and I decided I was doing well enough to take a major step…
Which was to jump on the Burgman and try to take it for a spin.
Riding the Burgman!
Needless to say, I was taking things very gingerly. But, I did about a half mile ride, paying particular attention to my hip flexure bringing my legs up and down.
I could definitely feel it — was definitely good I was doing a short ride.
But, I didn’t feel like I had overstressed anything. Part of the trepidation, of course, was being extra careful at the stops to insure I was straight up and down and not leaning or, worse, dropping it (which I’ve done more than once.) That simply can’t happen.
It was all basically good. After weeks of being cooped up, it felt wonderful to be back out in the air, watching the road go by under my wheels, seeing the scenery go by.
The auspices are good!
Socks
When I first came home from the surgery, I couldn’t do much on my own — couldn’t dress myself, couldn’t move without a walker, couldn’t take a shower on my own.
That’s been a hit on my self-image — my independence is sorely tested having to rely on Rose for the most basic of functions.
Now, just beyond the six week mark, I can mostly dress myself — underware, shirts, shorts, etc. I can use the shower independently, most things I need to do I can do. I still can’t reach the floor to pick up small objects, but that’s what the reacher is for.
But, the major limitation has been my socks. I wear compression socks and they’re difficult to pull on under the best of circumstances — I have to reach slightly beyond my toes to get them over my feet, then forcibly pull them up, over the heel, and up the calf. Getting them off is equally difficult.
Both of those functions have been pretty much impossible after the surgery, and even up to now, some six weeks later (shoes are ok, BTB — I’ve got a pair so broken in that I can just jam my feet inside without untying them, and I can get them off by simply pushing the heel down with the opposite toe. I’ve been keeping them around just for this situation.)
Synopsis
Ultimately, things are coming along. Once putting on and removing socks is achieved, I think I’ll be pretty much independent. Then it’s just getting past the residual (and occasional) aches, pains, and spasms that surface unexpectedly, now and again.
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.
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.
Day 42: A New Month! Riding the Scooter! —> (This entry)
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
