THR Hzootz has a new hip

[hzootz]

@Me2 I think he did well inside. At least both feet point in the same direction.

 

[Me2]

That - both feet pointing forward - has been one more of the most amazing thing things my mind does jumping jacks over --- I love being able to look at both of my feet walking so straight! Before this surgery, my right foot was angled to the right, and when I was tired it would drag a little. I think only I noticed it but . . . . I remember noticing years ago how my feet were duck-prints in the snow.

Its the celebration of all these little things that makes this time of our life so very special!

 

[hzootz]

Enjoying the small things is one of the reasons I chose the fall for my surgery date. I knew that, since I love the fall, and the beauty here in the Shenandoah Valley, it would motivate me to get out enjoy the day and build slowly on my walking distance and exercise. This has certainly been the case and I look forward to the next day and getting out. I am having stiffness and pain in the incision site area and the area affected by the resorption of the bruising and fluids caused by the trauma of surgery. I know this will slowly resolve as I can see and feel a definite difference day to days. As I finish this I need to go ice. Ice is definitely my friend. Looking forward to Wednesday, staples come out and that will remove more pressure from the incision / implant area.

 

[toohip]

Hi @hzootz - All the stiffness and incision pain is quite normal during recovery at this stage. I felt exactly the same. And yes, once the staple come out, you'll feel better! Glad to hear you are having a smooth recovery.

 

[hzootz]

@toohip Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[Me2]

Our leaves this year have been amazing - as is having this time to enjoy -- I know I decided that I had to have first surgery done before summer, and spring was perfect to begin new life (except for crazies). But, now enjoying the beautiful autumn in Pennsylvania, so restful to just feast my eyes -- and, oh yea, take a little stroll and watch the leaves changing.

I have visit to doctor today, too. I hope the doc and xray confirms that I am really becoming quite attached to my new parts.

 

[hzootz]

@Me2 I have appointment tomorrow with surgeon, Get my staples out (24 of them). Also, further update on return to normal activities (work, drive etc.) Do the staples hurt on removal? Will be 2 weeks post op tomorrow, today is good so far. Stiffness and incisional pain better each day. Aching where swelling is getting reabsorbed. Old story but better each day. Ice is definitely my friend, still. I am extremely pleased to find thru this surgical and post op period that my left hip (the good one) really is a good one! I have not had any pain in it like the pre op arthritic pain in the right hip. Also, maybe just mental ( I am a nut case like my dog) but I perceive the leg difference is resolving some. Only "real" problem this morning. I could only get a sock on the non operative leg operative leg has been naked. If that is my only "real" problem, how I be happier! Everyone enjoy the day Enjoy and perceive the little improvements. Kind of like walking with a 3-4 year old and observing the newness of life experiences for them. The little improvements ARE revisiting our "new" life experiences. take time to recognize and enjoy them. Steve.

 

[hzootz]

Had 2 week post op visit with surgeon yesterday. All staples removed, incision looks great. I am moving around well. He said I can ditch the cane as soon as I forget carrying it. I do take it when I go out of the house just in case I need support or rest. Still on hip restrictions for 3 weeks. Have appt to see him again Dec 1 and will discuss back to work then. He said I could drive in about 1 month (and off pain meds). Probably, back to work part time shortly after the f/u on Dec 1. Can start to chip and putt golf ball soon (3-4 weeks) no full swing for golf until after Jan 1. That is okay since we will be in mid winter and I can slowly get back into shape. Doing well today a little extra pain and stiffness. I overdid it a little on the beautiful day yesterday and being out for the "road trip" to the doc. Take care everyone and continue moving forward.

 

[hzootz]

Last 2 days seems to be a step back. I don't know if I just expect more than I am getting or if everything is normal. I have nothing direct to measure against. I am really stiff and have popping sensations in the operative hip. My knee hurts which didn't before surgery. Been trying to exercise, ice and rest as directed. Been taking a couple of walks a day as I am able. I have seen much progress over the last 22 days, just seems to have hit a wall. Hope someone can give me some advice / encouragement about this. Tomorrow Will be better. Thanks for hearing me rant.

 

[Me2]

Some days are like that -- hopefully, you will also have day like I had today, where after quite a few days of "no progress" "this recovery is taking forever", I suddenly realized hip just gliding so smooth and, oh , I have some energy, some life! Tomorrow will be better!

 

[hzootz]

Thanks @Me2 . I woke up to day feeling much better. Part of my problem is being "near stir crazy". I can get out, walk around enjoy the day, but can't go far. Can't drive yet and I am used to just going and doing. I know this will come with recovery, so I can go and do and do some more. Today is better tomorrow better yet.

 

[Me2]

The "stir crazy" part is something I have a tough time with even though I'm back to "work" 12 hours a day. I was so tired last night after work day and my friend coming over to cut my sons' hair. She is my friend, so I wanted to stick around to chat as I haven't seen her in a while and so needed an adult human to talk to that wasn't a client, lol. My one son was getting hair cut from shoulder length to "normal," and my other son was getting hair cut to go to Marine Corp. Ball -- his first since coming home - so both pretty big events. Then, we went out to dinner and home by 9. Even though I was so tired and ready for bed at the late time of 9 p.m., I just wanted to stay awake

so I can go and do and do some more.

Had a little pity party for me . Yea, we're only 24 days into recovery. I keep reminding myself that I have such a good excuse to be lazy and just rest and enjoy my good books that I have stockpiled but it is getting old. How soon til you have to be ready to get back to real life? Are you not cleared to drive yet? I was so happy my doc said since I wasn't taking any pain meds I could drive as I felt I could physically move leg! I'm not driving much but can if I need to just around on local roads (all 25 mph). I don't even like to shop - usually do most online - but I think I will do walkabout today. I too am feeling a little stir crazy this morning -- I know, I know I did promise myself one more weekend of rest. @beachgal I think I need to borrow your aunt's skillet again

 

[hzootz]

Another good day so far. More range of motion, can dress easier. Still can't get my sock on the operative foot. That is a short term goal. Walking better each day. Still get tuckered out quite easily. Go to bed early, sleep late. Nice to a point but would like to get more stamina. I know that will come with time and healing. Able to cut way down on pain meds! Hope to start driving by the end of the week. Another short term goal. Still waddle some when I walk. This seems to be more protective than forced. I can, when I think about, take a nice normal stride without pain. The only pain now seems to be tight muscles and healing on the interior. Everything tightens up when I sit for a spell but resolves quicker as I take a few steps. I am still amazed how fast our bodies recover from trauma and insult of surgery.

 

[hzootz]

Merry Christmas to all! 70 days since surgery. Doing quite well. Back to work seem to be handling it ok. Still some pain at night but seems to be better each day. Everyone have a Great New Year!!

 

[Jaycey]

Merry Christmas @hzootz ! Glad things are going well for you. Thanks for checking in!

 

[skigirl]

don't do too much celebrating on New Year's Eve!!!

 

[Me2]

Merry Christmas @hzootz , my hip buddy! :tree lights:

Funny, I was just thinking about not knowing to the very minute how long it had been since surgery when I was "pinged" that you posted. Great minds think alike. When I opened it and saw the 70 days, well, it brought a great warm fuzzy to my heart!

My hip is still doing fabulous -- wish my back would go back to doing so, too! So good to hear from you! Enjoy life!

:reindeerlights:
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Aw, @skigirl , how can those of us with new bionics not celebrate "too much" everyday let alone New Year's? For me, it will have been a year that I made the BIG decision that I had to do something!