one week post op-- the bandage comes off today, and I will be interested to see the incision. Looks like it will not be too obtrusive when wearing a swimsuit, at least based on where the bandage is (lucky for guys who do not have this concern
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The past two days I have actually felt mostly normal (unless I try to move my leg...) I can actually think and am interested in doing something other than watching TV or looking at Facebook! Of course, now that I am ready to work from home, things in the office are really slowing down, I can tell! I've saved up a few projects for next week, though, so will be good to get on them.
I am able to control the pain on tylenol now. The only unfortunate thing about this that I can see is that the narcotics were really helping with sleep, and now that I am not taking them, and not doing much activity, I find it hard to get to sleep (not to mention the fact that sleeping on my back is not entirely comfortable, and the incision occasionally itches like crazy...) But I did manage to sleep 6 hours or so last night, so not bad all things considered
Stiffness and pain in my muscles is noticeably less by the day ... although any lateral movement of my leg still results in a significant ache. (I know you aren't supposed to cross the midline, but lateral movement to the outside is also painful!)
I have not lost my appetite during this whole event, and friends have been very gracious with food and holiday goodies -- so I am quite anxious to get back to something other than heel slides and foot pumps ... but I am rereading the material from Dr Gross that says DO NOT OVERDO IT ... so I will attempt to follow instructions and try to control my appetite in the meantime!
Yesterday I took my first outing -- a trip to Costco -- we were gone about 2.5 hours. I used one of the driving carts at Costco -- was mostly impressed I didn't run over anyone. We grabbed some lunch after, and by the time we were headed home I could tell my leg was swelling and I was getting a little woozy. Back on the ice, and this morning it's down to it's normal size, almost.
Although Dr Gross says you can drive as soon as you are not taking narcotics, I am not sure that I feel comfortable enough to do that quite yet ... maybe next week? It's still a hassle to get in/out of a car, too ...
I will continue to post here, as I found other Hip Stories quite valuable as I was preparing, and even now just to look back and see where people were in their recovery at this point. Hope everyone has a lovely holiday!