7 Months: Progress!

Time marches on. February 18th marked 7 months post-op for my right hip, but I chose to wait to finish writing this post, as I was scheduled with my hip surgeon for a couple of days later to recheck things after the car accident last fall.

Travel was challenging as usual, even with family doing the driving. There were a lot of people praying and we made it safely. The travel plans were precarious with ice/sleet/snow taking place prior, during, etc. However, there is a positive side to all. The sun on the ice was gorgeous!

So much beauty!

I am making progress, albeit slowly. The physical therapist and surgeon were very pleased with my progress and how things are going, especially in light of the challenges. As long as I keep making progress, no concerns at this stage. This was reassuring and such a relief to hear!

I am walking again! Like really walking! As in walking for exercise! Not just walking as essential to get around! Most of the walking is on an indoor track. However, on a warm day late January, I walked to PT (not far, maybe half mile?).  It felt great!  First walk outside since months before surgery. On February 18th, I celebrated getting through another month by going for a longer walk outside! Just for the fun of it! The weather was unusually warm, PT had OK'd me to walk in the neighborhood, but I had not been able to try until now. It felt amazing to get fresh air! This is the first I have walked this "old normal" route in 2-3 years.

I am also slowly regaining range of motion. I can again sit with legs crossed...sort of.

First photo:
This is at ~15 weeks post-op, just couple of days before the car accident that set me back months, caused dramatic loss of ROM, strength, endurance, general ability. This is sitting criss-cross in photo on left, then left leg in and right leg extended in center photo, then right leg in and left leg extended in photo on right. (All photos taken using mirror)


Second photo:
This is at 6+ months post-op, 2.5 months post-car accident, regaining ROM again finally! This is first I have been able to even try sitting criss-cross since the accident. Photos in same sequence as above.

In some ways I am doing better now than at 7 months post-op left hip in spite of the additional challenges from the car accident.  In other ways, still way off track, behind schedule.  I am not comparing, just observing. I am so grateful for each regained ability, no matter how small.

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