in recovery. Time to have a followup visit with the surgeon to evaluate how things are going.
My surgeon for this procedure is an older gentleman — he’s been around long enough to see this technology in its most nascent form, and the subsequent improvements over the decades.
This was a primary reason for choosing him. One could assume someone younger might be more acquainted with breaking developments, but I don’t get that sense with my surgeon. He’s kept up with it all through the years and has honed his knowledge and experience to a fine edge.
This visit, he was his normal affable self and we went over my history vis á vis my recovery progress.
New X-Rays, Evaluation
He had radiology take new x-rays and brought them up on the screen. Once again, I’m blown away seeing the implants replacing my joints.
“They look good!” he said. “The spikes are seated well in the femur and the sockets in the hips look like their seated well.”
Clinically, everything is doing well. The seroma is gone, the scars are closing up well. During the x-ray procedure, the tech flexed my right thigh outward which, before the surgery, was an extremely painful movement. But now, it was fine. There were still some limits, of course, but the pain I had experienced before within the required range of motion was essentially gone.
I related how the right hip seemed to be lagging the left and he just nodded — nothing unusual there. Same with the foot recovery (which is also much alleviated — the ankle and calf burn seem to be mostly abated, with just some residual stiffness left, mostly in the right foot.)
Activities
The next question was resuming activities: When could I ride a bike?
The answer was, “Any time, but don’t put excessive stress on the pedals, just yet,” followed by the admonition that, “Anything you do that is different, you’re going to feel, initially. Just work through it and don’t try to push too hard.”
He recommended no more than 30 minute excursions, to start. In the current blistering heat of the day, that’s an easy limit.
Another question I had was, “How much force can I put on it?”
“What is it you want to do?” he asked.
I explained I had the scooter and that I had to putting it up on the center stand, occasionally — a task that requires a bit of exertion on my part and particularly on my right leg.
He actually didn’t have too much of an issue with it, but didn’t want me to do any sharp moves like jumping on it. Just gradual increase should be ok.
What’s Next?
The next magic milestone is another six weeks. At that point, given my progress, there should be no limitations, whatever.
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.
Just past six weeks and I'm confident enough to ride the scooter. Can mainly dress myself except for socks...
Day 48: Followup Visit with Surgeon —> (This entry)
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
