Hello fellow Bone Smart buddies,
I know it's been a while since I've popped in and an update is long overdue. Next week - April 19th - I will be 10 months Post op. I had my surgery on June 19th, 2017. My life the past while has been quite stressful in the personal areas for quite some time now and finally seem to be coming around some. First off I was so sick - twice.......... A cold/flu thing that took a long time to recover and I missed some work. Then my Mom got really ill just a few days before Xmas so I was running to do the rest of the Xmas prep for her and mine at the same time. Plus I cooked a big meal on Xmas day. My husband was going through something at the time and pretty much locked himself in his shop and I never seen him for 3 weeks. Long story I won't get into here. Then I had a relapse just after Xmas myself and ended up sick again; my Mom was weak but was recovering at that time. Then I started an acting assignment at work that actually just ended last week and I'm now back doing my normal job but it's year end so lots to get done by Wednesday noon when it's cut off. Back to my Mom, in January she became very ill and was admitted to the hospital with bacterial pheumonia. We weren't sure if she'd recover and was in hospital for 10 days. I stayed with my Dad in between trying to go into work and go back and forth to the hospital - which is 40 kilometers away. Finally Mom was well enough to come home but is on oxygen and was so weak and sick yet. Dad has been wonderful and has been doing the laundry, vacuuming etc.... She's been doing more the last while now and seems to be recovering. She goes for a review at the end of April to see if the oxygen can be removed from the home or not. I haven't had time to review any of the posts but will be spending some time shortly to see what's been going on and if I can be helpful to anyone with similar issues I've had in my recovery.
Now for an update on my recovery: When i sit for any length of time I stiffen up and kind of limp a bit when I get up to move. Same in the morning, I will limp a bit. When I seen my orthopeadic surgeon in January; he said I might limp yet for a while and to not be too concerned. He said walking more is a must. Well, we've had so much snow out here that it's next to impossible to walk outside quite yet; maybe in a couple weeks; we just had yet another dump of snow. And more to come on Thursday again; ugh. And living a ways from town I'm not able to go to a mall to walk around either; it's too much after working 10 hours too. Soon, spring will be here and I'm hoping to get in a regular walk routine. I do manage to get between 4 and 6000 steps in a normal day around the house or work. And more if I'm out and about getting groceries or shopping etc. My doctor also said to do 1 exercise specifically as well and that is to stand tall and straight and move my leg out and hold and then back in. Do, this he said til my leg gets tired. So, I can do around 20 of these and then that's enough. I do not have any pain; sometimes to touch if I've over done things. I can dance which is awesome. I can also finally put on my socks; that is a big milestone for me. That happened at about 8 months out. I'm still not able to tie shoes yet, my doctor said it could take a while yet and not to be discouraged and it will happen. I was told that my surgery was very complex and a revision surgery would be very tricky to perform. This was due to severe hip dysplasia I guess. So, I'm hoping that when or if I ever have to have a revision that technology will be even more advanced. My new hip is titanium with a ceramic cup; I never thought to ask that before and wasn't told. I got rid of all my aids now; the last to go was my sock aid. I still use a long handled shoe horn to slip my shoes on or boots. I was told that no running for me; it will wear my hip out fast. I never really cared for running; I love to walk outdoors though. I could run if I had to though; you know if I was being chased - though I'd be caught I'm sure; hehe.
Anyways, I hope everyone is doing awesome. I will come by more often. I wish you all well. Cheryl