Update

Well, I'm 7 weeks out now and I have to tell you that the recovery has been much slower than I expected. I really felt that I'd be back to 100% in less time than they say is needed for recovery. Boy, was I wrong! I am getting stronger every day, but still am nowhere near 100%. I walk every day, strengthening my legs, but boy do I tire easily!

That said, I have made some "field trips" over the last week. Ralph said, 'I could see the cabin fever burning in your eyes". It was true. I was so tired of being at home. So, I went to Home Depot to the garden dept. last weekend. True, I didn't stay long, I knew what I wanted, but I did go and even stood in line at the check out! (Standing for any length of time is still tough.)

I went out to dinner on Thursday night (first time out at a restaurant since the surgery) and last night went for girl's bingo night at a friend's house. So, I finally am working back into having a life!

Updating My Progress

I saw the surgeon today. They took x-rays and it was very cool to see the x-ray of my hip. I feel so bionic now!

He is pleased with my progress. All restrictions are lifted, though he did give advice on what would not be smart to do (certain flexing to the outside of the hip).

Up until now, post op, I've had to sleep on my back with a wedge between my legs. This was hard! It meant I couldn't move around in my sleep and I'd wake up with a really stiff back. I actually had numbness in the non-op leg because L-3 was getting pinched from the way I was sleeping. Well, tonight I get to lie on my side again!!!! Yippeeeeee!!!

I'll start doing pool therapy next week, which will really help. We've had a lot of rainy days and I'm very cautious (scared of falling) walking outdoors in the rain. I did walk 100 yards the other day when it was sunny (that's the whole length of a football field) without stopping. I thought that was pretty cool.

The biggest thing now is getting strength and stamina back. One thing that he mentioned is that when you have arthritis, you baby that leg and so the muscles atrophy (and he said you'd be surprised how quickly they do). So now, I am back to walking normally and have to get those muscles back in shape.

Overall, I was very happy with my progress and he was, too. Just got to get to work now on getting strong again.

It's my birthday!

Today is my birthday! What do I wish for?

To be able to walk longer distances without the walker.

For some real spring weather. I need to get my garden in. I can't remember the last time I didn't have my garden planted before my birthday. (This wish goes hand in hand with wishing for some normal spring weather, not this wet, cold stuff we've been having.)

That Ralph will find a real job...a permanent, full time job with benefits.

Continued good health for my entire family.