Re: that magic 6 wk post-op time

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane

How have you managed cycling and dancing, while still using a crutch? I've

been a little more cautious, but am coming up to the 6 week mark this week,so

have an appointment with my physio for Wednesday, and plan to get going on more

strengthening stuff. I have no problem with flexibility, eg., can touch my

toes, but like you I feel a little awkward, ducklike, when I walk with no

crutch. Today was better though, drove to the store, hopped out, shopped, back

in the truck, no crutch....So I want to get some srenghtening exercises from my

physio and some direction on the best type of swimming stuff to do. I've been

doing some exercises in my hot tub (kicking frontwise, sideways). I love to swim

laps doing the crawl, so am hoping she'll okay that.

Sharry

RBHR De Smet 27/08/2003

that " magic " 6 wk post-op time

Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I am doing

things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably when

sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and fall apart

when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like to go

without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin, but that

I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or not it was

too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and felt

ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is an

amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had learned

about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was scheduled to do

when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6 wk

milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm really not

having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to share with

you how well I'm doing.

Thanks,

Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

_________________________________________________________________

Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try it now

FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Dianne,

Thanks for sharing your 6-week progress. I'm so happy for your -

and impressed that you're dancing already! And riding a bike!

My 6-week milestone is tomorrow. I had a big day out today,

meeting with my thesis advisor at the university. It was a rainy

morning and I changed my plans and got a taxi the whole way, instead

of halfway and then the bus. However, it fined up and I walked the

long way to one of the cafeterias and then the bus stop, with lots of

stops to rest. The bus was no problem, espec as now I don't need to

carry a pillow to sit on to raise the seat. I was able to sit on low

chairs on campus, too. By the time I got into the City I found I was

very stiff while walking. It took me a l-o-n-g time to wend my way

to a taxi rank.

This is a bit discouraging - I walk so much straighter on the cane,

*but* I just don't have the stamina to walk very far. Even walking

just one block means stopping a few times. The physio was excited

about my progress in one week up to last Thursday, as progress that

week was rapid. I'd expected to take off and improve exponentially

this week, too. Perhaps I expected too much. Without a cane I can

walk a short distance at home (as I've said previously) but have such

a pronounced limp that I wonder if I'd be better off leaving it a

couple of days, working at my exercises, and then trying again.

(What do others think? What worked for you?)

On a positive note, other things I *can* do: I've been picking

things up off the floor since 2 weeks post-op, using the way my

physio taught me so that I wasn't bending the hip. I imagine I

looked fairly graceful, with my leg stuck out behind, ballet-like!

I've been sitting with my feet crossed across each other,

occasionally. In any case, I've been sitting at the computer long

hours since Day 6. I can do heel care, rubbing the rough skin on the

back of the heel (from the remains of a pressure blister) with a long

emery board. Earlier, I had to ask the visiting wound-care nurse to

do it, while she was still coming. I can get in and out of the bath

to have a shower more quickly now, with or without the help of a

cane. Getting into the bath to shower began at 4 weeks. And I can do

mini-squats well enough to reach the bottom drawer of the 'fridge,

which I couldn't at first.

Oh - and for the first time in about 3 years I'm able to walk

downstairs *frontwards*, instead of going down backwards. This is

only since I abandoned the crutch and graduated to the cane, at one

calendar month (Day 31). In fact, I can use my stairs, and other

people's stairs, better than in a long time. But, oh for some

stamina!

Virginia

(right hip,BHR on THR, 27/08/03; and removal of metal " nail " and

holding screws from right femur, via knee, 6 Aug 03 - 2 lots of major

surgery in August.)

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I

am doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

fall apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

but that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

not it was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and

felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is

an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

scheduled to do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

really not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

share with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try

it now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Dianne,

Thanks for sharing your 6-week progress. I'm so happy for your -

and impressed that you're dancing already! And riding a bike!

My 6-week milestone is tomorrow. I had a big day out today,

meeting with my thesis advisor at the university. It was a rainy

morning and I changed my plans and got a taxi the whole way, instead

of halfway and then the bus. However, it fined up and I walked the

long way to one of the cafeterias and then the bus stop, with lots of

stops to rest. The bus was no problem, espec as now I don't need to

carry a pillow to sit on to raise the seat. I was able to sit on low

chairs on campus, too. By the time I got into the City I found I was

very stiff while walking. It took me a l-o-n-g time to wend my way

to a taxi rank.

This is a bit discouraging - I walk so much straighter on the cane,

*but* I just don't have the stamina to walk very far. Even walking

just one block means stopping a few times. The physio was excited

about my progress in one week up to last Thursday, as progress that

week was rapid. I'd expected to take off and improve exponentially

this week, too. Perhaps I expected too much. Without a cane I can

walk a short distance at home (as I've said previously) but have such

a pronounced limp that I wonder if I'd be better off leaving it a

couple of days, working at my exercises, and then trying again.

(What do others think? What worked for you?)

On a positive note, other things I *can* do: I've been picking

things up off the floor since 2 weeks post-op, using the way my

physio taught me so that I wasn't bending the hip. I imagine I

looked fairly graceful, with my leg stuck out behind, ballet-like!

I've been sitting with my feet crossed across each other,

occasionally. In any case, I've been sitting at the computer long

hours since Day 6. I can do heel care, rubbing the rough skin on the

back of the heel (from the remains of a pressure blister) with a long

emery board. Earlier, I had to ask the visiting wound-care nurse to

do it, while she was still coming. I can get in and out of the bath

to have a shower more quickly now, with or without the help of a

cane. Getting into the bath to shower began at 4 weeks. And I can do

mini-squats well enough to reach the bottom drawer of the 'fridge,

which I couldn't at first.

Oh - and for the first time in about 3 years I'm able to walk

downstairs *frontwards*, instead of going down backwards. This is

only since I abandoned the crutch and graduated to the cane, at one

calendar month (Day 31). In fact, I can use my stairs, and other

people's stairs, better than in a long time. But, oh for some

stamina!

Virginia

(right hip,BHR on THR, 27/08/03; and removal of metal " nail " and

holding screws from right femur, via knee, 6 Aug 03 - 2 lots of major

surgery in August.)

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I

am doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

fall apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

but that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

not it was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and

felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is

an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

scheduled to do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

really not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

share with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try

it now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Dianne,

Thanks for sharing your 6-week progress. I'm so happy for your -

and impressed that you're dancing already! And riding a bike!

My 6-week milestone is tomorrow. I had a big day out today,

meeting with my thesis advisor at the university. It was a rainy

morning and I changed my plans and got a taxi the whole way, instead

of halfway and then the bus. However, it fined up and I walked the

long way to one of the cafeterias and then the bus stop, with lots of

stops to rest. The bus was no problem, espec as now I don't need to

carry a pillow to sit on to raise the seat. I was able to sit on low

chairs on campus, too. By the time I got into the City I found I was

very stiff while walking. It took me a l-o-n-g time to wend my way

to a taxi rank.

This is a bit discouraging - I walk so much straighter on the cane,

*but* I just don't have the stamina to walk very far. Even walking

just one block means stopping a few times. The physio was excited

about my progress in one week up to last Thursday, as progress that

week was rapid. I'd expected to take off and improve exponentially

this week, too. Perhaps I expected too much. Without a cane I can

walk a short distance at home (as I've said previously) but have such

a pronounced limp that I wonder if I'd be better off leaving it a

couple of days, working at my exercises, and then trying again.

(What do others think? What worked for you?)

On a positive note, other things I *can* do: I've been picking

things up off the floor since 2 weeks post-op, using the way my

physio taught me so that I wasn't bending the hip. I imagine I

looked fairly graceful, with my leg stuck out behind, ballet-like!

I've been sitting with my feet crossed across each other,

occasionally. In any case, I've been sitting at the computer long

hours since Day 6. I can do heel care, rubbing the rough skin on the

back of the heel (from the remains of a pressure blister) with a long

emery board. Earlier, I had to ask the visiting wound-care nurse to

do it, while she was still coming. I can get in and out of the bath

to have a shower more quickly now, with or without the help of a

cane. Getting into the bath to shower began at 4 weeks. And I can do

mini-squats well enough to reach the bottom drawer of the 'fridge,

which I couldn't at first.

Oh - and for the first time in about 3 years I'm able to walk

downstairs *frontwards*, instead of going down backwards. This is

only since I abandoned the crutch and graduated to the cane, at one

calendar month (Day 31). In fact, I can use my stairs, and other

people's stairs, better than in a long time. But, oh for some

stamina!

Virginia

(right hip,BHR on THR, 27/08/03; and removal of metal " nail " and

holding screws from right femur, via knee, 6 Aug 03 - 2 lots of major

surgery in August.)

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I

am doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

fall apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

but that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

not it was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and

felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is

an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

scheduled to do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

really not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

share with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try

it now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Dianne

Congratulations!! Your speed of recovery sounds amazing.

Best wishes for the next six weeks.

ine

C2K 04/03

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I

am doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

fall apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

but that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

not it was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and

felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is

an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

scheduled to do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

really not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

share with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try

it now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Dianne

Congratulations!! Your speed of recovery sounds amazing.

Best wishes for the next six weeks.

ine

C2K 04/03

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I

am doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

fall apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

but that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

not it was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and

felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is

an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

scheduled to do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

really not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

share with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try

it now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Dianne

Congratulations!! Your speed of recovery sounds amazing.

Best wishes for the next six weeks.

ine

C2K 04/03

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I

am doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

fall apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

but that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

not it was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and

felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is

an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

scheduled to do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

really not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

share with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try

it now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the message. I am feeling lucky that I found out about this sight

also!

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the message. I am feeling lucky that I found out about this sight

also!

[Guest guest]

Virginia

You sound to be doing VERY well. Take care though and continue

listening to your body. I found it was easy to feel I was 'behind the

pack' about now in my post-op period because my recovery was (and

still is) taking longer than many on this board.

But, recovery is such a prize that it is worth waiting for!

Hope you continue to do well.

ine

C2K 04/03

> > Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today!

I

> am doing

> > things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

> when

> > sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

> fall apart

> > when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

> to go

> > without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

> but that

> > I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

> not it was

> > too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch,

and

> felt

> > ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure

is

> an

> > amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

> learned

> > about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

> scheduled to do

> > when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

> wk

> > milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

> really not

> > having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

> share with

> > you how well I'm doing.

> > Thanks,

> > Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

> >

> > _________________________________________________________________

> > Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0.

Try

> it now

> > FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Virginia

You sound to be doing VERY well. Take care though and continue

listening to your body. I found it was easy to feel I was 'behind the

pack' about now in my post-op period because my recovery was (and

still is) taking longer than many on this board.

But, recovery is such a prize that it is worth waiting for!

Hope you continue to do well.

ine

C2K 04/03

> > Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today!

I

> am doing

> > things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

> when

> > sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

> fall apart

> > when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

> to go

> > without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

> but that

> > I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

> not it was

> > too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch,

and

> felt

> > ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure

is

> an

> > amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

> learned

> > about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

> scheduled to do

> > when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

> wk

> > milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

> really not

> > having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

> share with

> > you how well I'm doing.

> > Thanks,

> > Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

> >

> > _________________________________________________________________

> > Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0.

Try

> it now

> > FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Virginia

You sound to be doing VERY well. Take care though and continue

listening to your body. I found it was easy to feel I was 'behind the

pack' about now in my post-op period because my recovery was (and

still is) taking longer than many on this board.

But, recovery is such a prize that it is worth waiting for!

Hope you continue to do well.

ine

C2K 04/03

> > Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today!

I

> am doing

> > things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

> when

> > sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

> fall apart

> > when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

> to go

> > without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

> but that

> > I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

> not it was

> > too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch,

and

> felt

> > ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure

is

> an

> > amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

> learned

> > about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

> scheduled to do

> > when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

> wk

> > milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

> really not

> > having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

> share with

> > you how well I'm doing.

> > Thanks,

> > Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

> >

> > _________________________________________________________________

> > Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0.

Try

> it now

> > FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

ine,

Thank you for that positive reinforcement. I'm planning to have

a quiet day today, including some bed time resting and doing extra

sets of my bed exercises to strength specific muscles. Last night I

took a hot pack (wheat pack) to bed for my back - not the spine, but

to the side (opposite side to the surgery), and probably muscular.

The aching was only minor when I was out and about yesterday, but I

wanted to start today without it It worked beautifully.

As usual I slept well, and this morning I'm walking nicely on the

one stick (cane). I probably was walking okay yesterday, except that

I probably put stress on back muscles and knees getting up and down

from lower seats to rest. I'm paying attention to my *gait* and

making sure I walk with the best possible gait, as I think that doing

a lot of walking on a level surface at home is probably going to help

strengthen all the muscles, in conjunction with the static exercises.

I'll listen to my body. What I need to do (when my body is

ready) is to walk longer and further in order to build bone stock and

bone strength, espec as this was limited for years with rheumatoid

arthritis. With one repaired knee and one replaced knee, the RA

isn't going to bother me, except for the occasional twinge in my

right foot, and bothersome flare-ups in two fingers of my right hand -

but I don't need that hand for walking now that I'm off the crutches

and just using one stick! My hands feel so much better for that.

Dear ine, your comments aand reinforcement are always very

welcome and encouraging.

Virginia (right hip, 27/08/03)

> > > Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago

today!

> I

> > am doing

> > > things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs

confortably

> > when

> > > sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax

and

> > fall apart

> > > when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was

like

> > to go

> > > without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a

penguin,

> > but that

> > > I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether

or

> > not it was

> > > too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch,

> and

> > felt

> > > ready. That I found this group and learned about this

procedure

> is

> > an

> > > amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

> > learned

> > > about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

> > scheduled to do

> > > when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my

6

> > wk

> > > milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible.

I'm

> > really not

> > > having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted

to

> > share with

> > > you how well I'm doing.

> > > Thanks,

> > > Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

> > >

> > >

_________________________________________________________________

> > > Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0.

> Try

> > it now

> > > FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

ine,

Thank you for that positive reinforcement. I'm planning to have

a quiet day today, including some bed time resting and doing extra

sets of my bed exercises to strength specific muscles. Last night I

took a hot pack (wheat pack) to bed for my back - not the spine, but

to the side (opposite side to the surgery), and probably muscular.

The aching was only minor when I was out and about yesterday, but I

wanted to start today without it It worked beautifully.

As usual I slept well, and this morning I'm walking nicely on the

one stick (cane). I probably was walking okay yesterday, except that

I probably put stress on back muscles and knees getting up and down

from lower seats to rest. I'm paying attention to my *gait* and

making sure I walk with the best possible gait, as I think that doing

a lot of walking on a level surface at home is probably going to help

strengthen all the muscles, in conjunction with the static exercises.

I'll listen to my body. What I need to do (when my body is

ready) is to walk longer and further in order to build bone stock and

bone strength, espec as this was limited for years with rheumatoid

arthritis. With one repaired knee and one replaced knee, the RA

isn't going to bother me, except for the occasional twinge in my

right foot, and bothersome flare-ups in two fingers of my right hand -

but I don't need that hand for walking now that I'm off the crutches

and just using one stick! My hands feel so much better for that.

Dear ine, your comments aand reinforcement are always very

welcome and encouraging.

Virginia (right hip, 27/08/03)

> > > Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago

today!

> I

> > am doing

> > > things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs

confortably

> > when

> > > sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax

and

> > fall apart

> > > when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was

like

> > to go

> > > without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a

penguin,

> > but that

> > > I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether

or

> > not it was

> > > too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch,

> and

> > felt

> > > ready. That I found this group and learned about this

procedure

> is

> > an

> > > amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

> > learned

> > > about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

> > scheduled to do

> > > when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my

6

> > wk

> > > milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible.

I'm

> > really not

> > > having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted

to

> > share with

> > > you how well I'm doing.

> > > Thanks,

> > > Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

> > >

> > >

_________________________________________________________________

> > > Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0.

> Try

> > it now

> > > FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

ine,

Thank you for that positive reinforcement. I'm planning to have

a quiet day today, including some bed time resting and doing extra

sets of my bed exercises to strength specific muscles. Last night I

took a hot pack (wheat pack) to bed for my back - not the spine, but

to the side (opposite side to the surgery), and probably muscular.

The aching was only minor when I was out and about yesterday, but I

wanted to start today without it It worked beautifully.

As usual I slept well, and this morning I'm walking nicely on the

one stick (cane). I probably was walking okay yesterday, except that

I probably put stress on back muscles and knees getting up and down

from lower seats to rest. I'm paying attention to my *gait* and

making sure I walk with the best possible gait, as I think that doing

a lot of walking on a level surface at home is probably going to help

strengthen all the muscles, in conjunction with the static exercises.

I'll listen to my body. What I need to do (when my body is

ready) is to walk longer and further in order to build bone stock and

bone strength, espec as this was limited for years with rheumatoid

arthritis. With one repaired knee and one replaced knee, the RA

isn't going to bother me, except for the occasional twinge in my

right foot, and bothersome flare-ups in two fingers of my right hand -

but I don't need that hand for walking now that I'm off the crutches

and just using one stick! My hands feel so much better for that.

Dear ine, your comments aand reinforcement are always very

welcome and encouraging.

Virginia (right hip, 27/08/03)

> > > Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago

today!

> I

> > am doing

> > > things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs

confortably

> > when

> > > sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax

and

> > fall apart

> > > when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was

like

> > to go

> > > without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a

penguin,

> > but that

> > > I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether

or

> > not it was

> > > too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch,

> and

> > felt

> > > ready. That I found this group and learned about this

procedure

> is

> > an

> > > amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

> > learned

> > > about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

> > scheduled to do

> > > when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my

6

> > wk

> > > milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible.

I'm

> > really not

> > > having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted

to

> > share with

> > > you how well I'm doing.

> > > Thanks,

> > > Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

> > >

> > >

_________________________________________________________________

> > > Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0.

> Try

> > it now

> > > FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Dear Cyber Friends,

I am 6 weeks post-op today. It has been good to read messages

abut a variety of recovery experiences, as that really helps develop

a perspective. I find I'm ahead on some skills and behind on

others. That's okay.

The really sweet things that have been added to my life are worth

sharing again: getting off the crutches that I was on for months

before the hip surgery; once I had graduated to the cane, being able,

to walk *frontways* down steps and stairs - better than I'd done for

years; walking much straighter on the cane than I'd even done on

crutches; the completely normal feeling of the new hip; being able to

carry dishes or a tray because of having a spare hand. There are

other good aspects, but these are the ones that stand out. Though I

feel completely normal at home and on other familiar territory,

yesterday's outing showed me that I still have a way to go. That's

okay. I'm optimistic about the future.

Warm wishes to you all,

Virginia (right hip, BHR on THR, 27/08/03)

[Guest guest]

Dear Cyber Friends,

I am 6 weeks post-op today. It has been good to read messages

abut a variety of recovery experiences, as that really helps develop

a perspective. I find I'm ahead on some skills and behind on

others. That's okay.

The really sweet things that have been added to my life are worth

sharing again: getting off the crutches that I was on for months

before the hip surgery; once I had graduated to the cane, being able,

to walk *frontways* down steps and stairs - better than I'd done for

years; walking much straighter on the cane than I'd even done on

crutches; the completely normal feeling of the new hip; being able to

carry dishes or a tray because of having a spare hand. There are

other good aspects, but these are the ones that stand out. Though I

feel completely normal at home and on other familiar territory,

yesterday's outing showed me that I still have a way to go. That's

okay. I'm optimistic about the future.

Warm wishes to you all,

Virginia (right hip, BHR on THR, 27/08/03)

[Guest guest]

Congrats, Diane. It is great, ain't it?

Lois

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I

am doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

fall apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

but that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

not it was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and

felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is

an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

scheduled to do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

really not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

share with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try

it now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Congrats, Diane. It is great, ain't it?

Lois

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I

am doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

fall apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

but that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

not it was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and

felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is

an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

scheduled to do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

really not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

share with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try

it now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Congrats, Diane. It is great, ain't it?

Lois

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I

am doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably

when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and

fall apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like

to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin,

but that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or

not it was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and

felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is

an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had

learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was

scheduled to do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6

wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm

really not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to

share with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try

it now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Edith,

Actually, yes, I was a bit stiff today. The issue doesn't seem

to be related to the surgery - I think it's muscular, a large muscle

at the side of my back (*other* side) just below the waist. A hot

pack last night did wonders and I'll do the same tonight. (I

continue to sleep very well.) I think this particular muscle is

protesting because I've done a lot of bending and reaching to the

side the last couple of days, at home. It's probably that, rather

than the outing yesterday, now that I think of it.

I did have a couple of short rests on the bed today and spent

less time at the computer. It didn't stop my getting a small load of

washing done, and inviting a cousin to lunch. I'll probably be fine

again tomorrow. However, I've learnt the wisdom of letting my body

tell me. I'll take it easy for the next couple of days, too.

Yes, I am older than a lot of Surfacehippies (61) and have had 3

other surgeries in the past year, at the knees, as well as the

recurrence of a back problem and RA in the right hand. (Being off the

crutches is great for that hand!) On the plus side, I can negotiate

stairs and push a grocery trolley easily these last two weeks -

*much* more easily than last year before my accident, when both knees

were stiff and painful.

Virginia

> Hi Virginia,

>

> Sorry to hear that you had a hard day.............. I think those

are sent

> to remind us that we have had recent surgery and the body does take

time to

> heal............ especially after more complicated situations and

age

> factors set in............. I have been surprised a few times

myself by

> having the leg feel very fatigued and that difficult job of finding

oneself

> caught a bit short trying to get from point A to B.............

You are

> probably feeling even more tired today.............. All sent to

remind us I

> guess that we are not superfit humans and need to pamper ourselves

through

> this time............

>

> Edith LBHR Dr.L Walter Syd Aust 8/02

>

> > Dianne,

> > Thanks for sharing your 6-week progress. I'm so happy for

your -

> > and impressed that you're dancing already! And riding a bike!

> > My 6-week milestone is tomorrow. I had a big day out today,

> > meeting with my thesis advisor at the university. It was a rainy

> > morning and I changed my plans and got a taxi the whole way,

instead

> > of halfway and then the bus. However, it fined up and I walked

the

> > long way to one of the cafeterias and then the bus stop, with

lots of

> > stops to rest. The bus was no problem, espec as now I don't need

to

> > carry a pillow to sit on to raise the seat. I was able to sit on

low

> > chairs on campus, too. By the time I got into the City I found I

was

> > very stiff while walking. It took me a l-o-n-g time to wend my

way

> > to a taxi rank.

> > This is a bit discouraging - I walk so much straighter on the

cane,

> > *but* I just don't have the stamina to walk very far. Even

walking

> > just one block means stopping a few times. The physio was excited

> > about my progress in one week up to last Thursday, as progress

that

> > week was rapid. I'd expected to take off and improve exponentially

> > this week, too. Perhaps I expected too much. Without a cane I can

> > walk a short distance at home (as I've said previously) but have

such

> > a pronounced limp that I wonder if I'd be better off leaving it a

> > couple of days, working at my exercises, and then trying again.

> > (What do others think? What worked for you?)

> > On a positive note, other things I *can* do: I've been picking

> > things up off the floor since 2 weeks post-op, using the way my

> > physio taught me so that I wasn't bending the hip. I imagine I

> > looked fairly graceful, with my leg stuck out behind, ballet-like!

> > I've been sitting with my feet crossed across each other,

> > occasionally. In any case, I've been sitting at the computer long

> > hours since Day 6. I can do heel care, rubbing the rough skin on

the

> > back of the heel (from the remains of a pressure blister) with a

long

> > emery board. Earlier, I had to ask the visiting wound-care nurse

to

> > do it, while she was still coming. I can get in and out of the

bath

> > to have a shower more quickly now, with or without the help of a

> > cane. Getting into the bath to shower began at 4 weeks. And I can

do

> > mini-squats well enough to reach the bottom drawer of the 'fridge,

> > which I couldn't at first.

> > Oh - and for the first time in about 3 years I'm able to walk

> > downstairs *frontwards*, instead of going down backwards. This is

> > only since I abandoned the crutch and graduated to the cane, at

one

> > calendar month (Day 31). In fact, I can use my stairs, and other

> > people's stairs, better than in a long time. But, oh for some

> > stamina!

> > Virginia

> > (right hip,BHR on THR, 27/08/03; and removal of metal " nail " and

> > holding screws from right femur, via knee, 6 Aug 03 - 2 lots of

major

> > surgery in August.)

[Guest guest]

Sharry,

I have managed to cycle by getting on the machine and then propping up my

crutch while I exercise. The dancing was a little more tricky, but I just

" waddled " out to the dance floor and basically stood in one place and

danced! It was great! I'm going to try water aerobics today...I'll let you

know how it goes.

Dianne

>

>Reply-To: surfacehippy

>To: surfacehippy >

>Subject: Re: that " magic " 6 wk post-op time

>Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2003 17:42:15 -0700

>

>Hi Diane

> How have you managed cycling and dancing, while still using a crutch?

>I've been a little more cautious, but am coming up to the 6 week mark this

>week,so have an appointment with my physio for Wednesday, and plan to get

>going on more strengthening stuff. I have no problem with flexibility,

>eg., can touch my toes, but like you I feel a little awkward, ducklike,

>when I walk with no crutch. Today was better though, drove to the store,

>hopped out, shopped, back in the truck, no crutch....So I want to get some

>srenghtening exercises from my physio and some direction on the best type

>of swimming stuff to do. I've been doing some exercises in my hot tub

>(kicking frontwise, sideways). I love to swim laps doing the crawl, so am

>hoping she'll okay that.

>Sharry

>RBHR De Smet 27/08/2003

> that " magic " 6 wk post-op time

>

>

> Well, here I am....had both my hips resurfaced 6 wks ago today! I am

>doing

> things I haven't done in years like crossing my legs confortably when

> sitting, riding a bicycle, dancing, and letting my legs relax and fall

>apart

> when sitting on something. Today I chose to see what it was like to go

> without either crutch and found that I walk a bit like a penguin, but

>that

> I'm strong enough to go it alone. We'll see tomorrow whether or not it

>was

> too much, but I have spent the last 5 days on just one crutch, and felt

> ready. That I found this group and learned about this procedure is an

> amazing gift. I would have been absolutely devastated if I had learned

> about resurfacing after having a bilateral THR, which I was scheduled to

>do

> when I found you guys. Thanks a million! Now that I'm past my 6 wk

> milestone, my mission is to get stronger and more flexible. I'm really

>not

> having any problems that I need to write about, I just wanted to share

>with

> you how well I'm doing.

> Thanks,

> Dianne, Bil C+, 8-25-03, Dr. Crofford

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Instant message with integrated webcam using MSN Messenger 6.0. Try it

>now

> FREE! http://msnmessenger-download.com

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dianne wrote:

..... The dancing was a little more tricky, but I just

> " waddled " out to the dance floor and basically stood in one place

and

> danced! It was great! ....> Dianne

Hi Dianne,

I haven't had the opportunity to try dancing yet, but just over

three weeks *before* my surgery I got up on the dance floor at a

conference dinner, yes, with a hip fracture and on crutches. What I

was doing wasn't really dancing - propping one crutch against my body

to move an arm, and moving one leg - but the grin on my face in the

photos I had taken to show my surgeon shows how much I was enjoying

trying! I can appreciate your joy on getting up and starting to

attempt dancing, too. Now you've made a start it can only get

better. Go for it!

Cheers,

Virginia

[Guest guest]

Dianne wrote:

..... The dancing was a little more tricky, but I just

> " waddled " out to the dance floor and basically stood in one place

and

> danced! It was great! ....> Dianne

Hi Dianne,

I haven't had the opportunity to try dancing yet, but just over

three weeks *before* my surgery I got up on the dance floor at a

conference dinner, yes, with a hip fracture and on crutches. What I

was doing wasn't really dancing - propping one crutch against my body

to move an arm, and moving one leg - but the grin on my face in the

photos I had taken to show my surgeon shows how much I was enjoying

trying! I can appreciate your joy on getting up and starting to

attempt dancing, too. Now you've made a start it can only get

better. Go for it!

Cheers,

Virginia