I'm back!

I haven't blogged in almost two weeks, but I'm back and a little stronger - mentally and physically!  If I'm not careful I'll defeat myself in thoughts before I even get going.  I've been really hard on myself the past two weeks on my recovery status. 

What's my status?!  I'm doing well.  I had my six week post operative visit last week and everything is good.  My incision is healing and I've been taken off restrictions.  I still need to listen to my body, but I'm good to start moving these muscles and get this leg moving like its supposed to.  The one thing I need to work on is my tilted pelvis (pelvic obliquity).  An issue I had prior to surgery and it will take time to get my muscles relaxed and back to normal.  That's one thing I have to realize and take in - that I didn't develop hip issues over night and my full recovery isn't going to happen over night.

I'm entering week 7 post surgery and I've been completely off the cane for full week.  The first day letting go of the cane was an adjustment, but each day I can feel myself getting stronger and firmer in my steps.  Doctors orders are to walk, walk, walk.  When standing from a seated position I am instantly stiff, but the more I do walk, the better I feel.  So I got myself a treadmill and placed it right in the living room so I can use it every day. 

I had my final physical therapy appointment today and I've met all my initial goals except the 90 degrees.  I can lift my leg from a standing position about 80 degrees, so more stretching and I'll get to the 90 degrees.  I already had a full list of exercises I have been doing and adding the walking on the treadmill.  Well she gave me about 7 more exercises that she feels will help me with my pelvic obliquity so it looks like I'm going to be a busy lady!  Maybe I can lose some more weight through all of this - I hope so!!!  Well I'm on my own through the remainder of the year, my next appointment to see the doctor is in January. 

Thanks to everyone who has been reading my experience and those who have been encouraging me with comments here and through my email - I've really appreciated it!  This isn't my swan song . . . you'll be hearing from me again soon!  Til next time :-)

Not happy . . .

I should have blogged this morning when I was feeling good, I'm not too happy right now. Today is my first day without my cane and I'm beginning to feel the effects of not having my helper. I understand my doctor telling me not to use it or I'll become dependent on it. I have about 45 minutes left in this 8 hour day, but there's work that has to be done and no one is available or willing to stay. This sucks!!! Note to self: get a letter from doctor stating maximum number of hours I can work.

Guess this is the price I have to pay for being good at my job. Rough day and it looks like its going to be a rough night - sob, sob.

Taking a break . . .

Last week it seemed like I took a break from recovery. My mind was consumed with a few of life's other twists and turns. I do need to get back on focus with my recovery. I have my 6 week check-up tomorrow and I'm hoping for a good report.

Through everything, I can say I accomplished two things: 1) I went back to work full-time and made it to through the week! 2) I slept almost straight through the night - just one wake up at 5 am!!

I'm about to start week 6 of recovery and I'm feeling better than week 5 - Thank God!!!

A few steps back / \ / \ / \

Well it looks like I've taken a few steps back.  I don't feel as well as I felt last week.  I woke up Sunday morning feeling great and by the evening I started to feel worse.  Since then I've had more discomfort and more pain when walking.  I thought I was at a point where I would be off my cane soon, but I feel like I am more dependent on using the cane.  Physical therapy has been a little more intense, but I started feeling worse before the physical therapy.  So I've been feeling a little blah and haven't been back to work a full eight hours yet.   I did speak to my doctor's office today and they confirmed that what I'm experiencing is typical recovery pains - I was reminded it has only been four weeks.  I can at least relax is knowing that nothing is wrong and now I need to mentally get more strength to make the rest of my week.  I hoping to look back on this next week and say this was my low moment. 

I'll post again on a better day.
(4 weeks post-op)