As usual the morning is tough — everything is stiff from the night’s rigormortus…
This morning was particularly hard — after I got up for the morning bathroom break at 5:30, I couldn’t get back to sleep. I was counting the minutes until the next Tylenol drop (at 8:00). Meanwhile, I kept shifting around and couldn’t get comfortable.
Later in the morning, Rose reminded me about using the ice packs…
Duh!
She fetched them, I applied them, and instantly went to sleep.
I have to remember that in the foggy-brained mornings.
Stairs!
At physical therapy in the hospital, we did a short run of stairs (all of three steps), up and down. We only did them once.
At home, I have a flight of 14 steps between floors. Up to now, I haven’t even considered attempting them.
However, in the early evening I was feeling particularly spunky and thought, “Well, let’s give it a try.” Maybe just a couple of steps.
We only have a single hand-rail on the right side, but the other side has various holes and things I can grab onto, so I felt pretty confident I could stabilize myself all the way.
I stood at the top and gingerly lowered my right foot and then the left on the second top-most step.
It was ok. I did it again on the next step.
Still ok.
And, I went all the way down the 14 steps that way, no issues.
To get back up, I just reversed the process only stepping up to each platform.
It really didn’t hurt much at all — perhaps only a little more than pushing the walker around.
It’s good to know I can do it, but I’ll have to think about doing any more. Changing elevation is still putting a lot of exertion on the legs and hips.
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.
Back to the slog - tough mornings, better mid-days.
Day 12: Stairs! Morning Tough as Usual —> (This entry)
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
