I went back to work yesterday after an absence of seven weeks. Today I feel very tired, but otherwise really great. My hip is doing so well, I almost don't think about it at all. How strange is that after such a major procedure. I took my pedometer with me to work to find out how much I actually walk. Turns out quite a bit, although I don't have an accurate measurement yet as we have 1/2 days at school this week. Half a day's work gives me three miles which includes walking during some of my lunch break. Walking is such a joy! After work I took my car in for service and instead of waiting for 45 minutes in the lounge I went for another walk. It was stormy and rainy. There was a beautiful rainbow. All that fresh air felt great. I ended up with a total of 5.4 miles for the day.
Debbie, I focussed my attention on learning how to walk normally instead of doing those PT exercises regularly. I started with smaller steps, because I wanted to walk without a limp. I could not do it with a longer stride in the beginning for the reasons that you describe. I also only did shorter walks outside, rested, and after a nap went out again for another short walk. I always iced my hip when I was resting. Then the next day I did either nothing or went only for one short walk or did my PT exercises. I tried very hard not to overdo. Eventually I increased my walking distance and my stride. On my walks I took my crutches with me, just in case, but I did not use them. I just carried them. After the second week I did not take them with me anymore. I did not pay too much attention to slight pain or discomfort, because I expected it. After all, hip replacement is major surgery and there is going to be pain. I controlled most of my pain for as long as I needed to. I found pain levels of 1-2 did not need to be medicated.
I am describing what I did not to tell you that you should do the same. It's just for information. Everyone comes up with their own idea of what works.
I wish you and all the other hippies a great recovery.
United States
