Five week Hip Revision report:
This is for those of you who are following recovery threads, and just curious to know what happens over time. I'm trying to think of things that are relevant and am trying to paint a picture of my "story." For those new, just follow this thread back to the beginning for my post-opp story. I have two other threads before Jan. 14 (surgery date) to answer your questions of how I got here. Just do a search of @
ARHip and go to the beginning.
I suspect I have a rather normal recovery for someone my age, maybe a little on quick side. But I'm 52 and have been rather active. Not an athlete, but active. I'm thinking "normal" due to the fact that my short-term disability automatically chose to give me 8 weeks off (with extensions allowed). But then, my surgeon gave the outside time of three months.
I made the decision this week to return to work at 7 weeks, not 6, as I originally planned (10 years ago, I took 4 weeks off - hey, I am male, somewhat stubborn and I was only 42). Today, I just don't feel my hip is strong enough to return to work next week. This last week I walked 1mile 2x a day (about 20 min/mi) ever other day. This has helped the stability of my hip. Still on occasion I feel a little of the clunking feeling, but not nearly as much. I have my cane with me when walking, but not using it.
Why wait another week and the need for strength? I do a LOT of driving seeing patients in their homes. I am also in nursing homes and to communicate to patients I'm kneeling on the floor to be at their level. That is a lot of in and out the car and up and downs from the floor. My leg needs to be strong and hip secure.
Energy level is better, but if I have had a day of moving a lot, I'm really tired by sundown. I hope that the extra week will help.
Hip is sore, especially after walking, but I'm taking less and less OTC. Top pain level at 3, maybe a moment of 4 when I take a hard step or something. Usually just a slight ache when walking around house or sitting. Maybe a 2 while walking my mile. Last Hydrocodone was 9 days ago. At night I'm able to sleep on non-operated side with pillow between legs. I can role to operated side, but it is just not comfortable. I began driving again 4 days ago. No problems at all.
I began preaching again on Feb 9 at church. This is a part-time ministry, along side the full-time chaplaincy which I'll return to on March 3. (Morning and evening service on Sundays and Wednesday nights). Feb. 9 was really tough. Last Wednesday was good. This past Sunday was MUCH better. My mind was sharper and had much better delivery. Was tired by the end of the day, but not like the week before. I think the congregation noticed the difference. I certainly did.
I'll let you know next week what six weeks is like.