Or a week in, depending on how you look at it.
I’m starting to see light at the end of the tunnel, I think.
The Bed Issue
One thing I think I solved was the issue of getting in and out of bed. Getting out has been ok, but getting in has been painful. As I discussed in a prior post, I think the issue is the bed is too tall and my legs dangle off the edge. That extends the joint too far — especially on the right hip — I think, and the result is a painful transition moving the legs to the bed.
The solution was a riser step at the side of the bed so my legs didn’t extend so far: put the feet up on the riser and then lift them over to the bed. It’s only a few inches, but it makes a huge difference.
And, it means I don’t have to wake up Rose at 2:00AM to help me lift my legs back on the bed, which she should appreciate, I think.
Monkey Walks
These are getting better, too. I’m taking longer courses and holding up much better. Well, some better. I still favor my left leg a bit. I messaged the PA about that and he responded confidently it will clear as I get stronger.
Hope so.
Meanwile, my monkey walks are looking less like a chimpanzee and more like a gorilla. Australopithecene level next!
PT Delay
The physical therapist was supposed to show, today, but shined me on. I think we might have a millenial issue, here — we’re texting back and forth to schedule for tomorrow and she sends back these animated emoji — bursting hearts and the like.
Like, I’m not one of her peeps, right?
Anyway, I’ve been trying to be more consistent with the exercises the last PT gave me. It was touch and go, for a while, but now, I think I’m building up strength better and dealing with less pain, so I think I can keep them up more consistently.
Gastro
Now that I’m not taking the Hydrocodone, my appetite is back, I’m not feeling queazy, and I’m not falling asleep every two hours. The BM’s haven’t been an issue since I’ve managed them with my laxative library of pills and powders and they’re not gonna be an issue without the Hydrocordone.
The only thing I noted is that I might be getting a touch dehydrated. I did the pinch test on the back of my hand and the skin didn’t pop back immediately.
Then again, I might be getting old.
Post Recovery Plans
The light at the end of the tunnel is apparent enough that I’m starting to think about what I want to do when I am recovered enough to be fairly active. I don’t think riding a bike is going to be in there for a while, riding the Burgman (motorcyle) is probably further out, yet.
But, I see a big long drive in my not-too-distant future. I’ll keep the posts up.
In the interim: what movie tonight, I wonder?
More entries in this series:
Latest visit with osteo surgeon indicates hips are deteriorating more rapidly. I get steroid injections into the hip joints to alleviate the pain until surgery.
The steroid injections are successful - vast improvement. Diabetes issues with the steroid, though.
After months of waiting, the day finally approaches.
The day is approaching, I'm starting to get things ready for the surgery and the convalescence at home. A hiccup from the hospital.
And, we're here. Today is the day. I perform some required prep, starve for the day, and reflect on the risk of infection.
Surgery done, I've been in the hospital for two days. Some convalescence, but overall not too bad. I have a couple of nice scars on my thighs.
I can't believe it's only been four days. Feels more like a month. Update, medication, exercise, etc.
Five days out and the pain has increased stupendously. Didn't think it would be like this...
Sixth day, trying the Hydrocodone. Lots less pain, but it messes with my digestive tract. Dropping it.
Day 7: A Week In - Things are looking up, I think. —> (This entry)
And here we are at 7 days/1 week out. The pain is reducing somewhat, and I'm doing ok on the Tylenol. More 'monkey walks'.
This morning seemed tougher than usual, a sore on my right heel needs attention, PT visit.
Morning stiffness, knee involvement(!), Vrooming about mid-day.
Back to the slog - tough mornings, better mid-days.
Back to the slog - tough mornings, better mid-days.
When I came out of surgery, I had an open sore on the back of my right heel. That and the fact that the foot is slightly swollen and painful is an interesting side note.
Visit with PA, today. Staples out, X-rays of hips and foot. No breaks in the foot or the ankle - we're calling it a sprain. Not untypical, apparently.
Getting more confident in walks. I went outside today with a pair of hiking sticks and walked about 100 feet or so. Feels better walking than not walking. Fluid build-up in my right hip, again.
Really starting to feel better, walk better. Feet still hurt like hell in the mornings, but quickly subside. More fluid buildup.
Week 3 has come, seems like it should be some sort of landmark. The seroma (fluid under the right incision) is returning. I've scaled back my activities to try to not aggravate it, but that has its own consequences.
Mornings are still a bear, but I'm walking more and better. Reducing the Tylenol a bit - giving my liver a break. The Seroma (fluid buildup under the right incision) is still with me. Best to leave it alone, according to the PA.
Just passed the four week mark, doing reasonably well but still a ways to go.
Just past six weeks and I'm confident enough to ride the scooter. Can mainly dress myself except for socks...
One day shy of seven weeks. Visiting with the surgeon, new X-Rays. Essentially all well, but still recovering.
12 week mark - I'm on the slow part of the healing curve, now. Still issues, especially with my right hip. Left hip is (mostly) great.
After 12 weeks, I feel like I can synopsize the experience
