Oh boy! It has been ages since I updated. Not much has changed in my life. I am coming up to the 12 month mark on February 20th that I broke my knee and close to 7 months since my hip replacement. The one year mark seems to loom over me and I fight depression quite often unfortunately. Being off work for a year and all that that entails is a tough one too (my disability insurance pay worker continues to cause me nightmares and I have only had one paycheck since I have been off work - she called me Christmas Eve to tell me she ha approved a cheque like she was some kind of Saint)
I did start going to the pool and do an hour or so of walking, squats & leg swings. There is a warm pool at the bottom of the slide that is about chest deep for me and I quickly figured out I could walk without the aide of a water noodle. I shed a few tears with the joy of that feeling. I can't swim and normally am not a big fan of getting wet but if the pool is sitting around 94f it sure feels nice! The first few times I went my hubby took me from the co-ed change room in a water wheelchair right into the pool and then I used a noodle to keep me upright and prevent drowning
I still use the noodle to cross the shallow bits. Because my condition is now considered "chronic" our medical plan bought me a shiny new walker (bittersweet to qualify but it has made me much safer). I now get myself to the edge of the pool an can walk sideways into the pool using the handrails. Thank you all for your encouragement to try the pool - my leg is slowly building muscle and tone.
They sent me to see another Physiatrist for a 2nd opinion on the pain syndrome which he has firmly ruled out and was about to brush me off when I had a little fit on his head and demanded that he arrange for me to see someone that will help me and not leave me stranded in limbo. He agreed to get another surgical opinion which I am waiting on now. I have a pretty serious/chronic contracture in the knee from such lengthy casting with the knee very slightly bent. My leg will only straighten to 80 degrees and according to my Physio gal unless your leg will straighten 100% even walking with a cane is near impossible because of balance issues. I have tried the cane a few times but can't take a single step without having to grab for safety so still use crutches & walker. He ordered a new form of torture for Physio. We get my leg warmed through, then laying down they put my foot up on a 4" inch bolster and bear their body weight down on the knee. Oxy is my only friend
I also hang a large can of tomatoes in a sling from my knee at home. I have done a bit of research and will be asking this new OS for opinion on the surgical release of the contracture (which the last OS refused to discuss due to poor success rates) and possible casting to force my leg straight, which I am warned is very painful. Neither sound very appealing but compared to never walking again without an aide......
The winter has been a challenge with quite a lot of snow an resulting ice about but I try to get out a few times a week at least to prevent blues brain. Our youngest daughter & her new hubby and youngest son came home to surprise my husband for his 60th birthday last week which was wonderful for me as well. Unfortunately the morning after they all arrived Norwalk virus hit the house which gives a whole new meaning to "family time". We all live through it in time to have a couple of very nice days and meals together.
I do hope you are all keeping well & happy! I am sure you are all looking forward to Spring weather and getting out to enjoy your new hips
I am giving thought to some adult size training wheels for my bike once the weather improves
@beachgal @grnplatebrd @Hoppy Nanny @CanukTriMom @NoraJ @Poppet @muckingabout @MajorHeidi @toohip @Rhonda K
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