Week 3: Water Walking!!!

Tears of joy, today was my first day back in the gym. I started with my regular PT, stationary bike 10 min with no resistance and reclined so not to pass 90 degree hip flexion. Then my regular old excercizes followed by about 45 minutes of pool walking, range of motion and stretching. While walking I pumped my arms and also did like a mock breastroke, so I got a good upper body workout.

What I found best about the water workout was the break it gave to my left leg. I was able to get some good standing stretches in that otherwise cannot be done on land due to weightbearing. All those years of yoga and pilates came in handy as well. Holding on to the rails I was able to find lots of creative ways to stretch without compromising the rules for my operated side.

As far as recovery, it's moment by moment, day by day. Some are better than others. I'm pain free about half the time. I'm down to one naproxen (nsaid) a day. It's been almost two weeks since I've even thought about taking a pain med.

My stregth and range of motion is improving every day too. The hip flexor was practically non -existent at first, but now I can lift my foot up to get in the car without having to raise my leg myself. The first week home, I could barely lift it an inch off the floor.

I have days of sharp pain that cause me to worry. So far, icing and resting has taken care of it. I've also noticed there's a lot less pain if I move around without overdoing it. Too much or too little both will make me hurt. Finding the balance is the key for me.

Oh!!! And best yet, I'm noticing in many excercizes that although there is post op pain, I CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE!!! That snapping, popping and catching is gone and better than my left side. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. AMAZING!!

Vanessa:)