hip and the heart.  Fresh-cold-air and the smell of a fireplace burning in the distance, warm sun on my face and a happy dog running around - glad I could finally get out and walk with her.  Felt at one with the Universe for a change. 

Icing now, after having some lunch.  Resting up and hoping I am not too sore tomorrow as we are going to watch our daughter ski race tomorrow at Winter Park and there will be a lot of walking there, as well.  I think pushing it a bit today has helped loosed "stuff" up and hoping this will be a small leap for my recovery.

Formal PT starts next week as well as returning to work.  Finally feeling like maybe I want to go back to work LOL.  Made sure my boss understood that there may be a "nap-time" built in each day.  So glad I work from home! 

So, at week 4.5 - feeling overall really good.  Keeping up on the home PT and adding to the reps every day.  Looking back to week one where I could barely move the leg on it's own, walking cane-less today seems worlds away.    And I truly could feel that the HIP was painless and my discomfort is truly just muscular - what a feeling!!! 

[mslendzion]

Happy birthday. Sounds like you gave yourself an excellent gift.

[Two4One]

Got gutsy and went on my merry way down the ice/snow packed driveway with cane in hand and good grippers on feet and walked my WHOLE 1.2 mile loop!!!   ;D - WTW

What a MAJOR accomplishment; I'm scared of walking with snow on the ground and only go when it's dry like today (half mile jaunt).  You are obviously made of sterner stuff!

You made my day today!

2fer

[WTW15]

2fer  -  I got at least one good leg to catch myself.  Not sure I'd venture down the driveway if I were in your shoes (hips) ;-)
I even thought of just driving the car down the 120' down the driveway just to be safe.... but there was enough dirt showing to give me traction.   

Being the wife of a fireman, I did spend today alone, but that's just par.  Me and the dog enjoyed the accomplishment - he was thrilled to hear I did it, too. And will be walking with me this week.  Gotta be tough when I spend so much time alone, cuz  if something's going to go wrong, it's always when he's at work -LOL. 

My birthday presents will be delayed until I get the clearance to ride my moto - I'm getting a new helmet  :D  One I've wanted for a long time and it's expensive, so putting it off a few months is good too.  Gotta get thru winter (ski racing season). 

I think I may actually sleep decent tonight - I sure hope so!! 

[hernanu]

Congrats on the progress and happy birthday....

[WTW15]

Had my 6 wk check up and got to see the implant beautifully in place.  All is good with my recovery and she's released me from the Hip Precautions.  Need to work on flexibility and strength and carry on with that till my 6 month check up.  WOOHOO!!!

I can sleep on my tummy now if I want
I can cross my legs
I can turn/pivot on that leg
I can tie my own shoes
I can clip my own toenails
I can SHAVE MY LEGS!!!
I can get on my bike on the trainer
I can I can I can!!!  YEAH!!!   

Happy Day - now to be careful to NOT over do it.   :P

[hernanu]

Extremely cool, Denise. Happy you're on the next step.

[Two4One]

Excellent, Denise! 

I can't wait to read all about your fitness improving week to week, but of course, at the same time 'being careful not to overdo it'.  I swear that phrase has burned into my brain!

This summer you will be outdoors enjoying your beloved country!

'One

[WTW15]

We have been in Mammoth, CA for the past week as my daughter is competing in the USSA J2 (15-16 yrs olds) J2 National Championships for Alpine skiing.  She's had a rough week, but then again, it's one of those transition seasons for her, which as athletes know, sometimes you go backwards to go forward.  She's had fun, and that's what we really care about - that she still carries the love for skiing and the passion to continue her journey, where ever it takes her. 

But for me, this has meant walking up the ski slopes to watch her race.  I have been using my cane just in case I had the "big slip" up or down, but overall, it's been on hell of a workout!  I live at 9,000' elevation, so Mammoth's base lodge isn't much higher than that.  But just the work out going up and down has been amazing.  Yesterday our hike up was at least 1/2 mile??  and we had to do it twice.  The second time we were in a hurry as there was mis-information about the 2nd run start time and our gal ran 1st....  I was huffing and puffing, but we got there in time to see her run.  She looked amazing - it's unbelievable to see your own offspring going all out, passion in her heart and fury in her eye.  I'm so proud of who she is and what she's accomplished so far. 

Boy oh boy did I pay for that walk last night though.  I got back to the condo and iced, then did my PT exercises and some stretches, but I had that deep down muscle ache that just would not quit.  Dead center in my scar was H-O-T!  Even after icing, above and below it was cool but that center section was still HOT.  Even made hubby and daughter touch it so they didn't think I was crazy.   Anyone else experience that?  I think that the muscles are healing, so it must be good.  I just keep on icing. 

So today is an off day, so out of the 5 days here so far, today is the first day I won't have to walk up/down the slopes.  I will say it's been good to be outdoors and get some sun on my face and just get some good old down home exercise! 

One more day of racing, a small walk up and then the 1000 mile drive home. 

[WTW15]

PS the cane works as a great deterent for wayward snowboarders and skiers who can't quite decide if they want to get near me......  watch out - cranky middle-ager with a sharp stick!   :o

[Two4One]

I hope your hip settles down, WTW!  You have a great girl there, and I'm thrilled for your family!

I think I'll look into a Tai Chai (with your cane!) class that teaches gentle moves and self defense.  It sounds quirky and fun.  Godspeed and Good luck with healing more this week!

Two4

[WTW15]

1,000 mile drive home, wake up Wednesday with the stomach bug - again - and have to work.  I am so blessed to work from home!  Thursday was Physical Torture which I'd miss for 2 wks.  And boy were they ready to get me going!!  I can't believe what I can't do...  I was a bit disheartened to struggle with some of the new exercises they gave me.  But - I did them and I can now work at them at home.  I am strong-willed and will work these hard. I am sore but it's time to crack the whip, roll up the sleeves and get sweaty!  The bike is on the trainer, the red and green bands are warmed up, my mind is getting back to the right set and I'm getting going - week 8 - over the hurdle and ready to fight for the next stage!

Feeling pretty good overall. Sleeping much better in my own bed with hubby!  Getting things back on track. 

[Two4One]

Nice, WTW!

Sharing the same bed again is a sweet thing I'm looking forward to real soon, soon as the sweats stop, and as soon as we can afford a king platform bed with a basic hard, nearly futon type mattress!  Our queen has had two new mattresses that quickly dipped into two individual caskets that I simply cannot abide.*

Yep.  I know you will kick the PT's butt all over the place and take some names while you're at it!  Go to it, Girl!

2fer

*The Dude - 'The Big Lebowski"

[WTW15]

So important are the small victories.  Today I was able to put on my socks while standing.  While not significant to an average person, to me - it's HUGE!  I have not been able to do this since probably 6 months prior to my surgery.  We must count the small strides we make along this journey! 

[hernanu]

That's excellent! It's the accumulation of small victories that gets you to the point where you're just wicked psyched about life (switched into Bostonese for this).

[WTW15]

Thanks Hernanu!   And I rode my stationary trainer yesterday too. 
Things are just Bitchin!    (my Cali-roots showing through)   ???

[Hippyliz]

WTW,
I cracked up when I read your post from Monday - yesterday I put on my sock for the first time and I screamed out with joy so my entire family would come running and celebrate with me. It's been 5 YEARS since I could do it without assistance! it's fun knowing someone out there is as thrilled as I am about seemingly minor victories.
Liz

[Two4One]

A Shout Out to WTW and HippyLiz!!

After years of not being able to, putting on socks and getting on a bike is HUGE!
2-4

[WTW15]

So Glad you understand my giddyness Liz! 
And thanks 2fer!  Everyday gets better, doesn't it!  woohoo!

[Arrojo]

You are an inspiration to me!