Fractured Neck of Femur/Pinning Hip Pinning after ski accident

[Klassy]

Ouch, at $100 a session I would definitely be cancelling future sessions! If you have an exercise program to follow, do you actually need to see the therapist? And if the exercises hurt, I would agree with you, don’t do them.

Stair climbing was the last thing to improve for me after Hip 1. I have had a rummage through my thread from Hip 1 and here are a couple of entries which can really be summed up by what Mojo said: That old thing of Time and Patience.

Day 122 [for comparison, Snoopy, you are at Day 140 or nearly 5 months]. I walked down our steep stairs at home with alternating feet! Because I forgot I couldn’t. I went back upstairs and down again, to make sure it wasn’t a fluke.
But while it is great to see measurable progress, it doesn’t indicate that stair climbing is back to normal. Going up, it feels like step on right, heave myself upwards on left, step heave, step heave... At the end of an active day my left leg is too tired to play so I revert to toddler style.

Then there was a setback and the knee was worse for the next few months…

7 month update. Left hip is good. I still get a bit of that clicking sensation on occasion, but it isn’t particularly bothersome.

Left knee is fine for level walking. In this aspect I’m back to the standard of several years ago, before the OA pain started. So just in that regard, the op has paid off. I don’t think I am quite there yet with walking up or particularly down hill.

The left knee is still not doing stairs. I can alternate feet going up, if stairs are not too steep and there is a handrail. It is still strictly toddler style going downstairs. The right knee grumbles about the workload sometimes. I have had knee problems for 30 years so this may be nothing to do with the hip, but it is a limiting factor. I must admit to be very intermittent in doing my prescribed knee exercises - I need to make more effort.

That was almost my last post until Hip 2, so obviously I was out living life and therefore my legs were doing pretty well. But from memory, my knee continued to hurt and stairs continued to be toddler style going down. Any type of exercise, other than level walking, made it worse. Eventually I accepted that and stopped all the exercises. And at about 14 months, all by itself, the knee stopped hurtiing. Then I had a glorious year or so before the right hip OA began, and now I have the whole process repeating.

It was very hard for me to believe that making an effort to do the exercises wasn’t the answer. But for me, that was how it turned out.

 

[Layla]

Hi Snoopy,
Thanks for sharing the update on your progress. It sounds like you’re doing well.

I have had some flare ups in the past few sessions as we have been putting more and more pressure on the muscles and my soft tissues are still not completely healed so I end up feeling sore and uncomfortable the day after PT which ruins the next few days

If you’re feeling sore and struggling with discomfort for days afterward, you may be doing too much, or pushing too hard. Regular walks, ascending and descending thirteen stairs at least six times daily and engaging in the activities of daily living seem like enough at this point. Your beach getaway sounds lovely, but please keep in mind that beach sand provides an unpredictable and uneven walking surface. This can place increased stress / strain and loading on your joints. Walking in the softer sand requires increased energy expenditure, forcing you to work harder, compared to walking on an even, firm surface. The foot will sink slightly into the sand. This will provide the least amount of stability, which forces you to use muscles throughout your legs more. I certainly hope you enjoy this well deserved vacation, but please don’t overdo.
Stay safe and have fun!

 

[myglasshalffull]

Enjoy your beach time, I'm still doing stairs baby style, my PT at hospital said good side going up (like going to heaven) and surgery side coming down (like going to hell)!
Although my brain sometimes wants to do them normal.

 

[Zoebichon]

I think once you learn the proper technique for PT hip exercises, you can easily do them at home and save yourself all that money.

I was sent to PT 7 years ago for my hip pain, which was not yet severe enough for intervention. I only had to go three times, and each time I was given a print out of progressively more difficult exercises. I did them Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 7 years. As I got stronger, I added a 2 1/2 lb ankle weight, three second holds and forty repetitions. I admit to enjoying mindless, repetitive exercises!

So there’s no reason why you can’t decide how many, if any, exercises you need.

 

[CoffeandCrafts]

Enjoyed reading your update! I would love to be able to even consider walking a mile right now so I am delighted to hear you are walking 1-2! I know it’s been a long road for you but it does sound like you are on the right one. How lovely that you’ll be able to visit the ocean. Say hello to it for me! You are such an encouragement. You are very much appreciated. Hoping it’s all progress from here! Please keep us posted. ☺️

 

[Snoopy55]

Thanks everyone!

I really appreciate all the feedback. Just today I did a morning walk and I am about to do an afternoon one once it cools down a bit. I also started lifting weights to work on some upper body strength. I am so relieved that many of you did or are still doing stairs the toddler way! I thought once again that I am behind the curve. When am I actually going to believe this recovery is different for everyone I don't know!! It just feels great when all you are doing is walking and at the end of the day or the next day you aren't sore or in pain. So refreshing! And you didn't pay $100 haha!

I am definitely not planning on walking on the beach by any means. I will set myself up to the farthest place from the actual water and closest to the entrance so I don't have to walk on soft sand. I like walking around our community at the beach. It is a golfing community and has good sidewalks. My dog and I loved doing the walks around the community together. I am just happy that he also got a chance to go to the beach one last time in May with my husband while I stayed home due to my hip. He was totally fine then and got to sniff as much as he wanted. It will be tough the first few days being without him but like everything else in life I know I will get used to it.

I hope everyone is enjoying this long weekend and I will post an update from there. Lots of hugs to you all.

 

[Snoopy55]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to post an update about being at the beach since Monday. I am doing pretty well and have walked almost 8 thousand steps daily. Most of it OFF the beach. We had some house guests so we walked and talked. I did ice when I got home and did take A Mobic at night but I could’ve gotten away with a couple of Advil. I think just the little walking to my chair on the beach did it to be honest.

Decided to transfer my remaining PT slots to my husband for the next few weeks as I am feeling so well I just don’t feel I need anymore PT and his shoulder is bothering him a bit. Actually it was bothering him the day we went skiing and he said he’d rather not and I insisted and look what happened!,

Anywaaaay onwards I go! I know some of you are still struggling with pain and discomfort and I am so sorry for that but at least you got a new hip to show for it! That said I am still very thankful that I can now walk without pain and I cherish my health more than anything. I wish all of you to be pain free very very soon. Rest as much as possible and really remember PT is not the magic pill. If it causes you more pain just skip it. Hugs to all.

 

[Boofit]

Hi @Snoopy55 It is SO GOOD to read your update. 8000 steps! WOW! That is something I look forward to being able to do....

Thanks for sharing your progress and do continue to keep well!

Hugs from Hong Kong

 

[myglasshalffull]

Hi Snoopy,
So happy to read your update, just this week I've been able to come up the stairs big girl style!
It's been awesome having you as my partner in recovery seeing we had our surgeries fairly close together. Yesterday was a great day for me, dog kennel in AM and the woman who runs it commented on how good I'm walking and my good posture, then off to breakfast with a friend, stopped at my son's to drop off a few things. Came home and relaxed and watched a couple of shows then my GF called and we decided to go to Applebee's for apps and drinks.
My 5 month anniversary is fast approaching, hard to believe and I'll also add to your encouraging words for those just starting this journey...it is a journey, it's not the super highway as much as we would like to recover sooner than later.
All my best to you.

 

[Mojo333]

Great to hear your update @Snoopy55
Walking without pain makes one Sooo Grateful.
Great words of wisdom from two new hippies, @myglasshalffull
It keeps getting better and better.

 

[Snoopy55]

Thanks for sharing your progress and do continue to keep well!

Hi @Boofit and thank you for your kind words! I am definitely feeling much better these days and just came back from a walk and coffee with a friend. We did about 5000 steps today because I think I had been pushing it a bit these last few days and the car ride back from the beach was a bit uncomfortable to be honest. I did have to take a muscle relaxant last night as I think I may have lifted too many weights working my upper body and I felt like my hip didn't really like that. Thanks for the hugs from Hong Kong and I am sending them right back at you!

 

[Snoopy55]

It's been awesome having you as my partner in recovery seeing we had our surgeries fairly close together.

It has been awesome for me too! Its been great to see how well you are doing and just envisioning your trips to the dog kennel getting lots of licks and kisses from those doggies makes my day! Are you able to walk the dogs yet? I so wish I could get another dog but I am still mourning and don't want to just get another one for the sake of having a dog around. I don't think I will go with a puppy again even though cooper was a rescue we got him as a puppy for the kids. I don't think I can handle a puppy with my hip and I would like a dog who is already potty trained and walks well on a leash.
Anyway...I think today is my 5 month if I am not mistaken! Happy anniversary to me lol!!

 

[Snoopy55]

Walking without pain makes one Sooo Grateful.

Yes indeed! Just being healthy and pain free. One should never take ones health for granted!

 

[myglasshalffull]

Don't rush into getting another dog, the right one will come along when you are ready and can walk steady, definitely don't need dog pulling you.
I have not walked dogs just yet, I think soon I will be able to handle the calmer ones. The issue is even the calm ones if they see a rabbit or squirrel while walking they pull so I want to be sure I can handle that.
It is your 5 month anniversary today...Happy Day!
Stay well my friend.

 

[Snoopy55]

Hello friends!

Had my appointment with my OS (Dr. Handsome). He came in after keeping me waiting for over an hour. Needless to say I was pretty peeved because I kept wondering if my meter had run out. I was taken to get x-rayed and still had to wait for another half hour. He finally came in and I said "Well I thought you forgot about me!" and he said yeah sorry. Ok fine. I did take a minute to take in the fact that he was wearing a nice suit and Gucci loafers and I commented that I liked his shoes. Which I think he appreciated My other OS always had scrubs on and looked like he had just rolled out of bed. Not a good look for a doctor.

Annywaaay he said the fracture is actually all healed. Not almost healed but completely healed. Xray looks good. He said "but your hip joint is very very stiff". I said really? I mean I walk between 5-7000 steps a day which is roughly two miles a day. He said I would rather you start biking rather than trying to rack up the steps which is still impact.That's why you get sore at night. Its the joint. I said well I don't have a stationary bike just a regular one and he said that's ok. Start with the seat at the lowest and then raise the seat to get more range of motion. I was like well I am a little worried I may fall off?? No no you won't he said. We want this hip to have the same range of motion as the other one.. Yeah I said but I didn't break this hip!! Then he says "why don't you get a trainer?" What the heck? You're the one with the Gucci loafers not meI hate trainers anyway. Almost as much as I hate PT. $$$ for no reason.

At this point the suit and the shoes weren't cutting it anymore so I said can I just swim? Yes! That's a great idea. Go to the pool and jog in the pool and do the cycling motion. And pull in your knee to your chest several times a day-even if it hurts. We need that joint stiffness to go away. And make an appointment for two months from now.

All in all a little frustrating of a visit as I thought I was going to get good marks for walking all these steps. Now I have to get the joint to stop being stiff. What do my friends at Bone Smart think? All comments and suggestions welcome! Big hugs to all. PS. I managed to put my picture up. I guess I'm not as untechi as I thought hah!

 

[Boofit]

Nice Pic!!! @Snoopy55

 

[Jamie]

@Snoopy55 .... if you're going to try pool exercises, that's a good thing. They are easy on your body and can work quite well to improve flexibility and range of motion. One that works for a lot of our BoneSmarties is to put a pool noodle between your legs to keep you afloat and then move your legs like you're on a bicycle. Be sure to start slow at first. Five minutes would be fine for the first time. Gradually increase the amount of time for the exercise by no more than 5 minutes. Allow yourself a day of rest between each session in the pool.

Another thing you can do in the pool (as your surgeon suggested) is to "jog" in the shallow end. Start slowly with this just like the cycling.

Just walking the the shallow end is good as well. The water definitely makes you feel more comfortable, so it's easy to overdo pool exercises. Be cautious....

 

[myglasshalffull]

Great pic Snoopy!
We both went to OS yesterday, LOL!
The hip has healed as well, the fracture that had remained after my initial surgery joined onto the new bone growth and all is well! (She said medical term for it but can't remember it). She said I dodge a bullet not needing more surgery. No need to return for a year unless issue arises.
Like you I've been only walking although I do get into my son's pool here and there.
Just this AM was thinking of going to Y here in town to use pool couple days a week to just walk around in the water, does a world of good. My son's pool is salt water so it's like taking a giant Epsom bath!! LOL!
Good luck with everything and stay in touch.

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @Snoopy55
I think you are doing great and yea... there is often a disconnect with the Gucci folk and advice...
"Go to a spa, have your masseuse come a few times a week, ask your Chef to prepare interesting healthy meals..."

And pull in your knee to your chest several times a day-even if it hurts. We need that joint stiffness to go away

I don't like this advice AT ALL.
Tightness at this stage is common and we can improve on our range of motion gently and incrementally.
Please don't do this.

Hope the rest of your week is Sweet

 

[Layla]

Pretty avatar pic! It's always nice to put a name with a face.
It looks like you received some good advice from, Jamie.

I am always amazed at how physicians barely apologize for making their patients wait for excessive amounts of time, like we don't have lives and schedules also. It seems rather common, but nonetheless disrespectful.

For what it's worth you seem to be doing well. Hopefully with more time and some regular exercising in the pool your ROM will improve. I agree with, Mojo, and I would not force anything, like knee to chest, allowing it to occur with ease when you're further down Recovery Rd.
Thanks for the update. A great day to you!
@Snoopy55