At this stage, I’m getting tired of the whole thing.
The physical therapist showed up, today. Said I’m doing great. I related I guess so, I’m just tired.
In fact, my hips and thighs seem tired more than anything else. When I go to stand up, I feel like they’re protesting: “Oh please, not again. We’re so tired.”
The response from the PT was that it’s probably because I’m doing so much, but it’s ok. She doesn’t think I’m overdoing it — it’s just the body is working so hard to fix itself.
I showed her the bruises — she was actually surprised they had receded so rapidly since her last visit.
So, the overall consensus I’m doing great, keep going, she’ll be back for a last visit on Monday.
Medicare Constraints
That last is a function of Medicare limitations (I might not have mentioned it earlier, but I am a Medicare part A and B patient.)
They only pay for so much therapy (home or otherwise.) She suggested that when I see the PA on Wednesday I ask if there might be some off-site therapy for which I could still qualify under Medicare.
Knee Pain
The knee issue came back, last night. I talked with the PT about that and she indicated what I suspected: the hip weakness is stressing other joints, (the knee) and it’s likely the result of that.
Maybe, but that doesn’t answer why it only surfaces in the morning when I get out of bed.
I tried a bolster to keep my knee in a flexed position through the night, and that seemed to work, initially. But now it’s coming back, with or without the bolster.
Anyway, during the day, it seems to abate during my activities, so maybe it is a strengthening issue.
Summary
So, the slog continues. I’m hoping that the slope of the recovery curve will increase — hopefully sharply — at some point and I’ll be making strides more quickly.
One thing for sure though — if it doesn’t improve drastically over the next three or four days, I’m not going to be driving myself to the PA on Wednesday.
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'.
This morning seemed tougher than usual, a sore on my right heel needs attention, PT visit.
Morning stiffness, knee involvement(!), Vrooming about mid-day.
Day 11: The Slog Continues —> (This entry)
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
