THR New hip 3/7/12
- Thread starter VThereandnow
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VThereandnow
graduate
Quick note to my boney peeps. Hurricane delayed my getting home since I was supposed to travel through JFK. Lucky to be "stranded" with my family instead of an airport. As of now it looks like I cam leave Friday, but will see how things go. Cheryl also ok in VT with high winds and rain, but no power outage. Have not had much Internet access, right now in McDonald's parking lot using their free wifi haha. Hope you are all well and I will catch up when I get home. Cathy
rider1960
post-grad
Hi Cathy, I'll thinking about you and your safe return to VT. Sounds like you were stranded in the best place. I don't think you would have wanted to be in NYC through the hurricane-they got whammed!
Talk with you after you are home. Glad things are OK at home in VT. Things are good where I am in NY. We were far enough northwest to miss the brunt of it.
Dorothy
Talk with you after you are home. Glad things are OK at home in VT. Things are good where I am in NY. We were far enough northwest to miss the brunt of it.
Dorothy
OP
OP
VThereandnow
graduate
Hey all and a belated happy thanksgiving to everyone. I am in Provincetown, way on the tip of Cape Cod (Massachusetts for friends out of U.S.) Cheryl and I have been coming here for holiday for about 8 yrs now. Some friends from Syracuse also come here and we all go out to dinner so this yr is extra special since we now live away from them. There are lots of little shops to poke around in and we stay right on the water so it is really beautiful. Lots to be thankful for being here.
So how is life with me? Seems like I am going a bit backwards these days and I have not felt like posting cuz I am sick of talking about my health but here goes. Even before my trip home I have felt like my walking is getting worse. If I could describe the sensation, it would be like I was bow legged and all the pressure is going on my IT band and outer thigh. So I stopped going out for walks cuz I am done with the cane and cannot walk all that far without it. Got sick of it all, excercises, stretching etc. A bit worse the wear after helping my mom out, with a pulled muscle in my arm from helping her up one day. I feel like i was in a much better physical place a few months ago.
Came home, mowed the lawn to mulch the leaves, which meant I went over it several times, limping away the entire time only to wake with intense muscle spasms in the night.
You'd think I would learn, but noooo, I am so irritated that I cannot do certain things I just keep doing them and hurting myself. Got myself feelin a bit better from that and then was determined to clean out the last garden bed (with my garden kneeler) and did too much and could hardly walk for a few days the IT band and upper leg was so sore. Have I mentioned I am a little dense? I finally had no choice but to totally lay low for a few days so I could feel decent for our little vacation.
I realized I had totally lost my way and needed help so I called up my PT, got an eval and am back in the pool for a bit, also got some massage and stim. When she sent me on my way a few months ago, she said, go enjoy the rest of summer, do regular things, keep working on going farther without the cane. So i did, but I continue to have a difficult time listening when my body talks to me. I also have a difficult time just "taking it easy". She said I strained some muscles and Need to back off, use the cane for a bit and soften things by doing things in the pool. I think it was "using the cane" that sent me over the edge for a bit mentally
So here I am again, using the cane
All I want to do is be able to walk. Is that too much to ask????? Actually she suggested getting walking poles to try to even out my walking while I build back up and my chiro is trying a lift for a bit. When I get back home Tuesday I will try walking with my snowshoe poles instead of making an investment in walking poles yet. Been walking a lot here in PTown (with cane) stretching after and doing some toned down exercises. Sore, but doing ok.
That's my update, trying not to keep thinking "I expected to be further after 8 months" but it is hard, cuz that is how I feel. I will get back to thinking sensible like Peaceful Sharon, logical Cardie, compassionate Sandy, etc etc, no worries, just another bump in the road and the bottom line is I am truly thankful for all I have and am going to try to focus on that. -Cathy
So how is life with me? Seems like I am going a bit backwards these days and I have not felt like posting cuz I am sick of talking about my health but here goes. Even before my trip home I have felt like my walking is getting worse. If I could describe the sensation, it would be like I was bow legged and all the pressure is going on my IT band and outer thigh. So I stopped going out for walks cuz I am done with the cane and cannot walk all that far without it. Got sick of it all, excercises, stretching etc. A bit worse the wear after helping my mom out, with a pulled muscle in my arm from helping her up one day. I feel like i was in a much better physical place a few months ago.
Came home, mowed the lawn to mulch the leaves, which meant I went over it several times, limping away the entire time only to wake with intense muscle spasms in the night.
You'd think I would learn, but noooo, I am so irritated that I cannot do certain things I just keep doing them and hurting myself. Got myself feelin a bit better from that and then was determined to clean out the last garden bed (with my garden kneeler) and did too much and could hardly walk for a few days the IT band and upper leg was so sore. Have I mentioned I am a little dense? I finally had no choice but to totally lay low for a few days so I could feel decent for our little vacation. I realized I had totally lost my way and needed help so I called up my PT, got an eval and am back in the pool for a bit, also got some massage and stim. When she sent me on my way a few months ago, she said, go enjoy the rest of summer, do regular things, keep working on going farther without the cane. So i did, but I continue to have a difficult time listening when my body talks to me. I also have a difficult time just "taking it easy". She said I strained some muscles and Need to back off, use the cane for a bit and soften things by doing things in the pool. I think it was "using the cane" that sent me over the edge for a bit mentally
So here I am again, using the cane
All I want to do is be able to walk. Is that too much to ask????? Actually she suggested getting walking poles to try to even out my walking while I build back up and my chiro is trying a lift for a bit. When I get back home Tuesday I will try walking with my snowshoe poles instead of making an investment in walking poles yet. Been walking a lot here in PTown (with cane) stretching after and doing some toned down exercises. Sore, but doing ok. That's my update, trying not to keep thinking "I expected to be further after 8 months" but it is hard, cuz that is how I feel. I will get back to thinking sensible like Peaceful Sharon, logical Cardie, compassionate Sandy, etc etc, no worries, just another bump in the road and the bottom line is I am truly thankful for all I have and am going to try to focus on that. -Cathy
Poppet
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Oh babe, VThereandnow
If it is any constellation, I was sweeping the floor this morning and twisted, and have spent the rest of Sunday laying on the bed with ice packs... You know what, I am 12 months and these 'ouch event' still catch me and lay me low.. So don't feel too bad honey..
And, don't you dare not post! The same goes for Dorothy, Dianemarie, Cardie Tashia... I couldn't bear losing all my surgical friends from last year! I need you gals!
The poles sound like an excellent suggestion Cathy, I will be really interested to see how you go.
Your holiday place sounds wonderful.. Wish I was there!
If it is any constellation, I was sweeping the floor this morning and twisted, and have spent the rest of Sunday laying on the bed with ice packs... You know what, I am 12 months and these 'ouch event' still catch me and lay me low.. So don't feel too bad honey..
And, don't you dare not post! The same goes for Dorothy, Dianemarie, Cardie Tashia... I couldn't bear losing all my surgical friends from last year! I need you gals!
The poles sound like an excellent suggestion Cathy, I will be really interested to see how you go.
Your holiday place sounds wonderful.. Wish I was there!
OP
OP
VThereandnow
graduate
![[Bonesmart.org] New hip 3/7/12](https://data.bonesmart.org/attachments/4/4321-c27da758c221db0b1be1b700b3ac673b.jpg?hash=wn2nWMIh2w "[Bonesmart.org] New hip 3/7/12")
Poppet
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Wow Cathy, VThereandnow what a magical place... I can close my eyes and pretend I am there..
Yep, I feel exactly the same way about posting, nothing has changed or things have got worse, or I twisted it ended up laying me flat out..
But you know what, I figure we have more guests online most days than members, so all of our information, positive or perceived by the poster to be negative is good information.. it tells the whole story, good, bad or ugly as they say..
Joint replacement is major, it is complex, it is life changing, we do often push our boundaries past our limit, but if we don't push how do we know where those boundaries are.. Some days, I can't believe I am walking then other days a pain or muscle ache comes out of nowhere..
Not fair, but I guess that is why they call it recovery... There is a song there somewhere... Da da... They call it the blues..
The www is amazing when I think where we both are and the distance between us and yet the strong friendship bonds we have..
Long may they last xx
Yep, I feel exactly the same way about posting, nothing has changed or things have got worse, or I twisted it ended up laying me flat out..
But you know what, I figure we have more guests online most days than members, so all of our information, positive or perceived by the poster to be negative is good information.. it tells the whole story, good, bad or ugly as they say..
Joint replacement is major, it is complex, it is life changing, we do often push our boundaries past our limit, but if we don't push how do we know where those boundaries are.. Some days, I can't believe I am walking then other days a pain or muscle ache comes out of nowhere..
Not fair, but I guess that is why they call it recovery... There is a song there somewhere... Da da... They call it the blues..
The www is amazing when I think where we both are and the distance between us and yet the strong friendship bonds we have..
Long may they last xx
rider1960
post-grad
Hi Cathy, Your Thanksgiving trip sounds great! I like things like that--exploring little shops, window shopping and just taking in the sights and sounds; I'm a pretty simple person and that kind of thing is a nice way to spend time. Nice to meet up with your friends from Syracuse too.
About your hip problems. Gosh, I'm sorry you are still struggling. You are playing my song, though--formerly active, wanting so much to back to that place and struggling with problems. Mine are different than yours, but the struggle is similar and SO frustrating. I feel your frustration and wish I could take it away.
I think the worst thing you can do, though, is to not share your struggles with those of us on here who know where you are coming from. People on the "outside" have a hard time with understanding this. I actually had a close horsie pal recently tell me she didn't understand why I can't just get on my horse and sit there until all my to tight, inflamed muscles and tendons stretch out. I was like "Huh????? You want me to rip things apart more than they already are??????" She just doesn't understand about this kind of thing because she has never experienced anything like this. She's the same one who when I was waiting for my hip replacements and would mention how horrible I felt limping around and barely able to get out of bed in the morning said ... "Well, everyone has aches and pains as they get older, and some days I am sore too." She just couldn't understand that my trashed hips were a different thing than the typical getting older aches and pains. And, she is a nurse who should know enough about the body to know better. I rarely even mention any of my struggles to her any more because I know I won't get any empathy or support. Even though some of the things she has said have hurt my feelings, I know it's coming from a place of genuine ignorance for the process I'm going through--she is clueless. She is very nice in every other way, so I just tend to overlook this about our interactions and go elsewhere when I need support with the hip/back/health related issues. But, that example goes to show that you need to find like-minded people to talk with. Maybe not the kind that sit around comparing illnesses in a negative way, but the kind that offer up genuine "been there, not fun--but we'll get through this together" kind of support. As Poppet pointed out, there are still some of us "oldies" hanging around on the board, and we are all here to support each other. We have history together, right?
Sometimes I feel like I'm posting the same **** over and over--"I hurt ... I continue to hurt ... I'm frustrated ... I'm angry" but that is sometimes what gets me through a tough time. If someone does not want to read it, they don't have to. If they don't want to comment, they don't have to. At least I'm getting it out of me and a few die-hard's here always come in and lift me up when I'm down. They know what it's like. So, keep posting.
I'm curious--does your hip surgeon know you are still having so many problems? If yes, what is his take on it? You were so active prior to having this done, I wouldn't expect that you would have as many problems as you are having. Maybe more medical exploration or intervention would help? I've had a couple of corticosteroid injections into muscles that have helped me a lot. This is not something that my hip surgeon normally has to do after a hip replacement--it's more of a sports medicine thing--but he's doing it and it helps. My surgeon is the first one I go to when I'm having problems. I look at the surgeon as the first place to start with figuring out a tough problem related to my hip replacement procedure. I figure he can refer me out to someone else (like one of the sports med MDs in the practice if it's something he doesn't feel comfortable dealing with, but that's where I would start. That's why I ask if you've consulted with your surgeon.
I don't remember if you have tried this, but acupuncture is another really great treatment for soft tissue problems. That might help the muscles and IT band loosen up. I've gone for various tendon and muscle things in the past and it works very well. I want to go back to acupuncture very badly, but it's expensive and my finances just won't let me do it now, so I have to stick with what my insurance will help me with until I get back on my financial feet. My finances took a huge hit during 2012 with being off work so much for the hip replacements and the complications after hip number 2.
Please stick around. And, feel free to phone me ANY time to talk one on one. I have broad shoulders and want to lend one to you any time. If you don't have my phone number, PM me for it. I have to dig yours out. I'm the worst one for writing down a number on a scrap of paper and then losing it. Are you coming down to Syracuse any time soon? I'd love to get together if you do. I have a little more time off at work built up, so I could even take an afternoon off even if I don't have an appointment in Syracuse.
Take care,
Dorothy
About your hip problems. Gosh, I'm sorry you are still struggling. You are playing my song, though--formerly active, wanting so much to back to that place and struggling with problems. Mine are different than yours, but the struggle is similar and SO frustrating. I feel your frustration and wish I could take it away.
I think the worst thing you can do, though, is to not share your struggles with those of us on here who know where you are coming from. People on the "outside" have a hard time with understanding this. I actually had a close horsie pal recently tell me she didn't understand why I can't just get on my horse and sit there until all my to tight, inflamed muscles and tendons stretch out. I was like "Huh????? You want me to rip things apart more than they already are??????" She just doesn't understand about this kind of thing because she has never experienced anything like this. She's the same one who when I was waiting for my hip replacements and would mention how horrible I felt limping around and barely able to get out of bed in the morning said ... "Well, everyone has aches and pains as they get older, and some days I am sore too." She just couldn't understand that my trashed hips were a different thing than the typical getting older aches and pains. And, she is a nurse who should know enough about the body to know better. I rarely even mention any of my struggles to her any more because I know I won't get any empathy or support. Even though some of the things she has said have hurt my feelings, I know it's coming from a place of genuine ignorance for the process I'm going through--she is clueless. She is very nice in every other way, so I just tend to overlook this about our interactions and go elsewhere when I need support with the hip/back/health related issues. But, that example goes to show that you need to find like-minded people to talk with. Maybe not the kind that sit around comparing illnesses in a negative way, but the kind that offer up genuine "been there, not fun--but we'll get through this together" kind of support. As Poppet pointed out, there are still some of us "oldies" hanging around on the board, and we are all here to support each other. We have history together, right?
Sometimes I feel like I'm posting the same **** over and over--"I hurt ... I continue to hurt ... I'm frustrated ... I'm angry" but that is sometimes what gets me through a tough time. If someone does not want to read it, they don't have to. If they don't want to comment, they don't have to. At least I'm getting it out of me and a few die-hard's here always come in and lift me up when I'm down. They know what it's like. So, keep posting.
I'm curious--does your hip surgeon know you are still having so many problems? If yes, what is his take on it? You were so active prior to having this done, I wouldn't expect that you would have as many problems as you are having. Maybe more medical exploration or intervention would help? I've had a couple of corticosteroid injections into muscles that have helped me a lot. This is not something that my hip surgeon normally has to do after a hip replacement--it's more of a sports medicine thing--but he's doing it and it helps. My surgeon is the first one I go to when I'm having problems. I look at the surgeon as the first place to start with figuring out a tough problem related to my hip replacement procedure. I figure he can refer me out to someone else (like one of the sports med MDs in the practice if it's something he doesn't feel comfortable dealing with, but that's where I would start. That's why I ask if you've consulted with your surgeon.
I don't remember if you have tried this, but acupuncture is another really great treatment for soft tissue problems. That might help the muscles and IT band loosen up. I've gone for various tendon and muscle things in the past and it works very well. I want to go back to acupuncture very badly, but it's expensive and my finances just won't let me do it now, so I have to stick with what my insurance will help me with until I get back on my financial feet. My finances took a huge hit during 2012 with being off work so much for the hip replacements and the complications after hip number 2.
Please stick around. And, feel free to phone me ANY time to talk one on one. I have broad shoulders and want to lend one to you any time. If you don't have my phone number, PM me for it. I have to dig yours out. I'm the worst one for writing down a number on a scrap of paper and then losing it. Are you coming down to Syracuse any time soon? I'd love to get together if you do. I have a little more time off at work built up, so I could even take an afternoon off even if I don't have an appointment in Syracuse.
Take care,
Dorothy
OP
OP
VThereandnow
graduate
Thanks ladies 
...and no Dorothy I have not gone back to my surgeon and have really relied on the chiro and PT. I have tried acupuncture in the past, before surgery, mostly for my back and was not a big fan. I might just give a call one day to have a chat. I sometimes wonder, though I like my PT, if I should try something or someone else. I'm just a bit frustrated these days and am trying to figure out how much is me and how much, if anything, is something actually wrong.
...and yes poppet, I guess that's why they call it recovery (with the blues sometimes added in)
...and no Dorothy I have not gone back to my surgeon and have really relied on the chiro and PT. I have tried acupuncture in the past, before surgery, mostly for my back and was not a big fan. I might just give a call one day to have a chat. I sometimes wonder, though I like my PT, if I should try something or someone else. I'm just a bit frustrated these days and am trying to figure out how much is me and how much, if anything, is something actually wrong. ...and yes poppet, I guess that's why they call it recovery (with the blues sometimes added in)
rider1960
post-grad
Hi Cathy, About the PT--I have found there are vast differences in their treatment styles and methods. I have seen several during the past few years since my pain first started. Seems like they were all good in their own way, but no one operated the same way. I'll give you a little summary of the outpatient PTs I have seen. I haven't spent enough time with the home PT or the hospital PTs to form much of an opinion ... well except about the seriously bad experience at the hospital last hip ... but that's a totally different thing and doesn't apply to your situation.
The first was at a very large practice where he had a number of patients going at the same time. He knew a lot and was super nice, but he just couldn't spend much time with me. Therefore, I was put on machines a lot. He also liked to do a lot of manipulation, a lot like a chiro, which helped my back a bit but didn't help me resolve the hip problem (which I didn't know was due to hips at the time).
The second was aqua therapy--she stood at the pool side and told us to do exercises and instructed us on form and answered questions--no hands on at all. That was just before my surgery. It ended when one day I could barely get out of the pool using the handicapped ramp--just too much pain even doing simple exercises in a nice warm heated pool.
The third was after my second hip when everything was so weak and painful. He was very bright and perceptive. He was a very no hands-on kind of person who focused on exercises and education. He also had several patients going at one time. He helped me to increase my strength, but he did nothing for the pain because he never did any hands on to figure out which muscles were the problem--he assumed the hip flexors were the problem by what I described, when it was more the adductors. But he didn't know that because he didn't get in there and paw around a lot like my current one. He did introduce me to the IF unit (my electrical stim machine--like a TENS machine on steroids), which I really like for my back.
My last stop has been to my current PT Mike, who is really big on hands on muscle work and teaches exercises, but doesn't waste session time doing them unless it's something you can't do at home. He works on me non-stop for at least a 1/2 hour. It's different from going to a massage therapist, though. Hard to describe. My stuff has been difficult to pinpoint the most problematic areas and it took him about 5 sessions to determine which muslces/tendons my surgeon should go after with his injections. That's how messed up things are in there. I don't think I would be feeling as good as I am now if it hadn't been for his help in separating out the painful areas and determining which ones were the worst. I do wish that I had gone to him right after my surgery instead of the exercise guy, He would have gone after the specific muscle stuff then and I'd be much farther ahead. PT Mike has helped me to understand that you have to get the inflammation and messed up muscles and tendons sorted out completely before you can strengthen them. He doesn't have me doing any strengthening exercises at all--just easy, gentle stretches. He says he would love to have me do more strengthening, but he's afraid any additional stress is going to make everything inflame and go crazy again ... I swear this guy has my back and upper thigh memorized in minute detail.
But, really, they all had their place and were helpful to me with whatever they brought to the table, although no one had everything I needed. At the time I was seeing each of them, I thought they were good. I learned that PT style can vary widely and sometimes it is good to shop around for a different perspective and philosophy. It may be worth asking around to find a different PT to see how that might work with your particular situation.
I'm curious--what was it about acupuncture that you didn't like? I've found it very effective for any kind of soft tissue problem. Even there--styles can vary widely. I have only seen two, but they were different from each other as well.
I think I would also visit your surgeon to have him take a look at you and discuss the problems you are having. They see hip patients all the time, so they see patients returning with various issues. He might be able to offer up some additional help or ideas.
Hang in there.
Dorothy
The first was at a very large practice where he had a number of patients going at the same time. He knew a lot and was super nice, but he just couldn't spend much time with me. Therefore, I was put on machines a lot. He also liked to do a lot of manipulation, a lot like a chiro, which helped my back a bit but didn't help me resolve the hip problem (which I didn't know was due to hips at the time).
The second was aqua therapy--she stood at the pool side and told us to do exercises and instructed us on form and answered questions--no hands on at all. That was just before my surgery. It ended when one day I could barely get out of the pool using the handicapped ramp--just too much pain even doing simple exercises in a nice warm heated pool.
The third was after my second hip when everything was so weak and painful. He was very bright and perceptive. He was a very no hands-on kind of person who focused on exercises and education. He also had several patients going at one time. He helped me to increase my strength, but he did nothing for the pain because he never did any hands on to figure out which muscles were the problem--he assumed the hip flexors were the problem by what I described, when it was more the adductors. But he didn't know that because he didn't get in there and paw around a lot like my current one. He did introduce me to the IF unit (my electrical stim machine--like a TENS machine on steroids), which I really like for my back.
My last stop has been to my current PT Mike, who is really big on hands on muscle work and teaches exercises, but doesn't waste session time doing them unless it's something you can't do at home. He works on me non-stop for at least a 1/2 hour. It's different from going to a massage therapist, though. Hard to describe. My stuff has been difficult to pinpoint the most problematic areas and it took him about 5 sessions to determine which muslces/tendons my surgeon should go after with his injections. That's how messed up things are in there. I don't think I would be feeling as good as I am now if it hadn't been for his help in separating out the painful areas and determining which ones were the worst. I do wish that I had gone to him right after my surgery instead of the exercise guy, He would have gone after the specific muscle stuff then and I'd be much farther ahead. PT Mike has helped me to understand that you have to get the inflammation and messed up muscles and tendons sorted out completely before you can strengthen them. He doesn't have me doing any strengthening exercises at all--just easy, gentle stretches. He says he would love to have me do more strengthening, but he's afraid any additional stress is going to make everything inflame and go crazy again ... I swear this guy has my back and upper thigh memorized in minute detail.
But, really, they all had their place and were helpful to me with whatever they brought to the table, although no one had everything I needed. At the time I was seeing each of them, I thought they were good. I learned that PT style can vary widely and sometimes it is good to shop around for a different perspective and philosophy. It may be worth asking around to find a different PT to see how that might work with your particular situation.
I'm curious--what was it about acupuncture that you didn't like? I've found it very effective for any kind of soft tissue problem. Even there--styles can vary widely. I have only seen two, but they were different from each other as well.
I think I would also visit your surgeon to have him take a look at you and discuss the problems you are having. They see hip patients all the time, so they see patients returning with various issues. He might be able to offer up some additional help or ideas.
Hang in there.
Dorothy
C Mac
post-grad
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Hi Cathy,
I agree with Dorothy's suggestion to make an appointment to see your OS just to check in and have a chat about where you are and what you are experiencing. You didn't have to see him again in order to get a script to return to PT? If you find that the OS seems less than helpful, query about whether there is a PA or someone else within the practice that might be more appropriate to offer you support now that you've had the "carpentry work" done but aren't up to your expected level of activity.
Also, now that you are back to seeing your PT hopefully you will be evaluated a bit more deeply. If you think that you are having IT band tightness ask to have that assessed and then you to can join the broken link removed: https://www.optp.com/Foam-Roller-Therapy.aspx
and spend time each evening rolling that band in to a more functional state. Also, I can't remember where your incision is located -- but how about some myofascial work in the event that you have some adhesions/tightness in that area.
Keep calm, don't panic -- to me it just sounds like you are trying to revve up your activity levels and you get rebellion from various places in your body telling you that things are working and that they are a bit reactive. My Feldenkrais gal told me that when you have aches and pains that shift around your body it is your body's way of trying to adapt. In other words, it's more of a problem when you have one spot that is constantly and continually hurting and causing you to stop your activities -- then maybe it's something more serious. You are still adapting and healing and adding in various different activities to see how they work. You have been having an amazing time of it with travel and visiting people and places for a girl with a brand new, shiny baby hip!! Use the cane, don't fret over it -- things change, a little support can go a long way. I was back on the cane at your timeframe too, I used a trekking pole out of the house (just one) remember you want support you are not starting nordic walking yet. I also did experiments with the lift and with pulsing on and off of tylenol and anti-inflammatories when things were achey.
Lastly, purely my opinion, sometimes walking is just not the best exercise for some of us -- just saying, it can be that way. Maybe you want to try your indoors bike stand for short periods of time again. You don't have to do what everyone else seems to be doing you have to craft and choose things that you feel good with.
Hang in there, this is a bit of the downward cycle of the yo-yoing that happens after surgery. You'll wind back up in a bit after you get back home and settled down for the next couple weeks.
Take care,
Cardie
I agree with Dorothy's suggestion to make an appointment to see your OS just to check in and have a chat about where you are and what you are experiencing. You didn't have to see him again in order to get a script to return to PT? If you find that the OS seems less than helpful, query about whether there is a PA or someone else within the practice that might be more appropriate to offer you support now that you've had the "carpentry work" done but aren't up to your expected level of activity.
Also, now that you are back to seeing your PT hopefully you will be evaluated a bit more deeply. If you think that you are having IT band tightness ask to have that assessed and then you to can join the broken link removed: https://www.optp.com/Foam-Roller-Therapy.aspx
and spend time each evening rolling that band in to a more functional state. Also, I can't remember where your incision is located -- but how about some myofascial work in the event that you have some adhesions/tightness in that area.Keep calm, don't panic -- to me it just sounds like you are trying to revve up your activity levels and you get rebellion from various places in your body telling you that things are working and that they are a bit reactive. My Feldenkrais gal told me that when you have aches and pains that shift around your body it is your body's way of trying to adapt. In other words, it's more of a problem when you have one spot that is constantly and continually hurting and causing you to stop your activities -- then maybe it's something more serious. You are still adapting and healing and adding in various different activities to see how they work. You have been having an amazing time of it with travel and visiting people and places for a girl with a brand new, shiny baby hip!! Use the cane, don't fret over it -- things change, a little support can go a long way. I was back on the cane at your timeframe too, I used a trekking pole out of the house (just one) remember you want support you are not starting nordic walking yet. I also did experiments with the lift and with pulsing on and off of tylenol and anti-inflammatories when things were achey.
Lastly, purely my opinion, sometimes walking is just not the best exercise for some of us -- just saying, it can be that way. Maybe you want to try your indoors bike stand for short periods of time again. You don't have to do what everyone else seems to be doing you have to craft and choose things that you feel good with.
Hang in there, this is a bit of the downward cycle of the yo-yoing that happens after surgery. You'll wind back up in a bit after you get back home and settled down for the next couple weeks.
Take care,
Cardie
Anniepops
post-grad
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Oh Cathy, I,m sorry to hear you sounding so frustrated, I haven't much to add to the other girls' advice except that I know you are strong and I know you can get through this. Perhaps a visit to see your OS would put your mind at ease. I know you know this but we all really do heal at such different rates and the bummer is it seems we cannot do much to speed it along. Very disheartening at times 
Being in the 'foam roller club' along with Cardie.....yoohoo Cardie
.........I have to agree it really does help a lot.....yes it hurts initially but it is worth persevering, you can really feel it working and when you work on the same spot a few days later it is delightful to feel it has improved.
Stay strong wee lassie, we are all here for you
Take it easy
Ann.x.
Being in the 'foam roller club' along with Cardie.....yoohoo Cardie
.........I have to agree it really does help a lot.....yes it hurts initially but it is worth persevering, you can really feel it working and when you work on the same spot a few days later it is delightful to feel it has improved.Stay strong wee lassie, we are all here for you
Take it easy
Ann.x.
tashia
alpha
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I was thinking about tonight so I thought I would come and post. I read some of your posts and noticed you were feeling that you were going backwards. There are times I feel that way too. I think its part of life. Good times, Bad times. How are you doing now. I miss hearing from you. Please check in once in a while. Tashia 
rider1960
post-grad
Hi Cathy--how are you doing????
Dorothy
Dorothy
OP
OP
VThereandnow
graduate
Hey everyone. Thank you all for being with me through this journey. I honestly have been so sick of talking about my health I have just not been able to post. I will eventually.
I do want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday. However you celebrate it, may it be with loved ones and be peaceful. You've all truly meant so much to me over this past 9 months. I don't know what I would have done without you.
broken link removed: https://www.sherv.net/christmas.wreath-emoticon-358.html
Cathy
I do want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday. However you celebrate it, may it be with loved ones and be peaceful. You've all truly meant so much to me over this past 9 months. I don't know what I would have done without you.
broken link removed: https://www.sherv.net/christmas.wreath-emoticon-358.html
Cathy
bottomshollow
Former BoneSmart staff member
OP
OP
VThereandnow
graduate
So many positive posts with New Years I hate to do an update that is not so positive but unfortunately I continue to struggle to find quality of life even at almost 10 months. Yes, like many others I had lots of pain before surgery, but unlike many others, it seems like I have just traded pains. I continue to have a LLD and limp and now am using a lift in my shoe. The pain I have mostly traded for is SI pain, though it seem surgery has flailed arthritis up all over, and yes I did have blood work done, so no rheumatoid or anything but they did show a higher rate of inflammation. I have been in and out of PT and pool therapy, with massage and lots of chiro and nothing seems to be able to get this glute medius to get strong. Seems like when I start to gain momentum with something, I hurt something else. I feel like I am a shell of what I was physically. Then recently when home helping my mom I injured my shoulder. I have been holding off seeing someone about it and have been doing PT, but honestly I have not had a decent nights sleep since I hurt it 2 months ago and it is wearing on me. I feel like I cannot even bear to think of a repair if it needs it. With walking I was up to 6 blocks without the cane and then, because of all the pressure going on my IT band and quad instead of certain other muscles because they are weak, my leg got strained and I am back to the cane. I don't know what the heck is going on, but I look back to my posts in Sept. and I was doing much much better than I am now. Was just trying my snow shoe poles as a test to more even walking, and looking forward to some snowshoeing, but am now not sure the shoulder can take it, though I might try. I have not been a happy camper. I am posting so, just as I looked back on September, maybe one day I will look back on this and be in a better place. Ok, enough, but I am where I am and cannot say i am glad i had this surgery. I also do not feel, as Josephine always says, "hips have a way of working themselves out."
However, I continue to search for the lessons the universe is presenting me with the past several years. I am NOT ready to accept that this is the quality of life I am going to have. I continue to search for answers. Though it is difficult to keep my mood and consequently my motivation up, I work hard to be grateful for the things I have in my life and try to focus on the positive.
As I enter 2013, I am grateful for a roof over my head, heat in the winter, the time to heal without a lot of $ stress, a supportive partner to move through life with, a family who loves me and the mobility I DO have. I am also grateful for those on this site who have been a part of my recovery this past year. You have been truly amazing and I don't know what I would have done without all of you along the way. I RESOLVE to keep on moving forward and to try to focus on the glass half full part of life no matter how hard the glass half empty calls to me.
She's not where she's been
She's not where she's going
But she is on her way
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY BONESMART PEEPS
![[Bonesmart.org] New hip 3/7/12](https://bonesmart.org/forum/attachments/afreesmileyface-net_smiley_holidays_and_party_fireworks_074-gif.48100/ "[Bonesmart.org] New hip 3/7/12")
However, I continue to search for the lessons the universe is presenting me with the past several years. I am NOT ready to accept that this is the quality of life I am going to have. I continue to search for answers. Though it is difficult to keep my mood and consequently my motivation up, I work hard to be grateful for the things I have in my life and try to focus on the positive.
As I enter 2013, I am grateful for a roof over my head, heat in the winter, the time to heal without a lot of $ stress, a supportive partner to move through life with, a family who loves me and the mobility I DO have. I am also grateful for those on this site who have been a part of my recovery this past year. You have been truly amazing and I don't know what I would have done without all of you along the way. I RESOLVE to keep on moving forward and to try to focus on the glass half full part of life no matter how hard the glass half empty calls to me.
She's not where she's been
She's not where she's going
But she is on her way
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY BONESMART PEEPS
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