Hip replacement update after 18mo.

Before I begin, I want to give credit for this photo because it is amazing, and this would have to be my idea of a slice of heaven, and you have to have a pretty picture to go with a post right?!

I also think it fits how I kinda feel about my on going recovery with my total hip replacement.

So to let all those who have been following me for a while, and know that I had a total hip replacement February of 2010, I'm doing great. It has not been easy, and I have said this before on updates in the past, but I feel that I want to be honest if someone is reading this that has searched on the Internet to get them selves ready for it. While every person is different, and some recover faster than others, mine was tinged with having a herniated disk. It has taken me up until now to feel much, much better.

Early in the spring I started going to the gym three days a week and using the treadmill and the weight machine for my left leg. It use to be a thinner leg, because of the way I used it. Now it matches the other! This is so odd for me to see, and the fact that I'm no longer crooked too(leg being shorter), is sometimes odd. Because the muscles were not used in that leg normally through out the years, it was hurting when I first started using the treadmill. I think I finally got it where it should be now, because I have noticed the pain is almost gone.

As of July I have been going to the gym now 5 days a week and increasing the speed week by week. It feels so good when I'm done, and I feel like I have a lot more energy and sleeping very soundly.

All this being said, I have to give you a small history of me with exercise. To look at me now, a tad over weight middle aged woman, you would never guess that at one time, even though I had this hip dysplasia, I loved being active. All through high school my first love was tennis, second was volleyball, and I played them every chance I could. I was on a volleyball team out side of school, and my Senior year I made the tennis team, but didn't do it because it conflicted with yearbook. I'm kinda sad about that decision sometimes. Playing these sports would make my leg and hip really hurt at the end of the day, but I powered through it and continued to play those two sports all through college as well. I didn't want to play on a team in college, so with volleyball, I did the next best thing, and took the highest course that trained with the team. It was tough, but I loved it! I continued playing tennis with anyone that would, and took as many classes in tennis, just so I could play. After I graduated from college, I had my oldest daughter, and then sports took a back seat, and by that time the hip started to flare up a lot. The best I could do was to take walks and try and keep the weight off. I did alright, until my second daughter, and the further deterioration of the hip joint.

The weight was constantly creeping since I could not be as active as before. I would have total meltdowns some days thinking about my beloved game of tennis and how I could never play it again, heck I could barely walk a mile! This was not ME, and it would make me angry.

Fast forward to present day, and how I feel about the whole hip thing is very mixed. I'm happy there it no pain and things are finally feeling so much better. I'm happy and grateful that I can now walk without having to stop and rest with pain, BUT there are days where I still get frustrated with the thought that I will never really get to play tennis again, if I did, I would shorten the life span of the devise, and I could fall. I'm slowly getting over this feeling though, now that I can walk greater distances for fitness, and feel that great feeling after exercising once again. There is also this constant nagging that something will go wrong with it, and I will have to have a revision. My doctor told me that it takes two whole years to have a total healing from this surgery. I believe him, and I'm looking forward to February to see where I am after a whole two years. Hopefully by then, more weight will come off too, and lighten the load so to speak.

I hope for those getting this surgery, that may run across this post, will get something out of it and what to expect. For those who have been reading a bit, I thought I would do my 6 month update, so you would know where I am today.

That is why I chose the picture above. Today this is how I feel about my surgery. A celebration of modern medicine, and how it can make one live a better life!

Two anniversaries

Isn't this little heart cute? It was part of a treat at Chez Panisse, on our Valentine dinner. Because a post without pictures is boring, I thought I'd put a couple of shots of our evening in here, while I blog about the fact that it was a year ago today that I was getting my hip replaced. Seems like it just happened yet not. I'm doing very well with the hip, and have few problems or pain. Just the back every once in a while, but I can't complain otherwise. A year ago, I couldn't even imagine feeling better. My doctor told me that it takes a full two years to heal from this surgery, and I hope that this next year things feel even better. I sometimes feel the tightening of the scar tissue around it, and a slight movement of the ball and socket, but when all the ligaments fully tighten, I hope this is more minimal. If you would have talked to me about 6 months ago, I would have still been not happy , and wondering why I even did it! Now things are starting to feel much better, and makes me feel so much happier.
Next anniversary was for my blog. On February the 12th, my blog turned three! I love looking back at the very beginning when I wasn't sure where this blog was even taking me. When I started, I wanted to keep an on line scrapbook of sorts, of my life. Then I started meeting great people on here, and then in real life. The lovely Valerie who writes the gorgeous blog "un arc en ciel dans le lavabo," was so much fun to meet, a few summers ago. Other kindred spirits that I have been communicating with, have been so delightful to chat with on here, and I hope you know who you are ;) Now with the opening of my soon to be Etsy shop, my blog may take another turn in a whole new direction. I can't wait to see what happens.

Speaking of which, I have completed two items, and I'm very excited to cut out some more pieces very soon. It hasn't taken me that long to make these items mind you, just too busy of a February. Very soon I hope to have a mini collection to put in the shop. I can't wait to show you what I have been working on.

I don't think I will ever give up on this blog, even though there are days that I have nothing to share, because I still think at it's core, it will always be my scrapbook of memories.

How many times has your blog changed in concept, and how long have you been blogging? I would love to hear from those visiting my little space.

Raise your virtual glass of Champagne and wish me good luck with another year of blogging, and new things on the horizon.

CHEERS!!!

Fall, were are you??

There are signs of fall outside my door; like these beautiful pomegranates........
changing leaves, and there was an actual breeze when I took this....................
So, why does it feel like this guy up above!!!! It is currently close to 90 degrees outside, and that breeze, well, it felt more like a hair dryer on your skin. I shouldn't be surprised though, because California typically has an Indian summer at this time, and the weather can be fickle. It just put me in an off mood, since not too long ago, we did have some very nice fall type weather, and I jumped the gun and put all my summer clothing away. Wrong move, and when am I gonna learn?! I even halted the cutting out of my coat, since it isn't too appealing cutting wool, when it has been 100+ outside! Even all my fall cooking ideas have vanished into salad, and summer dishes... Now, I know we didn't really have much of a summer this year, but when that calendar says fall, I want it to be fall, and wear all my new fall things I just bought!

I also wanted to do a six month update on my hip replacement. It was six months this past August, and I completely forgot, maybe that is a good thing, since I can finally say that things are much, much better, including my lower back. I stopped physical therapy at the end of July, and I'm now going to the gym and using the treadmill. I'm up to 45 minutes on it, not too bad huh?! I also do weights for that leg . I can now get up out of a chair without having pain upon the first few steps. I can get in and out of the car so much better, and just the other day, I was walking quickly through town, and realized that the pain that was usually hitting me about five minutes into walking around, was not there. I've also been able to wear more fancy shoes without limping in them. Since they lengthened the leg, it makes me feel more stable in high heels.

I'm also not feeling the weird movement of the socket I was feeling shortly after the surgery. The only thing I still can't do is cross that leg over the other, I really don't know if I ever will be able to do that, but that is pretty minor, compared to all that has improved.

Now, if I can keep my back in a good place, I will be in a very good place!

I wanted to do this update for those who are seeking out info, and perhaps will stumble upon this blog. Like I said last time I did an update, if anyone needs some feedback on recovering from a total hip replacement, please feel free to e-mail me.

Tonight I'm going to a real fun event, that I will share with you hopefully tomorrow. Until then..........enjoy fall for those of you who have it going on, and for the rest of us, hang in there, it's coming.

Heads up to pregnant ladies, and people with sore backs

I just bought this very handy tool for shaving, that does not require you to bend over! This past April, my back was on fire, and I was looking desperately for some kind of tool that would aid in shaving without hurting my back further. I came across this product called "Razor Reach."

The product was so new when I came across it on the net, the site wasn't even fully up and running. I contacted them, and the founder actually called me at home! Soon as the site was ready to accept orders, he would let me know. After waiting for a couple of months now, here it is.

I had an MRI done a couple of weeks ago, and was diagnosed with a bulging disc, so this will now be my life long friend in the shower. So, I thought I'd share this with anyone with my condition or hey, even pregnant ladies.

Sorry for the less than thrilling post, but tomorrow I'll have some pictures of my latest project I'm starting.

Three month anniversary of my total hip replacement

Today is my three month mark, from surgery. For some, this post may be boring, but just in case there is someone out there googling "total hip replacement," this may be of some help.

Oddly, I feel really good today! Don't know if it is mental, or if truly things are starting to work it self out. I was just thinking today about how horrible those first few days, weeks were after the surgery. I really wished that I was told more comprehensively how bad it was going to be. Most people, me being one of them, thought that once you had the hip replaced, you would be up and around, and all the pain you were experiencing would be gone! Ha! I guess it is common sense that undergoing such a big surgery, this is far from the truth. Why is it then, that all you hear is. "wow, you are going to love it!" Or my favorite, no one ever says they regretted getting it. Let me tell you though, honestly, there were days that I wish I never got it done. The recovery is NOT fun, and sometimes very frustrating.

I must say though today, I feel almost there and ready to start an exercise program soon. My hip oddly feels fine now, not that I had joint pain, but I had swelling of the tissues, and where the incision is was quite tender. Last Monday, I woke up to virtually no pain in that area, and it continues to feel just fine. My major up hill battle has been with my lower back. I ended up having to work on that issue with my physical therapist instead of the hip strengthening exercises. Last week the back started to give in and behave, with one little blip on Friday, but it is feeling so much better now.

Today, on my anniversary, I was able to vacuum, make my bed, do the dishes, go to Whole Foods without my cane, eat lunch there without my lumbar pillow, and I just finished baking some banana bread! Two weeks ago, I couldn't do any of this. I'm crossing my fingers, and being very careful not to over do it. I'm hoping by the 6th month mark, I can say that I am back to my water exercise class, and maybe doing more things that I love, like sitting down to sew.

If anyone stumbles upon this and needs some moral support, or any info on total hip replacement, please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail, I would be happy to give you any support, or info you need.

Cheer me on for another three months of recovery!

Has it already been a month!

Hello, everyone!
I can't believe it has already been a month since I limped into the hospital for my surgery. As I type this, I am feeling much better, but I have surely had my days of frustration, and wondering why I decided to do this. Some days, I wonder when the surgery pain will end. Mind you it isn't horrible pain, and I stopped taking the pain killers a week ago. I'm not really even taking any over the counter stuff, but I think I may, as today my back is killing me. I really can't wait to get some water aerobics going again to strengthen my core.
I'm not using the walker as I think I already mentioned, and I can almost get around without the cane in the house. I think by the end of May, I may be able to get rid of the cane altogether. Hopefully sooner.
It sure is tough being in the house all day, especially on these nice days, where you want to get in the car and go see what is going on out in the world.
Sleeping has become much better, I can now lie on my side.
The thing that is freaking me out though, is that every once in a while, I feel something adjusting in the socket area, and I hope to god that it is just muscles that haven't quite tightened up around the new hip joint.
This spring season is truly a renewal for me with a future of being able to do more, and not have to worry about where I park, sit, etc.
I just need to be patient, and let things get stronger.
Today, I'm going to start on my Easter centerpiece project, that I will show you soon.
Hope everyone is enjoying these first days of spring.

A load of laundry

Laundry Basket
Originally uploaded by Romantic Home

I did my first load of laundry today! Never thought I'd feel excited about that, but it makes me feel as though I will be able to function soon in other capacities of my life. I even managed to load the dishwasher, and I saw that the house needed a little bit of dusting, so I pulled out the little Swiffer duster, and did that too.
The swelling is getting better, but the stiff muscles persist, and the physical therapy is making me a bit sore. My muscles on that leg were so weak prior to the surgery, that I couldn't lift my leg into the car, or put a sock on that foot. Now that the hip is fixed, the muscles need to be worked on, and it doesn't like it one little bit. I hope this doesn't slow things down in my recovery.
I had really hoped to get out of the house today, when David came home, perhaps a little trip to Whole Foods, but by the time he did get home, I felt tired. I guess I'll try another day. Plus, the vain part of me really doesn't want to be seen in sweat pants!

Wonder if I can vacuum yet???

Things to look forward to

Pompom
Originally uploaded by angela.macario

Isn't this little bunny adorable!! This is my favorite time of year, with all the sweet little bunny images and all things spring. For most parts of the U.S. I'm sure it doesn't quite feel like spring yet, but here in California, it really is starting to take a spring like turn. We are still getting showers, but seeing all the beautiful blossoms out, and all the green, green grass, it feels fresh and sparkly out there.
My physical therapist had me walk outside today with my fancy new cane, and it felt much better than the walker. At least I feel that I'm one step to no assistance.
My PT, makes me feel that it is possible to be up and around, and to get back on track with life. When he doesn't come, I must admit, I go into that dark thought of never being able to get out and do anything again! I really need to shift my thoughts on getting up and around more, and not be a big baby!!
Perhaps on Sunday, I may venture out for a car ride, or some lunch. Monday, it will be the two week mark, and David goes back to work. I'll be alone for most of the day, and I have to start organizing what goals I have for the day, and how I'm going to put my darn pants on all by myself!! I'm able to walk around fairly well,and get dressed, but those darn pants are giving me a bit of trouble.
Caitlin has Fridays off from school, so this morning she did my makeup :) So nice of her to do this for her poor invalid mother. Of course a little bit of paint on the face, makes you feel a bit more put together for the day.
Things I'm looking forward to are: Cooking Easter dinner, and coming up with a center piece for my table. I think I may do a basket from one of the old Martha Stewart Living magazines.
Of course also, my outing to Target, to snag some Liberty of London goodies.
Also, for my swelling to go down so that I can wear normal pants again, and not look like a senior citizen. Because really, folks, the walker and stretchy pants have got to go!!

Light at the end of the tunnel

Light at the end of the tunnel
Originally uploaded by Stuart McMullan

Well, I didn't die folks!!
Thought I'd stop by and say hi, and thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.
Recovery is not easy, and sometimes I think about the elderly people that go through this surgery and marvel at how they get through it in their state of health, and advanced age.
One of my worst nightmares for the surgery was to hear them working on me under my anesthetic, and it happened! At one point I heard them hammering in something metal, and a lot of tugging. I think I must have faded out at that time, and later came to again to hear my surgeon talking about the tortilla soup recipe that he made the night before! I asked him the next day if it was he who was talking about the soup recipe, and he was indeed!
I'm bruised and swollen, but every day is getting much better. I will soon be graduating to a cane, which will feel like I have more control.
I'm using this beautiful flickr image, since I don't have anything to photograph on my own. The photographer is Stuart McMullan.

I'm kind of back, and I'm reading all your fun blogs. I will be updating my blog as much as possible, with thoughts of my recovery and things to look forward to like: Did you all see the cool things coming to Target on March 14?? Liberty of London, designed many products for them, from clothing to housewares! I don't care if I'm hobbling, I will be there on that day!!!