Friday, May 15, 2009

Back to work and lovin' it!

Well its Friday, May 15 @ 3pm and I'm about to wrap up my first week back to work since my surgery. On the average I would say I made it 2/3 of the way thru each day and feeling pretty good with only one set-back. This past Monday not only did I go back to work but I also returned to teaching my aquatic swim classes. Once I got into the 90 degree water it felt so good--I felt a little daring and since I was 8 weeks into recovery...so I started to let my guard down. I was sqatting, grapevining, jumping and running-- LIKE AN IDIOT! I woke up Tuesday morning and really was scared with the worse pain I have felt in weeks. I knew I overdid it when my non-operataive good hip was also hurting. So I have babied myself all week, not doing anything strenuous at all. Just maintaining range of motion with some tai chi, regular PT exercises, moderate stair climbing and short walks. Tomorrow I'm off to my annual nursing conference and can't wait to set off the airport security gate with my new high tech metal hip! My hotel is 5 blocks from the conference center so I'll be getting some good walks in and plan to pack my cane in my suitcase. I'll report again soon!
p.s. It's great being back at GSH seeing my friends and co-workers, and meeting lots of new faces too! Everyone has been so warm & welcoming.

Friday, May 1, 2009

The Operation







The Morning of Surgery





My New Hip: Exiting recuperation time...re-entering normal life!

Back from the beach...down there 2 1/2 weeks with only 4 days of sunshine but it was great! Spent alot of time walking, exercising and enjoying the new OC library. It is now 7 weeks since my hip replacement. Had my 6-week check up and I am now released from the imprisonment of those hip precautions! Feels so good to cross my legs, bend over, twist and not sleep with a pillow between my legs. I'm so much stronger now...exercising religiously has really paid off and made me stronger--just doing the prescribed exercises from the hospital takes about 40 minutes each day but it is so worth it. Weather permitting I am walking about a mile or more each day...not up to 2 miles yet! I even rode a surrey bike on the boardwalk last week for an hour...but that might have been a bit much because I had quite a bit of pain the rest of the day. My normal life is returning at a normal pace now. I am back doing exercise videos (the beginner wimpy ones but that's okay) and even walking 75% of the time without my cane! My t'ai chi training has really served my well in my recovery period...the leg strength and balance has been easier to regain because of it. I am attending a gala this evening for a short time and may even try to dance just a little. If it wasn't for my afternoon fatigue I would almost be back to my normal self. But I have been reassured by my wonderful medical staff that it takes about 6 months or more before you feel yourself again. Well I am on my way and am almost ready to return to work for at least half-days on May 11! Welcome back me!