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THR Steelmanpa's Recovery Thread

:mcoffee: Good morning...I hope you have been able to get some rest.
I became a power napper as an all night sleep was absolutely not happening.
For the first two weeks, it really concerned me but I finally just relented.
I became a night stalker...up for a few minutes...then assuming the position in my recliner for a few hours...then just had to move about some more.:sigh:
My overly cautious husband who tried to oversee my activities, also gave up on trying to chaperone every walk...which made me feel less guilty.

Re my physical therapy decisions, I was relegated to attend an outpatient PT session 7 days out with really ridiculous reps (for the early time frame) and overzealous therapist.
It caused pain that was unnecessary and I relayed this to my OS at first post op appointment at 10 days out.
I said I wasn't ready to go to PT...I was walking regularly and doing stairs with help and he seemed ambivelent.
Thought I was doing just fine.
I had some concerns about dropping PT and gait issues that needed guidance, so was able to get OS to assign me to a PT group I had seen previously before it was discovered that my back problems were actually trashed hips. This was about 6 weeks which is much more helpful, in my opinion, as healing had progressed to the point where I could work on these things.
I think we all want to be compliant and wish for a stellar recovery, but good for you for realizing that our bodies are in charge if this process.
All temporary and well worth the journey.
Hope today is a good day!
 
The cat woke me up around 430 am for treats, so I stayed in bed till the 6 am alarm.
The 2 week post op follow up was more of a how are you doing and what questions do you have, affirming meds etc. Inspect the incision. 6 weeks till follow up with surgeon with xrays ( 8 weeks postop)
A rx for PT is available if I want it, we discussed my progress or lack of IMO and generally feel more at ease with my current status. So, the plan is to walk and do the exercises on the sheet, and not push myself. My gait concern combining this surgery with the flat stride of my other legs reconstructed achilles will need to be addressed at the next followup, as I should be off the cane at 8 weeks.....or is that too much to expect??
Heading into the doldrums of small incremental improvement.
 
Patience is hard to come by, but key.
I like this sentiment recently shared by another member -
Look upon this surgery as an investment in your future.
Look after it now and it will serve you well for years to come.
I hope you have a nice Thursday! :wave:
@Steelmanpa
 
Follow up with the OS is always a Howya Doin? Aside from a bandage,staples or stitches removal there isn't much else unless you're not doin' good. The later follow ups are basically the same as the OS is usually only concerned with the condition of the implant or if you have an infection.
 
Well folks, here is the weekly update. Since most goals and exercises are tied to these time increments...

3 Week report

Incision- healing nicely, about 50% the scabbing is gone and just flesh.

Swelling -not really getting any and there was never any black and blue...

Pains/sensations- well this is still a mixed bag. The area around the incision and the surrounding flesh is still a bit weird, numb. There is minor discomfort walking. I do have some pain inside rear thigh from groin going downwards towards the knee at certain times. Today some shin splint like pain.

Walking progress- still need the walker, though I can easily manage stairs using both the cane and railing for support. But as the guides say, until you stop limping you are not ready for just the cane
I am not counting steps, but try to do 5-10 minutes every hour or 90 minutes and still ice and elevate a few times a day. Definitely behind on this

I still firmly hold the belief that the first doctor blew it and I should have been sent to a surgeon instead of PT. This would have cut months off the process, the muscles would have been in better shape for recovery with less atrophy, I would not have suffered for so long and without going into all the details, the effects of this poor medical judgement and "treatment" have cost me thousands of dollars in lost income, needless medical costs, peripheral costs I suffered as well as severe pain when my leg gave out after going to worthless PT that only exacerbated the arthritis. There are too many clueless docs writing RX for PT for this condition and just dont get it. I was fortunate to have a friend who is an arthritis specialist who I went to for care after firing the first guy. Had I suspected arthritis as the culprit I would have seen him initially and that would have bypassed all the needless suffering as well. Too many of us here have had severe quality of life degradation as a result of misguided treatment.
 
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with your first Dr. that has to be so frustrating for you!

I'm not so sure I would categorize you as being behind in your healing. There are many people still using their walker at 3 weeks. I played around with using 2 canes, which gave me a lot more freedom. I know you are being patient and taking things one day at a time, but please don't be so hard on yourself and your progress.
We've had some beautiful fall days since your surgery. That has to help your spirits..
Have a good weekend! :flwrysmile:
 
@CricketHip , Thanks. I spent a lot of time letting our cat in and out onto the deck so she could rule her empire, shes out there now with the light on, ever vigilant for stink bugs and the spotted lanternfly. Its on our upper level and her being 10 years old, she has never tried to jump nor has the inkling.
I need to change my May scuba trip due to a wedding and really want to be near 100% for that
My dive guide on the island is getting surgery around that time so might be with a new paid buddy...
Just waiting for the breakthrough day so I can go out and do things.....:fingersx:
 
@CricketHip @Mojo333 @Layla
Had a breakthrough today.

I switched from looser Sketcher slip ons, to my Saucony running shoes. Support, laced up, etc...My walking ability with the walker, cane and without assistive device improved throughout the day. I mainly split the day 50/50 using the cane and walker and walked carrying the walker short distances. We will see tomorrow if I pushed too hard. This gets close to a month postop ....I was a bit down in the dumps and being cooped up was leaving me feeling too much life was passing me by. Hopefully this keeps up the path of incremental improvement and I will venture out for some entertainment with my wife in mid November when the muscles have a couple more weeks of improvement and stability. FEELING ENCOURAGED!
 
Yay! Good to read! Never estimate the power of good fitting shoes. I hope you don't feel any signs of over doing it tomorrow.
Another suggestion is to consider replacing your shoes if they are older and have a wear pattern that reflects your limping gait before surgery. This made an amazing difference for me! It's something to consider as you recuperate.
Have a good night. :flwrysmile:
 
:walking:So glad you're feeling more confident.
The post op blues are pretty prevalent at 1 month. It was for me.
It can be a little tricky.
My hips felt SO good walking...often I could overdo it as it never hurt until I stopped:unsure:
I broke the longer walks I began with...into shorter walks more often with lots of icing in between...yes, still.
I'm sure you are being mindful and things will keep getting better and better. :tada:
 
Good Morning :wave:
I'm sorry for your struggles the the detours along the way. The important thing is you're here now, thriving and moving forward. You're doing great! :yes!:
Yesterday's update was so encouraging.

Cabin fever, or boredom does enter in early on for sure. Why not consider getting out now with your wife. Doesn't have to be anything elaborate, or lengthy in time. Something as easy as a late breakfast, early lunch or dinner, basically at an off, or slow time, may be just enough to help you feel you're part of the world again.

With any luck you're feeling good today after your 50/50 practice runs yesterday. You're certainly making progress. Keep it up and have a wonderful Tuesday!
@Steelmanpa
 
@CricketHip I have been lurking but not posting for a couple days..4 weeks post op today... I think I overdid it a little or was generally caught up in the thrill of walking with a cane. Seem to have levelled out after a few days that after a 20 minute in house walk with a cane I sit and ice, but really cant push it again too much for a while..if I try to then I get a limp or favoring.. Muscles on the front of thigh and behind the knee got too activated and complain..

One thing I am concerned about is my gait. Even with doing heel toe before the leg gets fatigued, I have a left foot that doesnt have the big toe tendon as they did a FHL tendon transfer in 2012 to reconstruct my achilles tendon that was shredded. So I dont have the up on the ball of foot action on my non operative leg. I think over the years since that surgery that foots non standard action may have caused the opposite hip to burn out hence this surgery. Now I have the sensation of LLD particularly when fatigued and the operative leg being longer...

In spite of all the enouragement I know I am about 2 weeks behind even this forums conservative recovery guideline, a combination of muscle atrophy and not switching to supportive footwear..

My next post op with the doc is still about 5 weeks away when they will xray. I am just trying to determine if PT for gait is important now as they will write me a PT RX at any point. Don't want any bad walking habits

I did drive a short trip last week and will try do a short one tomorrow or Saturday. Maybe get out to the diner for a meal close by. Next week a very short trip to vote in the local elections, and the following week looking at a trip into the city to my GP with my wife ( old people scheduling their appts 15 minutes apart, same doc) and finally getting out with friends maybe a few days after that for some social activity- Margaritas and Mexican food...with much caution
 
:wave:
Steelmanpa said:
In spite of all the enouragement I know I am about 2 weeks behind even this forums conservative recovery guideline, a combination of muscle atrophy and not switching to supportive footwear..
Click to expand...
We are all different, as you say...you have had the issue with your foot AND many fall behind even our guidelines but do catch up and recover well.
Steelmanpa said:
My next post op with the doc is still about 5 weeks away when they will xray. I am just trying to determine if PT for gait is important now as they will write me a PT RX at any point. Don't want
Click to expand...
I found gait training therapy very helpful at 6 weeks out.
I say go for it!
Hope you have a good weekend...you will catch up @Steelmanpa
 
@Steelmanpa You are progressing forward, at least in your mind with the plans you have for the coming week. Mojo333 gave you some good advice.
I think the leg length difference another advisor may comment about, but I have read it is fairly common to feel that way in the beginning.
 
Steelmanpa said:
I think I overdid it a little or was generally caught up in the thrill of walking with a cane.
Click to expand...

I was over zealous and and itching to be independent from assistive devices and did the same. Landed me in the recliner icing for a day. It definitely sounds like given the circumstances with your Achilles that you'd benefit from some PT to help establish a better gait and lose the limp. Talk to your surgeon before your appointment in five weeks and see if you can get a referral.

I think getting out is healthy. Boredom sets in after a time and you need to feel part of the world again. Mexican and a Margarita with friends sounds like fun. I'm sure you could handle it and can always go at an off time when the restaurant is less busy and the parking is ample.

Have a great weekend and stay in touch. Will look forward to hearing about any PT you begin and your next post op with your surgeon. :wave:
 
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