One Boomer At Large

Day 8: Tough Morning, Heel Sore
 

This entry is part of a series:  Hips Replacement

ough morning, today. Tough morning, today. Of course, all mornings are tough, but this morning seemed tougher than usual…

Most of the soreness seems to be located in my quads and upper thighs. The latter were what were giving me trouble before the surgery. They were weak and required constant exercise to keep from cramping. The most effective movement to prevent them from cramping seemed to be putting the Burgman up on the center stand and lifting a foot to the footrest 10 times, then doing the same on the other side.

It hurt, and occasionally one side or the other — usually the left — would cramp up. I’d have to extend the leg out to the side to get it to relax.

Presumably, the idea of the surgical procedure is to re-align the hip so those muscles aren’t so taxed.

Curious to see if it works…

Heel Sore

When I came out of surgery, I had a dime-sized sore on my heel. Odd. I know I didn’t have it when I went in. So, between that, the bruises, and the spurious holes in my thigh, they must have beat me up pretty well. My guess is they moved my leg a lot to insure they got the lengths right: which they seem to have accomplished. My legs don’t feel any longer or shorter than they did before the surgery, and the definitely seem to be the same length.

The only concern is that I have to watch sores on my feet very carefully, due to my diabetic condition. Rose is helping me clean it and dress it with antiseptic wash and a bandaid sufficient to cover it.

This kind of thing can work on your head when you’re so vulnerable during recovery. I laid in bed at night stewing over it — the last thing I need is something extraneous causing infection and complicating my condition.

But, I think we’re ok with it.

Physical Therapist Visit

She came at 11:15, which was perfect timing: by then the Tylenol had its maximum effect, and I was feeling pretty good! I showed her what I had been doing, walked a bit with and without the walker, and she showed me another exercise for stability.

Her assessment is I’m doing really well, especially considering that the procedure was bilateral. Rose was concerned about the level of bruising, but the PT said it was very normal and that it was probably at it’s maximum level of discoloration and coverage, now (actually, the bruising on the front seems to be abating a bit.)

She also confirmed the level of activity pre-op I had undertaken has really made a difference. She should know — she sees a lot of patients who have undergone this, many of whom weren’t active prior and recovery is much more prolonged.

Also, I’ve been wondering when I can get off the walker, and she says probably not until next week (bleah.) That will be the ultimate indication of how I’m progressing, I think.

Summary

So, we’re on track. The more I can walk, the more I want to walk.

And, looking forward to that long drive…

<
Loupe
>
Return to series topic page:  Hips Replacement
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.
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'.
Day 8: Tough Morning, Heel Sore —> (This entry)
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
One Boomer At Large
Patreon Facebook Page RSS Feed
<
Loupe
>