dianemarie
graduate
Hi Dorothy, Just posted on the pm for you and Cathy. Will catch up with you and post soon.
THR Dorothy's 2nd hip recovery, June 22, 2012
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rider1960
post-grad
Hi, busy times here. I haven't been on the board for a bit. So much happening in my life--some good, some bad.
The good--my hip is improving a lot. I've been walking without my cane for at least a week and I only have stiffness when I first get up after sitting or lying down for a while. Then it works its way out as I move. The most recent hip is definitely weaker, but I know that will come with time. The torn hip flexor has improved a TON and I would say it's about 50 percent healed ... maybe more. I don't aggravate it--no hills, still take steps one at a time, rather than the foot over foot "normal" way. All in all, I feel so much better than even a couple of weeks ago, so I'm happy. I return to work next week--bummer--I was just starting to feel good!!!! Why spoil it with work! lol
The bad news--one of the horses is going blind. He has a disease called insidious equine recurrent uveitis. He doesn't have any obvious eye symptoms or pain. It's a low level chronic inflammation of parts of the eyes that does its dirty work in secret, making him go blind over time. He's adjusting very well, though, so that's a relief. He's completely blind in the right eye and significantly blind in the left. He's on a medication regimen to try to preserve the remaining vision in the left eye, but it's very likely that he will go completely blind in that one too. I discovered the blindness because I was feeling better last week and got him out to do some ground work with him. While doing this, I noticed that he couldn't see any of my cues on the right. The vet came out the next day and confirmed the blindness. I had hoped the left eye was OK, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. The only problem I have with him now is that he is SO attached to my other horse that I can't take her away from him. Horses often adopt another horse as a "seeing eye horse" for them and rely on them heavily. Since I won't be able to ride for a bit longer anyway and winter will be here soon in NY, I'm not overly concerned now. But in the Spring I want to start riding my mare, Babe, a lot. He can't stay back home alone so my plan is to get a miniature horse, small pony, or a donkey as another "seeing eye horse" for him to rely on. I also hope this new addition will be trained to pull a cart so I can have fun with it that way. I hadn't planned to add any new equines this soon, but you do what you have to do. I can't have poor blind Mac scared to death freaking out at home while I go out riding. I've been very busy researching blindness and learning to deal with his special needs. I've never had a blind horse before. He also gets medicine 3 times a day. Busy, busy ...
I need to go out and do morning meds, so I'll have to go. I haven't been able to catch up on threads. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life!
Dorothy
The good--my hip is improving a lot. I've been walking without my cane for at least a week and I only have stiffness when I first get up after sitting or lying down for a while. Then it works its way out as I move. The most recent hip is definitely weaker, but I know that will come with time. The torn hip flexor has improved a TON and I would say it's about 50 percent healed ... maybe more. I don't aggravate it--no hills, still take steps one at a time, rather than the foot over foot "normal" way. All in all, I feel so much better than even a couple of weeks ago, so I'm happy. I return to work next week--bummer--I was just starting to feel good!!!! Why spoil it with work! lol
The bad news--one of the horses is going blind. He has a disease called insidious equine recurrent uveitis. He doesn't have any obvious eye symptoms or pain. It's a low level chronic inflammation of parts of the eyes that does its dirty work in secret, making him go blind over time. He's adjusting very well, though, so that's a relief. He's completely blind in the right eye and significantly blind in the left. He's on a medication regimen to try to preserve the remaining vision in the left eye, but it's very likely that he will go completely blind in that one too. I discovered the blindness because I was feeling better last week and got him out to do some ground work with him. While doing this, I noticed that he couldn't see any of my cues on the right. The vet came out the next day and confirmed the blindness. I had hoped the left eye was OK, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. The only problem I have with him now is that he is SO attached to my other horse that I can't take her away from him. Horses often adopt another horse as a "seeing eye horse" for them and rely on them heavily. Since I won't be able to ride for a bit longer anyway and winter will be here soon in NY, I'm not overly concerned now. But in the Spring I want to start riding my mare, Babe, a lot. He can't stay back home alone so my plan is to get a miniature horse, small pony, or a donkey as another "seeing eye horse" for him to rely on. I also hope this new addition will be trained to pull a cart so I can have fun with it that way. I hadn't planned to add any new equines this soon, but you do what you have to do. I can't have poor blind Mac scared to death freaking out at home while I go out riding. I've been very busy researching blindness and learning to deal with his special needs. I've never had a blind horse before. He also gets medicine 3 times a day. Busy, busy ...
I need to go out and do morning meds, so I'll have to go. I haven't been able to catch up on threads. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life!
Dorothy
bottomshollow
Former BoneSmart staff member
Dorothy, so sorry to hear about Mac. I know just like family and it is difficult to deal with; but you seem on top of the situation and making proper plans for the future for him.
Happy that you are feeling much better and that healing is moving along nicely now. Yeah, too bad going back to work is looming its head to spoil all the fun.
Take care of yourself and keep us posted. We care.
![[Bonesmart.org] Dorothy's 2nd hip recovery, June 22, 2012](https://bonesmart.org/forum/attachments/1hugsmile-gif.4092/ "[Bonesmart.org] Dorothy's 2nd hip recovery, June 22, 2012")
Happy that you are feeling much better and that healing is moving along nicely now. Yeah, too bad going back to work is looming its head to spoil all the fun.
Take care of yourself and keep us posted. We care.
C Mac
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Hi Dorothy,
Your last update on your hip sounds great and how wonderful that you are getting your special IF machine -- is it here yet??? You only use that on your back, correct?
I am so sorry to hear about Mac but glad to know that he'll be getting a seeing eye partner and that your other horse has been being helpful in the meantime. I guess Lucy wouldn't be a suitable assistant for him?? I love the idea of the donkey & cart, that does sound fun
When I read your message a while back about Lucy and her agility practice I wondered if you might be able to find some suitable agility items on-line that you could get for your own property, since you have space? My son used to beg me to purchase some items for our lab to use in our yard back when they did agility together. Now I see that Max is really the one that is much more agile on his feet than blocky Maggie (the lab) and because he needs a "job" those agility items look more appealing....
Hope you are continuing to do well and feel well,
Cardie
Your last update on your hip sounds great and how wonderful that you are getting your special IF machine -- is it here yet??? You only use that on your back, correct?
I am so sorry to hear about Mac but glad to know that he'll be getting a seeing eye partner and that your other horse has been being helpful in the meantime. I guess Lucy wouldn't be a suitable assistant for him?? I love the idea of the donkey & cart, that does sound fun
When I read your message a while back about Lucy and her agility practice I wondered if you might be able to find some suitable agility items on-line that you could get for your own property, since you have space? My son used to beg me to purchase some items for our lab to use in our yard back when they did agility together. Now I see that Max is really the one that is much more agile on his feet than blocky Maggie (the lab) and because he needs a "job" those agility items look more appealing....
Hope you are continuing to do well and feel well,
Cardie
rider1960
post-grad
Hi Judy and Cardie!
Cardie, you are correct--Lucy would NOT be a suitable assistant for blind Mac. In fact, she thinks that all 4 legged creatures should be banished from the face of the earth ... well, except for her, of course! She often looks at all the cats and even Heidi dog with digust, like--"Are you still here??? Darn!" and then she will look to me like "Do something about them! They are ruining everything for us!!" I do believe she would be happiest alone with me (and people in general, no critters) ... but Lucy can't have everything she wants, and I tell her that's just the way life is. She really dislikes the horses but I think for different reasons than the small animals. She wants to herd them and make the "behave." She thinks her way is the only way. She's such a control freak. I really give her a lot of credit, though. I know she would love to literally kill the cats, but she knows they are part of the pack and tolerates them. She did nip one of the cats when he was rubbing on her face, ignoring her growls, and she couldn't take it any longer--but nothing serious and it didn't stop the cat for long--he was right back in her face the next day, much to her dismay.
The IF machine is not here! Ugh! The back clinic has not faxed back the order. I've called them 3 times and the company has faxed 4 times. I'm going to call again today and then just give up and ask my hip surgeon if he will do it, even though it's for my back. I see him on the 17th for a follow up. He and his office staff are much more efficient than the back clinic. I'd go somewhere else for my back, but they are attentive when I'm at my appointments and participate with my insurance. It's just the stuff between visits that they aren't good at. I've been waiting for at least 3 weeks--I get so disgusted with it, but there is little I can do. Even if I go there (which is an hour and a half away), I don't think it would make any difference. The injection I had in the offending SI joint seems to be working well, so my back isn't bothering me that much, thank goodness. I haven't had an IF treatment in a week, since I was discharged from PT. Someday I will have my IF machine ....
Dorothy
Are my animals spoiled??? NOooooooo ... can't be true
Cardie, you are correct--Lucy would NOT be a suitable assistant for blind Mac. In fact, she thinks that all 4 legged creatures should be banished from the face of the earth ... well, except for her, of course!
She often looks at all the cats and even Heidi dog with digust, like--"Are you still here??? Darn!" and then she will look to me like "Do something about them! They are ruining everything for us!!" I do believe she would be happiest alone with me (and people in general, no critters) ... but Lucy can't have everything she wants, and I tell her that's just the way life is. She really dislikes the horses but I think for different reasons than the small animals. She wants to herd them and make the "behave." She thinks her way is the only way. She's such a control freak. I really give her a lot of credit, though. I know she would love to literally kill the cats, but she knows they are part of the pack and tolerates them. She did nip one of the cats when he was rubbing on her face, ignoring her growls, and she couldn't take it any longer--but nothing serious and it didn't stop the cat for long--he was right back in her face the next day, much to her dismay. The IF machine is not here! Ugh! The back clinic has not faxed back the order. I've called them 3 times and the company has faxed 4 times. I'm going to call again today and then just give up and ask my hip surgeon if he will do it, even though it's for my back. I see him on the 17th for a follow up. He and his office staff are much more efficient than the back clinic. I'd go somewhere else for my back, but they are attentive when I'm at my appointments and participate with my insurance. It's just the stuff between visits that they aren't good at. I've been waiting for at least 3 weeks--I get so disgusted with it, but there is little I can do. Even if I go there (which is an hour and a half away), I don't think it would make any difference. The injection I had in the offending SI joint seems to be working well, so my back isn't bothering me that much, thank goodness. I haven't had an IF treatment in a week, since I was discharged from PT. Someday I will have my IF machine ....
Dorothy
Are my animals spoiled??? NOooooooo ... can't be true
dianemarie
graduate
Hi Dorothy, I sent you a PM but I'm not sure how to do it. Please let me know if you got it.
Poppet
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Hi Dorothy
It has been a while since I have caught up with your thread.. So good to hear you sound as though you are turning a corner with recovery. It always amazes me how that seems to happen.. It's almost like the brain says to the body 'hey wake up, you are better now'..
I am so sorry about Mac going blind, difficult, but I love the idea of the 'little helper'. Do horses bond quickly in that situation?.. Have very limited experience with horses.
Yuck! I so sympathise with you going back to work, do take care of your energy levels. Why can't we just win the lottery!...
I am putting out to the universe, that your IF machine arrives very soon...
Great that the injection helped your back.. To me backs are so much harder to cope with than hips..
I guess your weather is cooling down as ours is starting to get a little warmer.. I can't remember if you get snow?
Take care.
It has been a while since I have caught up with your thread.. So good to hear you sound as though you are turning a corner with recovery. It always amazes me how that seems to happen.. It's almost like the brain says to the body 'hey wake up, you are better now'..
I am so sorry about Mac going blind, difficult, but I love the idea of the 'little helper'. Do horses bond quickly in that situation?.. Have very limited experience with horses.
Yuck! I so sympathise with you going back to work, do take care of your energy levels. Why can't we just win the lottery!...
I am putting out to the universe, that your IF machine arrives very soon...
Great that the injection helped your back.. To me backs are so much harder to cope with than hips..
I guess your weather is cooling down as ours is starting to get a little warmer.. I can't remember if you get snow?
Take care.
Suki
senior
Hey Dorothy,
So glad you are feeling better and that pesky flexor is improving.
Very very sorry about Mac. I don't know anything about horses but sounds like you have a good "guide horse" in place and a good plan for bringing another into the fold. Will you be able to ride Mac, either on familiar terrain or with a guide horse in attendance, or will he simply be a friend and companion now? In either case I wish you both well.
Suki
So glad you are feeling better and that pesky flexor is improving.
Very very sorry about Mac. I don't know anything about horses but sounds like you have a good "guide horse" in place and a good plan for bringing another into the fold. Will you be able to ride Mac, either on familiar terrain or with a guide horse in attendance, or will he simply be a friend and companion now? In either case I wish you both well.
Suki
rider1960
post-grad
Hi again! Yes, it is wonderful to finally feel better, although when I look back it really hasn't been THAT bad--just slower than my first because of that darn hip flexor tear and my back getting stirred up. If you saw me walk now, you would barely be able to tell there was anything wrong with me ... well, if you don't count the first few stiff steps. I can't wait to show off for my surgeon at my f/u appointment, lol. I did that at my last PT visit--showed up without my cane, kind of strutted around a bit, and said "Notice anything different?????"
Since my back clinic is unresponsive about the order for the IF machine, I called my primary care physician and left a message asking her to do it. The company rep faxed her the form yesterday. Maybe THAT will go somewhere. I think she will get on it pretty quickly--should have done that before. It's just that my primary doesn't know that much about my back and I don't know how much info is needed for my insurance approval ... well if it doesn't work out that way, I'll hammer on the back clinic some more or even ask my hip surgeon if he will do it.
Thank you for your concern about Mac and his blindness. It has been a real shock and I've never had to deal with this with horses. Horses are naturally more of a flight animal in the "flight or fight" response and a prey animal, so they tend to be pretty reactive about things, especially when they feel vulnerable. Luckily Mac feels comfortable with his surroundings and is handling it very well. The only problem I have with him is his over-dependence on Babe. I can't take her away with her without him going nuts. But, actually, I was thinking last night--"why don't I leave him loose in the pasture and start riding her around there (if my surgeon gives me the OK to start riding when I see him Monday)?" That way he can follow along if he wants, or just graze and keep her in his sight. He doesn't have to stay in his stall back at the barn and have a meltdown because he is away from her. I think this could work!
Suki--yes, horses form very close bonds with each other. In the wild, they are prey animals and rely on staying in herds to stay safe from predators. Even though they are now domesticated, they retain that strong urge to bond with another for protection. And because Mac feels especially "lost"and vulnerable on his own now, the need to be with another is especially strong. Mac may be ridable to a degree; it depends on the terrain and situation. He was never my primary riding horse and I always preferred Babe anyway, but I think Mike will do simple things like riding him just around the pasture with Babe nearby. It will be exciting to look for a little friend for him. It's always fun getting another horse.
Dorothy
Since my back clinic is unresponsive about the order for the IF machine, I called my primary care physician and left a message asking her to do it. The company rep faxed her the form yesterday. Maybe THAT will go somewhere. I think she will get on it pretty quickly--should have done that before. It's just that my primary doesn't know that much about my back and I don't know how much info is needed for my insurance approval ... well if it doesn't work out that way, I'll hammer on the back clinic some more or even ask my hip surgeon if he will do it.
Thank you for your concern about Mac and his blindness. It has been a real shock and I've never had to deal with this with horses. Horses are naturally more of a flight animal in the "flight or fight" response and a prey animal, so they tend to be pretty reactive about things, especially when they feel vulnerable. Luckily Mac feels comfortable with his surroundings and is handling it very well. The only problem I have with him is his over-dependence on Babe. I can't take her away with her without him going nuts. But, actually, I was thinking last night--"why don't I leave him loose in the pasture and start riding her around there (if my surgeon gives me the OK to start riding when I see him Monday)?" That way he can follow along if he wants, or just graze and keep her in his sight. He doesn't have to stay in his stall back at the barn and have a meltdown because he is away from her. I think this could work!
Suki--yes, horses form very close bonds with each other. In the wild, they are prey animals and rely on staying in herds to stay safe from predators. Even though they are now domesticated, they retain that strong urge to bond with another for protection. And because Mac feels especially "lost"and vulnerable on his own now, the need to be with another is especially strong. Mac may be ridable to a degree; it depends on the terrain and situation. He was never my primary riding horse and I always preferred Babe anyway, but I think Mike will do simple things like riding him just around the pasture with Babe nearby. It will be exciting to look for a little friend for him. It's always fun getting another horse.
Dorothy
rider1960
post-grad
I'm afraid that Diane won't be able to make it :-(
Although I'm sad that I won't be seeing dear Diane again, I'm so looking forward to meeting Cathy!
Dorothy
Although I'm sad that I won't be seeing dear Diane again, I'm so looking forward to meeting Cathy!
Dorothy
rider1960
post-grad
Good news!!! I just received a call that the back clinic finally faxed the order to the vendor and I should be receiving my IF machine in a day or two. He is over-nighting it because I've been waiting so long. I thought that was very nice, because it wasn't their problem the back clinic didn't do their part.
I head back to work Wednesday of next week. Bummer--I've started to feel better ... seems such a shame to waste that on work, lol. Seriously, I am very grateful to be feeling as well and moving as well as I am. And, even with the muscle tear complication and the back problem being aggravated after the 2nd replacement ... I would still absolutely, positively do the hip replacements again in a New York minute!!! The joints feel SO good!!! Such a great feeling to have 2 functioning hips joints!
Dorothy
I head back to work Wednesday of next week. Bummer--I've started to feel better ... seems such a shame to waste that on work, lol. Seriously, I am very grateful to be feeling as well and moving as well as I am. And, even with the muscle tear complication and the back problem being aggravated after the 2nd replacement ... I would still absolutely, positively do the hip replacements again in a New York minute!!! The joints feel SO good!!! Such a great feeling to have 2 functioning hips joints!
Dorothy
Poppet
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So pleased for you Dorothy that you are feeling better. Thrilled that you machine is arriving. Not so thrilled for you that you have to go back to work, but we have to pay our bills I guess.
I had an email from Diane, so am aware she is unable to make the group meeting - never mind, next time, I am sure... Have fun with Cathy, I am sure
I had an email from Diane, so am aware she is unable to make the group meeting - never mind, next time, I am sure... Have fun with Cathy, I am sure
Just popping in on the threads to see how folks are doing. So glad to see that it sounds like you are turning the corner. YAY! Two good hips now. Good luck with returning to work.
I am so sorry to hear that Mac is goign blind. You sound like you have a good strategy though for him to follow Babe around.
Keep getting better, my friend.
Hugs
Elle
I am so sorry to hear that Mac is goign blind. You sound like you have a good strategy though for him to follow Babe around.
Keep getting better, my friend.
Hugs
Elle
C Mac
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Hi Dorothy,
I just love this part of your message!! It's as exciting as preparing for a new baby -- well, it is a new baby!! I hope that Lucy adjusts well to the new hoofed friend
probably just one more beast for her to boss around...Good luck at work on Wednesday, I hope it all goes well.
Take care,
Cardie
rider1960
post-grad
I just came in the house after a couple of hours of working on horse fence repairs and adding extra plastic hanger "flags." The flags are for Mac so he can hear them wobble in the breeze and see them as fence markers with his remaining vision. He probably has the fenceline memorized, but I would think that his proprioception may out of whack as he loses the remainder of his vision (which is likely to happen) and I want to help him where I can. While out there working, I happily realized that I could stand and walk all I wanted and the hip joints didn't hurt like they used to The muscles around the hips start to twinge and are still weak, but nothing major. As I sit here in my comfy recliner, I notice that my low back/SI joint is a a bit tender too ... but again, nothing major. That's a HUGE improvement from where I was several weeks ago when I was hobbling around no more than a few hundred feet at a time using a cane. I haven't picked up my cane in at least 2-3 weeks, maybe longer. YIPPPEEEEE!!!
My IF machine is (finally!) due to arrive tomorrow. Then, I'll try to figure out how to use it and go to back to my physical therapist for a lesson if necessary. I can't wait to zap my low back.
I follow up with my surgeon tomorrow. He wanted to see me again 6 weeks after my routine 6 week hip surgery f/u to monitor the hip flexor problem. I think the hip flexor is about 50% healed, but it still bothers me. Oh well, he told me it could take up to 6 months to fully heal, so it seems to be on schedule. I can't wait to show him how well I'm walking, though. Last time he saw me I needed my cane to even walk in the exam room and felt like I was going to fall when he wanted me to try taking a few steps without it. Now, I'm just a little stiff when I first get up, but other than that I walk normally, no cane needed. YIIIPPPEEEEE again!!
Hi Elle--so good to hear from you. Thanks for checking in on me
Yes, Cardie--you are SO right. Lucy will look at a new horse as just one more critter that needs to be bossed around--it's her job and she takes it very seriously. She would love to be an only pet, but I'm afraid she came to the wrong home for that, lol.
I meet Cathy tomorrow!!!
Dorothy
The muscles around the hips start to twinge and are still weak, but nothing major. As I sit here in my comfy recliner, I notice that my low back/SI joint is a a bit tender too ... but again, nothing major. That's a HUGE improvement from where I was several weeks ago when I was hobbling around no more than a few hundred feet at a time using a cane. I haven't picked up my cane in at least 2-3 weeks, maybe longer. YIPPPEEEEE!!!My IF machine is (finally!) due to arrive tomorrow. Then, I'll try to figure out how to use it and go to back to my physical therapist for a lesson if necessary. I can't wait to zap my low back.
I follow up with my surgeon tomorrow. He wanted to see me again 6 weeks after my routine 6 week hip surgery f/u to monitor the hip flexor problem. I think the hip flexor is about 50% healed, but it still bothers me. Oh well, he told me it could take up to 6 months to fully heal, so it seems to be on schedule. I can't wait to show him how well I'm walking, though. Last time he saw me I needed my cane to even walk in the exam room and felt like I was going to fall when he wanted me to try taking a few steps without it. Now, I'm just a little stiff when I first get up, but other than that I walk normally, no cane needed. YIIIPPPEEEEE again!!
Hi Elle--so good to hear from you. Thanks for checking in on me
Yes, Cardie--you are SO right. Lucy will look at a new horse as just one more critter that needs to be bossed around--it's her job and she takes it very seriously. She would love to be an only pet, but I'm afraid she came to the wrong home for that, lol.
I meet Cathy tomorrow!!!
Dorothy
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Hi Dorothy,
What a lovely positive update.. you have finally turned the corner. Your OS will get a surprise when he sees you walk in unaided!
What a great idea for Mac.. if I were a horse, I would like you to be my owner
Have fun with Cathy tomorrow and give her a hug from the down under friend of both of you ((( hugs ))).
What a lovely positive update.. you have finally turned the corner. Your OS will get a surprise when he sees you walk in unaided!
What a great idea for Mac.. if I were a horse, I would like you to be my owner
Have fun with Cathy tomorrow and give her a hug from the down under friend of both of you ((( hugs ))).
rider1960
post-grad
Thanks Sandy. I think I want to be one of my horses too, lol. They have it pretty good.
I had my f/u with my surgeon and he was pleased that I'm considerably better than when he last saw me 6 weeks ago. I expressed concern that I still have quite a bit of pain when I lift the leg, try to do stairs foot over foot the normal way, really anything that requires work of the hip flexors. He reinforced that he has had patients have complications like this and they usually resolve totally within 6 months, so he advised me to keep doing what I'm doing and try to be patient with the healing process. He wants to see me in 3 months and that will be the 6 month mark. If it's not resolved by then, I'm sure he will do something else. He's not one to ignore a concern.
He was kind of funny at the beginning of the visit. I've emailed him a bunch of times with questions or concerns since I started seeing him a little more than a year ago--that's the best way to get a direct response from him, rather than having to go through a nurse. I was particularly nervous about the second surgery and changing hospitals. I think my emails were rather frantic and somewhat demanding. He was very nice and reassuring during this whole process, even though I'm sure I'm one of his more complex/need-to-know-a-lot patients. OK, back on track ... he said that he had expected to receive an email from me between the last visit and the one today and was surprised when he didn't hear from me (with a little grin ...), but he thought no news was good news because he *knew* I would let him know if things weren't coming along. I assured him that I will always let him know when I have a question or concern, lol. I guess he has gotten to know me pretty well!
One of the best highlights of my day was my lunch/visit with Cathy!!! We had a nice chat and she was just as pleasant and nice as she is on the board. So, that makes two nice people I've met from here (met Dianemarie a while ago). Gosh, I'm beginning to think that "nice" is a qualification for being allowed on the board Or,maybe it's just that people who have gone through this process have a great appreciation for life and it shows in their interactions with others. She also gave me a jar of her home canned "dilly beans". They look very yummy and that was so kind of her!!! You may remember she is the canning and preserving Queen on the board
Right now I'm lying in bed resting my back while typing away. The laptop computer has been such a great purchase. I hated to spend the money on an extra unnecessary thing when I was going to be off work for so long, but it's turned out to be pretty necessary to maintain social interactions and keep my general sanity. I still have a hard time sitting in a regular chair to work on my desk top computer. BTW, that reminds me ... I am headed back to work Wednesday. I have a very comfortable office chair, so I'm hoping that will help. I plan to get up and walk around frequently to ward off extra stiffness. It will be OK, but it sure is going to be an adjustment and I expect that I will feel pretty tired for the first couple of weeks. I may even take Monday off because I also have a very busy weekend.
My IF machine arrived today!!! It was waiting on my porch when I arrived home. I had planned to set it up on my own, but there is a book of instructions that I just can't make sense of, so I called the PT office and asked if they could fit me in for a lesson and machine set up tomorrow and they can. I can't wait to get my back zapped again. It's been a while. It helps so much.
A busy day, but things are going to get even busier. I better eat my Wheaties!
Dorothy
I had my f/u with my surgeon and he was pleased that I'm considerably better than when he last saw me 6 weeks ago. I expressed concern that I still have quite a bit of pain when I lift the leg, try to do stairs foot over foot the normal way, really anything that requires work of the hip flexors. He reinforced that he has had patients have complications like this and they usually resolve totally within 6 months, so he advised me to keep doing what I'm doing and try to be patient with the healing process. He wants to see me in 3 months and that will be the 6 month mark. If it's not resolved by then, I'm sure he will do something else. He's not one to ignore a concern.
He was kind of funny at the beginning of the visit. I've emailed him a bunch of times with questions or concerns since I started seeing him a little more than a year ago--that's the best way to get a direct response from him, rather than having to go through a nurse. I was particularly nervous about the second surgery and changing hospitals. I think my emails were rather frantic and somewhat demanding. He was very nice and reassuring during this whole process, even though I'm sure I'm one of his more complex/need-to-know-a-lot patients. OK, back on track ... he said that he had expected to receive an email from me between the last visit and the one today and was surprised when he didn't hear from me (with a little grin ...), but he thought no news was good news because he *knew* I would let him know if things weren't coming along. I assured him that I will always let him know when I have a question or concern, lol. I guess he has gotten to know me pretty well!
One of the best highlights of my day was my lunch/visit with Cathy!!! We had a nice chat and she was just as pleasant and nice as she is on the board. So, that makes two nice people I've met from here (met Dianemarie a while ago). Gosh, I'm beginning to think that "nice" is a qualification for being allowed on the board
Or,maybe it's just that people who have gone through this process have a great appreciation for life and it shows in their interactions with others. She also gave me a jar of her home canned "dilly beans". They look very yummy and that was so kind of her!!! You may remember she is the canning and preserving Queen on the board Right now I'm lying in bed resting my back while typing away. The laptop computer has been such a great purchase. I hated to spend the money on an extra unnecessary thing when I was going to be off work for so long, but it's turned out to be pretty necessary to maintain social interactions and keep my general sanity. I still have a hard time sitting in a regular chair to work on my desk top computer. BTW, that reminds me ... I am headed back to work Wednesday. I have a very comfortable office chair, so I'm hoping that will help. I plan to get up and walk around frequently to ward off extra stiffness. It will be OK, but it sure is going to be an adjustment and I expect that I will feel pretty tired for the first couple of weeks. I may even take Monday off because I also have a very busy weekend.
My IF machine arrived today!!! It was waiting on my porch when I arrived home. I had planned to set it up on my own, but there is a book of instructions that I just can't make sense of, so I called the PT office and asked if they could fit me in for a lesson and machine set up tomorrow and they can. I can't wait to get my back zapped again. It's been a while. It helps so much.
A busy day, but things are going to get even busier. I better eat my Wheaties!
Dorothy
bottomshollow
Former BoneSmart staff member
What a great update and what a fun day for you. You are sounding more and more upbeat and positive about everything.Take it easy Wednesday while at work--just ease into everything. Will be thinking of you and looking for a report. I thoroughly enjoy your posts---informative and interesting.
Great update Dorothy. This has been quite a journey for you. So glad things are finally falling into place. Good luck getting back into the swing of things at work. Please keep us updated!
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