Archive for Surgery
11 Weeks Post Op Check – No Pain, No Gain
Posted by: | Comments10 minutes and it was all over. Quickest consult ever and I got all my questions answered lol
Overall Mr. R. is pleased with my progress which made my day. I had been worried that it was going a bit slow but he assured me that it is still early days.
The swelling could hang around for another couple of months but he didn’t seem concerned about it. In the past week I’ve had a little snapping on the outside of my hip when i straighten up from bending over which I never had before. This apparently is due to the IT band. I guess while the swelling is still present this is a little irritated but he told me that as my gluts etc. get stronger this should improve. Come on buns of steel!
The residual pain and limited flexion is due to scar tissue from the capsulotomy. He wants me to push through this pain now, taking pain killers as needed (and assured me I won’t do any damage) to break down the scar tissue and prevent more forming. If this doesn’t get better he said he can do a steroid injection to help things along. I have a follow up appointment in six weeks time so it could be a long six weeks! Not at all keen on the injection though, remembering the flare it caused in my wrist.
I have the OK to get a pool/gym program so his secretary is going to send a letter of approval to ACC and they will fund it!
I have no limitations, just have to use common sense with lifting etc. and avoid twisting while lifting.
So I’m a happy chicky right now. Pleased I can push things a little without worrying it will be doing any damage. Mr R says that he can’t guarantee it will ever be 100% again, but it is already better than pre op and I am certainly heading that way 
Hip Scope Recovery 3 wks 3 days
Posted by: | CommentsI have been pretty sore since starting my physio and pool exercises, the sorest I’ve been since I’ve been home from hospital. I can’t tell what specifically is causing the pain to increase but my best guess would be the pool exercises as they are the only thing I am doing that actually ‘uses’ the joint. Ice seems to help a bit but not a whole lot. So today was a rest day. Tomorrow I had planned to go to the gym and hop on a stationary bike as I’ve been DYING to do this, but I think I will have to just wait for that. I have a pool session planned for Sunday so will see how the couple of days rest go. I am continuing to do my physio exercises as I really don’t think they are aggravating (bar one that is hurting my knee so I’ve stopped that one). I think this is a fairly common occurrence from what I’ve read, so I’m not going to get worried, just take things slowly.
Hip Arthroscopy Recovery Week 3 – Physio
Posted by: | CommentsI finally made it to physio day. I had been so looking forward to today because it marks the start of my ‘real’ recovery and i can start to be more active.
I love my physio, she’s just great…even makes me laugh…saying ‘bumholes’ when you’re reading someone’s surgical report isn’t something you’d expect a professional to say, but I loved it lol.
She’s a little wary of doing too much at this time and doesn’t want to undo my surgeon’s good work, so has given me some basic exercises to do on my own. Pelvic floor exercises, pelvic tilts, very small leg lifts (1cm – lying on front and back with knee bent) and some pool exercises (walking/careful aqua jogging and forward/backward leg raises). Unfortunately because of the flexion/abduction restriction I have until 6 weeks post op I can’t stretch my Piriformis and it’s giving me grief! I’m hoping the pool exercises will help. I go back to see her on Monday.
I didn’t make it to the pool today because of a logistical hiccup, but it is the first on my list of things to do tomorrow among lunch and coffee with workmates!
I’m at the point where I REALLY want to ditch the crutches. I have been good and using them while out and have the ‘orrible blisters/callouses to prove it. I can walk pretty well but because of my restricted extension when walking and the random occasion that the muscles decide to not work and cause my leg to give out I still need them for bigger trips. My physio also instructed me to use them in busy places such as the supermarket until I am 100% confident because falling now would be a disaster. So they now live in the car lol. I don’t need them around the house and am managing the stairs ok.
Hip Arthroscopy Recovery 2 Weeks 2 Days
Posted by: | CommentsThese blog post titles just get stupider and stupider lol
I made it to Auckland in one piece In the end I decided to take both crutches on the plane which was lucky because I really needed them to get to the car when I landed in Auckland. I had no trouble with security, just put them through the x-ray and hobbled through the metal detector and everyone was nice. I haven’t had a lot of pain, just a slight groin pinch feeling and have been quite stiff.
I have taken over Mum’s laz-e-boy which is super comfy and have to remind everyone that I don’t need to be waited on hand and foot! It is nice to have a change of scenery though and new shops/malls to explore. We spent 2 hours at Sylvia Park mall today which has resulted in blisters on the heel of my hands but I got some much needed Christmas shopping done and had a yummy lunch!
Weather is warm, I have my own room with brand new bed and snuggly pillows and had a fantastic sleep last night. Was my 2nd night with my new bite splint ($600 piece of moulded acryllic for TMJ treatment) and it went better than the first night. It’s quite tight so is hurting my front teeth a bit, but hopefully that will settle with time. It totally stops me from being able to grind my teeth so I hope it does the trick and stops my jaw from clunking permanently, though this will take a while.