I am six weeks post-op from right hip surgery and nearing 14 months post-op from left hip surgery. Things are going well with respect to recovery, but not going well overall. I am definitely in a massive flare of the already existing issues that we'd had sort of calmed down before surgery. Several weeks of crutches were too much for my body.
I am choosing to focus on what is going well. I am still sleeping through the night in spite of increased pain. This is nine to eleven hours a night. The hips have been mostly pain-free. Left got sore over a week ago and is included in the current flare. However, even flared, it is better than it was pre-op. Right hip got sore a few days ago, too. This is the first it has had anything even near pain since right after surgery. Again, even sore, it is far better than it was pre-op. Surgery has already proven itself more effective than injections early on just as it did with left hip last summer. I am back on the prescription anti-inflammatory, but that is more for the global flare than for hips this time (last spring it was for hips). I can walk short distances without crutches and it is pain-free, no limping, but still have to work on gait, strength, and endurance. I can swim (no kick), ride stationary bike, do PT exercises (advancing--more weight bearing work, more core work--mini-squats, planks, etc.).
The flare. This includes neck, back, both shoulders, wrists, hands, knees, even hips to a lesser extent. All is a result of crutches. This has been building for weeks in spite of trying to prevent it. It has been getting ever more challenging. At present, it looks like the worse of the two shoulders will need an injection. I am hopeful that the other shoulder and left hip will calm without injections. I am keeping activity to limited level--safe activities. My body needs to move, but it is very easy to overdo it right now.
I encountered more difficulties with being "medically complicated" but I am so grateful for a medical team who are willing to support me in spite of the challenges. The flare reached crisis level late last week and I called various of the physicians who knew aspects of the situation. The EDS/MCAS doctor was not available and no other provider at that clinic wanted to attempt to guess at what to do for me so deferred to local doctor who had only seen me once before. The conversation with surgeon's PA was very helpful--they will support me the best they can through this, restarted the prescription NSAID, and OK'd injection for the shoulder. The appointment with primary care went very well. He is trusting that I know my body, know what helped work through the flare last time, and he will support me with what is needed--refilled the prescription NSAID, gave options for getting injections done. PT this afternoon went very well. We are still making good progress with rehab. Added back "new" exercises that I get to do again. No crutches now except for longer distances, then only one. Checked form and it is great--helped I am sure that I did exercises right up until surgery, then have picked up again as soon as able and cleared since surgery. PT did lots of soft tissue work on both hips, discussed shoulder exercises, iced both hips and both shoulders at end.
High points this past week include actually making it to church for the first time in well over 6 months! Yes, the zero gravity chair came along, but I made it! I still had both crutches, but they were more of a warning to others not to crowd or rush me than actually being used as been walking without them at home.
Week 6 left hip last summer.
Copyright © 2017 by Stef. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Week Five: Making Progress
This week started off as tedious as ever, still on both crutches. I am in the stage of recovery where nothing can get my heart rate up....except swimming. However, swimming is still no kick, I have two not-so-good shoulders, so have to be super careful. I still get worn out easily. Getting through rehab exercises, icing, self-care takes all day. I am getting lots of reading done--when on the stationary bike or icing. Otherwise, things feel time-consuming, tedious, tiresome.
My body is getting ever more uncomfortable from crutches--cried myself to sleep a couple of nights ago from shoulder pain--outright pain, not just soreness. Back on pain medication at night for shoulders, neck, back. Hips are so far OK, though left has been getting sore and nervous about flaring it up again. I took a day off from rehab exercises over the weekend as a desperate attempt to help calm things down, or at least slow the downward trend. The surgical hip was doing fine, handling things, did not need a break, but the rest of my body needed help of some type and I was not sure what else to do. I am not sure the break helped, but it did not seem to hurt, either. I still did some gentle range of motion work for both hips.
Today I woke with worse pain yet in left shoulder, right shoulder more sore, neck and back even more sore, left hip more sore, etc. The result was tears--exhausted emotionally from how tedious the past few weeks have been, how sore and stiff the rest of my body has been, etc. I had nearly lost track of how well surgical hip was doing with how poorly everything else was feeling. I knew I had PT this afternoon and was desperately hoping he'd let me try walking without any crutches and just see if I am ready as not sure my body can handle another day of this. I was literally fearful of flaring things beyond point of return. I did take pain medication this morning as had a sneaking suspicion I'd be crying all day if I did not as too tired of the situation to deal with the pain as well. The day did get better, but still working on staying off my feet/crutches as much as possible, lots of rest with ice packs.
Physical therapy this afternoon went well! I was asked how things were going and was honest--right hip is doing well, the rest of my body not so much. Tried some new things with exercises and they went well. I was told the right hip is doing well, making steady progress, getting stronger! This is encouraging! Tried walking with a cane and that went well and was easier on my shoulder. I asked if reasonable to try walking without any aids? Yes. I tried and both hips felt fine. However, PT commented I was limping.....on left side. Oops. He had observed a lateral shift as I was walking. This is an old compensation pattern from pre-op left hip. Sigh. So, he had me focus more on form, try again, and said it was better. So, I am officially cleared to walk without crutches at home! Yay! Excited, but more relieved than anything. Recommendation is to use a cane for longer distances, keep one or both crutches when out and around as a visible cue for others not to crowd or rush me. I am fine with this, as I recall last time being glad to be off crutches, but also missing them because they did provide a very visual reminder to others that I was not 100% and move more slowly and carefully, thus not to rush me. PT iced both hips at the end today. That helped. So relieved and grateful! Hoping and praying everything does calm down.
Looking back, it appears week five was a bit rough last time, as well. However, it also it had its good times. Similar to last time, I have added back some of the pre-op exercises for the rest of my body as able to stand more. This has helped some.
Interesting link to a blog post by a PT who has had/recovered from surgery for hip labral tear.
The highlight of this week was not rehab-related at all. Rather, it was getting to view the solar eclipse! So exciting to get to see!
Copyright © 2017 by Stef. All rights reserved.
My body is getting ever more uncomfortable from crutches--cried myself to sleep a couple of nights ago from shoulder pain--outright pain, not just soreness. Back on pain medication at night for shoulders, neck, back. Hips are so far OK, though left has been getting sore and nervous about flaring it up again. I took a day off from rehab exercises over the weekend as a desperate attempt to help calm things down, or at least slow the downward trend. The surgical hip was doing fine, handling things, did not need a break, but the rest of my body needed help of some type and I was not sure what else to do. I am not sure the break helped, but it did not seem to hurt, either. I still did some gentle range of motion work for both hips.
Today I woke with worse pain yet in left shoulder, right shoulder more sore, neck and back even more sore, left hip more sore, etc. The result was tears--exhausted emotionally from how tedious the past few weeks have been, how sore and stiff the rest of my body has been, etc. I had nearly lost track of how well surgical hip was doing with how poorly everything else was feeling. I knew I had PT this afternoon and was desperately hoping he'd let me try walking without any crutches and just see if I am ready as not sure my body can handle another day of this. I was literally fearful of flaring things beyond point of return. I did take pain medication this morning as had a sneaking suspicion I'd be crying all day if I did not as too tired of the situation to deal with the pain as well. The day did get better, but still working on staying off my feet/crutches as much as possible, lots of rest with ice packs.
Physical therapy this afternoon went well! I was asked how things were going and was honest--right hip is doing well, the rest of my body not so much. Tried some new things with exercises and they went well. I was told the right hip is doing well, making steady progress, getting stronger! This is encouraging! Tried walking with a cane and that went well and was easier on my shoulder. I asked if reasonable to try walking without any aids? Yes. I tried and both hips felt fine. However, PT commented I was limping.....on left side. Oops. He had observed a lateral shift as I was walking. This is an old compensation pattern from pre-op left hip. Sigh. So, he had me focus more on form, try again, and said it was better. So, I am officially cleared to walk without crutches at home! Yay! Excited, but more relieved than anything. Recommendation is to use a cane for longer distances, keep one or both crutches when out and around as a visible cue for others not to crowd or rush me. I am fine with this, as I recall last time being glad to be off crutches, but also missing them because they did provide a very visual reminder to others that I was not 100% and move more slowly and carefully, thus not to rush me. PT iced both hips at the end today. That helped. So relieved and grateful! Hoping and praying everything does calm down.
Looking back, it appears week five was a bit rough last time, as well. However, it also it had its good times. Similar to last time, I have added back some of the pre-op exercises for the rest of my body as able to stand more. This has helped some.
Interesting link to a blog post by a PT who has had/recovered from surgery for hip labral tear.
The highlight of this week was not rehab-related at all. Rather, it was getting to view the solar eclipse! So exciting to get to see!
Copyright © 2017 by Stef. All rights reserved.
Saturday, August 19, 2017
One Month: Holding Steady
Yesterday was a full month after the right hip surgery. It seems hard to believe it has been a month since surgery. In some ways, it feels like it has been forever. The tedious stage continues. My body is exhausted from crutches and I wake stiff/sore every morning. I am cleared to use only one crutch around home as long as it feels alright and not too long of distance. I can put full weight through with both crutches, but again, only as long as it feels alright. So far it all feels fine. I know I posted at one month post-op last time as it was a memorable date--the day I was first allowed to start weaning crutches and try walking both with one crutch and with no crutches. The no crutches did not go well and I had to keep a crutch. This time, I was allowed to try walking with one crutch in PT at four weeks, and since it went well, told it was fine to walk short distances at home with one crutch. Well, the PT appt at one month (4.5 weeks) was pretty much just repeat--walking with one crutch still looks fine, so still fine to do so at home. Otherwise, two crutches. Because I had already been cleared to do this, this was sort of an anti-climax to be just maintaining the status quo. We have still not even tried seeing how I do without either crutch. We know I can stand with full weight on surgical side. I think I am more puzzled than discouraged, but have to admit to being somewhat discouraged. This hip is doing better, tolerating adding weight on better than first one did, etc. Thus, I am uncertain why I am being held back. However, I know from last time that weaning off of crutches is a crucial step, needs to be done in such a way as to make sure there is no pain and no limping. We are still working on gait. The rest of my body gets ever more tired of crutches. I wake every morning with everything stiff and sore--neck, back, shoulders, wrists, hands, both hips. Left hip has been sore the last few days--enough that when icing right hip first thing in the morning, I have iced left as well the last few days and that has calmed it nicely. So, hoping to avoid full blown flare, but being cautious. I had been limiting how much I am on my feet/crutches/walker anyway, but starting to do so even more and starting to become afraid of consequences of being on crutches/walker this long based on what happened last time and what is happening now. I still go nowhere non-essential. I have been wanting to get to church, but trying to wait until off crutches. I had been hoping to make it this weekend, but with still being on two crutches, this is now unlikely. Besides, it is still hard to sit very long. (Family movie night here at home started out with me fully reclined in my zero gravity chair, but halfway through I moved to lying prone on the floor propped with a pillow.) The other hard part of recovering from right hip surgery, is still not being able to drive. I could drive pretty early with left hip. I am very grateful for sisters who are willing to make themselves available to give me rides. However, I really want to be able to drive myself again.
I am still not on any pain medications or sleep medications, but things are stiff and sore enough to be considering restarting pain medication(s), and sleep quality is starting to worsen enough to contemplate adding back sleep medication(s). I know this is just an awkward, tedious, challenging phase of recovery, so I am trying to be patient and proactive versus reactive in my approaches. However, coming off crutches with hips flared is not going to help the next stage of rehab, either. Uncertain what it best. Hoping to get through the weekend alright and see how PT goes next week.
Copyright © 2017 by Stef. All rights reserved.
I am still not on any pain medications or sleep medications, but things are stiff and sore enough to be considering restarting pain medication(s), and sleep quality is starting to worsen enough to contemplate adding back sleep medication(s). I know this is just an awkward, tedious, challenging phase of recovery, so I am trying to be patient and proactive versus reactive in my approaches. However, coming off crutches with hips flared is not going to help the next stage of rehab, either. Uncertain what it best. Hoping to get through the weekend alright and see how PT goes next week.
Copyright © 2017 by Stef. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Four Weeks: Stay the Course
In some ways it is hard to believe I am already four weeks post-op, and in other ways, it seems like it has been much longer. This week started out much more optimistically than the previous week proved to be. However, in reality has not really been much different. I can put more weight on the surgical side hip/leg now, but am still on crutches, still partial weight bearing--even if there is a higher percentage of weight on the leg, it is still not full weight. My shoulders, hands, wrists all appreciate this change in weight bearing ability, but are still stiff and sore from still having to aid with partial weight bearing. My body is getting ever more tired of crutches. Also, the additional weight bearing is as tolerated, so there are times I am still at the initial 20 pounds max restriction on surgical side.
I am still loving being in water--pool walking, PT exercises in the pool, swimming no kick, just hanging out in deep water, etc. Being in the pool is a break from crutches but being in water also provides counter pressure and lowers all pain. Both hips are pretty much pain-free, but the rest of my body is not and crutches have flared the normal problem areas. Last time, I ended up needing injections in the other hip and one shoulder once off crutches. Hoping to get by without needing injections this time. So far, other hip is holding out great! Both shoulders are not so happy, but not awful. So, I am remaining optimistic.
Positive observations: I was off pain medications very early after surgery, used some over the counter acetaminophen as needed with the move and travel, but then was off of that as well by 1.5 weeks post op. I was prescribed non-optional NSAID (anti-inflammatory) for the first three weeks after surgery, but even that is done now and so far still doing well without any pain medications at all! I have also been off of all sleep aids since surgery, though used them a few nights here and there around the time of the move because of the general upheaval of routines and environment. Since then, I am sleeping through the night for the most part even without sleep aids! This is huge! I have been on some form (usually multiple forms) of pain medications and sleep aid medications for many, many years. I did have a reprieve after surgery last summer, but was still on prednisone at that point. This time, not even on prednisone. However, I am on super high doses of antihistamines to manage the MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), and this is strongly suspected to be aiding with symptom control--both pain and sleep issues, along with numerous other symptoms. The antihistamines were what aided the final weaning fully off prednisone last spring. I have noticed a little stiffness at times in the surgical hip since stopping the NSAID, but it seems to be intermittent, not persistent. No increase in swelling though.
I had noticed at two weeks post-op that op side leg was already getting smaller from atrophy from being on crutches. A little after three weeks, my sister commented my leg felt noticeably lighter when she was doing the circumduction "exercises" with it. Yep, sigh. I had asked PT the day after surgery if there was anyway to minimize the atrophy after surgery while on crutches and she said there was not. So, it is what it is. It is interesting how fast muscle is lost and how long it takes to regain it. Last time I had lost an inch circumference entire length of leg on op side by the time I was off crutches. It took months to regain it.
Last time I had incision issues at 2.5 weeks post-op. Things resolved fine. However, it led to a discussion pre-op this time in context of recommendations to leave sutures twice as long due to the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Last time, I had been reacting to the stitches themselves by the time they were removed, so I was nervous about leaving them even longer. Thankfully, surgeon's PA said to still get them removed at the same timing as last time, but this time suggested steri strips. So, that was what we did and so far, so good. Just recently pulled off steri strips (as directed) and things look good--at least as good as surgical incisions can look. Certainly looking better than the mirror image ones on opposite hip, which are wide, though fading nicely.
PT appointment at four weeks went well. There has been some muscle tension/soreness, so lots of soft tissue work and less exercise work. No AlterG today. He said the hip is doing really well overall and he did let me try walking with only one crutch. Since it felt OK, he said it is OK to use one crutch for short distances at home from time to time. But, otherwise, still on crutches. Sigh. This hip is handling increased weight bearing better than I remember the first hip doing, but this is still a long process. I am not nearly as wiped out after PT appointments this recovery as I recall from last time, but I do find those days more tiring overall and that it does not take much to wear me out. My body is siltl doing a lot of healing. I clearly recall some aspects of last recovery quite well even without going back and looking. However, it is still interesting to look at last year Here is the 4-week post from last year. That week was challenging and taught me a lot of caution and has definitely impacted some of my choices this recovery. Experience teaches wisdom.
I am still loving being in water--pool walking, PT exercises in the pool, swimming no kick, just hanging out in deep water, etc. Being in the pool is a break from crutches but being in water also provides counter pressure and lowers all pain. Both hips are pretty much pain-free, but the rest of my body is not and crutches have flared the normal problem areas. Last time, I ended up needing injections in the other hip and one shoulder once off crutches. Hoping to get by without needing injections this time. So far, other hip is holding out great! Both shoulders are not so happy, but not awful. So, I am remaining optimistic.
Positive observations: I was off pain medications very early after surgery, used some over the counter acetaminophen as needed with the move and travel, but then was off of that as well by 1.5 weeks post op. I was prescribed non-optional NSAID (anti-inflammatory) for the first three weeks after surgery, but even that is done now and so far still doing well without any pain medications at all! I have also been off of all sleep aids since surgery, though used them a few nights here and there around the time of the move because of the general upheaval of routines and environment. Since then, I am sleeping through the night for the most part even without sleep aids! This is huge! I have been on some form (usually multiple forms) of pain medications and sleep aid medications for many, many years. I did have a reprieve after surgery last summer, but was still on prednisone at that point. This time, not even on prednisone. However, I am on super high doses of antihistamines to manage the MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), and this is strongly suspected to be aiding with symptom control--both pain and sleep issues, along with numerous other symptoms. The antihistamines were what aided the final weaning fully off prednisone last spring. I have noticed a little stiffness at times in the surgical hip since stopping the NSAID, but it seems to be intermittent, not persistent. No increase in swelling though.
I had noticed at two weeks post-op that op side leg was already getting smaller from atrophy from being on crutches. A little after three weeks, my sister commented my leg felt noticeably lighter when she was doing the circumduction "exercises" with it. Yep, sigh. I had asked PT the day after surgery if there was anyway to minimize the atrophy after surgery while on crutches and she said there was not. So, it is what it is. It is interesting how fast muscle is lost and how long it takes to regain it. Last time I had lost an inch circumference entire length of leg on op side by the time I was off crutches. It took months to regain it.
Last time I had incision issues at 2.5 weeks post-op. Things resolved fine. However, it led to a discussion pre-op this time in context of recommendations to leave sutures twice as long due to the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Last time, I had been reacting to the stitches themselves by the time they were removed, so I was nervous about leaving them even longer. Thankfully, surgeon's PA said to still get them removed at the same timing as last time, but this time suggested steri strips. So, that was what we did and so far, so good. Just recently pulled off steri strips (as directed) and things look good--at least as good as surgical incisions can look. Certainly looking better than the mirror image ones on opposite hip, which are wide, though fading nicely.
PT appointment at four weeks went well. There has been some muscle tension/soreness, so lots of soft tissue work and less exercise work. No AlterG today. He said the hip is doing really well overall and he did let me try walking with only one crutch. Since it felt OK, he said it is OK to use one crutch for short distances at home from time to time. But, otherwise, still on crutches. Sigh. This hip is handling increased weight bearing better than I remember the first hip doing, but this is still a long process. I am not nearly as wiped out after PT appointments this recovery as I recall from last time, but I do find those days more tiring overall and that it does not take much to wear me out. My body is siltl doing a lot of healing. I clearly recall some aspects of last recovery quite well even without going back and looking. However, it is still interesting to look at last year Here is the 4-week post from last year. That week was challenging and taught me a lot of caution and has definitely impacted some of my choices this recovery. Experience teaches wisdom.
Copyright © 2017 by Stef. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Three Weeks: Tedious and Tiring
I am now three weeks post-op and I have been in the tedious phase of recovery. Overall, things are still going really well, but everything takes longer. It often feels like all I do is rehab exercises, rest, ice, self-care. But, this is laying the foundation to build on as my body heals and we start working on strengthening and advancing exercises. It is worth taking this stage seriously and supporting my body as it heals. I am intentionally not comparing recoveries between hips, but once I have gotten through each week and written the update, it has been interesting to look back and read my thoughts on things at the same stage last time. Here is three-week update last surgery.
I posted the two-week update early enough that I missed being able to mention that I went to a picnic that evening. It was so good to get out for something other than medical appointments, moving, or even the swimming, which is partly rehab oriented. This was fresh air, seeing people, an actual social function. I still do not do well with lots of sitting, so we (my sister, not me), hauled my zero gravity chair along. I still wore out--too much sitting--even with my own chair. But, overall, it was worth it.
There is much that is going well. I am sleeping through the night for the most part, most of the time. Both hips are totally pain-free! This has been amazing! After surgery a year ago, I was so excited when first hip was pain-free, but second was not....and when it hurt would remind myself at least the first did not hurt. So, now the novelty is neither hip hurts! I am also still adding in new things I can do.
Crutches. I think it took longer this time, but still ran into issues with the crutches flaring up shoulders, neck, back, wrists, hands, etc. All are tired by evening and all stiff/sore when I wake the next morning. I knew this was a possibility and tried to be careful and avoid it. I am still doing PT exercises for neck and shoulders, plus have already seen chiropractor to get things addressed. For now, choosing to rest and stay off crutches/feet as much as possible. This means going nowhere non-essential, doing nothing non-essential, hence things getting even more boring. PT and pool are considered essential as the outcomes are worth being up and on crutches to get there and back. I do have and use a walker as well, but the walker is harder to maintain as normal of gait, just as stressful to shoulders, wrists, hands, etc. It is also more awkward to maneuver. Lots of reading and crocheting are happening during this enforced downtime.
Brace. It has still never yet restricted my movement. It does throw off my walking with crutches and wear me out faster. I was supposed to wear it 2-3 weeks per discharge info, but surgeon had told me pre-op 2 weeks or until sick of it. It is not that bad, so not sick of it. However, not convinced it is actually helpful in my case and may actually be contributing to some issues. Not sure. Initially, I thought the more tiring days were from being up more; however, it seems both hips, but especially surgical side, are more tired/sore on days I wear the brace whether up more or not. I think it is the extra weight from the brace and that I have to be careful to avoid catching crutches on it, so gait is off even more than from just restrictions and crutches themselves. Anyway, I am now three weeks post-op, so can officially be done with it based on discharge info. I have not been wearing it the past few days already anyway and quite a bit of the stiffness/soreness calmed down again. Thoughts: I suspect the brace would have been more helpful if I had not already known how to stay within restrictions. I recall last time thinking early on maybe a brace would have been nice to prevent going outside of restrictions. However, I decided with time it was better not to have a brace as it forced me to be continually mindful of how I moved. Between that experience and that most of the restrictions are things that were painful pre-op, thus had been avoiding already anyway, I know how to stay within restrictions without a brace to remind me.
I have still not tried driving this time. I am a really weird mix of super cautious, with definite limit pusher. However, multiple surgeries and other experiences have helped teach me patience and when to be cautious versus when to push limits. Right after surgeries I tend to be more cautious, almost afraid to do anything. As I recover, curiosity starts to take over and I start testing things out of curiosity to see how I do. Being in the pool is something relatively safe to test and push. Driving is not. I had enough trouble driving pre-op that I am in no hurry to try too soon and risk a set back. I also still do not like sitting up fully, so prefer being reclined. I can sit better than pre-op, but still not really comfortable. I do not want to undermine recovery, so sort of waiting until sitting is more comfortable and hip feels stronger, less sensitive to little things.
Being in water remains my best help. It helps relieve the issues from crutches--neck, shoulders, back. I can swim full laps even though it is all only arms, no kicking yet. I can stand in neck deep water, do simple PT exercises in neck deep water. It feels so good to be in the water and able to move better. Came back from the pool at 2.5 weeks post-op after not wearing the brace or compression sock for the first time when out and both hips felt so good I stood at the bottom of the stairs trying to remember which hip I was supposed to be protecting.
PT with new therapist here is going well. I had been really apprehensive about this, but also really optimistic. I had been with my Iowa PT for 4.5 years and through multiple surgeries and other tough issues. I credit her as well as my surgeon with how well my left hip has done. It is scary starting over with someone new who does not know me or my body and whom I do not know. But, so far, going well. He seems to really know rehab, is open to what I know of my recovery last time as well as the input of both the MN and IA PTs, but also giving me new suggestions that are helping. Sort of funny incident during second appointment, I mentioned how tight my thigh on operative side was. He did some manual soft tissue work, commented I had some knots and that since I was not squirming at all with the pressure he was using, he was going to try something else, so then got out Astym tools telling me what they were. I'd had Astym and Graston before and they worked well. Anyway, hip and leg felt so much better after he worked on them!!!! Grateful and more hopeful again.
Today marks three weeks post-op and is a next step in rehab. I get to start adding more weight onto the surgical side, get to relax some of the restrictions, as mentioned above I get to be done with the brace, etc. I have already walked in the pool in neck deep water, but am now cleared to walk in chest deep water and to do PT exercises in chest deep water. I got to try the AlterG (anti gravity treadmill) at PT this afternoon and that was fascinating to experience and gave valuable feedback as there were cameras so I could watch and adjust my gait. More soft tissue work again, too. PT could tell things were less tense than last time, but still had knots that needed worked out. He is hoping that more weight bearing will help with that. He also agreed that my observation about the brace possibly having contributed to issues made sense and was probably part of what had been going on. Anyway, I am ending week three and entering week four far more optimistically than even just a few days ago.
So grateful for how well things are going overall, trying to keep my focus on the positive aspects, but it has been challenging and discouraging at times as well. My theme for recovery needs to be kept in mind: this is not a race to see how fast I can recover but a journey to see how well I can recover. It is worth taking the time needed to let my body heal at its own pace. I need to stay focused on the end goal--full recovery.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Copyright © 2017 by Steph. All rights reserved.
I posted the two-week update early enough that I missed being able to mention that I went to a picnic that evening. It was so good to get out for something other than medical appointments, moving, or even the swimming, which is partly rehab oriented. This was fresh air, seeing people, an actual social function. I still do not do well with lots of sitting, so we (my sister, not me), hauled my zero gravity chair along. I still wore out--too much sitting--even with my own chair. But, overall, it was worth it.
There is much that is going well. I am sleeping through the night for the most part, most of the time. Both hips are totally pain-free! This has been amazing! After surgery a year ago, I was so excited when first hip was pain-free, but second was not....and when it hurt would remind myself at least the first did not hurt. So, now the novelty is neither hip hurts! I am also still adding in new things I can do.
Crutches. I think it took longer this time, but still ran into issues with the crutches flaring up shoulders, neck, back, wrists, hands, etc. All are tired by evening and all stiff/sore when I wake the next morning. I knew this was a possibility and tried to be careful and avoid it. I am still doing PT exercises for neck and shoulders, plus have already seen chiropractor to get things addressed. For now, choosing to rest and stay off crutches/feet as much as possible. This means going nowhere non-essential, doing nothing non-essential, hence things getting even more boring. PT and pool are considered essential as the outcomes are worth being up and on crutches to get there and back. I do have and use a walker as well, but the walker is harder to maintain as normal of gait, just as stressful to shoulders, wrists, hands, etc. It is also more awkward to maneuver. Lots of reading and crocheting are happening during this enforced downtime.
Brace. It has still never yet restricted my movement. It does throw off my walking with crutches and wear me out faster. I was supposed to wear it 2-3 weeks per discharge info, but surgeon had told me pre-op 2 weeks or until sick of it. It is not that bad, so not sick of it. However, not convinced it is actually helpful in my case and may actually be contributing to some issues. Not sure. Initially, I thought the more tiring days were from being up more; however, it seems both hips, but especially surgical side, are more tired/sore on days I wear the brace whether up more or not. I think it is the extra weight from the brace and that I have to be careful to avoid catching crutches on it, so gait is off even more than from just restrictions and crutches themselves. Anyway, I am now three weeks post-op, so can officially be done with it based on discharge info. I have not been wearing it the past few days already anyway and quite a bit of the stiffness/soreness calmed down again. Thoughts: I suspect the brace would have been more helpful if I had not already known how to stay within restrictions. I recall last time thinking early on maybe a brace would have been nice to prevent going outside of restrictions. However, I decided with time it was better not to have a brace as it forced me to be continually mindful of how I moved. Between that experience and that most of the restrictions are things that were painful pre-op, thus had been avoiding already anyway, I know how to stay within restrictions without a brace to remind me.
I have still not tried driving this time. I am a really weird mix of super cautious, with definite limit pusher. However, multiple surgeries and other experiences have helped teach me patience and when to be cautious versus when to push limits. Right after surgeries I tend to be more cautious, almost afraid to do anything. As I recover, curiosity starts to take over and I start testing things out of curiosity to see how I do. Being in the pool is something relatively safe to test and push. Driving is not. I had enough trouble driving pre-op that I am in no hurry to try too soon and risk a set back. I also still do not like sitting up fully, so prefer being reclined. I can sit better than pre-op, but still not really comfortable. I do not want to undermine recovery, so sort of waiting until sitting is more comfortable and hip feels stronger, less sensitive to little things.
Being in water remains my best help. It helps relieve the issues from crutches--neck, shoulders, back. I can swim full laps even though it is all only arms, no kicking yet. I can stand in neck deep water, do simple PT exercises in neck deep water. It feels so good to be in the water and able to move better. Came back from the pool at 2.5 weeks post-op after not wearing the brace or compression sock for the first time when out and both hips felt so good I stood at the bottom of the stairs trying to remember which hip I was supposed to be protecting.
PT with new therapist here is going well. I had been really apprehensive about this, but also really optimistic. I had been with my Iowa PT for 4.5 years and through multiple surgeries and other tough issues. I credit her as well as my surgeon with how well my left hip has done. It is scary starting over with someone new who does not know me or my body and whom I do not know. But, so far, going well. He seems to really know rehab, is open to what I know of my recovery last time as well as the input of both the MN and IA PTs, but also giving me new suggestions that are helping. Sort of funny incident during second appointment, I mentioned how tight my thigh on operative side was. He did some manual soft tissue work, commented I had some knots and that since I was not squirming at all with the pressure he was using, he was going to try something else, so then got out Astym tools telling me what they were. I'd had Astym and Graston before and they worked well. Anyway, hip and leg felt so much better after he worked on them!!!! Grateful and more hopeful again.
Today marks three weeks post-op and is a next step in rehab. I get to start adding more weight onto the surgical side, get to relax some of the restrictions, as mentioned above I get to be done with the brace, etc. I have already walked in the pool in neck deep water, but am now cleared to walk in chest deep water and to do PT exercises in chest deep water. I got to try the AlterG (anti gravity treadmill) at PT this afternoon and that was fascinating to experience and gave valuable feedback as there were cameras so I could watch and adjust my gait. More soft tissue work again, too. PT could tell things were less tense than last time, but still had knots that needed worked out. He is hoping that more weight bearing will help with that. He also agreed that my observation about the brace possibly having contributed to issues made sense and was probably part of what had been going on. Anyway, I am ending week three and entering week four far more optimistically than even just a few days ago.
So grateful for how well things are going overall, trying to keep my focus on the positive aspects, but it has been challenging and discouraging at times as well. My theme for recovery needs to be kept in mind: this is not a race to see how fast I can recover but a journey to see how well I can recover. It is worth taking the time needed to let my body heal at its own pace. I need to stay focused on the end goal--full recovery.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Copyright © 2017 by Steph. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Two Weeks: Regrouping
August 1 marks two weeks post-op right hip and 13 months post-op left hip. The focus has been mostly on the rigth hip, but the left hip is still rehabbing as well. Left hip is doing great! It is handling doing most of the work with crutches. My shoulders are also so far handling the crutches. Both shoulders and left hip are usually pretty tired by evening and sometimes getting sore, but OK again the next morning. I am trying to be cautious with how I move and how much I am up and around to avoid the issues I ran into last year from crutches. I should be about halfway through the time on crutches. The right hip is still doing very well! I am still off pain killers, no actual pain. It will get a bit sore if I have been up sitting more with appointments, but nothing concerning--just uncomfortable. It is interesting to look back and see how things were going at two weeks post op last time, as well as a year ago. I'd say overall, recovery and rehab are still going better this time, but I am being cautious as I know how easy it is to overdo it and how easy it is for flares to strike. I also know weaning off crutches can have some uncomfortable times. A lot has happened over the past week. This includes moving out of state, so final packing, cleaning, transition first to a hotel, then travel. My sister was staying with me for the move and she did her best not to let me help, but I insisted with tasks I knew from last year that I was capable of doing. Thus, I did help with both packing and cleaning. I am none the worse for doing so, and it decreased both our stress levels those final days.
In spite of all going on, rehab and recovery are still going well! I can do most things on my own, am independent for nearly everything. Because of surgery on right hip, I am still not driving--I have not even tried. The hip may be ready to try, but I do not want to risk a set back and currently have drivers available. Once again, I am finding all of the work pre-op making sure I was strong has been incredibly helpful with early recovery and rehab. We think I was even stronger prior to this surgery, than last surgery. At any rate, I am handling crutches better, stairs are easier--not just knowing how to navigate them with crutches, but actually less exhausting, less work. With an injection several months ago anf treating MCAS and other issues, we had gotten shoulder pain calmed down, and that allowed us (PT and me) to work more on strengthening. I was able to go from restricted to only swimming non-consecutive days to give shoulders a break, to gradually working up to swimming every single day (6 days in a row) the week before surgery. This further strengthened shoulders, plus increased overall endurance and I think has really helped. I think both hips were also stronger going into this surgery, than last time. I know core strength was better Last time, I was 7 months post-op abdominal surgery when I had the hip surgery and we had my core strength back really well and even better than prior to the abdominal surgery, but this time had even more time to continue to build my core strength.
Moving necessitates finding a new medical team. As a decidedly medically complicated patient, seeing new providers for the first time can be interesting (aka intimidating/nerve-wracking). I go into appointments with new providers hoping for the best but keeping expectations minimal. I know things are challenging--not just for me to live with, but for providers to help me manage. I do not expect answers, solutions, etc. I am only looking for help and support with learning to manage everything the best possible. I have been surprised over the past year with some actual answers, diagnoses, etc. But, was not expecting them, so they actually caught me off guard. However, it has been incredibly helpful to have those answers when transitioning care--better explanations for what is going on, less questions as to what exactly we are trying to treat, etc.
I got to meet my new PT and the appointment went well. I am optimistic. I also saw the physician who I have been looking to transition primary care to and had the sutures removed and replaced with Steri strips. Incisions look fine, the Steri strips are a precaution due to EDS. He was not at all concerned with my medical complexity, knew what EDS is, was open to info on MCAS. He is willing to support me with what is needed to manage things. So grateful things went well! More hopeful.
I saw my surgeon the day before surgery on right hip for 1-year post-op appointment on left hip. He checked both hips, which did not surprise me, and we also discussed both hips. Left hip is doing really well, no concerns. We discussed expectations long term for left, rehab for right. My surgeon told me my persepctive on things was healthy and encouraged me to do what I did last time as it clearly worked for me. This was a huge boost of confidence just as I was going into surgery the next day. I was trusting him as he operated, and he trusting me with rehab. He told me he would support me with whatever is needed, but I need to let him know what I need. I already knew he would support me as he did so with the first hip even through some flares and rough times. I was nervous as knew I would be changing PTs and I credit my Iowa PT with helping me rehab as well as I did with the left hip and really wished I could have stayed with her to rehab the right hip--at least the first few months. The PT I saw this time in MN further supported me. She commented she could tell I'd been through this rehab before and clearly had a good PT working with me in Iowa. She trusted me to walk without the brace to get on the bike and commented she had watched and I never once broke restrictions. This was another boost of confidence that I and my body know what to do. This confidence and trust in me and my body is so helpful when trying to navigate working with new medical providers.
Speaking of medical complexity, here are some of the Facebook memories for this date over the years. This is the third time in 4 years I have been recently post-op on this date.
4 YEARS AGO TODAY
In the past week, I once again traveled out of state, this time moving from Iowa to Nebraska, rather than returning to Iowa from Minnesota after surgery. The trips are the same distance (~215 miles Ames to Minneapolis, ~215 miles Ames to Lincoln, both take ~3.5 hours, but I usually take 4 ish hours from frequent stops). The trip home to Iowa after surgery took 4 hours. The trip to Nebraska went OK, but uncomfortable and the normally 3.5-hour drive took 5 hours. I was so tired of sitting, even reclined, but too tired to stand/walk much, so ended up lying down on a bench at a rest stop for a while for a break.
Officially back in Lincoln, Nebraska. I have no idea how temporary or permanent this move is. For now, grateful to be here, but missing Iowa and Iowa people. I am still in transition as staying with my sister until off crutches and can better handle all of the stairs at my dad's place. Then, still in transition even there until rehabbed well enough to find work and my own place again.
God has gone before, faithfully brought me safely here, sufficiently providing needs. I need to keep trusting.
Copyright © 2017 by Steph. All rights reserved.
In spite of all going on, rehab and recovery are still going well! I can do most things on my own, am independent for nearly everything. Because of surgery on right hip, I am still not driving--I have not even tried. The hip may be ready to try, but I do not want to risk a set back and currently have drivers available. Once again, I am finding all of the work pre-op making sure I was strong has been incredibly helpful with early recovery and rehab. We think I was even stronger prior to this surgery, than last surgery. At any rate, I am handling crutches better, stairs are easier--not just knowing how to navigate them with crutches, but actually less exhausting, less work. With an injection several months ago anf treating MCAS and other issues, we had gotten shoulder pain calmed down, and that allowed us (PT and me) to work more on strengthening. I was able to go from restricted to only swimming non-consecutive days to give shoulders a break, to gradually working up to swimming every single day (6 days in a row) the week before surgery. This further strengthened shoulders, plus increased overall endurance and I think has really helped. I think both hips were also stronger going into this surgery, than last time. I know core strength was better Last time, I was 7 months post-op abdominal surgery when I had the hip surgery and we had my core strength back really well and even better than prior to the abdominal surgery, but this time had even more time to continue to build my core strength.
Moving necessitates finding a new medical team. As a decidedly medically complicated patient, seeing new providers for the first time can be interesting (aka intimidating/nerve-wracking). I go into appointments with new providers hoping for the best but keeping expectations minimal. I know things are challenging--not just for me to live with, but for providers to help me manage. I do not expect answers, solutions, etc. I am only looking for help and support with learning to manage everything the best possible. I have been surprised over the past year with some actual answers, diagnoses, etc. But, was not expecting them, so they actually caught me off guard. However, it has been incredibly helpful to have those answers when transitioning care--better explanations for what is going on, less questions as to what exactly we are trying to treat, etc.
I got to meet my new PT and the appointment went well. I am optimistic. I also saw the physician who I have been looking to transition primary care to and had the sutures removed and replaced with Steri strips. Incisions look fine, the Steri strips are a precaution due to EDS. He was not at all concerned with my medical complexity, knew what EDS is, was open to info on MCAS. He is willing to support me with what is needed to manage things. So grateful things went well! More hopeful.
I saw my surgeon the day before surgery on right hip for 1-year post-op appointment on left hip. He checked both hips, which did not surprise me, and we also discussed both hips. Left hip is doing really well, no concerns. We discussed expectations long term for left, rehab for right. My surgeon told me my persepctive on things was healthy and encouraged me to do what I did last time as it clearly worked for me. This was a huge boost of confidence just as I was going into surgery the next day. I was trusting him as he operated, and he trusting me with rehab. He told me he would support me with whatever is needed, but I need to let him know what I need. I already knew he would support me as he did so with the first hip even through some flares and rough times. I was nervous as knew I would be changing PTs and I credit my Iowa PT with helping me rehab as well as I did with the left hip and really wished I could have stayed with her to rehab the right hip--at least the first few months. The PT I saw this time in MN further supported me. She commented she could tell I'd been through this rehab before and clearly had a good PT working with me in Iowa. She trusted me to walk without the brace to get on the bike and commented she had watched and I never once broke restrictions. This was another boost of confidence that I and my body know what to do. This confidence and trust in me and my body is so helpful when trying to navigate working with new medical providers.
Speaking of medical complexity, here are some of the Facebook memories for this date over the years. This is the third time in 4 years I have been recently post-op on this date.
1 YEAR AGO TODAY
In the past week, I once again traveled out of state, this time moving from Iowa to Nebraska, rather than returning to Iowa from Minnesota after surgery. The trips are the same distance (~215 miles Ames to Minneapolis, ~215 miles Ames to Lincoln, both take ~3.5 hours, but I usually take 4 ish hours from frequent stops). The trip home to Iowa after surgery took 4 hours. The trip to Nebraska went OK, but uncomfortable and the normally 3.5-hour drive took 5 hours. I was so tired of sitting, even reclined, but too tired to stand/walk much, so ended up lying down on a bench at a rest stop for a while for a break.
Officially back in Lincoln, Nebraska. I have no idea how temporary or permanent this move is. For now, grateful to be here, but missing Iowa and Iowa people. I am still in transition as staying with my sister until off crutches and can better handle all of the stairs at my dad's place. Then, still in transition even there until rehabbed well enough to find work and my own place again.
God has gone before, faithfully brought me safely here, sufficiently providing needs. I need to keep trusting.
Copyright © 2017 by Steph. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)