I have now undergone my 6 week review with both the Physio and OS.
The physio assessment consisted of various exercises, strength tests, walking with and without crutches etc. Thankfully, all went well and resulted in my being released from further regularly scheduled physio sessions. I should now only need further physio assistance if the ongoing recovery develops related mobility or joint/soft tissue issues. I have been released from using crutches when at home and I’m down to one crutch when outside the house for at least another week or two. This is for both stability (if required) and to act as a sign to other pavement users.
However, this “release” from the scheduled physio sessions is a double edged sword, given the physio has now doubled my daily home exercise regime targets right up until I hit the 6 month post-op mark. Every silver lining and all that…
In the OS consultation, the major check was prosthetic placement/alignment verified via X-Ray. Whilst it’s still too early to confirm the extent of bone growth knitting with the prosthetic, the X-Rays confirmed that the prosthetic had not “sunk” into the femur, is a good fit and has remained in the designated position etc. Phew! The OS also confirmed that he is in agreement with the physio and happy for me to start reducing my reliance on crutches as I feel comfortable to do so (no rush, I may also invest in a folding walking stick for contingency).
Excitingly, for me at least after this period of semi-incarceration, the OS confirmed he is happy for me to resume driving, predicated on my being able to competently perform an emergency stop using my operated right leg.
Disappointingly, my other half has declined to be the errant jay walking pedestrian “target” on whom I can test my ability to stop the vehicle pre-collision. This is despite the car having an automatic “intelligent emergency braking” feature, it seems she just has a complete lack of trust in both myself and the technology!
Suppose I should say that I commenced a phased return to work last week, reduced hours working from home. I may attempt to visit the office a couple of times next week for a change of scene and social interaction.
Other observations, I can now go to sleep on either side but may wake up later with the operated side aching a bit (nothing bad, just an annoyance). I will also need to learn to walk properly again, to try and eradicate the limp my brain/body defaulted to whilst living for years with the arthritis.
United States
