Long Car Ride = Swelling

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Just shy of 5 months since surgery.

No adverse issues since a bout with a tight IT band at about week 5. Everything has been getting better up until today.

Symptom: Swollen ankel and foot on operated side and stiff hip.

Suspected Cause: Driving 7+ hours today with only a few short stops along the way.

I'm in a motel somewhere near Boise, Idaho with my leg propted up.

I drove long distances often prior to surgery, and even though I'd avoided it up until now, I thought I was far enough along it wouldn't be a bother; apparently I was wrong.
 
Mudpro
Glad you are safely in a motel, could be stuck in the mud somewhere!!!! Feel better soon
judy
 
MudPro....so sorry to hear you are suffering after the long drive. I think you have it right that it was just a bit much for you all at once. Of course, it would be better if you could work up to such a trip....or stop and stretch every hour or so. Make use of that ice machine and little plastic bag in the ice bucket to ice down that elevated ankle and foot....that should help. And maybe pop an Aleve every 12 hours for a day or so until the swelling goes down. It will get better! And now you have a great excuse for Room Service!!
 
Hi Mudpro,

I'm about a month ahead of you and I can tell you my leg would do the same after such a long journey. I have done about 3 hours to Sydney in one go and it was stiff and swollen just a little when I got there, I haven't attempted anything longer as yet.

Hopefully it will be back to normal after a night's sleep and TLC.

Good luck with it.
 
Mud! So sorry about your swelling! My doctor
STILL wants me to make frequent stops whenever we do our long haul to Florida.....and other trips of course! What Jamie advised is totally spot on! How are you feeling today? Take some aspirinn maybe just caa your OS (I know you're out of town and that really sucks) for reassurance! Its a hiccupn NOT a sett back
 
Thanks guys, no one else would understand this like you can.

I'm better this morning, still some minor swelling though. Going to stay in the area an extra day before heading out again. I'm also going to make use of the hotel pool and workout room, see if I can workout some of the stiffness that is still there this morning.
 
Mud.....may I make 2 more suggestions.......drink a lot of water today to flush out your system, and try not to eat much of anything salty.......feel better.....leg up! :)
 
This thread convinces me I should send my husband alone to pick up our two college sons. The trip would be 7 weeks post surgery. It is a 4-1/2 hour drive one way. I'm very long-legged so most cars do not have enough leg room for me to sit comfortably even under ideal health conditions. Besides, they will need the extra room for all their stuff! I can plan a nice dinner for when they arrive home. Can't wait to see them and take some loooong pain-free walks and/or bicycle tours with them at the nearby Mohonk Preserve, our favorite family destination. See link below for some pics.
Gail

https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/
 
Gail! You're probably sooooo excited your boys are coming home! (Get the washing machine and dryer ready!). 0Of course we're all different, as our OS's. But as long as you get out to stretch once an hour you should be fine! I drove down to Florida, sharing the driving w my hubby)did my stretching as promised, and I was fine! :)
 
Going to take advantage of a down day and treat myself to a 90 min massage at this place:

https://www.boisemassage.com/

See ya on the other side, I should be nice and mellow... ;-)
 
Hi all, The NY preserve and massage option sure sound great on a rainy NJ day (for the 3rd day).

Mudpro, your experience at 5 months reminded me of a small "adjustment" I had around 6 months. I didn't have swelling but just when I was back full steam to my workouts/walking up hills, etc, I experienced some additional aching in my operated leg in thigh area and when I lifted my leg straight up. All went away but was surprised that at that point, I was still experiencing after effects. Now even at over 8 months I find that I continue to get stronger and my walking is becoming more even. As Josephine said, we are still in the recovery phase up to over 1 yr out.

Take care and have a great "down" day. Tomorrow is sure to be better.
Laurie
 
0oh....lucky you, Mud! Hot stones are my personal fave! :)
 
Mudpro.....you're sooooo smart! The rest and pampering will help. Great plan!!

Gail, I think your idea is an excellent compromise, given the situation. You will be well rested and comfortable to enjoy your boys when they get home, they will all get some "guy" time, and the travelers will be so happy to have a wonderful home-cooked welcome home meal. Sounds like a winner all the way around. Good thinkin'!!!

I love that you guys are putting yourselves FIRST!
 
I'm glad that the swelling is better!! Can't add much that hasn't been said. NSAID's are your friend and getting out of the car more can't hurt. Where in the Boise area are you? Why were you traveling? All of my best wishes are with you.
 
I'm glad that the swelling is better!! Can't add much that hasn't been said. NSAID's are your friend and getting out of the car more can't hurt. Where in the Boise area are you? Why were you traveling? All of my best wishes are with you.
I'm staying in Meridian but my work location in this area is in Nampa.

The massage certainly helped with recovering from the long drive; but then I happen to think massage helps just about anything.

Anyway, after a couple of days my foot is back to normal, just in time for a day of flying home ot the DC area on Friday.

Lesson: Remember all the good stuff you learn from your OS, PT and on BoneSmart; and then remember to apply it to yourself!
 
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