It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new world... And I'm feeelin' ..... GOOOD!!
Today could not have gone better so far. Slept well, up at 6 AM to allow shower, coffee, eat, prep time since I move so slowly. Took the AM steroid and each day it has cut the pain by considerable, noticeable decibels so that's all very pleasant. Woke up hubby and the cat who are both prone to oversleep. Both were startled and gave me looks to kill since it was still dark. I was not daunted. This is my new dawn, new day. This is my turned corner, my glimmer growth time. This is my ascent day when the road turns upward and I am no longer in patient mode ...but a specimen of healing! This is a good day!
Got to OS office early as planned, hubby whisking all my stuff along for me, my cane, car cushion, purse, hospital folder with papers and notes. Long wait in his office (did I mention my OS is always very very booked??) So I watched everyone coming in, assessing the pre-op from post-op patients and I played a "guess how old their hips are" game to pass the time. I'm getting good at seeing how people move and watching their corresponding joint function.
An attractive woman in a jogging suit came in using same cane as I and walking a touch smoother than I do (I'm on day one of cane walk). Told my hubby, That one, she's about a one month out from surgery. And we got talking...sure enough, had surgery a month ago and other side a few yrs ago. Had to recover this one in a 3 story house, all alone, since her husband passed end of last yr, Parkinson's. Felt so bad for her... A sweet woman with a charming Tennessee accent who I was partially fond of since she remarked when she saw me "---oh, you're too young for hip replacement, what happened?"
I told her about BoneSmart. Maybe she will show up.
Funny, it was the pre-op people coming in with no walker, no cane and who were walking the worst....I could feel their pain with each limping step as they grasped the counters. Almost an hour to get to the back room and have my consult. By this time I've moved into Advil. The place where the Hulk had grabbed (strangled??) the ankle is so swollen & bruised on both sides, my shoe was cutting into the tender swollen part and starting to up the pain.
All was excellent with the OS assistant, (OS not present himself because.... He's very busy...).
But he answered all my questions well and even confirmed my right-handed right-legged theory about why one side might sustain more damage, and be longer to heal, than another. Every kick, twirl, climb, I'd lead off on righty over so many many years.
He basically thought everything was coming along fine, especially considering the dexamethason addition 4-5 days ago and the good progress since. He wants the walking time upped now however, as I've only done 5-8 min walks, since there was such pain until recently. He said every Monday to add 5 more mins to that week's walks and get up to 20-30 min walks and maintain. Muscles will naturally regain strength he said and told me to NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT ROM, muscles or flexibility issues at this stage. Walk, he said. Just walk. Period. Basta.
He said you're only at the start of the very
earliest stage of this healing phase with this new right hip (2 wks) and the left hip remember is also still only at about 1/3 of its way done In its full healing phase... Then he gave it to me straight again.. Like last time.. Don't forget he said, This is the equivalent of having had both your pelvis and thigh bone both broken at the same time... two weeks ago. He stared at me to be sure I'd heard him. Ok ok.
In a case of bad timing I then asked when I might be able to the standing bow and some other favorite yoga poses that I missed doing... 2-3 months!! And then back to the broken bones discussion. Ok ok.
He removed all my steri strips, Yay!!! Rather painlessly and said he was very impressed with how well the skin was healing at the wound, I declined to look and confirm that in a squeam queen moment. Said X-rays look picture perfect and had me strut down the hall, which I'd been practicing at home. I did one way with cane and came back holding cane, walking free form! He said flying colors on the walking test, but need to walk more is all. And see you in 2 yrs.. !!
Told me re the oxy wean off I could cut dosage and pill in half now if it felt right for pain mgmt and supplement with OTC. He however is not a big Tylenol fan, but I think it's become this hospital policy Has trended to be more cautious on the Tylenol due to people overusing and getting into some liver trouble. And on that note, today was the first time, with both hips, I found hairs falling out all over my tshirt! I am again becoming my cat and now shedding... I had begun Tylenol last week to go more med light since the steroid was helping so I don't know if its that or the steroid, but up until now I have had zero hair loss issues.
Now for the very best part of the story!
DH took me to one of our favorite bustling cafes near the beach for a real breakfast / brunch afterwards. The very best food - and the very worst chairs. Lilly tiny kid sized pre-school crayon table metal low-low folding chairs! He ran back to the car for my trusty seat cushion that had to be crammed in sideways to fit in the five yr old sized seat! But breakfast... Was... Heavenly!!!
First of all I'm walking, I'm out in public, it smells good, I'm about to eat my first restaurant meal in 2 long weeks of miserable pain. A warm flaky croissant sandwich stuffed with gooey cheese egg omelette, bacon and some greens. The most perfect latte known to man, woman or beast. A fresh tossed green salad. I was euphoric by the end of it and inhaling each bite. And it's our perfect 72 degree sunny day here to boot.
Honestly, I've had some false starts, I know... But this is it. Today is my turnaround day for sure, and I'm on the upward road to recovery. Feeling so optimistic I decided to retain my work dates and just modify time spent as needed when it comes.
I'm icing now only because the little pre-school chairs were soooo low to the ground! But well worth it. The restaurant is always jam packed so it must be how they can squeeze in more people and tables.
Wishing everyone as good a turnaround as I'm enjoying... nothing feels better than to just know your headed in the right direction and the worst is (hopefully!) and thankfully behind you.
Wow, that was long!!
United States
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, before they could turn things around with the steroids. I am so so thrilled for you 
. Onwards you go....back to health, renewed energy and a even better "normal"! We are so appreciative of normal now!
(Can’t participate here...not a big sports fan) — but quietly lurking in background....
