For those of you who know me well, you must be starting to realize that it is either all or nothing with me. What do I mean? I am either out, in heels, doing crazy things, or in bed, puking my guts out, and not moving. Some things never change. I am almost 5 weeks out, from a surgery I was initially told would take 3-4 months to heal from, and then 4 months later was told by my OS that he is finding patients doing still making progress at 12 months. So to put things into perspective, I am pretty far from the 12 month mark. Today I found myself out, pushing Jk in his stroller, on ice, in high heeled boots. Stupid? Absolutely. Especially when yesterday, I was leaving my building and the doorman gently reminded me that my parking lot was extremely icy and the last thing I needed was to fall! Thanks!
So after one day of gingerly walking through snowbanks and icy streets (wearing rubber, flat boots) and one day of walking in high heeled boots, I found myself with a teensy tiny limp (gasp). I don't do limps. Especially when I am so crazy and anal about gait, and how I hold on to my single crutch until every bit of evidence of a recent hip surgery and resulting Trendelenberg is gone, I found myself limping in my boots. It didn't help that I had to carry Jk and all of his 28 lbs plus a few toy trains.
I am not even sure where I hurt, it was too much to take in. It did resolve on its own when I got home and took off the boots, and put Jk down. J pushed the stroller home so that helped too.
I have been having pain in my adductors, on both sides, and they go into spasm sometimes. I think I have mentioned before, this is not something I mention to P or let him work on since it is right where my adductors insert into my pelvis. Too close for comfort, especially when we will be working together 15 minutes later. Yesterday, during my ice walk, the left side was in horrible spasm (left, yes 5 1/2 moth old surgery), and there was nothing I could do but keep 'walking' to my car. I am guessing that my adductors are really weak, resulting in this 'fun' spasm. Time to hit the gym and attack those muscles, I guess. I have been a lot more laid back about PT this time, I guess after 9 months, it sort of gets old, boring and lame (Don't tell anyone I said that).
My insurance, for some reason, is still paying for PT. I have had probably close to 90 sessions by now, my insurance covers 30 visits/ year. The people in the billing department know how to 'work the system' apparently! I am supposed to be doing 2x/week at this pint, I did one last week, and have 2 scheduled for this week. I know that after my first and second scopes, I was already doing 3x/week. I am too burnt out though!
My other weird pain is a bruiselike pain across the front of my thigh, starting medial/anterior to the greater trochanter, moving across the front of my thigh, about 1/3 of the way down. It does not hurt with activity, only to touch. It has not gotten better or worse since surgery.I am stumped. The only thing that may be related is that I had awful bruising for the first 3-4 weeks, plus all the bleeding early on.
Otherwise, things are great in post-op land!!!!
Showing posts with label gait. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gait. Show all posts
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
If My Leg is Mine, Why Won't It Listen To Me
As Monday draws closer, and I plan on returning to work, bits of anxiety seem to be rising to the surface. I have not had any anxiety since I woke up from surgery. Now I am getting nervous. I am mentally very ready to return to work, but physically, I am not sure. My leg isn't doing what my brain commands.
Yesterday, I was walking to my car and an old lady was walking directly towards me, since I no longer use my crutch, people assume that I am 'normal' and can easily dodge these obstacles. My brain told my leg to quickly move to the right but my leg didn't quite get the message and I almost ended up colliding with the lady, I missed her by a hair.
Also, sometimes the phone will ring and I will be with the kids in one of their bedrooms, the phone will be in my bedroom, so I try to quickly get up and tell my leg to walk fast to grab the phone before voicemail picks up, but it just won't go.
There is still a little more weakness than makes me happy, but I have to keep reminding myself the extent of the work that was done plus the week I spent in bed wasting away! I am also not doing as much as I can for myself, I can do so many of my exercises at home but choose not to. I guess by the time I have time, it is really late and I would rather crash.
I am disappointed that only Jess responded to my previous post.
Yesterday, I was walking to my car and an old lady was walking directly towards me, since I no longer use my crutch, people assume that I am 'normal' and can easily dodge these obstacles. My brain told my leg to quickly move to the right but my leg didn't quite get the message and I almost ended up colliding with the lady, I missed her by a hair.
Also, sometimes the phone will ring and I will be with the kids in one of their bedrooms, the phone will be in my bedroom, so I try to quickly get up and tell my leg to walk fast to grab the phone before voicemail picks up, but it just won't go.
There is still a little more weakness than makes me happy, but I have to keep reminding myself the extent of the work that was done plus the week I spent in bed wasting away! I am also not doing as much as I can for myself, I can do so many of my exercises at home but choose not to. I guess by the time I have time, it is really late and I would rather crash.
I am disappointed that only Jess responded to my previous post.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Let's Try This Again
Quick Update: I woke up today and had a serious debate with myself about taking one crutch with me to walk L to school, I hurt from the last 2 days of crutchless walking. I ended up leaving it at home and did great. As I walked, the muscles warmed up and became less achey.
On a side note- my butt hurts, like if I sit only on my right butt cheek (not that I do this often, but think of sitting/ lying in bed), also my greater trochanter is still painfu, so I am still betting on the trochanteric brsitis.
I had to go to CVS today. The pharmacy called yesterday to inform me that my Percocet which was picked up on 11/13 was never paid for (the copay). Seriously? Its been 3 weeks and you just noticed? And how the heck did you allow a controlled substance to leave without being paid for? Anyway...they had pink canes!! Had I known last week, I would have splurged on one!!
Ok, what are we trying again. I am calling on all of my readers to please post in the comments section what your symptoms of FAI/labral tear are/were. If you are a frequent poster, infrequent poster, lurker or first time reader, please comment. I want to create a list to help other people, as I was never able to come across a 'good' list. I tried this once before and it didn't really work out, let's make it work this time.
On a side note- my butt hurts, like if I sit only on my right butt cheek (not that I do this often, but think of sitting/ lying in bed), also my greater trochanter is still painfu, so I am still betting on the trochanteric brsitis.
I had to go to CVS today. The pharmacy called yesterday to inform me that my Percocet which was picked up on 11/13 was never paid for (the copay). Seriously? Its been 3 weeks and you just noticed? And how the heck did you allow a controlled substance to leave without being paid for? Anyway...they had pink canes!! Had I known last week, I would have splurged on one!!
Ok, what are we trying again. I am calling on all of my readers to please post in the comments section what your symptoms of FAI/labral tear are/were. If you are a frequent poster, infrequent poster, lurker or first time reader, please comment. I want to create a list to help other people, as I was never able to come across a 'good' list. I tried this once before and it didn't really work out, let's make it work this time.
Letting Go...of My Crutches
I went all day yesterday without crutches. It was the first time I began having any pain. Mostly, my psoas, glut med, TFL and adductors. They got really sore, I guess since I was finally using them. I tried to sit as much as possible, and kept PT light. P really worked my incisions yesterday and they REALLY hurt, as did the entire area around them.
Since I was finally 'free', I decided to run some errands at the mall that I had been putting off. Walking was difficult since I took the long way around (not on purpose) but as I 'warmed up' the muscles relaxed a little. I did develop a limp last night, since it was the end of the day and I was exhausted. But overall, the day went well.
As I sit in bed with my laptop, I feel the effects of yesterday's adventure. I will try to keep my activity light today,I need the muscles to feel better and my gait to be perfect since I am going back to work next Monday.
Since I was finally 'free', I decided to run some errands at the mall that I had been putting off. Walking was difficult since I took the long way around (not on purpose) but as I 'warmed up' the muscles relaxed a little. I did develop a limp last night, since it was the end of the day and I was exhausted. But overall, the day went well.
As I sit in bed with my laptop, I feel the effects of yesterday's adventure. I will try to keep my activity light today,I need the muscles to feel better and my gait to be perfect since I am going back to work next Monday.
Friday, November 30, 2007
No Cane Yet
We only had quad canes in my office, no thanks! Someone tried to fashion a cane for me out of half of a forearm crutch, again, no thanks! So it is my crutch for a bit longer. The problem, according to P, appears to be that I am not getting enough extension (or any extension) when I walk. So we worked on that with mobs, soft tissue work and strengthening into extension. He had me do single leg bridges with rotation, so you rotate away from the leg and that gives you more extension. I also did single leg walking on the treadmill to increase extension but after 5 minutes, my quad on the standing leg fatigued. I also did the Fitter into extension. Hopefully this will all help. I have my op-report, it is LONG, I will type it up and post tomorrow night when the kiddies are asleep and J is out at a bachelor party!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Normalization
Today has been the most normal day I have had since my surgery. I am 3 weeks, 3 days out. Here is how the day went: I took L to camp, went to the dentist (see post below), went to the mall (I don't go to the mall as often as you think, but it is an "activity" for me since I am so bored), took the kids for a walk in the stroller for the first time, fed the kids dinner, bathed the kids, put Jk to bed (L is watching a dvd in my bed).
It feels great to be resuming my normal life again, it is like I am free! I hate depending on others for everything, as much as I hate giving baths, I have never appreciated my ability to actually give a bath before. Yes, I am totally exhausted and ready for bed, I feel like I ran a marathon today, but I completed it!
Things are definetely going so much better this time, I hope it is a sign of how things will be in the future. At this point last time, I was on one crutch, not going to the mall, definetely not pushing my monster truck of a stroller, and not even thinking about giving a bath.
I did develop a slight limp at the mall, a painfree limp though, my hip flexors are still pretty weak and it is a little bit painful to lift my leg, especially when getting into the car, but it will soon resolve. I needed a day like this to lift my spirits and make a add a more positive post to my blog.
When I decided to create a blog, it was with the intention that I would be able to portray a very positive experience with my surgery and rehab...I didn't mean for it to become a place for me to whine and complain all the time, so I apologize. I do hope that in the end, I will have a positive outcome on both sides and can move on with my life and live relatively pain free, it will just be a little longer because of my latest developments. Thank you all for your support and encouragement, it is really helping me get through this.
To those of you who actually have to live with me (if you are reading this), I apologize for turning into super-bitch. I will try to not let me pain and frustrations get the best of me, I will try to stop losing my patience, snapping and yelling. I love you!
It feels great to be resuming my normal life again, it is like I am free! I hate depending on others for everything, as much as I hate giving baths, I have never appreciated my ability to actually give a bath before. Yes, I am totally exhausted and ready for bed, I feel like I ran a marathon today, but I completed it!
Things are definetely going so much better this time, I hope it is a sign of how things will be in the future. At this point last time, I was on one crutch, not going to the mall, definetely not pushing my monster truck of a stroller, and not even thinking about giving a bath.
I did develop a slight limp at the mall, a painfree limp though, my hip flexors are still pretty weak and it is a little bit painful to lift my leg, especially when getting into the car, but it will soon resolve. I needed a day like this to lift my spirits and make a add a more positive post to my blog.
When I decided to create a blog, it was with the intention that I would be able to portray a very positive experience with my surgery and rehab...I didn't mean for it to become a place for me to whine and complain all the time, so I apologize. I do hope that in the end, I will have a positive outcome on both sides and can move on with my life and live relatively pain free, it will just be a little longer because of my latest developments. Thank you all for your support and encouragement, it is really helping me get through this.
To those of you who actually have to live with me (if you are reading this), I apologize for turning into super-bitch. I will try to not let me pain and frustrations get the best of me, I will try to stop losing my patience, snapping and yelling. I love you!
Monday, July 23, 2007
3 Weeks post-op
I went the whole day without crutches, I think I am in the clear, but my SI joint hurts, probably because I still need a crutch, or maybe a cane, but I am so not doing a cane!! If the SI doesn't resolve, I will have P fix it on Thursday, it is not too bad though, I have taught J how to fix it for me in the past! I tend to get awful SI issues at 3 months post-partum, it happenned both times, but I have trained J well!
I had PT today, I almost broke down, but the look on P's face when he saw that I might cry was enough to make me hold back my tears, and boy did I have to fight to hold them back. He had that look that men get when a girl is aout to cry and they really don't know what to do! I am laughing now thinking about it! My office was pretty busy today, so we didn't have a room, so I really didn't want to cry in the gym, so I held back. I finally just came out and said I think my first surgery failed (then fought really hard again to hold back the tears). What??? Are you sure? I thought it was just compensation??? So he looked at it, again, and all of my symptoms were back, my original November symptoms, decreased ROM (I have practically lost all IR), sitting pain, pain with ambulation during the stance phase of gait. So he worked on that side today, TFL, psoas, both super tight. He also did some mulligan belt mobs, to try to increase my ROM, and some anterior hip glides. For the other side, he stretched/ ART'd my psoas and worked on my scope sites. Originally, I had decided to not let anyone work on the scope sites and see what would happen, and compare to the other side since they had been worked on extensively after my first surgery, but they really looked and felt awful today, so I gave in, so my trial is over!
I had to cut back on the single leg stance exercises today bc my operated leg was beginning to get irriated, probably from all the stair climbing this weekend, and lack of crutches. The (sort of) good news is that I am having anterior tightness now, I didn't develop this until much later on last time, so hopefully it is a good sign, that things are progressing quickly. I need to take an "off day" tommorrow and let things calm down in the operated hip a little, it has definetly been abused the past couple of days. I have some pain in it, it is similar to my pre-op/ post-injection pain, it is tolerable!
I added a link today in Learn From My Experience/ Mistakes, it is called Orthopaedic Considerations for Intercourse. It is not made specifically for hips, there are some positions approved for total hip replacements, these are labeled THA. What I think will work best is if you know what positions are painful for you, and use the pictures to help guide you in choosing a position that would work for you, like most things, sex after a hipscope does not come with cookbook instructions. What is helpful are the "tidbits of information" on the bottom about each position. But you may need to trouble shoot in the beginning until you find what works for you. The 7th position works best for us early on. We have been having intercourse since 2 weeks, 2 days post-op, without too much of an issue.
I had PT today, I almost broke down, but the look on P's face when he saw that I might cry was enough to make me hold back my tears, and boy did I have to fight to hold them back. He had that look that men get when a girl is aout to cry and they really don't know what to do! I am laughing now thinking about it! My office was pretty busy today, so we didn't have a room, so I really didn't want to cry in the gym, so I held back. I finally just came out and said I think my first surgery failed (then fought really hard again to hold back the tears). What??? Are you sure? I thought it was just compensation??? So he looked at it, again, and all of my symptoms were back, my original November symptoms, decreased ROM (I have practically lost all IR), sitting pain, pain with ambulation during the stance phase of gait. So he worked on that side today, TFL, psoas, both super tight. He also did some mulligan belt mobs, to try to increase my ROM, and some anterior hip glides. For the other side, he stretched/ ART'd my psoas and worked on my scope sites. Originally, I had decided to not let anyone work on the scope sites and see what would happen, and compare to the other side since they had been worked on extensively after my first surgery, but they really looked and felt awful today, so I gave in, so my trial is over!
I had to cut back on the single leg stance exercises today bc my operated leg was beginning to get irriated, probably from all the stair climbing this weekend, and lack of crutches. The (sort of) good news is that I am having anterior tightness now, I didn't develop this until much later on last time, so hopefully it is a good sign, that things are progressing quickly. I need to take an "off day" tommorrow and let things calm down in the operated hip a little, it has definetly been abused the past couple of days. I have some pain in it, it is similar to my pre-op/ post-injection pain, it is tolerable!
I added a link today in Learn From My Experience/ Mistakes, it is called Orthopaedic Considerations for Intercourse. It is not made specifically for hips, there are some positions approved for total hip replacements, these are labeled THA. What I think will work best is if you know what positions are painful for you, and use the pictures to help guide you in choosing a position that would work for you, like most things, sex after a hipscope does not come with cookbook instructions. What is helpful are the "tidbits of information" on the bottom about each position. But you may need to trouble shoot in the beginning until you find what works for you. The 7th position works best for us early on. We have been having intercourse since 2 weeks, 2 days post-op, without too much of an issue.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
A Pain in the Butt continued
I am home (sigh of relief)! The carride home was uneventful, L and Jk slept for most of the time. Now I can vent about the weekend without fear of things being left behind on other's computers!
So the whole issue with the stairs, it sucked. It is hard for me to ask for help, so I don't. I also don't always get the help I need from my IL's. I found it hard to keep asking for other's to go get my things, a diaper, wipes, a book... and bedime came, so the kids wanted me, so up and down the friggin steps again and again. As i mentioned in the first half of this post, my right hip was pretty bad all weekend, left was ok, and when I was putting Jk to bed, I had my first meltdown, tears and all, more on my numerous meltdowns soon.
Its not that I don't get along with my IL's, it is just an uncomfortable tension that exists, and has always existed between us. To make matters worse, J's grandparents were there as well, they can add tension to any situation. I just did so much walking, stair climbing and standing there, I am exhausted.
So now, at 12:40 am, I am in my own bed with my laptop. My operated hip is stiff and tight, but I just sat in a car for 3 hours. I am developing the anterior tightness I had last time, but much earlier,I remember bringing it up to Dr Kelly at my 8 week appointment, so things are moving quicker this time.
I had a few other "tearful" moments this weekend, I think I am accepting the fact that I retore the labrum on the right. I know, I said no jumping to conclusions and its too early to tell, but this pain is not compesation pain, once you experience the torn labrum pain, you don't forget. And I have no imaging to back me up, which is fine, this way it is not really reality, at least not yet. I have been upset and angry about it. I really thought I did everything right, I went to a top hip guy, we found the impingement and thought it was addressed, rehab went great, but somewhere along the line, something went awry. I keep saying that I feel like I wasted so much time, 4 months of PT, 4 weeks of crutches, and all for nothing,I am back where I started. Looking back, I don't know what I could have done differently, but I feel like I failed at this. I hope I am wrong, I hope I am having an emotional/ hormonal day and completely overreacting about it, and in 2 weeks I will wake up and have no pain!
Ok, I feel better now! Got that off my chest! So I ended up leaving my crutches behind this afternoon,Jk and I went to the mall, I got a pair of ballet flats http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=34759&pid=514975 (very cute if I do say so myself), walked around a little but then had to go home. I can't expect to be able to walk for hours on my first day of of crutches! My gait was not perfect, but it is improving each day, and I used my excursion as personal gait training,I tried to focus and swinging my leg straight through, and not around!
After the mall, Jk and I picked L and J up from the basebal game, she had a blast, as did he! We got home, I was trying to unload the car and help L run in to use the bathroom, and the nxt thing I knew I was on the ground.I tripped on some water thing on my IL's sidewalk. It was so scary, luckily, I landed on my knees/ hands and spared the hips, but I just sat on the ground, stunned, with J asking if I am ok, and if I hurt my hip. I was fine, the only damage as the grass stain on my white leggings!
So now i am home! It is such a great feeling! I can focus on my rehab and returning to work, no later than a week from tommorrow!
So the whole issue with the stairs, it sucked. It is hard for me to ask for help, so I don't. I also don't always get the help I need from my IL's. I found it hard to keep asking for other's to go get my things, a diaper, wipes, a book... and bedime came, so the kids wanted me, so up and down the friggin steps again and again. As i mentioned in the first half of this post, my right hip was pretty bad all weekend, left was ok, and when I was putting Jk to bed, I had my first meltdown, tears and all, more on my numerous meltdowns soon.
Its not that I don't get along with my IL's, it is just an uncomfortable tension that exists, and has always existed between us. To make matters worse, J's grandparents were there as well, they can add tension to any situation. I just did so much walking, stair climbing and standing there, I am exhausted.
So now, at 12:40 am, I am in my own bed with my laptop. My operated hip is stiff and tight, but I just sat in a car for 3 hours. I am developing the anterior tightness I had last time, but much earlier,I remember bringing it up to Dr Kelly at my 8 week appointment, so things are moving quicker this time.
I had a few other "tearful" moments this weekend, I think I am accepting the fact that I retore the labrum on the right. I know, I said no jumping to conclusions and its too early to tell, but this pain is not compesation pain, once you experience the torn labrum pain, you don't forget. And I have no imaging to back me up, which is fine, this way it is not really reality, at least not yet. I have been upset and angry about it. I really thought I did everything right, I went to a top hip guy, we found the impingement and thought it was addressed, rehab went great, but somewhere along the line, something went awry. I keep saying that I feel like I wasted so much time, 4 months of PT, 4 weeks of crutches, and all for nothing,I am back where I started. Looking back, I don't know what I could have done differently, but I feel like I failed at this. I hope I am wrong, I hope I am having an emotional/ hormonal day and completely overreacting about it, and in 2 weeks I will wake up and have no pain!
Ok, I feel better now! Got that off my chest! So I ended up leaving my crutches behind this afternoon,Jk and I went to the mall, I got a pair of ballet flats http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=34759&pid=514975 (very cute if I do say so myself), walked around a little but then had to go home. I can't expect to be able to walk for hours on my first day of of crutches! My gait was not perfect, but it is improving each day, and I used my excursion as personal gait training,I tried to focus and swinging my leg straight through, and not around!
After the mall, Jk and I picked L and J up from the basebal game, she had a blast, as did he! We got home, I was trying to unload the car and help L run in to use the bathroom, and the nxt thing I knew I was on the ground.I tripped on some water thing on my IL's sidewalk. It was so scary, luckily, I landed on my knees/ hands and spared the hips, but I just sat on the ground, stunned, with J asking if I am ok, and if I hurt my hip. I was fine, the only damage as the grass stain on my white leggings!
So now i am home! It is such a great feeling! I can focus on my rehab and returning to work, no later than a week from tommorrow!
Looking for Advice
I am looking for advice from you, my trusty readers (I will post A Pain in the Butt...part 2 tonight).
I woke up this morning and feel a lot better. I haven't left the house though, J and my FIL took the kids to a duck pond to feed them. L and J are going to a baseball game later and I want to go to the mall to buy a new pair of ballet flats (being that my right hip hurts a lot, I figure it will be a good investment for the future, plus Gap has a few cute, cheap pairs right now).
Do you think I should take my crutch? I know, I am the PT, but I am so sick of it, and I will look stupid pushing the stroller and holding a crutch, I can do it though, if I need to, but really don't want to!!!
I am afraiud of a setback, but want to move on!!
What do you think? My gait is better today, but not perfect!
I woke up this morning and feel a lot better. I haven't left the house though, J and my FIL took the kids to a duck pond to feed them. L and J are going to a baseball game later and I want to go to the mall to buy a new pair of ballet flats (being that my right hip hurts a lot, I figure it will be a good investment for the future, plus Gap has a few cute, cheap pairs right now).
Do you think I should take my crutch? I know, I am the PT, but I am so sick of it, and I will look stupid pushing the stroller and holding a crutch, I can do it though, if I need to, but really don't want to!!!
I am afraiud of a setback, but want to move on!!
What do you think? My gait is better today, but not perfect!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
A Pain in the Butt...in every possible way
Being that my mom left, and I was in no hurry to cook and deal with the kids on my own, I thought maybe coming to my in-laws for the weekend would be a good idea. Let me remind you, I live in New York (in a suburb right outside NYC), in an apartment, with an elevator and doorman. My in-laws live in Boston, about a 3 hour car ride, in a house, with 3 floors, and lots of steps.
Everything was going well yesterday, I walked L to and from camp, walked to the bank, to the nail salon, to the drugstore, all with one crutch, but I was on top of the world, for sure by tomorrow, I thought to myself, I can lose the crutch.
So we began our drive, we were doing great, the kids were behaving, about 30 miles before we got here, traffic came to a standstill, and practically stayed like that for 2 1/2 hours. We were on the highway with nowhere to go, my biggest fear was that L would have to use the bathroom, but she did great!
So our 3 hour car trip turned into a 5 1/2 hour car trip, needless to say, I did not practice what I preach, and remained sitting the whole time. When we arrived, I was STIFF!
Next came the exploration! Jk was running circles around us, he was just so happy to be out of the car, then he found the steps. This is when things got ugly for me. I really never have any need to do steps, I live on a high floor so never consider walking, my office has no steps and Target has an escalator (this is why America has such a high obesity rate, but I digress!) Stairs are really hard for me. And up and down numerous times was awful. I dumped my crutch when we got in the house, but desperately needed it for going up the stairs. By the time we sat down for dinner, I was in excruciating pain, but more on the right side (first hip). I was panicking, the pain was so intense, like pre-injection intense. I wanted to cry, out of pain but as well as fear. By the time I put Jk to bed, I had real tears, but kept them to myself, as I only express my "hip emotions" here!
By bedtime, both sides hurt, my gait was awful, I really needed to be using the crutch, but it is so annoying in the house, especially with kids (I know, again, not practicing what I preach), so my back started hurting because of the way I was walking/ compensating/ twisting.
This morning, I felt better, but soon all my bad habits came out, no crutch, up and down the steps... right hip pain, left hip pain, low back pain, piriformis pain. That one is new. I think my SI joint became a little rotated, which for me, causes my piriformis to spasm, you can tell that so far, the trip has been lovely. I will get into more details about why I was up and down the steps when I get home.
I have also been exhausted since I got here! I napped this morning for 2 hours while Jk did, then dozed off again in the afternoon. I have been tired since surgery, and early on had a scheduled nap each day! By late afternoon, I couldn't take the pain anymore and took Tylenol, this is big for me, I am not into pills, I prefer pain, as long as I am not in tears, like today. I find that in my case, I take something (these days nothing other than Tylenol), I feel better, I overdo it, and end up with more pain later so it is not worth it. Pain is your body sending you a signal that you are overdoing it.
I know I need to be on that crutch, I actually feel so good in comparison when I am on it, then when I am not. We walked to the park today, I took the crutch, and did great. I was not able to walk and chase the kids at the park since I had been having such a crappy 24 hours. I also end up doing a lot of standing here, the kids sit at the breakfast bar when they eat, so I am up and down getting everything, feeding them, cleaning up after them...
I am finally sitting now, at 11:30 pm, I am being rude, the whole family is downstairs eating ice cream, but I needed to get everything off my chest, and more will come when I get home! I am evaluating the day, the damage possible done and pray that I did not have setback from this mini-not-so-vacation! Live and learn!!
Everything was going well yesterday, I walked L to and from camp, walked to the bank, to the nail salon, to the drugstore, all with one crutch, but I was on top of the world, for sure by tomorrow, I thought to myself, I can lose the crutch.
So we began our drive, we were doing great, the kids were behaving, about 30 miles before we got here, traffic came to a standstill, and practically stayed like that for 2 1/2 hours. We were on the highway with nowhere to go, my biggest fear was that L would have to use the bathroom, but she did great!
So our 3 hour car trip turned into a 5 1/2 hour car trip, needless to say, I did not practice what I preach, and remained sitting the whole time. When we arrived, I was STIFF!
Next came the exploration! Jk was running circles around us, he was just so happy to be out of the car, then he found the steps. This is when things got ugly for me. I really never have any need to do steps, I live on a high floor so never consider walking, my office has no steps and Target has an escalator (this is why America has such a high obesity rate, but I digress!) Stairs are really hard for me. And up and down numerous times was awful. I dumped my crutch when we got in the house, but desperately needed it for going up the stairs. By the time we sat down for dinner, I was in excruciating pain, but more on the right side (first hip). I was panicking, the pain was so intense, like pre-injection intense. I wanted to cry, out of pain but as well as fear. By the time I put Jk to bed, I had real tears, but kept them to myself, as I only express my "hip emotions" here!
By bedtime, both sides hurt, my gait was awful, I really needed to be using the crutch, but it is so annoying in the house, especially with kids (I know, again, not practicing what I preach), so my back started hurting because of the way I was walking/ compensating/ twisting.
This morning, I felt better, but soon all my bad habits came out, no crutch, up and down the steps... right hip pain, left hip pain, low back pain, piriformis pain. That one is new. I think my SI joint became a little rotated, which for me, causes my piriformis to spasm, you can tell that so far, the trip has been lovely. I will get into more details about why I was up and down the steps when I get home.
I have also been exhausted since I got here! I napped this morning for 2 hours while Jk did, then dozed off again in the afternoon. I have been tired since surgery, and early on had a scheduled nap each day! By late afternoon, I couldn't take the pain anymore and took Tylenol, this is big for me, I am not into pills, I prefer pain, as long as I am not in tears, like today. I find that in my case, I take something (these days nothing other than Tylenol), I feel better, I overdo it, and end up with more pain later so it is not worth it. Pain is your body sending you a signal that you are overdoing it.
I know I need to be on that crutch, I actually feel so good in comparison when I am on it, then when I am not. We walked to the park today, I took the crutch, and did great. I was not able to walk and chase the kids at the park since I had been having such a crappy 24 hours. I also end up doing a lot of standing here, the kids sit at the breakfast bar when they eat, so I am up and down getting everything, feeding them, cleaning up after them...
I am finally sitting now, at 11:30 pm, I am being rude, the whole family is downstairs eating ice cream, but I needed to get everything off my chest, and more will come when I get home! I am evaluating the day, the damage possible done and pray that I did not have setback from this mini-not-so-vacation! Live and learn!!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
One Darn Crutch
Stupid crutch. I need to get rid of it, I can't deal with it anymore. The sad thing is that it doesn't hurt when I don't use it, I just look ridiculous! It is a terrible thing to ambulate with an antalgic gait pattern, especially when it can be corrected by using a crutch. I know it is only for a few more days, but I don't know how much longer I can take, I have run out of patience. I know last time, at this point, I was still on 2 crutches, but I feel so much better this time. And I keep saying to myself, ok, this is the last day with the crutch, and then I wake up and still need it.
I saw J for PT today, I didn't tolerate a traditional ITB stretch (Ober position) so she decided to do some manual release stuff, it killed, except for over my numb patch, see, something good came of it! I was able to do some more modified single leg bridges. Later in the day, I tried some of P's "custom for me" exercises, a psoas strengthener, sitting on the edge of a low treament table and holding my knee to my chest, without my hands. I was able to do it. Last time, this would have caused a terrible tendonitis flare up of the psoas, this time, no problem. I had a lot of psoas issues last time, we decided it was tightening so much bc it was so weak, that exercise helped target it and strengthen it.
I asked P for his blessing in not doing aqua therapy this time, since it was such a pain to chnage and be wet and smell like bleach all day.... he said no problem, as long as the gait issue resolves soon. I think we are all just so impressed with the change in recovery time from one side to the other. P watched me walk like a hundred times so we could figure out the problem with the gait. At first, he wasn't too convinced with my description, I said "I feel like I am circumducting my pelvis as I weight bear on the left". Huh??? He gave me a puzzled look, then watched, and watched again, and then a few more times, hmmmmm, what the heck are you doing while you walk?? See, I told you! "You're right" he said!! But why??? So I walked more. We decided that my hip extensors are weak, and I am having trouble eccentrically contracting my hip flexors, so I can't pull my body over my leg when it is on the ground while I am walking, so I thrust my pelvis out to the side to get over the leg. It is not as bad as it sounds, but not good for you, nonetheless. It is amazing how one crutch can instantly fix this.
On a more positive note, I went food shopping alone today. I had to limit my purchases to what would fit in my basket since I can't push the shopping cart yet, but it felt like a good accomplishment.
Later in the day, I needed to go to Target. For those of you not familiar with Target, it is the greatest place on earth, you can buy EVERYTHING there, seriously, you name, they have it. To illustrate my point, I will name a few items in my cart: Diapers, ball, milk, laundry detergent, floor cleaner, crayons, t-shirts, bathing suit, spray bottle. Target I couldn't do alone, so my nanny came + L and Jk, before their nap! It was quite a site, me on one crutch, and my nanny pushing my cart with both kids in it. I got them to behave by promising them we would go to Starbucks when we were done, which by the way, is inside of Target!
Being that I am sick of the whole crutch business, I needed to prove to myself, again, that I am capable of doing things on my own. So I cooked dinner, fed the kids and cleaned up (didn't do all the dishes yet, maybe J can pitch in). I also got sick of the kid's toys being in disarray all over the living room, my nanny thinks that if she piles them all in the corner, they are cleaned up. So I collected all the stray pieces from all the toys and matched them up with their respective owners. Lots of bending and standing and back and forth from room to room. I did fine with that.
This is a long post, but I need to get everything off my chest. I am having those "am I crazy" feelings again. Since I am not sure what is going on with my first hip, and the pain comes and goes, I start to wonder if I am imagining it, or what!!! After PT, it became painful, it was that awful, deep in the joint, squishy pain-like feeling that is so annoying you want to cut off your leg. Oh, just like before the first surgery, and just like then, exercise aggravates it. Shit. I hope I am just crazy!
I saw J for PT today, I didn't tolerate a traditional ITB stretch (Ober position) so she decided to do some manual release stuff, it killed, except for over my numb patch, see, something good came of it! I was able to do some more modified single leg bridges. Later in the day, I tried some of P's "custom for me" exercises, a psoas strengthener, sitting on the edge of a low treament table and holding my knee to my chest, without my hands. I was able to do it. Last time, this would have caused a terrible tendonitis flare up of the psoas, this time, no problem. I had a lot of psoas issues last time, we decided it was tightening so much bc it was so weak, that exercise helped target it and strengthen it.
I asked P for his blessing in not doing aqua therapy this time, since it was such a pain to chnage and be wet and smell like bleach all day.... he said no problem, as long as the gait issue resolves soon. I think we are all just so impressed with the change in recovery time from one side to the other. P watched me walk like a hundred times so we could figure out the problem with the gait. At first, he wasn't too convinced with my description, I said "I feel like I am circumducting my pelvis as I weight bear on the left". Huh??? He gave me a puzzled look, then watched, and watched again, and then a few more times, hmmmmm, what the heck are you doing while you walk?? See, I told you! "You're right" he said!! But why??? So I walked more. We decided that my hip extensors are weak, and I am having trouble eccentrically contracting my hip flexors, so I can't pull my body over my leg when it is on the ground while I am walking, so I thrust my pelvis out to the side to get over the leg. It is not as bad as it sounds, but not good for you, nonetheless. It is amazing how one crutch can instantly fix this.
On a more positive note, I went food shopping alone today. I had to limit my purchases to what would fit in my basket since I can't push the shopping cart yet, but it felt like a good accomplishment.
Later in the day, I needed to go to Target. For those of you not familiar with Target, it is the greatest place on earth, you can buy EVERYTHING there, seriously, you name, they have it. To illustrate my point, I will name a few items in my cart: Diapers, ball, milk, laundry detergent, floor cleaner, crayons, t-shirts, bathing suit, spray bottle. Target I couldn't do alone, so my nanny came + L and Jk, before their nap! It was quite a site, me on one crutch, and my nanny pushing my cart with both kids in it. I got them to behave by promising them we would go to Starbucks when we were done, which by the way, is inside of Target!
Being that I am sick of the whole crutch business, I needed to prove to myself, again, that I am capable of doing things on my own. So I cooked dinner, fed the kids and cleaned up (didn't do all the dishes yet, maybe J can pitch in). I also got sick of the kid's toys being in disarray all over the living room, my nanny thinks that if she piles them all in the corner, they are cleaned up. So I collected all the stray pieces from all the toys and matched them up with their respective owners. Lots of bending and standing and back and forth from room to room. I did fine with that.
This is a long post, but I need to get everything off my chest. I am having those "am I crazy" feelings again. Since I am not sure what is going on with my first hip, and the pain comes and goes, I start to wonder if I am imagining it, or what!!! After PT, it became painful, it was that awful, deep in the joint, squishy pain-like feeling that is so annoying you want to cut off your leg. Oh, just like before the first surgery, and just like then, exercise aggravates it. Shit. I hope I am just crazy!
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