over the weekend. It’s much easier to walk, I’m actually forgetting where the walker is at times, I’ve needed it so much less.
That said, my feet are still killing me in the mornings or after sitting for a period of time. The good news is that it only takes twenty or so steps to mostly subside. By mid-day, I can hardly feel it unless I turn my foot in odd positions.
Driving
We did a driving test in Rose‘s car (mine is too low and difficult to get in and out of. Plus it’s a stick shift, which requires more involvement from the legs.) We went down to a parking lot and I drove around for a bit. It was fine. I’m not on any heavy pain meds, so I’m not drowsy or drugged up. From there I drove down to the health center for an appointment (with Rose riding shotgun.)
No issues, and another step toward self-sufficiency.
Fluid Buildup in Right Incision
This has happened again, and of course, it happened over the weekend so it couldn’t be addressed. Today, I went back to the health center and had them look at it. The PA pulled another 80cc’s of mostly clear, reddish-tinged fluid from the same location.
She indicated that basically the underlying layers are letting the fluid through — if it continues they may have to re-open the wound and re-stitch the underlying layers.
Eek!! That’s not a good possibility.
The caution was to reduce my walking by about half. To this, I grimaced, which I’m sure she noted. “I know,” she said, “you’re feeling better and you want to walk more. But you can do too much…” She related she had some patients that were out riding a bicycle after three weeks(!!) (about the same time as I’ve been out as of today.)
“Yes,” she said, “in some cases, they develop a hematoma and it has to be surgically corrected. Which is sort of the same thing that’s happening to me (this is technically called a seroma), only a hematoma is full of blood and can get much bigger.
It’s a drag — I’ve really enjoyed walking more, even going outside and doing 100 feet or so on the road. I guess the remedy also includes no more stairs for a bit.
Sigh. I understand, but the fact is the left side is doing fine. The right seems to be the problematic side.
Anyway, I had plans for the day that did involve a lot of walking, so I nixed those, went to the grocery store on the way home to grab a few items (which did involve a little bit of walking), and then beelined back to the house.
I guess I’m going to be taking a few more naps for the next few days.
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.
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.
Day 20: Turned the Corner? More Fluid Buildup —> (This entry)
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
