6 Week Post Op Anniversary

[gibbcutter]

First steps in the morning are difficult but mobility improves as I move around.  Without Tylenol I will walk with a limp.  Progress is slow but I am slowly progressing.  I am very diligent doing my excercises and 3 days a week I ride a bike.

I am looking forward to painless movement, limp free walking, and no need to take pain meds.

[hernanu]

Congrats, the first steps will be an issue for a while, I found keeping hydrated and not launching into it sometimes helps.

I do the Sponge Bob Square Pants around town stretch (as I demonstrated to my daughters - 21 and 18 to their eternal dismay) - stand up and do a slow circle with your hips. This cut down on the initial step problems, and also got me used to standing.

[Lopsided]

Startup stiffness can last a few months, but definitely does go.

If you still have a limp, for the time being use a stick, or at least carry one with you. Better to rely temporarily on a stick than medication.

D.

[ScubaDuck]

Gibb -

Are you riding a bike outside already?  Or are you referring to a stationary bike?  I plan on using the spinning cycles at my gym for awhile before considering getting out on the roads.

I look forward to walking unassisted more than just a few steps around the house.  I plan on carrying a cane for awhile after the crutches so that I don't develop bad habits.

Dan

[gibbcutter]

Gibb -

Are you riding a bike outside already?  Or are you referring to a stationary bike?  I plan on using the spinning cycles at my gym for awhile before considering getting out on the roads.
Dan

Doing both....I have a quality recumbent bike and a mountain bike.  When riding outside, I stay on flat roads and don't push it.

[Luann]

Hang in there, Gibb, it will just keep getting better(HR 6/02/10). Not to worry about a little stiffness, mine lasted into the winter months (though very mild) off and on. A little NSAID here and there is very helpful. I did the recumbant bike, also.
 Congrats on the milestone. Lop is right, use a cane if needed (I liked the one with "legs" as I could let go of it and not have to lean it against something! )    Lu