Just a quick note to let you know I'm a HIPPY now! Slightly rough road - blood was too thin and had to get my pint back, a little low B/P and high heart rate, but nothing ever really "dangerous". The procedure itself went great. Dr Kelly commented that it looked worse than on the x-rays, and that the BHR went in perfectly. I am home now and ready to heal. Already able to do weight bearing as tolerable and it feels so good.
I'll be catching up with everyone in the next couple of days.
Cheers!
Denise
Awesome Denise! Keep up the good work and keep us posted. Sounds like you're doing pretty well. Best of luck to you ;)
-Rob
Great news! Enjoy the ups and downs of recovery and rehabilitation. It will go by faster than you may think.
Best wishes.
Dan
Denise
Congratulations on your new hip. Take it easy. The tough part is over, now you just have to wait to heal.
Keep in touch. Good Luck.
Pat
Quote from: WTW15 on January 23, 2012, 09:56:42 PM
Slightly rough road - blood was too thin and had to get my pint back
Hi
Hope your recovery is going well. My surgeon advised me not to give blood prior to the surgery. He said if I gave a pint he would most likely have to give it back to me during or after the surgery. I did not need any additional blood post surgery. I wonder if you would have needed the pint if you had not stored some prior to the surgery.
Well, 8 days post-op and feeling OK. PT going great. I can feel the strength and ROM returning each time. Not much swelling nor incision pain, but I have kept up on my pain meds so that I can do what I need to. Worst thing is sleeping. I'm good for about 4 hrs on my back, then start getting fidgety. Last night I almost caved and laid on my side. AUGH! But I didn't, just got up and made the trek to the plastic throne, and by the time I got back, did some stretching, took my meds and got back in bed, I had loosened up enough to get back to sleep for a few more hours.
My blood levels are still too thin. Off the coumadin again and another blood draw today. I had given my own blood over 3 wks prior to surgery, so I don't think that was an issue. I am 5'6" and 130# so not sure if it's just not my size that is the issue.
I can't believe it's been over a week already. Dr Kelly said I was a perfect 46mm and if it would have been any smaller I would have had a THR - and I definitely understand that. Glad I was able to get the BHR. My instructions are weight bearing as tolerated and I am able to put at least 25% weight on the new hip, and have stood at the sink 50/50 when I brushed my teeth. WOW - felt great!
Still kinda foggy - still not used to not being totally self-sufficient and grateful for my hubby and my aunt who are here helping me out. Trying not to over-do-it but the PT is already boring me, so just concentrating on doing it perfect and not rushing things.
WooHoo!!!
All sounds good, Denise - I know it takes a bit to be patient, seems like you're doing the right things.
Sounds like you are doing great. Congratulations on your new hip.
The hardest thing is just to take it easy when it all feels so good. I'm the last one who should give this advice but just remember that taking it easy is the best way to go.
Hi Denise!
I'm so glad you're going so well! I can relate to the PT being boring as H E Double Tooth Picks! Music, in my case rowdy music, helps. As for sleep, that's an off and on issue for me too.
You have the perfect attitude and approach to healing:
Quote.....so just concentrating on doing it perfect and not rushing things.
2fer
Sleep is so elusive.... 2 - 3 hrs at a time, varying from bed - laying fairly flat to sitting up right or 'reclining' on the couch as it may be. I am not used to missing sleep...... I no likey..... makes me cranky. I do take 2 naps during the day, but just this uncomfortableness is getting old already.
I re-read my post op instructions 100 times and it said I could put 2 pillows between my legs and lay on my side. That works for about 10 min till too uncomfortable. I have cut back on the percocet to 1/2 in the am, then extra strength tylenol mid-day and 1/2 percocet before bed with a valium to relax. well that lasted till 1am and here I am, so I took another 1/2 perc and see if that may kick in soon so I can sleep.
I'm feeling great otherwise, I feel way more comfortable using just one crutch and taking nice slow real steps with the new hip, making sure to preserve form over function. If I need to get somewhere quick I'll use 2 crutches. PT also recommended "cruising" the kitchen like a toddler cruises around furniture as they learn to walk. That's fun :-)
My first post-op visit is Thurs. Still monkeying around with my blood levels..... but since it was only 3 weeks on coumadin figure i only have one more week to screw around with this and then they'll leave me alone. Will look in to the next phase of PT next week. May talk to the guy Boomer is using since he's now familiar with BHR patients. Found that using my SoniCare and doing my toe liftsups at the same time is good multi-tasking. 2 min of those are great.
My scar is about 6" long - should get the staples out on Thurs too. Looks like it's healing nicely. Got the 'Aquacell' bandage so have been able to shower the whole time. We have 2 shower heads and it feels sooooooo Goood in there. Thank GOD we have 2 40 gal water heaters! I am definitely taking that time to spoil myself.
My aunt is here with me and yesterday was the first day my hubby went to work. He's a firefighter and works 48 hr shifts. This was the first time ever in our 29 yrs together that I got so insecure and asked if he could come home after his first shift - so he'll be home in the morning. I have always been so independent, as firefighter wives MUST be, but I just felt so lost and lonely without him, even though it was for just a short time. Funny how things like this do it to you. I am just glad he can come home.
Other than just incision pain/muscle weakness, I'm feeling pretty damn good. Now to get this sleep thing under control and all will be right with the world, birds will sing.....etc... LOL
Thanks my Hippy Friends - I know you all understand and are sympathetic and will give me the encouragement that this too shall pass. :D
The sleep will come. You're still getting rid of the narcotics from the surgery, your body is in a rush to heal, and you are taking other drugs that will come out of your system soon. Oh yeah - and you're uncomfortable from the healing hip.
It took me about three to four weeks to get to 5 hours of straight sleep, then it picked up afterwards. I had horrible sleep before the surgeries, with some bad habits due to pain, so it probably took me longer than it will you. I definitely hope that for you, but even if it doesn't, it's temporary and will pass.
Don't be afraid to ask for emotional help, we all have. You're healing emotionally as well as physically. Independence doesn't mean you don't rely on the ones you love, this is when they want to be there for you. Let them.
Oh, WTW girl, I feel you. I got a big fat zero hours of sleep last night and am sipping on some coffee right now. Like you, and everybody who's shortly out from their resurfacing, you have a lot on your mind, plus from what I've read here, the ol' completely normal aches and pains keeps most hippies awake nights in the initial post op weeks of recovery.
OK, that being said I'm getting myself to a marriage counselor this week and am going on my own. Hubs knows I'm making a therapist appointment and that's where his intell :-X will stay. I just need to work on me and get some sleep, at least while our insurance is covering 100% until the year rolls over on March 31st! ;D Also, I think now is a great time to get a colonoscopy, a mammogram, see the dermatologist, order 3 months supplies of eligible medications, etc. You get the picture, this surgery is outrageously expensive, so our family of two, unlike some, actually was very lucky we only had to spend 12k this year for 'out of pocket' and 'co pays'.
Well, that's my 2 cents. If you want to get some help on the cheap that's really very good quality try a local Samaritan Center - http://www.sccsb.org/. That's one place I'm calling on Monday and the other is a psychiatrist or psychologist client of my friend, who's also my Bichon Frise's groomer. My groomer friend knows everyone and where all the bodies are buried in this burg! ;)
Let me know how you do because I could use your tips that you'll find that work!
2fer
Quote from: Two4One on February 05, 2012, 07:18:29 AM
Let me know how you do because I could use your tips that you'll find that work!
2fer
and vis-versa!!!!
Thanks 2fer
Had a great Post-Op appt last week. I graduated myself to my cane the day before and everyone was like "WOW"! It feels way better than just trying one crutch. Again, trying to preserve form with every step so I'm a bit slow, but it's all good! So much easier to manuever with just a cane. Saw the surgical day xrays and dr showed me how it all looked good. Next x-rays at 6 wks. Cont'g with home induced PT and as much walking as I can do. A little difficult since we got 50" of snow!!! But we did get out yesterday to Bass Pro Shops and I bought some slip on shoes since I'd just came to the realization that I was going to be home alone and could not put on my own damn shoes! LOL The shoes have good grippers for my snowy conditions too.
Today I was "Flying Solo"! Got the OK to drive, so I was able to go to the lab for my blood work - hoping it's the last time, but doubt it, probably one more visit. Then ran a couple of errands, stopped and saw hubby at work (since he'll be there thru Wed AM and I already missed him :-[ ) Got home and was tired, but not exhausted. Don't feel like I over did it, but do realize I was pushing it a bit. So the dishes will wait till morning, already in my PJ's and just chilling for the rest of the evening.
Things I've Learned and hope by sharing others can benefit:
1) FIBER! Lots of it prior to surgery..... and afterward as well as ducolax or other 'helper'.... lol
2) Ice bags made of 50% water 50% rubbing alcohol in double ziploc bags are awesome - they stay flexible and are super-duper cold!
3) "Scrubs" pants with pockets. I have a friend who's a cardiac rehab PT and she let me borrow some of hers - one size bigger than I'd normally weary - very light weight - comfy, big waist band and easy to put on. And the pockets are very helpful.
4) As soon as you get home get on the phone to schedule your outpatient PT consult and treat appointment - even if it's 2 weeks out and you are doing Home PT. I spaced that and today tried to schedule and can't get in for another week. I have enough home PT work to do, but am a bit disappointed that I can't get that part of my recovery started this week.
I feel so blessed to be feeling as great as I do. People can't believe I'm only 18 days post op - and really, neither can I. I know sleep will get better. I just try to keep that in mind during those late night/early morning difficulties. I am so pleased with my surgery and progress and just thank God, my Hubby, my Aunt who helped me, The Universe, This SITE and EVERYONE ON IT for getting to this point! (yeah, getting all mushy - must be the meds ;) )
GO WTW15! GO WTW15! *finished doing the wave* and sat down to eat my breakfast.
Fantastic post and "Right on!" tips.
Thank you,
2fer
Well, I don't DO the wave (sniff)... but I did say "Go WTW15" and in a stately fashion rose, looked around my office, then serenely sat back down...
Thanks you guys - no wave here either - I think it breaks some kind of early protocol....LOL
Here's another thing I prob should share since my WTW15 really doesn't make any sense to you all. Here's the story behind it.
I grew up riding motorcycles. My dad won the Baja 1000 and 500 and placed well many times over the years, as well as held the #1 Desert plate in AMA District 37 racing in Southern California back in the 60's and 70's. My dad owned a motorcycle shop and then branched out and opened a 2nd one. In about 1987 he sold those and went to work for Kawasaki Corp in R&D. Since I was "old enough to start it and pick it up if I fell" I've been riding. We were always out in the desert for races and my brother and I were always on our bikes. My brother also started racing and won Baja, was a #1 plate holder in D37, etc etc.... my parents divorced but my step dad was also in the motorcycle industry and kept us all riding.
Fast forward to end of High School/College, finding my hubby - who I taught to ride ;-) - but then Life/Work/Kids etc all took center stage and riding went by the side. Couldn't afford to have bikes, we snow skied and that was our main sport and that was just fine - although I missed riding, all was OK. A big move from So Cal to Colorado also played a big role as we got our kids in to ski racing and again, that took all our time/money. So in 2007 we were finally in a position to get me a bike. Hubby had gotten one in 2006 and it was time for the family to start riding. It's been a great wondeful thing to bring back to our lives and introduce to our kids. Yes, we Mtn Bike and hike and fish and camp, but the moto is so much more - the things we've seen in a day that others miss - moose, deer, elk, fox, they really do stop and look and we offer them their peace to mosey on as they go. And it's turned out that our son also is blessed with the skills to be a top rider/racer and has progressed to semi-pro in enduro racing in 3 yrs. He's currently at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute this year getting his education.
But I digress - what is WTW15? My user name on the first moto blog I joined was WorththeWait15 and how it truly was worth the 15 year wait to get back on the bike, the right bike, and to get the family all back in to riding. Some things are Worth The Wait!!! I feel that while I had other activities, and trust me I didn't "suffer" but I really did miss riding and it's truly been worth the wait. So if you feel you've had to give up something for whatever reason, remember - you can get back to it - and it'll be Worth The Wait!!!
HA! hernanu, us lowbrow types just snorted out our milk through our nose!
'Walking Amazing Mam", Wam, thanks for the low down on your handle! Very interesting and now you're a 'Woman Actively Moving'! I somewhat shamefacedly pictured 'White Trash Woman' who was 15 at heart *shaking my head*.
2fer
P.S. 'Wondrous Towering Woman', WTW15, you got it going on!
Day 24: had a very rough night last night - I think I laid on the op'd side too long, as I actually fell asleep on it, but when I woke up I was miserable. Moved to the couch, laid there in discomfort for about an hour and then gave in to a Percocet. Took about 45 min to get it all to calm down and then fell asleep for about 2 hrs - good deep sleep. Actually felt rested when I woke up.
Still doing just home PT. Have added a few things my PT friend said would be OK so I do feel like I am progressing. Able to walk normal up/down the 23 stairs into the house and it's a good work out since we live at 9,000'. I've been taking very concentrated appropriate steps across the living room floor with no assistance. But have kept to using the cane for most walking. Again, unless in a hurry, trying to keep a very proper step to be sure to train those muscles to work correctly.
I also feel like my brain is finally coming around. I go back to work 2/21 and will need a clear head and have not felt 'with it' until just the last few days. We also have a home business that I do the bookkeeping for and it's been a struggle to get quotes and invoices out - but it's all coming together and I am feeling a lot better about that.
I have been driving which feels great - I've always been the one that drives everywhere. Hubby loves it so we have that going for us. I made "first tracks" down the driveway last night in the new 4" of snow we got yesterday ;D Was hoping to buy the winning Powerball ticket but - it wasn't our lucky night... LOL
I'm feeling amazingly well with the progress I've made. I am now ready to seriously pursue some formal PT and will start getting that rolling this week. It's frustrating in that anywhere I want to go is 20+ miles away, so hoping to do 1x/wk and get a lot of good home instructions. And unfortunately walking outdoors for me is out of the question for now- not going to take any chances of falling on the snow/ice. I'll just have to continue the laps around the garage and stairs. For you guys out there, we have a 1000sqft garage - big enough for an F350 4x4 king cab long bed, with room enough to walk behind it and the work bench ;-) The Suburban parks in the single car side. LOL
It's good to see the other January Hippies posting too and doing well. It's nice to have the bond there knowing I am not alone at this very point in time. And again, it's great to have this place to come to, to get the knowledge/help/support of all those who have gone before us.
Denise,
This is a wonderful account of what is happening with your recovery. I am sorry that yesterday was a painful morning, hopefully you are back to good spirits today. I am very intrested in your recovery because you used Dr Kelly, and you are the first one that I know that did that. I am curious about your recovery, your thoughts about the surgery, the hospital? Did she perscribe an icing machine?
Anyways it is nice that we have two Colorado gals going through recovery at the same time. I hope that you can go visit Amy in Boulder. I would love to meet her in person.
Have a wonderful day and again thanks for keeping up on the postings. :)
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!!!
Happy birthday. Sounds like you gave yourself an excellent gift.
QuoteGot 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
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!!
Congrats on the progress and happy birthday....
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
Extremely cool, Denise. Happy you're on the next step.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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"
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!
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).
Thanks Hernanu! And I rode my stationary trainer yesterday too.
Things are just Bitchin! (my Cali-roots showing through) ???
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
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
So Glad you understand my giddyness Liz!
And thanks 2fer! Everyday gets better, doesn't it! woohoo!
You are an inspiration to me!
10.5 wks - have been fighting a stomach bug for over 2 wks now, finally saw the doc on Thursday, and also my acupuncturist who loaded me up with pro-biotics and oregano pills to help my poor system get straightened out. Doc was worried about me a bit and ordered some tests, but at this point, after the herbals have started working, I think I'll skip the tests. Feeling almost normal tonight.
But this has really slowed my PT progress. Just the last 3 days have I felt like working out. So, of course I have over-done it. But not so much that I am really hurting. Some Ice and some tylenol and I'm doing very good. Walking 2x day, spinning on the bike, and ALL the PT they've given me and I am starting to really feel like I'm making some progress and some strength. I even have a little 'definition' in my quad! WooHoo! So while I may not be where I think I should right now, I am making progress!!!!!
Really good, Denise - glad you're seeing the improvements and woohooing! Life's always going to interfere, the important thing is to pick it back up the way you have.
Awesome news about the workout results. Keep up the good work.
~!*~!*~!* 3 MONTHS !~*!~*!~*
Celebrated the 3Month/12week/84day mark with a nice little ride on my Mountain Bike OUTSIDE!!! Yes, the wind in my face, 2 wheels underneath me, real saddle time! I won't lie - I did not ride too far, but it felt GREAT! And my doggie was so happy! She's missed our rides. I chose my flat pedals as I did not want any issues with clipless. I feel Great and have tomorrow off to go ride at my leisure as much as I want wherever I want. Our trails nearby are clear of snow and shouldn't be muddy so maybe I'll trek over there and ride what I can. It's just great to be out. Maybe I'll see a moose.
It's been worth waiting for this day. Didn't want any femur fracture issues if I had any mis-haps and other than trying to to a little bunny hop and slipping a pedal (on the non-op'd side) and the lump on my shin, it's all been Good.
It's true - once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget :P
Happy Healing Hippy-Friends! Hope you are reaching your milestones and feeling better with each one.
I missed this earlier, congrats Denise - nice to see you stepping out.
So, just shy of Week 13 and I went on a "real" mtn bike ride. Boulder County has done some things right and their open space trails are one of them. They looped one area together and I've not ridden it till yesterday. I didn't quite look at the whole map, but I knew where it went and had ridden most of the trail prior to surgery many times. So I venture out on the new section, which is very smooth gravelly path, very gentle climb, and wide. Not many people out and it's a beautiful afternoon. So I ride to the 4 mile point and take a break, stretch, drink some water and enjoy the true freedom of being on my bike and pain free!
The next 4 miles are awesome, too, and now I'm on the sections of the area that I've ridden before. Definitely one section I walk due to many step up rocks and water-bars. It's changed over to nice single track, but again, not much climbing and what there is, is gentle. I am feeling SO GOOD! Cloud cover has helped take some of the heat off me. It was in the 80* range, and the FlatIrons look awesome.
At the 8 mile point I am thinking I'm over 1/2 way so I may as well continue the way I'm going, ride the rest of the single track and then the Looooooonnnngggg downhill back to the truck. The dh is loose and gravely and while I've ridden it many times, I didn't want any accidents so I kept it at 15mph or so. Final tally: 13.5 miles.
I really thought I'd over-done it, for sure. But I iced as soon as I got home, and again before bed and took some tylenol. Today - I feel great - really surprised how good I do feel. I went for a 2.5 mile walk today and that felt good too. WOW - This Hip Resurfacing stuff is da'bomb!!!
Just beautiful. Love to see this kind of experience. Thanks for the report, sounds like a great track.
nice...I can see you grinning from here... :)
That is terrific to hear, and really something for me to look forward to. It's also nice that we are having a "real" spring in the mountains this year.
That is SO COOL!
You've really worked hard and now you get the payoff! I'm so proud of you and happy for you too.
2fer
Approaching Week 19 and WOW - as people have stated, it just keeps getting better.
I hiked Sat and Sun, loose, overgrown trails, some times no trail at all, steep and rocky. The hip felt GREAT! It didn't miss a beat. Uphill and downhill, sidehill and all. I thought about it the whole time and not once did it even make a peep!
Today I did the one thing that drove me to this surgery> I was at the point where I could not throw my leg over my KTM250f. I'm 5'6" and the bike is original height except for the seat is 1" lower. So by all standards, It's tall to get over. Well - I DID IT! ;D And the hip had NO PAIN Whatsoever! The muscles are still a little tight, but 1 yr ago this weekend, I couldn't even do that. I still have 7 more weeks to go before I can/should ride, but just knowing I can throw a leg over the bike has made me so HAPPY! All of my dreams lately have been about riding. As a 47 yr old mom, wife and business woman, riding has been my passion since birth - and it's coming back! YEAH! This, too, has been Worth The Wait!
That's terrific! It is amazing what this surgery can do.
Quote from: WTW15 on May 28, 2012, 09:22:47 PM
Approaching Week 19 and WOW - as people have stated, it just keeps getting better.
I hiked Sat and Sun, loose, overgrown trails, some times no trail at all, steep and rocky. The hip felt GREAT! It didn't miss a beat. Uphill and downhill, sidehill and all. I thought about it the whole time and not once did it even make a peep!
Today I did the one thing that drove me to this surgery> I was at the point where I could not throw my leg over my KTM250f. I'm 5'6" and the bike is original height except for the seat is 1" lower. So by all standards, It's tall to get over. Well - I DID IT! ;D And the hip had NO PAIN Whatsoever! The muscles are still a little tight, but 1 yr ago this weekend, I couldn't even do that. I still have 7 more weeks to go before I can/should ride, but just knowing I can throw a leg over the bike has made me so HAPPY! All of my dreams lately have been about riding. As a 47 yr old mom, wife and business woman, riding has been my passion since birth - and it's coming back! YEAH! This, too, has been Worth The Wait!
NICE !!! That was a huge milestone for me as well. I spent years pushing my bike and then climbing on it like it was a horse lol. Riding it will be the easy part haha. I can't wait for your first couple ride reports. Wish I knew some women out here that ride, my wife (also 47 yr old mom) needs another girl to ride with. Keep us up tp date 8)
Bill - I got all kinds of women-friends that ride and ride well. I'll hook your wife up with them. They are a HOOT and our age :D
Quote from: WTW15 on June 05, 2012, 07:27:25 PM
Bill - I got all kinds of women-friends that ride and ride well. I'll hook your wife up with them. They are a HOOT and our age :D
Sounds like a win win to me 8)
Just sped past week 21 and in doing so was reminded by my body that I am still healing. Bumped up the routine with 2x/day walks and then threw in a Mtn Bike ride and was rewarded with some achy-soreness deep in the muscles all the way down the leg. In that first moment of panic/soreness I wonder - is this my hip joint pain? And as I laid there in bed and did a full body assessment, I was able to rule out the joint pain and relax with knowing it's just the muscles and nerves still healing. Push a little, they push back a little. Took today off from workouts and will give things a chance to calm down. Also iced. Even at 5 months, icing still helps and feels good.
Not that I am counting, but only 34 days till my 6 month check up! Braaaaaap!
20 days till my 6 month check up and the Dr calls to reschedule cuz she's got vacation......WHAT?!!!
Ok, 5 days later, but still, emotionally I was so tied to 7/19. I still have 7/20 off from work and will be taking my first moto ride. Everything feels great, I am riding my mtn bike at 80% of where I was before hip pain. Amazing!
Can't wait to post up after 7/20 - hopefully hubby will take a good photo so I can share it.
Now if Colorado would just stop burning!
Well, Here I am at almost 9 months post-op and feeling pretty darn good.
I can see how we each do this on our own "terms" and thought I'd been doing really well, began to slack off on the exercising and it shows... :( I am trying to get back on it regularly but life can just interfere. I know I know - must make priorities but a lot has gone on to derail me. Now if I can just take these as motivation to get back on the right track I should be good. Ski Season is FAST approaching.
As for my Motorcycle Riding - well - it's been great! I went back and redeemed myself on a trail I had not ridden for 5 yrs. One of the toughest single-track trails in Colorado. This was in celebration of our 25th Wedding Anniversary (a few weeks early as our actual date is 10/10) Hubby told me it was the "Petroleum Products" Anniversary so he bought me new tires, new grips and bought my gas for our trail ride ;D He's a Great Guy!
I've taken 1 hard fall on the moto, of course on the surgical side and was in a small accident on the non-surgical side when I got hit by another rider. Neither have seemed to have affected my hip. I took real close inventory - trust me. No new pains, twitches, spasms, nor any other weirdness. I am glad it was after 8 months that the 2nd incident happened.
I am SO GLAD that I had this surgery. I have recommended it to so many people and have touted my success. Most people can't believe it. Now if I can just get myself boosted back up to the daily exercising - I know it'll be good for my hip, my heart and my overall well being.
Awesome story, And Congrats on 25 Years !!! ( Our 25th was this year as well 8) )
Looking forward to reading some skiing stories this winter. Any pics of the trail ride ?
Great stuff, glad to see everything is holding up.
B.I.L.L. check out my FB page. There are some photos on there. My profile was just updated to one of them. The trail is in Taylor Park, called Timberline. A "Must Do" if you get to TP. I'll meet ya there and ride with ya.