12 May 2014

Update: Six weeks after hip replacement *graphic photo warning*

...and all's well :)

If you missed my initial post-op post, click here.



The walker has been retired.

I frequently wonder where in the hell I've left my cane.

The pain is minimal, and none of it is in the joint. What a beautiful thing!

I have a set of 10+ exercises that I am to do 2-3x/day. They are so basic. I started getting agitated because the rehab seemed lame. Then I realized that I'm not rehabbing from a sports injury and trying to get back into competitive form...I'm helping my body recover from a MAJOR trauma. Seven layers of tissue were sliced open and then stitched/glued back together. Nerves and muscles were retracted. A bone was sawed in two pieces. And then a metal rod was hammered down the center of my femur.

Exercises:
  • Calf raises and some anterior tibialis thing. 
  • High knee "marches" (quad and hip flexor, challenges balance).
  • A thing like butt kicks (works hamstrings, stretches quad, challenges balance).
  • Rear leg extensions, standing with minimal movement...just enough to activate the glutes.
  • Side leg lift, standing with minimal movement...just enough to activate the glute medius.
  • Sidestepping.
  • Walking up and down stairs, alternating feet.
  • Seated leg extension.
  • Seated leg extension with quad lift.
  • Seated leg extension with slight abduction.
  • Bridges.
  • Clams.
  • I walk a lot.
I have my 6-week post-operative check-up with my surgeon this coming Thursday. There, he will determine which restrictions to continue or impose or remove. I started driving last week...that was a big change! I was cleared for "a little" driving which turned into a lot...as in my normal amount. My leg isn't happy with that :( I need to pull back, but my husband was nearing a breaking point with driving duty. Hopefully, this week will be a lighter load for me.

I'm so very lucky and deeply appreciative to have such a supportive group of online and RL friends. Many thanks to all of you for your well-wishes and advice :)


15 comments:

  1. This post is so timely! I have three co-workers who were out with hip replacements and one is back today. She's looking great as great as you sound, and I really appreciate the insight into the types of physical therapy exercises you're both doing. Good for you for being diligent! What a journey! Here's to minimal pain!

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  2. Yeah, that's pretty major stuff to go through. So take it easy! And I'm so glad you are recovering well.

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  3. Amazing progress in six weeks! The ability of the human body to heal is amazing.

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  4. I do a lot of side stepping. I'm good at it.

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  5. Having helped with a lot of total hips I was expecting more graphic photos than that ;) Glad you are doing good and progressing! My dad is getting his hip replaced soon and he is so nervous!

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  6. The scar looks like it's healing well! Healing from a major surgery is never fun but it sounds like you are passing with flying colors!

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  7. Lol! As a trauma nurse I,like Christie, was expecting something more graphic! That incision is healing beautifully! Yay!

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  8. it's healing up nicely!!! you are doing all of the stuff i was doing and seriously i feel like i'm reading my own posts about the actual trauma part! that's what my doc had to remind me. :) youre constantly in my thoughts....xoxo

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  9. I'm glad that rehab still continues on, I hope it goes well. For B2B, thanks! I still remember your recap from maybe 3 years ago? Including said naked butt? I think that was how I found your blog in the first place! Yea, my B2B race was everything that I wanted it to be - great times. Now I need to pick up my strength training to get my body back to 100%

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  10. oh, and since I started the race literally at the front, I didn't see any naked people! Joy!

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  12. Wow, What an Outstanding post. I found this too much informatics. It is what I was seeking for. I would like to recommend you that please keep sharing such type of info.If possible, Thanks. physical therapy rehabilitation

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