Day twenty-one

Actually, I'd like to start counting down instead of up: 21 days LEFT until I'm "released" to normal activities again.

At six weeks from surgery, (or, three more weeks) I should be clear of all restrictions. In the past week, I've felt a little stronger, faster and able to do most activities with some finagled adjustments. I can reach the USB port on my computer tower if I lean over sideways and keep my right leg straight. I can kneel down to use the scanner on a low shelf if I am careful finding supports to help me get up again. I can reach the bottom bin of the dishwasher if I swing the weak hip leg back when I lean over. Still can't get my right sock on, shave my lower right leg or do a pedicure (all of which make for an interesting hygiene situation). I can get my skinny jeans on -- but can't get them off! (Extremely interesting.)

I know I shouldn't be complaining. I can walk at almost a normal pace (mine was pretty fast). I no longer totter very much when I accidentally pivot on the weak hip leg. My exercise regimen on the stationary bike is up to 40 minutes and almost 4 miles (still pretty puny, but improving) though I haven't been able to break a sweat yet. The exercises my therapist gave me have become "easy" -- I have to remember how it ached to swing my right leg sideways or do those little squats. My caboose isn't very sore any more -- I don't flinch when I sit down now.

I'm driving again! (Kudos to everyone who so cheerfully took me places!) Actually, there's no problem with leg strength or ability to operate the gas and brake pedals. It was seating position and getting in and out that took some planning. I have an interesting 4" piece of foam carved into a wedge shape to scoot my caboose up to a level position in my car seat (still have to keep my knee below my hip when sitting). Practicing getting in and out of the car was trickier than getting the seat elevation right. To avoid risk of dislocation, I'm not supposed to internally rotate my right hip/knee/foot (pigeon-toed position). Since I had this tall cushion, I had to raise the steering wheel and carefully slide my right leg in straight and first. It works, but took some planning. A lot of the business of recovery is figuring out how to do stuff -- safely.

I've been very fortunate to have flexibility in my work schedule -- as well as extremely understanding co-workers. I was able to arrange projects and due dates so that I had extra time to execute. I don't usually need to be anywhere at a specific time. If I have a day when I'm not feeling so great, I can back off. On a better day, I really try to work ahead.

I have to remember what so many of the nursing staff have reminded me: take it slowly. I'm not good at that. I'm used to pushing myself, meeting deadlines, exceeding goals. It's tough (well, unrealistic, actually) to set "goals" for recovery. I have to listen to my body. It sends different messages every day. Some days are better, some not so much. Sometimes I hear that it's time to stop working and sit down and read something simple. Again, my friends and family have been my support. A ten minute phone call, a little bit of laughter, a cheerful work discussion all help my outlook, attitude and get-up-and-go.