Hi Cathy and Chrissie and everybody--
I am doing pretty well; that is, I think I am tracking well for my recovery of the first hip. I started to overdo it a few weeks ago, and was "rewarded" with a limp that made me waddle again in both directions. I have since backed way off, re-introduced the ice pack and told myself that it really is fine to not test a Bonesmart mantra limit ;-). It's just hard to know when "enough is enough" when some activities don't cause discomfort until well after the fact.
I go to PT once a week, and a good portion of that time is spent with the therapist using a funny little tool (part of the ASTYM protocol) to massage my scar to try to break up the mass of scar tissue that has formed. She says that preventing adhesions later is a good thing. I think that it feels nice (in a painful sort of way-- no comments from the peanut gallery, please!), and short of an actual massage, it seems to be helping. On my off days, I pretend to be exercising by riding the stationary bike with basically no resistance-- just enough to keep my legs from freewheeling out of control. I long for the days when I can ride outside, but have told myself to just be patient. I don't think that'll be in the cards for a while!
We're having a very bright winter here in the gray part of the state, and I think that's helping my outlook. I had to officially unhook from a volunteer position that would have had me out on the trails and slopes from November-June, and that was hugely difficult on so many levels. One, I don't like giving up, even when reality smacks me upside the head; two, I really love this program. It keeps me mentally balanced, and I volunteer with some amazing people; and three, there's always that little irrational fear that says maybe I have climbed my last peak. It's so hard to get and maintain that level of fitness, and I wonder if I have it in me to return. But like I said, the sunshine we've had this season has made it easier to not harp on "what-ifs."
Finally, the time is right to get this other one done. It likes to crack very audibly and repeatedly whenever I put full weight on it (and I wobble and lose balance-- it think it is doing its little "not seating itself in the socket" thing that can come with shallow sockets. It just never used to be so loud! It aches, and I am back to hating to turn over in bed. It's already bone-on-bone, and I don't want to ride the pain train any more. I made the mistake of waiting too long for the first replacement, and Just. Am. Done.
Thanks for bearing with me on this rant! I realize that truly, I have little to complain about, but the recovery just will take some more time yet.
I am glad, Cathy, that you're finally being heard. Of course, I am very sorry that a) it took a year and a half of speaking up; and b), that the loosening is happening at all. That just is no fun. I hope your drum circle is a great distraction!
Take care, all--
@VT_hereandnow @hoppy_nanny
United States
Way to go MountainGirl!! Now you know that your hiking days are not over and when the 2nd hip is healed up you'll be back doing what you love to do! And yes that is a beautiful area even in the rain .
