Hi,
debkakes! I've been on my bike a few times and each time feels more comfortable than the last. I understand being nervous, despite the assurances that these new appliances aren't going anywhere, I still feel vulnerable at times. We've (finally) had steady rain for the past 24 hours and just walking on wet sidewalks for the first time since the surgery makes me pause and mind my steps so much more carefully.
My first ride was five miles. It was a goal I picked out of thin air and a shorter ride would have been just fine. My hip was fatigued when I was done, but I was so happy to have gotten back on my bike. I used a steady bike with platform pedals, so even though you say your bike is heavy, it's probably perfect. My road bike is very responsive--and since I feel my reflexes are still a little slow, I'm not ready to try it yet. (By the way, we're kind of bike-obsessed in this house. I have two and my husband keeps a fleet in our basement.) The first ride was very flat. The next ride I wasn't as worried, more comfortable and I took on a few hills. With an electric bike, that should be something you can do without worry once you feel ready to try. I did ten miles earlier this week, mostly flat and with much less fatigue. In fact, after that ride, I was energized. It was a pretty evening, Kent and I had dinner at a cafe in the park--I felt as if I was even closer to having control of my life back.
I still need to practically lay the bike on the ground to mount and dismount. I threw my leg over the seat post the other day and paid for it immediately. I've started daydreaming about getting on my road bike, but it will be awhile and I'll definitely put platform pedals on it for awhile. No toe clips yet!
As a side note, a week or so ago I managed a brilliant move in the office. I paused on the stairs to talk with someone, and ended up standing backward. When we finished, I stepped backward (that was the brilliant part), missed a step and landed hard on my operated leg. My first thought was "Wow, I didn't break!" I've tried to remember that as I do new things--at this point the surgeon, the PT and even the trainer at my gym have reminded me there is nothing I can do to dislocate this hip. One of these days, as others have said, we won't even be thinking about them--or at least not all the time. I still have that "be careful, you have a new hip" tape running in the back of my consciousness and will be glad for the day when I can finally turn it off.
I used my cane again the other day--I was with family who were doing an obstacle course/trail run. Parking and spectator areas had been set up in a mowed field and I used the cane quite a bit. I will echo
Poppet regarding Nordic Walking. Using the pair of NW poles on my morning walks helped me walk straighter--use muscles on both sides as equally as possible--and I think helped me get rid of the cane.
You'll know when you are ready mentally and physically to get back on your bike. Like all the other steps, take it slow at first and build up. Let me know how it goes.
Peace, Linda
Australia
