6 week update

[Guest guest]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM A BELGIAN HIPPY! I know it helps me to read

other people's progress reports as I reach various stages of my

recovery, so I'm posting mine to perhaps help reassure or inspire

someone else. I will be 6 weeks post-op tomorrow, Xmas Day, and I'm

coming along really nicely. One day at 5 1/2 weeks, that stubborn

muscle that kept me on one crutch, just seemed to click in and relax

and I was suddenly able to walk long distances without any soreness

or stiffness. Sure, I still have days when I'm a bit stiff and sore,

but in general, I feel normal again. (I find it's when I first stand

up after sitting that I'm stiff, but then it irons out after a few

steps.) I also have much more energy than before; I can now stay up

way past 8:00pm... with no naps...ha-ha, what a relief! I can also

do the stationary bike (with no resistance) for an hour a day, which

I've been doing mostly for ROM. Today, I added some resistance and

felt I could do even more. I've always felt that once the soreness

went away, my progress would really accelerate. I'm excited for the

first time, where before I was worried something was wrong. I can do

the adduction/abduction with ease, and bend over and touch the floor,

and lift my straight leg up while on my side (hard to do the first

few weeks) and on my back or elbows. I am finally comfortable

sleeping on my operated side, but that's not my favorite side

anyway. I don't feel strong enough for the tennis court yet, and I

won't go until I really feel ready, but it won't be too much longer

now. When I hear a good song, I actually start wiggling my hips,

which I haven't done in awhile...can't wait to salsa and swing dance

again. Life is really looking good! What a great way to celebrate

the Holidays! Season's Greetings to all!

Donna Goodley

LBHR 11/13/02 DE SMET