I began PT yesterday actually, with a ROM and strength/overall function evaluation and paperwork. My new PT, Nicky, is also from South Africa, like Liz, my first PT. She's pretty cool! Today marked the start of true PT and it started in the pool and will remain in the pool until the 4th week when I will start land therapy. After a 45 minute workout in the pool the reward is a 15 minute soak in the hot tub!
The water exercises are fairly simple. Forward leg kicks, backward leg kicks, marching in place, the "bicycle" kick, side leg kicks, squats off the wall, and heel raises to name a few. It felt good for the hips although I strained the right side getting too enthusiastic with the false sense of strength of my hip. I think it is great to do water therapy, however first getting out of the pool is hard reality. My right leg felt really weak out of the water. Nicky also suggested taking Tylenol or even something stronger at home and icing to prevent the pain water therapy can initially wreak on the body. I am currently icing. I'll wait on the meds. The plan is to do 3 weeks of pool therapy and 3 weeks of land therapy twice a week. Then I'll have my 3 month follow up with Z the week after I finish PT. There is a chance I could be discharged early depending on progress in therapy.
Right now my left hip feels great, the right hip is throbbing, and both knees are throbbing. And I look like a prune. But I'm definately glad that I went this route. I'm not used to it but I'm sure it won't take long!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
8 weeks post RPAO and follow up appointment
I went back to D-town yesterday for my 2nd follow up with Z and this appt was much more promising than the last one! The xrays revealed that the joint space looked good/unchanged and my bones are healing really well. This means I can begin weight bearing full weight now and as soon as I feel able, I can wean completely off my crutches. He looked very pleased that the joint spaced had maintained itself. Me too! I feel much better after this follow up. The screws will need to be removed, although no rush, so we can monitor the hip via MRI to have a good look at the cartilage inside, hopefully stay on top of the degeneration before it's too late. Otherwise, we discussed how I'm feeling right now and I told Z I feel pretty good for having had 2 PAO's close together, the acute pain is gone but I do have a "settled ache" that doesn't go away. He felt it should go away, that it's part of the healing process. Strengthening the muscles is key. Which brings me to PT. I start outpatient PT tomorrow and it is going to be at the new PT place and I am going to do pool therapy. I'm pretty excited!
I asked about approximate timeline back to work and he felt another 4-6 weeks should be about right and probably about 6-8 weeks before I would be unrestricted. So we'll see! I go back to see him for my 3 month follow up September 12th and we'll see how the hip looks then and how I'm feeling.
At this point in recovery, and even last week at 7 weeks, I feel like the left and right hip caught up with each other in terms of how fast they each recovered. It was this same timeframe for the left hip that I was walking and pretty much didn't use my crutches much except outside. I feel pretty confident that the right hip will move along just as quickly. Pain is no longer acute, more just chronic aching now. Every once in awhile I will get a stab in the groin of both hips but I can tolerate it for the time being. My knees are still an issue but we are working on strengthening them. I now have a left knee brace for support.
So today I used only one crutch in the house and I felt pretty good. I have a lot of stamina to build back up but I think the strength is there. I vacuumed a small area of the house and that will probably be the extent of what I do today! Tomorrow is PT and I don't want to go in sore.
There was such relief with this appointment and I could definately get used to hearing my OS say not to worry! He is such a gem!
I asked about approximate timeline back to work and he felt another 4-6 weeks should be about right and probably about 6-8 weeks before I would be unrestricted. So we'll see! I go back to see him for my 3 month follow up September 12th and we'll see how the hip looks then and how I'm feeling.
At this point in recovery, and even last week at 7 weeks, I feel like the left and right hip caught up with each other in terms of how fast they each recovered. It was this same timeframe for the left hip that I was walking and pretty much didn't use my crutches much except outside. I feel pretty confident that the right hip will move along just as quickly. Pain is no longer acute, more just chronic aching now. Every once in awhile I will get a stab in the groin of both hips but I can tolerate it for the time being. My knees are still an issue but we are working on strengthening them. I now have a left knee brace for support.
So today I used only one crutch in the house and I felt pretty good. I have a lot of stamina to build back up but I think the strength is there. I vacuumed a small area of the house and that will probably be the extent of what I do today! Tomorrow is PT and I don't want to go in sore.
There was such relief with this appointment and I could definately get used to hearing my OS say not to worry! He is such a gem!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
7 weeks post op and driving
At this point in the recovery I truly don't have a lot to tell. Left hip is holding up pretty well, a bit achy at times, and I occasionally get that anterior "bulging" feeling again. I have only felt minor giving out in the left hip but it's tons better than it used to be. The knee hurts. A lot.
The right hip is still sore around the incisions but thankfully the screws really aren't as bothersome as they were on the left. I'm still not sure how I feel with this hip. I'm really achy. I mean it's a bone deep ache, and it's pretty constant. The right knee also just hurts. My whole lower body hurts!
But aside from complaining, I have been able to do a few things more since last week. I have been cheating on weight bearing a little bit. I'm putting about half or more of my weight down on my right leg when crutching. It isn't too bad. The muscles are sore from non use and I had some issues with pin prickles/tingly feelings in my foot for a bit but it goes away with more use.
I also went in the pool over the weekend for the first time and "walked" in the water! Weightless weightbearing is heavenly! I just wish it was my own pool. I am going to go to a new PT (per my PT's recommendation) at a new place that does pool therapy. I'm very excited for that!
I wasn't sure if I was ready for driving yet but I wanted to try, so with Todd in the jeep with me, I drove to his dad's house, which is about 10 miles away. My practicing in the recliner has helped a little with muscle memory and strength. It felt weird though, like I had to actually think and tell my brain to lift and move my leg to go between the gas and brake pedals. I did just fine but I had Todd drive home. That was enough for me. But now I know I can do it if I need to! And I didn't even need to use my left foot on the brake.
I haven't needed to use the shower bench too much anymore. I still use it for shaving, but thats about it. My strength is getting better.
Today I visited my PCP for a checkup and he gave me a script for Mobic, which is a stronger NSAID than motrin and it only has to be taken once a day vs 4 pills of motrin 3-4 times a day! I started it today and hope to see results soon.
I thought I'd update about my orthotic inserts too. They don't help my knee pain. They do keep my feet from rolling in when I walk but that's about it.
I see Dr. Z next Monday for my 8 week checkup so I'm sure I'll have great things to report! (no word yet on the job I interviewed for).
The right hip is still sore around the incisions but thankfully the screws really aren't as bothersome as they were on the left. I'm still not sure how I feel with this hip. I'm really achy. I mean it's a bone deep ache, and it's pretty constant. The right knee also just hurts. My whole lower body hurts!
But aside from complaining, I have been able to do a few things more since last week. I have been cheating on weight bearing a little bit. I'm putting about half or more of my weight down on my right leg when crutching. It isn't too bad. The muscles are sore from non use and I had some issues with pin prickles/tingly feelings in my foot for a bit but it goes away with more use.
I also went in the pool over the weekend for the first time and "walked" in the water! Weightless weightbearing is heavenly! I just wish it was my own pool. I am going to go to a new PT (per my PT's recommendation) at a new place that does pool therapy. I'm very excited for that!
I wasn't sure if I was ready for driving yet but I wanted to try, so with Todd in the jeep with me, I drove to his dad's house, which is about 10 miles away. My practicing in the recliner has helped a little with muscle memory and strength. It felt weird though, like I had to actually think and tell my brain to lift and move my leg to go between the gas and brake pedals. I did just fine but I had Todd drive home. That was enough for me. But now I know I can do it if I need to! And I didn't even need to use my left foot on the brake.
I haven't needed to use the shower bench too much anymore. I still use it for shaving, but thats about it. My strength is getting better.
Today I visited my PCP for a checkup and he gave me a script for Mobic, which is a stronger NSAID than motrin and it only has to be taken once a day vs 4 pills of motrin 3-4 times a day! I started it today and hope to see results soon.
I thought I'd update about my orthotic inserts too. They don't help my knee pain. They do keep my feet from rolling in when I walk but that's about it.
I see Dr. Z next Monday for my 8 week checkup so I'm sure I'll have great things to report! (no word yet on the job I interviewed for).
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
6 weeks post RPAO
I'm halfway through my recovery! And one great thing to report this week is NO VICODIN has been taken since last Thursday!!! I stopped taking the Tylenol ES too, because it really doesn't do anything for me on it's own, so why damage my liver needlessly? But, I have been bad and started taking my NSAIDs a little more, as in daily, but they do help to just take the edge off...and I still need to ice and heat a lot. My knee and foot still swell ridiculously with activity and standing. My foot also likes to turn dark purple when I'm up and about, but it's not cold or numb. I haven't really felt the tingly, prickly sensations too much more than last entry either, so I am not too worried.
I'm still not able to drive, although I feel like maybe I might be at that point where I could find a place with no traffic to practice. I'm still working on the driving motion with my right leg while I'm sitting in the chair at home. Hopefully that will help make my muscles remember what they're supposed to do. It's still a pretty big effort to get them to respond, but not as bad as a couple weeks ago.
I actually climbed into bed on my knees last night, not even thinking of it! Usually I sit on my butt and swing my legs over, using my hands to help my right leg in. It didn't hurt to do it either, which is good. But the "flash burning" pain I had in my incisional area right after surgery made a reappearance as well. I was lying on my left side and rolled onto my stomach and I must have pulled or contracted my muscles too hard and that burn pain came ripping through, twice with movements. I wonder what that is! Also, a couple nights ago was the first time since before surgery that my husband and I were intimate. It was an experiement to say the least! I think with the LPAO it also took about 5-6 weeks before I felt like doing it.
Since I'm 6 weeks post op, my bones and muscles should be healed well enough that I should be able to use my leg more actively now. 6 weeks generally seems to be the rule of thumb when dealing with broken bones and torn soft tissues. So I tried lifting my leg independently while sitting in my chair. Hardy har har, I can barely make it move. Baby steps. I know it'll get there. But now at least I don't have to consciously try to remember not to use the leg for anything and worry about damaging it!
(I have officially been pardoned from jury duty, thanks to Dr. Z's letter of explanation)
I'm still not able to drive, although I feel like maybe I might be at that point where I could find a place with no traffic to practice. I'm still working on the driving motion with my right leg while I'm sitting in the chair at home. Hopefully that will help make my muscles remember what they're supposed to do. It's still a pretty big effort to get them to respond, but not as bad as a couple weeks ago.
I actually climbed into bed on my knees last night, not even thinking of it! Usually I sit on my butt and swing my legs over, using my hands to help my right leg in. It didn't hurt to do it either, which is good. But the "flash burning" pain I had in my incisional area right after surgery made a reappearance as well. I was lying on my left side and rolled onto my stomach and I must have pulled or contracted my muscles too hard and that burn pain came ripping through, twice with movements. I wonder what that is! Also, a couple nights ago was the first time since before surgery that my husband and I were intimate. It was an experiement to say the least! I think with the LPAO it also took about 5-6 weeks before I felt like doing it.
Since I'm 6 weeks post op, my bones and muscles should be healed well enough that I should be able to use my leg more actively now. 6 weeks generally seems to be the rule of thumb when dealing with broken bones and torn soft tissues. So I tried lifting my leg independently while sitting in my chair. Hardy har har, I can barely make it move. Baby steps. I know it'll get there. But now at least I don't have to consciously try to remember not to use the leg for anything and worry about damaging it!
(I have officially been pardoned from jury duty, thanks to Dr. Z's letter of explanation)
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
5 weeks post RPAO
In terms of how I'm doing physically for the RPAO compared to the LPAO, I feel like I'm lightyears ahead! That's a major exaggeration, but it certainly feels that way to me. I reviewed my entries for the LPAO at 4, 5, and 6 weeks and I have already achieved everything in those 3 weeks now, at just 4 weeks going into week 5 of my recovery. I'm going to say it definitely helps having gone through 3 open hip surgeries, experience is a plus, but I may attribute some of that success to the awesome skills of my surgeon as well!! : ) Mentally I am still a bit more discouraged on this one compared to the left one and I know that doesn't make any sense considering how well I'm doing with ROM and mobility, but the discomfort I have with this hip is still at a higher level at this point in recovery than I had for the LPAO.
I am managing the pain well enough now with just a half a vicodin in the morning (if needed, otherwise I take 2 extra strength Tylenol) and a half a vicodin at bedtime. I also have to take my Lunesta at night to sleep or I will still have trouble sleeping due to pain. So I have been able to cut down my usage of narcotics since the last entry. It is slow going, but finally making some progress. I sure do miss taking my anti-inflammatories though.
I have tested putting more weight on my right leg lately and I have developed a pins and needles/jabbing feeling in the foot with any weight bearing I do. I noticed twice at night also, that I felt a slightly prickly/falling asleep sensation in the toes. I will be paying more attention to this, although I'm not very worried about it since it's not happening all the time.
I am happy to report I am lying on all sides in bed now! (I couldn't do this until week 6 for the LPAO) I experiemented with lying on my right side just last night and was able to lie that way for at least an hour before I started to feel muscle twinges and had to roll over to my back again. It did feel a little "weird" lying on the right hip directly, so I shifted my weight more to my back side with a pillow behind me to support my body. I'm still needing a pillow between my legs when side lying most of the time, but sometimes find myself having removed the pillow when I wake up. I lie flat when on my back or stomach and only when I put excess pressure on my right side do I feel the pain from the screws or pulling on the incisions. It feels so good to have a new position to sleep in again. I don't know that I'm "allowed" to sleep on the right side yet, so I'll take it slow with this position until I have my follow up in the next few weeks.
I started to "practice driving" recently, while sitting up in my recliner. I failed. I can "push the accelerator" to the floor just fine, but when I tried to move my right leg over to "push the brake", I couldn't move my leg hardly at all, so had I actually been driving, I would have caused an accident. I can always brake with my left foot though, and if that's what I need to do, then that is what I'll do! Once I'm completely off narcs I will have Todd or my mom go with me somewhere that has no traffic and I will actually test drive to see what I can do. It's amazing how little control of the leg I actually have! I thought it was better than that...
The screws are starting to make their acquaintance....my how I missed thee! This is probably the only thing that didn't happen faster for the RPAO than the LPAO. I noticed the screws in the left almost immediately whereas I'm just now this last week becoming aware of them in the right. And the feeling isn't so much as achy like it's been the last 2 times, but more a sharp pulling pain right at the site of the screw heads. If I rest my arms on the top of the hip, I feel pain from the screw heads but not the deep ache I was used to from before. I noticed on xray that Z seems to have countersunk these screws a little more than the left screws were, so that could explain why I wasn't aware of them as soon.
I'm still pretty swollen and tight in between the incision for the PAO and the scope sites. The left hip re-incision is no longer swollen and only feels like a deep bruise now. I'm not really aware of it at all. My knee and foot are still swelling badly after any exertion and often icing will help resolve most of it but I prefer heat which doesn't help the swelling. It just relaxes my joints and muscles more and feels more soothing overall.
I received a summons for jury duty this month and jury duty is required until September 30th. This is my first summons since I turned 18 and I would normally be really excited to do this, but I can't sit for very long and the benches/chairs in the court room are likely to be wooden (ie: hard). I still have to get up and move around a lot and shift positions to avoid putting too much pressure on either buttock. This would not be tolerated during a court case I'm sure. So I'll have to write to the judge to be pardoned. Hopefully Dr. Z will write a letter in my favor.
I am managing the pain well enough now with just a half a vicodin in the morning (if needed, otherwise I take 2 extra strength Tylenol) and a half a vicodin at bedtime. I also have to take my Lunesta at night to sleep or I will still have trouble sleeping due to pain. So I have been able to cut down my usage of narcotics since the last entry. It is slow going, but finally making some progress. I sure do miss taking my anti-inflammatories though.
I have tested putting more weight on my right leg lately and I have developed a pins and needles/jabbing feeling in the foot with any weight bearing I do. I noticed twice at night also, that I felt a slightly prickly/falling asleep sensation in the toes. I will be paying more attention to this, although I'm not very worried about it since it's not happening all the time.
I am happy to report I am lying on all sides in bed now! (I couldn't do this until week 6 for the LPAO) I experiemented with lying on my right side just last night and was able to lie that way for at least an hour before I started to feel muscle twinges and had to roll over to my back again. It did feel a little "weird" lying on the right hip directly, so I shifted my weight more to my back side with a pillow behind me to support my body. I'm still needing a pillow between my legs when side lying most of the time, but sometimes find myself having removed the pillow when I wake up. I lie flat when on my back or stomach and only when I put excess pressure on my right side do I feel the pain from the screws or pulling on the incisions. It feels so good to have a new position to sleep in again. I don't know that I'm "allowed" to sleep on the right side yet, so I'll take it slow with this position until I have my follow up in the next few weeks.
I started to "practice driving" recently, while sitting up in my recliner. I failed. I can "push the accelerator" to the floor just fine, but when I tried to move my right leg over to "push the brake", I couldn't move my leg hardly at all, so had I actually been driving, I would have caused an accident. I can always brake with my left foot though, and if that's what I need to do, then that is what I'll do! Once I'm completely off narcs I will have Todd or my mom go with me somewhere that has no traffic and I will actually test drive to see what I can do. It's amazing how little control of the leg I actually have! I thought it was better than that...
The screws are starting to make their acquaintance....my how I missed thee! This is probably the only thing that didn't happen faster for the RPAO than the LPAO. I noticed the screws in the left almost immediately whereas I'm just now this last week becoming aware of them in the right. And the feeling isn't so much as achy like it's been the last 2 times, but more a sharp pulling pain right at the site of the screw heads. If I rest my arms on the top of the hip, I feel pain from the screw heads but not the deep ache I was used to from before. I noticed on xray that Z seems to have countersunk these screws a little more than the left screws were, so that could explain why I wasn't aware of them as soon.
I'm still pretty swollen and tight in between the incision for the PAO and the scope sites. The left hip re-incision is no longer swollen and only feels like a deep bruise now. I'm not really aware of it at all. My knee and foot are still swelling badly after any exertion and often icing will help resolve most of it but I prefer heat which doesn't help the swelling. It just relaxes my joints and muscles more and feels more soothing overall.
I received a summons for jury duty this month and jury duty is required until September 30th. This is my first summons since I turned 18 and I would normally be really excited to do this, but I can't sit for very long and the benches/chairs in the court room are likely to be wooden (ie: hard). I still have to get up and move around a lot and shift positions to avoid putting too much pressure on either buttock. This would not be tolerated during a court case I'm sure. So I'll have to write to the judge to be pardoned. Hopefully Dr. Z will write a letter in my favor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
