Update Week 4 and 1 day: I pretty much said most of it in Jamie's post above, but I'll post it here to maybe make it easier to find/read for future reference...or something.
In the last couple of days I have switched completely to the cane..at least in the house..and at least for now. Not saying I won't pick up the walker again, but for me as explained in earlier posts, my house is small and it just feels easier to get around with the cane at this time. I have nearly tripped several times trying to get the walker through narrow doorways, and as odd as it may sound, I feel almost safer with using the cane in the house.
I saw my PT guy today and he gave me yet more exercises to do. Some of them are so hard! I didn't realize how hard it would be to trust my leg to completely support me. He had me try to stand on my op leg and bring up my good leg. I had to hold on to the walker for dear life! One thing I can say, I'm getting some amazing arm muscles through all of this.
I know. Not funny, but finding the positive here!
After several tries and much encouragement from both PT and standby friend, I finally managed it..with a little help from my arms. Of course I was instantly corrected, in a very nice way, and I promised to practice faithfully until I can hopscotch down the sidewalk...without the cheat factor of arm strength.
I'm also practicing my gait while using the cane. I have to keep reminding myself of the toe/heel or is it heel/toe? Any wonder why I so often get it wrong? :rolleyes: Funny how sometimes I can walk along and have it down pretty good and then other times I'm so completely off I look like a drunken sailor.
I've been sleeping on my non-operated side fairly regularly lately, with a pillow between my knees of course. I'm a side sleeper normally. Unfortunately, the side that was operated on and find it very hard to get comfortable for sleeping. This morning I took the plunge and tried lying on my operated side. I lasted about two minutes. It wasn't bad but did have a measure of discomfort in it and it felt like a 'pulling' sensation so I flipped back to my back.
At four weeks out, I'm wondering what the dislocation percentage is? I'm at a point where while I still have pain..if you count stiffness, soreness, and the occasional ache/burn as pain..(runs from a 1 to about 7 at its worse depending, though not often that high) I often forget my 90 degree precaution. While I don't break it to the point of tying my shoes (I'm reminded quickly that I can't do that just yet), I do tend to lean further than in the beginning after surgery, 'slightly' breaking the rule. I also forget and turn/pivot instead of actually picking my foot up. I gave my PT guy hives today when I did that. Truth is, I have on socks so my foot actually does 'turn' but he seems to think I may do it and not turn so easily causing an issue. Besides it's a bad habit. Have I mentioned my doting Grandmother and my PT's likeness?
Got to love him though. After the rotten experience with the hospital it's a real blessing to have someone who seems to genuinely care about his patients. This is suppose to be the last week he comes for home PT but he's trying to get approved for another couple of weeks of home visits. Suits me fine. I remember having to go to PT when I had my last surgery. Those 3 x a week got old in a hurry even when I'd reached the point of driving myself. And I do still have some balance issues. I feel safe enough in the house, but am a little leery of actually getting out and having to face the world. Chicken me. I know. Get over it!
I'm still using the potty riser as I find it more comfortable. My toilet sits rather low and I'd definitely break the precaution using it without the riser. I do tend to lean forward too far when getting up these days, not to mention turning and twisting to reach for things before I really think about it. I guess it's a good sign that I can do it, but worry sometimes about maybe over doing it and causing a ruckus. I have a dread of dislocating in the shower or on the toilet..and being left in a um, predicament. Sort of like my friend who once caught a virus traveling home in a plane and of all the things she could have prayed for, prayed she wouldn't crash and burn with her head in a toilet. The things we worry about!
Guess I really don't have much of an update. Seems things are going along about the same though feel stronger in my leg each day..or two. I do still have a major time with stamina and energy in general, along with the occasional blues that pop up. Not so much drowsiness/sleepiness though I can't sleep worth a toot. More like doing things and then finding myself needing to sit down and rest. I think that's the depressing part. Wanting to do something and being able somewhat to do it, but running out of energy. Even my PT guy agreed that the energy drain is a bit much but while concerned, didn't really offer any suggestions for improvement. Maybe I'm just lazy...
Speaking of sleep..I did sleep better last night. I was sick most of yesterday and last night. I don't know if it's a stomach virus or the fact that I hadn't taken any meds for nearly 24 hours (too sick to even take them if you get my drift), but also wondered if it were med withdrawals too. I finally was able to take my percocet later this morning and while still somewhat nauseous at least I wasn't hurting. I'm feeling better now, so hoping whatever it was is on its way out.
I still have each and every one of my steri strips....I think there must be hundreds, or they've multiplied when i wasn't looking! How long does it take these things to fall off? Not one is even thinking about letting go its tenacious grasp. I got a peek at my scar this morning. It looks rather rough and scabby. Not infected or anything but thinking I need to put something on it, even tho I was told not to. Vitamin E maybe? Perhaps some paint thinner to loosen up those steri strips..? KIDDIN' Sheesh.
Well. Could have probably done this update in one sentence. Everything about the same only in a stronger fashion. But what's the fun of that?
I'm hoping to get outside later in the week as it warms up. I am so not a cold weather person! For now my hot water is frozen solid as is all faucets but for the bathroom. I left the water dripping but awoke to an icicle in the kitchen. Mother Nature has such a sense of humor. Hoping for no busted pipes in the morrow when things finally begin to thaw out. Everybody on three..cross your fingers! Such are the pleasures of living in the ill-prepared -for- cold-weather south.
Wishing for whatever puts a smile on your face in the days to come! I appreciate all of you, though I may not always say it.
Kay
United Kingdom
I'll re read again, and read until I have it down pat. Thank you for reminding me. I know I must try the groups patience sometimes!
