The Latest

I've been a bit neglectful of the blog the last few months because there hasn't been too much to report.  My whole right side of my body from my knee, through my thigh, into my hip, around the butt area, and all up the back continues to cause me problems regularly.  I did see Dr. Ho in September and was given a hip injection.  It alleviated the pain for about 2-3 days in total.

After being dismissed from therapy, I continued swimming on occasion, have taken up 1-2 cycling classes a week, and was accepted into an intensive Therapeutics Yoga class at the Yoga Institute of Champaign Urbana.    The librarian at my school has been telling me for the last two years that I needed to try it out and I always resisted for a few reasons.  One is that in order to go, it is across town and would eat up about 2 hours of my evening when I factor in travel and practice time.  Two I have a hard time paying for childcare on top of the class fee and time commitment.  And finally, three, I already have a gym membership so paying for another class on top of this was something I just couldn't stomach.

Well, after paying for PT co-pays, it is actually cheaper for me to go to the Therapeutics class and it happens to be offered on Weds. evenings when my husband is already off of work and can take care of the kids.

Lois is the owner and yogi of the facility and is actually world renowned in her field.  She met with me and criticized my participation in activities like running and other cardio endeavors, but still created an individualized program to target my pain and agreed to work with me.

I now attend the Weds. night session in which I attempt to complete all 15 poses, which I have yet to come close to doing.  This is not like anything I have ever done before and despite feeling lost and helpless, I do walk away feeling much better...at least for a day or so.  This session is quite unique in that she has 3-4 assistants running around helping with every pose and getting any prop that your pose requires.  I had informed Lois that I had experience with more commercialized yoga, but nothing like what she practices.  Here is what my Weds. have been looking like:

I begin with this pose and stay there for 5 mins.

Next up is something like this for 2 minutes on each side.

Lois does not approve of my athletic build and says that I am very tight.

This is my most important pose as it specifically targets the hip.  I am supposed to roll my femur in towards me.   I try and try, but it never happens.  

Lois can't get over how tall I am, which I wouldn't say I am that tall.  Apparently my legs are endless.

Here is Lois correcting my form after she told me it was the worst *insert yoga name* she had ever seen.  That comment stuck with me for an entire week.

Participating in this class is putting me outside of my comfort zone and I am trying to remain as open-minded as possible.  In order to get the most benefit, however, I really need to be practicing these poses every day.  Without all of these props, though, I don't find it possible to replicate the pose even in the slightest.  I have gotten reprimanded as a result.  

I am technically enrolled through Thanksgiving, so we shall see what comes of this.  In the meantime, I will hit up Andy who I just saw in my neighborhood tonight as he was walking with his family.  He seemed to be a little disappointed to hear I wasn't running at all, but I'm hopeful that some day I will.  It just won't be for awhile.  

5 months Post Op

On July 31st, my physical therapist dismissed me from therapy.  I had been anticipating this day and it really was nothing like I had envisioned.  I had expressed my frustrations at the previous appointment (which had been July 15th due to vacationing in between) about how I didn't really seem to be progressing any more.  I had been pretty religious about the exercises and dappled in biking, yoga, and walk/jog, but everything kind of remained the same.  Any time I tried to participate in the return to run program, I would be fine during the "run," but not for the few days following.

When he saw me again on July 31st, he told me that I "graduated, but didn't graduate."  This was actually hard to hear because I had been so excited to reach this point and, instead, he told me he didn't think there was anything else he could do for me.  We had regained my strength and Andy reminded me that I knew my body best and was a "smart woman."  I had the tools I needed and he sent me on my way.

Since then, I've done even less.  I was curious to see if resting would provide some pain relief in the butt area.  It still has been hard to tell what actually is the best.  Two days ago, I mixed my therapy exercises in between minutes of fast walking in my neighborhood.  That seemed to loosen me up for the day and I've felt good ever since.  I have also picked back up on going to my BodyFlow classes and they always make me feel better.

I have my 6th month appointment with Dr. Ho on September 8th, so we shall see what he has to say about all of this.

Meanwhile, the school year is just starting.  I had meetings all day today and will have some more tomorrow before the students return on Wednesday.

You'll notice I don't have any trouble squatting down.  Thankfully my flexibility and motion are getting back to where they used to be with little to no pain.

Almost 4 months post-op

Here we are nearly 4 months out from my hip arthroscopy with Dr. Ho.  Since developing tendonitis, my physical therapist allowed me to back off on the intensity of some of the exercises and we eliminated some of the weights along with any of the bouncy movements.  Since my therapist does not read my blog (as far as I know!) full disclosure would be that I have gotten a little lazier about my exercises.  I still try and do them 2-3 times a week, while Andy would prefer I am doing them 3-4 days a week.  On exercises that I am supposed to use some weight, I have done without any weights.  I have, though, picked up swimming more regularly and attending BodyFlow regularly.  This regime has helped the tendonitis and, knock on wood, that is gone.  

Part of why I have been cutting back is that I haven't been able to make it to the gym as much because I'm out enjoying my summer.  We hit up Wisconsin Dells and scored a lakefront condo for a couple of nights.

Here we are in the outdoor pool

Our 1 bedroom is one of the ones on the 2nd floor

 I was a little concerned how my leg would handle all of the walking at Noah's Ark and thankfully it wasn't too bad.  I had a hard time maneuvering my body for some of the waterslides and tube rides, but all was a success.  I did purchase some Chaco sandals on a summer clearance sale and could not be happier with these sandals.  They have Vibram bottoms and are ridiculously comfortable.

In other news, I somehow scratched my eye and am taking antibiotics and sporting my glasses for the next few days.  

At first I thought it was pink eye, but it turns out it is an abrasion on the eye

Since my strength in my operative leg is nearly the same as my non-operative leg and I haven't been experiencing the same pain, Andy and I decided on Tuesday to give the return to running protocol another whirl.  At my therapy session on Tuesday, I walked for 4 minutes, jogged 1 minute and repeated that 3 times for a total of 12 minutes of walking and 3 minutes of jogging.  That, as it has always been, was pain free.  It is always the day or two afterwards that is a problem.  Today I have not noticed any different pains, which I am counting as a success.  I will try again tomorrow or Friday and see how I feel the following days.

Andy always said I just needed to give it time and I think I can say I'm at a place where things are going well again.  I hope to continue on this trajectory:)

Noteworthy from the last month:

1.) I can perform flip turns without pain this month.
2.) I try not to dwell on my hip and just live my life.
3.) Current pt exercises include:
    -single leg squat machine with about 50 pounds weight; double leg optional
    -1 minute squats on BOSU ball--5 seconds just above 90 degrees alternating with 5 seconds just below
      90 degrees
    -Side leg raise with blue band
    -Step ups on plyometric box
    -Weighted lunges with a twisting torso
    -Elevated leg raise with pelvic bridge
    - 2 minute front plank with alternating leg raises
    -1 minute side plank each side
4.) Flexibility continues to improve
5.) Hip flexor continues to be noticeable and I can tell it just needs more time to heal
6.) Physical therapist noticed that I do not fully extend my stride while walking when my operative leg is back

The Tendinitis Trifecta

I  had my 3 month post op appointment with Dr. Ho on Friday morning.  Typically I have been seeing him at his satellite clinic, but due to his schedule, I had to go into the city this time.  This proved to be extraordinarily inconvenient on a number of levels, but I was able to squeeze in some visits with my family.

I grew up in a suburb of Chicago, Naperville, and my parents and sister still live there.  So, I drove up with the kids on Thursday evening and headed into the city by myself Friday morning.  I wasn't sure how bad morning traffic would be, which ended up being fine and I made it to my 10:15 appointment around 9:50.  Dr. Ho is ALWAYS behind schedule at his satellite clinic, so I wasn't sure if it was his MO or just the site. So, when I was called back to the room at 9:53, I was shocked.

After not too long, I filled out my 3 month post op questionnaire that is part of the research study of which I am a participant.  A very confident and comfortable resident came in to complete an assessment and gather some information.  He was a bit pompous, in my opinion, and said a few things that rubbed me the wrong way.  He informed me that I would never fully regain strength and flexibility in my operative leg and it would always be "different" than my other leg.  While he is probably correct, I just didn't like hearing it from him and nobody else has pointed this out.  After hearing of some of my current pain locations--hip, psoas, lower back, and up into the neck area, he confidently stated that no back pain could ever be related to something going on in the hip.  I am no doctor, but I really disagree with him.  It is all connected for pete's sake!

Anyway, I waited a long time to actually see Dr. Ho and started taking some pictures to pass the time.  Excuse my inability to take a selfie.

Here I am annoyed that it is 11:03 and I've been in this little room since 9:53.

Tapping my toes to keep from falling asleep!

In between yoga sets, I tried tree pose along with different warrior variations.

Finally I saw Dr. Ho.  He was pleased with my flexibility, but concerned to hear that I wasn't sleeping well again.  After some manipulation and poking, he determined that I have tendinitis in the iliopsoas, iliotibial band, and the piriformis.  This is not actually uncommon post surgery, but it was something we were hoping to avoid.  I asked him how you are supposed to make progress recovering from the surgery, yet heal the tendinitis and he highlighted that physical therapists should be able to figure that out!  So, hopefully Andy will have the magical formula for a good balance of rest and exercises that will help me.  Dr. Ho mentioned that if I am still having trouble sleeping and if the tendinitis does not seem to heal within the next few months, then I may want to consider an injection.  He extended my physical therapy for at least another 6 weeks and although the script calls for 2-3 sessions per week, I am sure Andy and I will continue the once per week that we have been doing for at least a month now.

I came into the appointment not expecting much because, despite this setback, things are going relatively well.  I was glad that Dr. Ho acknowledged my soreness with a medical term of tendinitis.  I will have a 6 month follow-up in September and hopefully I'll be in less pain.  I will back off on the idea of running any and focus on my cardio from things like the bike and elliptical.

Before leaving the University of Chicago Medical Center, I had to meet with a physical therapist so he could take some strength measurements to use in the research study.  The testing indicated that my right leg is nearly back to the same strength as my left leg.

Getting back out of the city was much more hectic and it took me 2 whole hours to get back to Naperville.  This should have been about an hour long drive, so I will be sure to avoid going back to U of C for future appointments.

Too much traffic---not used to this in Champaign.

11ish Weeks?

Last I had checked in, things were going very well.  I was fairly painfree and pleased with my decision to have the surgery.  I have had a bit of a setback in the last two weeks, though.  This may be as a result of me trying to wear my wedge heels to the promotion ceremony or re-introducing running into my life.  Now, before you go assuming that I did something crazy, the re-entry program is very minimal.

My strength progression and other areas of improvement indicated that I was ready for this.  I do not believe I tried something too early.  Further, in the last two weeks, I "jogged" for a grand total of about 10 minutes on 3 different attempts.  Each time, I walked for about 4 minutes and followed my walking with approximately 1 minute of jogging.  This was not painful.  The day after, and two days after, and three days after, though, have been a different story.

I am no longer sleeping well and have put myself back on a NSAID regimen.  Currently, I'm icing my hip while writing this blog and prepping dinner.

Photo courtesy of my 6 year old daughter, Macy

BBQ Turkey Meatballs

I contacted my therapist last Tuesday, the day after my appointment with him, and informed him of my increasing pain that mimicked pre-surgery stuff.  He encouraged me to rest most of the week, which I did and we resorted to plan B today, which consisted of many manual techniques during my session.  I left feeling beyond relaxed because I basically got a 30 minute massage on my ass.  Now, however, I am in a bit of pain, which I believe is just as a result of poking around and the release techniques they used on me.

I'm a bit frustrated and will interrogate my surgeon on Friday when I see him for my 3 month appointment. Someone recommended that I see if they will prescribe a more serious anti-inflammatory to help.

While I began this post saying I did not believe I tried things too early, I may be willing to admit that maybe it was ambitious.  However, both Dr. Ho and my therapist encouraged this progression and I guess the only way to know if my body was ready for this was to try it out.

To those who are reading--thank you to the two of you and I wish you the best as you continue to recover.  I will keep you posted and will continue actively living my life running around and doing things the best I can, just without a formal running workout:)

Phase 1 for Return to Running

The last week has been a little bit of a downer in that my hip flexor has definitely been noticeable and I've reached a bit of a plateau (in my opinion).  My hip and back were also experiencing additional pain as a result of my monthly visitor.  Due to our traveling for Memorial Day weekend, I was a little more lax with my exercises and I noticed it.  Mentally and emotionally I am tired of the easier workouts (easier to say now when I'm not crazily training).  I voiced this to Andy today at my pt session and, as a result, he not only took it easy on me, but he also gave me his Phase 1 for returning to run program.

Phase 1 is a plyometric sequence to simulate the impact your body takes while running.  If the hip handles the exercises, I'll be ready to move on to Phase 2, which he generously gave me as the carrot to dangle in front of me.  The series has 6 levels to use as a test to see if you are ready.  If I am able to complete each level, which consists of 3-4 sets of different types of hops, then (in theory) I am ready to begin phase 2.

In the meantime, I'll keep with my regular exercises including my side planks, which I am slowly building to not having a leg on the ground.  

2 months Post Op

Today marks my 2 month post op anniversary.  It wasn't until week 7 that I really felt good about my hip.  I've had mostly pain free days the last week and a half and I am elated.  On occasion, if I twist funny, my groin sometimes pops or I get a shooting pain.  I have learned that I notice my hip more on days where the weather is funny and the few days leading up to my period.

Decreasing physical therapy to once a week has probably been just what my body needed to move towards the pain free world.  This allows me to alternate strength and cardio and still do core every day.  I have been trying to hit the gym up bright and early and have stuck to bike or elliptical.  I'm beginning to add weights to my leg exercises and Andy is really excited about me mastering the TGU (turkish get up).  I, on the other hand, could do without it.  I feel silly doing it and when I actually attempted it at the gym on Saturday, I hurt my knee on the non-operative leg.

For the first time in over 2 years, sleeping comfortably is happening regularly.  This is definitely a perk to the surgery and I remind myself that even if I never fully return to my same active lifestyle, this was worth it.  Up until this weekend, the thought of wearing high heels or wedges terrified me, but alas, yesterday I put some wedges on.  The last time I wore them, I reluctantly sacrificed comfort for fashion.  I will put them to the test on May 30th when I wear them for my students' promotion ceremony.

Turkish Get-Up and a Treat

Last week marked the last of my two physical therapy sessions per week.  I have now graduated to 1 per week and Andy took to heart Dr. Ho's recommendation of pushing me.  At the end of last week's session, he told me to come to my next appointment ready to work and that it was going to be so much fun, for him.  I was actually giddy with excitement to hear this, but was working through the logistics in my head of beginning my workday, going to PT at 10am during my plan period on Tuesday, and then continuing my workday.

I've been attempting to return to my early workouts and have made it to the gym a few times by 5:30am and bike for 20-25 minutes before doing my pt exercises.  This is about as much as I've been able to do in addition to the actual PT sessions.  I intend to build in some more cardio starting tomorrow and will continue the strength exercises 3 days a week.

Today Andy introduced me to the Turkish Get-Up.  He asked me if I had ever done it before, which I hadn't, been I was familiar with this:

and laughed at the thought.  Andy emphasized the move and broke it down as simply as possible, but I still need some fine-tuning before I work in weights.

It will be a long while before I even attempt this move at the gym because I look and feel ridiculous.

I have been noticing that I am getting significantly stronger the last two weeks or so.  I don't feel unstable in my hips and all of the lunges and squats are getting easier.  It won't be long before Andy has me doing those weighted as well.  Despite my positive progression, I still get pain in the groin and know that I am far from healed.  My recovery, like I've said before, is not unique to others' that I read about.  This surgery has people progress and then regress, progress, regress, etc.

To celebrate my progress, I treated myself to one of my guilty pleasures, Lululemon.  I had been on a hiatus for awhile since I was predominantly swimming for at least 6 months, but have now fallen off the wagon and anticipate a few more overly priced purchases.  Maybe once I master the Turkish Get-Up, I can treat myself again.

6 week post op appointment and 1st bill

Today I saw Dr. Ho for my 6 week post op appointment.  He seems to be building a reputation of being notoriously behind schedule and I only ever am able to get afternoon appointments, which seems to make it even worse.  Today's 1:15 appointment finished just before 3pm and then a 2+ hour car ride bike home.

I have come to really like Dr. Ho and firmly support his approach.  Since he did a psoas release on me, it made me a candidate for one of his research studies.  He is examining the recovery period necessary to regain strength after the illiopsoas lengthening.  A physical therapist assessed my strength in a few positions and used some fancy dancy tool in order to acquire numbers for the study.  The therapist was very friendly and he reaffirmed my positive opinion of Dr. Ho.  He mentioned that I am lucky to have had a surgeon with so much scope experience because his recoveries tend to go quicker.  The therapist mentioned that he had other patients who had seen other doctors and the recovery was not good because their scopes "weren't as clean as Dr. Ho's."  That was great to hear.

I didn't really have much to ask Dr. Ho and didn't really expect much out of the appointment.  After refreshing his memory on the specifics of my surgery, he seemed surprised that I had returned to work after 3 weeks.  This was odd to me considering he was the one who encouraged this just 3 weeks earlier!  He mentioned that "with a person like me" he is okay pushing things a little more aggressively and gave me the go ahead to try a yoga class and hinted that I may be able to run before the 12 week mark.  Despite this, he was surprised at what seemed to be my lack of flexibility.  He said he would have expected more flexibility from "someone like me."--that must have been the phrase of the visit.  I have to somewhat disagree with him and contribute this to his (and his fellow's) haphazard quick movement and assessment of my leg.  Coming into the surgery, my flexibility was never a problem and compared to other group fitness junkies, I believe I am fairly flexible.  Now, obviously, post surgery, my movement on the operative side is more limited than in the past, but it seems to be coming along.  I will consult Andy, my therapist, but will add in some yoga and stretching to see what I can do.

I've read a significant amount about hip arthroscopy and recovery and would say that my experience is not unique.  Dr. Ho and I discussed the fine line between working hard to progress and doing too much.  It would be convenient if there was some magical tool that helped patients know when to stop and what worked best, but unfortunately, it is just trial and error.  I'll see him again in another 6 weeks on June 13th and, in the meantime, I intend to straddle the line between too much and not enough.

I also received my first bill related to my treatment from Dr. Ho which charged me the amount of the fluoroscopy from surgery day that my insurance will not cover.  I intend to keep a close eye on this and am willing to share what the total ends up costing me.  To date, with Dr. Ho, I've had 3 appointments with a $50 copay for each visit and now $249.73 for me to pay of the $1,921 billed to insurance.  Without looking back at my records, prior to surgery, I spent around $500 out of pocket on physical therapy and close to that (if not more)for my Xrays, MRI, and MRA.  I am not quite sure how my insurance measures up, but I am just thankful to have it and that I am satisfied with seeing Dr. Ho as my in-network provider.

One Month Post Op

One month ago today, I embarked on a new journey into the hipster world.  I think things are moving in the right direction and I am making considerable progress with my rehabilitation.  Co-workers continue to encourage me, well, most of them (the ones who don't call me gimpy), when they see me crutchless and walking pretty normally.  What they don't see, however, is that I still have significant healing to do.  I have been struggling with hip problems for well over two years, so I've gotten skilled at hiding my pain and just trekking on.  I've had to.  Nobody wants to hear about my hip day in and day out, especially my husband.  Quite frankly, neither do I.

Remaining optimistic and hopeful for my active future has helped me to not dwell on the little aches and nagging sensations that are still present (at times) in the hip/groin area.  My physical therapist reminded me this week that medical professionals recommend giving the bone 12 weeks to properly heal.  So, in the next two months, the priority is on my healing and getting stronger and not worrying about the what-ifs.  Admittedly, it is kind of refreshing to not be on a training schedule and having to plan my weekends around when I'm getting my long run in!

Look at me, squatting down, pain free!

Each day my exercises get a little bit easier, even though my therapist continues to build on my routine.  Currently, I am using a lighter resistance band on my leg lifts in each direction, one of the weight machines for my squats, and the stability ball to practice seated leg raises while focusing on my core.  I am up to biking 20 minutes continuously with some resistance and for the purpose of getting a cardiovascular workout.

My workday usually starts painfree, but by lunch time, I notice some aches and try to sit down more.  I am still limiting my walking throughout the day, but have begun to  monitor the hallway with less fear of jostling the hip.  I really haven't iced much in the last week and have even caught myself joining in on some of the dance parties that periodically occur with my own children.

I think back to the first few days and even week or two after surgery and remember how I couldn't comprehend healing enough to be functional for work.  I'm happy to say that I'm on the road back to my normal self.  Slow and steady has often been my motto in races, so I'll use that to get me through the next few months.

Tired

As the week has gone on, I'm fatigued.  I was especially tired yesterday after work, but was able to sneak in an icing session and a little nap all before 6pm.  I decided to head to the gym to do my exercises because it helps me focus and I feel more like an athlete when I go.  It forces me to put on some workout clothes and at least pretend I'm doing something.

I snagged the cycling room at a time when class wasn't in session.  I cycled for 10 minutes without resistance, did my exercises, and then did an additional 10 minutes on the bike.  It took me close to 50 minutes to do all of this, which seems like longer than it should.

I apologize for this pathetic excuse of a selfie.  I am drastically behind in this department!

I am definitely noticing progress, but was glad I had another therapy session today to check in and get some more exercises.  Andy is now having me try the standing stability exercises on both legs.  When my operative leg is grounded, it is beyond obvious how little muscle I have there.  My legs were shaking like crazy during my session today and I was beyond embarrassed!

I am supposed to progress my bridge work to one leg, sit on the stability ball and lift my leg, do mini squats, and continue my side/front/back leg lifts off of one leg.  I was relieved to hear that Andy was okay with me just doing the exercises once a day instead of twice like I had been doing.  He was very encouraging and assures me that I am doing well.  I warned him of my cheating tendencies because I have discovered that I am really good at looking like I'm doing what I'm supposed to do, but probably am not always doing it completely correctly.

My pain is primarily in my back.  It had been just on the right (operative) side, but now is almost the entire back.  I am hoping it is just culture shock to be back at work and such instead of anything to be worried about.

Back at It

I survived my first day back to work!  Many of my students were happy to see me, concerned about my recovery, eager to hear about the last few weeks, and completely confused by my MobiLegs.  Other students, like L, who pretended to bump into me about 5 minutes into the school day, were less than impressed and could have cared less.

I had a hard time trying to sit 50% of the time and didn't realize how much I typically walk around my building and within my classroom.  I am NOT a teacher that just sits or stands, so it was tricky getting back into the groove and even harder to ask my students to do some of the little things I normally do simultaneously.  I ordered the bad boy below about a week ago in hopes that I would have it today for work.  Unfortunately it arrived on my doorstep after school.

This is the "B-Cool" Hip Wrap from a medical supply store.  Dr. Ho recommended that I ice during the work day and I couldn't find anything that I liked at Walgreens, Wal-Mart, or Target, so I went all out and ordered this $55 deal which included shipping and 2 long ice packs that fit inside the pouches.  I can't wait to use this tomorrow because I needed it by about 10:30am.  

I lasted 8 of my 9 class periods and left early to go to my physical therapy appointment with Andy.  Andy was thrilled with my progress, answered some of my lingering questions, and adequately worked through my session.  He did check some of my exercises, added a few, moved my leg around a bit (which I was really hoping would be added to my sessions), and massaged one of the entry points to work on the scar tissue.  I am supposed to add these two exercises and beginning tomorrow, the 3 week mark, I can do my exercises on both legs.  

I have a feeling this week is going to be long and tiresome with evenings spent strapped to my ice machine.  Thankfully I can get some of my lessons and grading done during that time and I have found myself efficiently completing my therapy exercises during bedtime stories with my kiddos.  

Old Tricks

Tomorrow I'll be back to work.  I think I am ready, but I fully anticipate being tired by the end of the day and in need of my ice machine, which continues to live in our family room on the blow up mattress that has yet to be deflated.  My principal has been prepped with my restrictions per the doctor--50% of the time I am to be sitting and my walking and standing must be limited.  More importantly, I am to be excused from my hall monitoring duties.  Our hallways can get crazy and despite me being close to 5'9", these youngsters are about my height, especially the guys.  

I've been feeling pretty good and I decided to try out some of my old tricks.  Beginning in October of 2013, I had been swimming 3-4 times a week and would do close to a mile most of the time.  I decided to try out a few lengths with the pull buoy.  This meant my legs and hips were stabilized and I only used my upper body...boy did that feel good!  

 I've continued to be regular with my therapy exercises and definitely see improvements as a result.  Bree gave me more feedback and the few that I believed I was cheating at.  I have gotten better, but will consult with Andy tomorrow.

This is truly an awful picture, but I thought I'd get in at least one pic that includes me.

For some other random information, I've caught up on a few movies during my downtime.  One of my struggles has been remembering if I've taken my medication.  I have a horrible memory, so this was tricky for me each day.  Today I counted my aspirin and had to subtract the number of days I've supposed to have taken them.  I still can't figure out if I took it today or not.

I am glad to be returning to work tomorrow and back to some more of my old tricks.  I've missed my students and my colleagues, but golly, it sure was nice lounging around:)  My posts are likely to diminish since I'll resume all of my normal responsibilities, but I'll be sure to check in when I can.

The Silver Lining

I have been fortunate to be able to recover and relax for the last week before going back to work practically by myself.  It is rare, since having our two beautiful children, that I get extensive alone time.  As I mentioned before, when our kiddos went to hang out with my family for a few days, my husband immediately questioned what we did pre-children.  While I wouldn't choose to have surgery, the last three weeks have rejuvenated me and gave me the mental break from work that will help me positively finish out the school year.

Yesterday and today, I did next to nothing and it was heavenly.  My leg feels the best yet and I am hopeful for what the coming weeks/months will bring.  I continue to improve with the exercises and have been walking up and down the stairs without crutches and with one foot on each step like the normal way to use stairs.  I'd like to reiterate that I truly believe that my recovery has been so successful because my tear was only partial.

Today I had another physical therapy appointment with Bree.  I was honest with her about using the pool and she said I probably shouldn't have done that and should still wait at least another week.  I appreciate her honest approach and that we are able to get along well with jokes in between exercises.  She mentioned that she believes I have a little femoral anteversion.  Bree is the first to have mentioned this to me, even though I have read a lot about other people's stories with this.  I will be sure to do even more reading on this because I was intrigued when she said that this would make my body work a little harder to fire some of the muscles I've been having difficulty using.

Physical Therapy location with Bree

She ran me through a few new exercises and we worked hard to activate the glutes.  She and I both got a kick out of my attempts.  I'm sure she gets a chuckle out of some of the things I say because I am brutally honest with her.."I really suck at this!" or "Wow, I really don't have any butt muscles."  or "Ha, I was really wrong about thinking I could do this!"

Bree is excited for me to show Andy what we've been doing and agreed that Andy is the better fit as a therapist for me because of his running  background.  I look forward to working with him starting on Monday when I return to work.

15 Days Out

Today I tested out the therapy pool at our Y.

Champaign YMCA, therapy pool is in the back corner not seen
source

I had asked Bree if it would be okay for me to try this out and she advised me to wait until I had added resistance to my exercises.  Despite her recommendation, I knew I just wanted to test it out and see what would happen.  I had told myself I would get out if there were problems.  My mom pointed out that I am just like my dad who said the same things when he had his hip replaced a few years back.  

So, for 15 minutes, I walked forward and backward in the warm water.  I moved my leg around in circles and, at first, it seemed to be easier, but then I noticed the resistance of the water and my back began to bother me.  At that point, I decided it wasn't worth it for me to stay in.  

While I would consider myself to be a definite rule follower, I must admit that I am pushing it.  I am diligently completing my physical therapy exercises, but I am walking around my house with full weight on both legs.  In my defense, however, let me remind that my surgeon said I would be ahead of schedule since I do not have any anchors in.  He did suggest that I would be off of crutches by week 3 (except to use as a precaution while at work), which is just around the corner.  I have not experienced any pain as a result of walking and it has seemed like a natural progression.

I also tried driving today.  Dr. Ho said I was clear to drive as soon as I felt comfortable.  I believe I would have been okay to drive after 1 week, but I did not have a need to attempt it.  I will drive again on Friday because I have another physical therapy appointment and I'll be back to my regular work schedule starting on Monday.  

I don't intend to get back into the therapy pool until POSSIBLY this weekend.  Tomorrow I will take it very easy.  

2 Weeks Post Op

I can hardly believe that it has been two weeks already.  There are things that have gone by really quickly like time off of work, and then there are others that are dragging by like the whole recovery process.  Each day continues to go well, but I am still far from where I would like to be.

Yesterday I sent an email to the therapist I worked with to ask about using the stationary bike.  She gave me the all clear to use it without resistance, which I intend to do tonight at the Y.  I will couple that with the therapy exercises and some added stretching.

I can get around well and do not use my crutches inside my home.  I definitely favor my left leg and walk with a little bit of a limp.  When I concentrate and force myself, I can walk relatively normally, or at least I think so.  I can not, however, lift my right leg well and the psoas continues to be tender.  I use my arm to lift my right leg when I need to stand, get in the car, or something similar.  What seems to be a considerable amount of scar tissue is forming underneath the incision areas (which are nearly healed by the way) and this concerns me.  I take time to massage the area, but I have no idea what I am doing.  I was reading about how scar tissue build up can drastically hinder your range of motion.  I plan to talk more about this with my therapists.

I did my exercises one time already today and, like I said, will do them again tonight.  All seem to be going well except that I do notice my psoas in at least one of the movements and I don't believe I am correctly doing one of them.  I definitely cheat and use my back to try and move my leg forward, which is fine and dandy, but is not what I am supposed to be doing nor will it strengthen the area that needs to be addressed.

For the abductor and adductor exercises, the therapist recommended using one of my son's toy balls and I thought having a little Mickey Mouse on my side couldn't hurt.

PT Day One and Exercises for the Week

Physical therapy began today (13 days post op) with a different therapist than my usual because he is on vacation.  Bree was a great substitute and had even been working with another teacher who also had this procedure done, so I felt like I was in good hands.

The session lasted close to an hour, which I was not expecting since my pre-op sessions were 30 minutes.  Bree spent a good portion of the session asking and answering questions and gathering information.  She recorded a lot of information in the medical records.  

She was very helpful, informative, and supportive.  My psoas is far from healed and it was quite noticeable especially when she had me sitting and asked me to try to lift the knee of my operative leg.  I kind of laughed for a second because I could not make my leg budge no matter how hard I tried.  I put as much brain power into the movement as possible and after what seemed like eternity, I was able t lift it about 1 inch.  She compared this movement to my non-operative leg, which I was able to do with ease.

I was given 9 exercises to try this week.  She would like me to complete 2 sets of 10 and to perform the exercises 1-2 times per day.  It is expected to experience some difficulty and even some noticeable pain, but she reiterated that any pain should be minimal just like if you were working out.  If the pain is sharp or does not discontinue after stopping the exercise, she said that is not okay.  I should then stop the exercise or complete fewer repetitions.  

I am not certain of the order I am supposed to complete them, but from left to right:

1.) Strengthening Quad Set--Tighten muscles on top of thighs by pushing knees down into surface.  Hold 5 seconds.

2.) Strengthening Hamstring Set--With foot turned in, tighten muscles on back of thigh by pulling heel down into surface

3.) Strengthening Hip Abduction-Isometric--Using ball or folded pillow, push outside of right knee into wall.  Hold 5 seconds.

4.) Strengthening Hip Adduction-Isometric--With ball or folded pillow between knees, squeeze knees together.  Hold 5 seconds.

5.) Strengthening Hip Flexion--Bring leg forward keeping knee straight

6.) Strengthening Hip Extension--Pull leg straight back

7.) Strengthening Hip Abduction--Extend leg out from side

8.) Trunk Stability--Bridging--Slowly raise butt from floor, keeping stomach tight

9.) Self-Mobilization--Heel Slide

My leg/hip/back was noticeably sore afterwards within 20 minutes.  I needed a few things from the store, so my mom took me to get the items, which was probably a bit too much for right after the therapy session.  I came home and iced immediately.  

I would like to ask about the hip flexion exercise because I've been reading about not activating the hip flexor for a while after having the psoas released.

Out and About Day 11 and 12

As expected, nothing too new to report.  On Saturday I did test out the YMCA and went on the stationary bike for 15 minutes without resistance.  I did a few pushups, some planks, and some of the PT exercises I had done pre-op.  Everything felt pretty good, but I did notice my psoas quite a bit later on in the evening.

Today I woke up feeling great and we were able to enjoy the warmer weather and take the kids to the park.  I did my fair share of sitting and visiting with my mom who is now in town.

Despite feeling great, I do have pains in my lower back and butt.  I have no idea if it means something is wrong, is typical post surgery, or is the result of compensating.  I am at a point where I believe I could definitely do more, but understand that if I do too much, it will only cause problems.  This is difficult for me to swallow.  I will be glad to meet with my actual therapist, who knows me, and can help me through more of this.

Who said you couldn't have fun after hip arthroscopy?

So this may have just happened...

Driving this bad boy was stop and go the first few minutes, but eventually I got the hang of it.  To be honest, it probably didn't make the shopping experience much easier.  At least my hip got a little bit of a rest.

Uneventful Day 10

I wish I had some more exciting things to report.  Each day I wake up with less pain.  Until I begin physical therapy on Monday, my days will probably continue to be similar.

I think the kids are getting used to just relaxing...

Watching Frozen, again, with two of their buddies.

Dr. Ho's recovery plan involves resting, icing, doing ankle pumps, pendulum swings, and heel pulls.  Since I haven't been lying down as much and I am not experiencing poor circulation or swelling, I have been doing fewer ankle pumps and heel pulls.  Instead, I make a point to perform my pendulum swings.

This is me standing on the first step of our stairs with my operative leg hanging off the side.  

This is the first part of the circular motion.

This is the second part of the circular motion.

 The first few days my circles were much smaller.  I continue to increase the size of the motion each day.

This is the final part of the circular motion.

I typically do about 20 forward and 20 backward about 5 times a day.  If I am sitting in a chair, I sometimes pull my knee up and I also massage the incision area when I think of it.  I can feel a little bit of scar tissue building near one of the entry points.  

I plan to add in my clam shells and other pre-op exercises I had been doing.  I would prefer to wait until my first physical therapy session, which is on Monday, but I am also extremely eager to get this party started.

Day 9 Post Op and What It Looked Like

Day 9 has been fairly uneventful.  I spent much of the day resting, but was fortunate enough to have some friends get me and the kids out of the house for a little while.  Later in the evening, two very good friends delivered meals for my family and I am truly overwhelmed by the support we are receiving.

Once people hear that I had surgery (and before that I was having hip surgery), they assume it is a hip replacement.  Obviously, it wasn't, but here are some pictures from the scope.

This is the first page of pictures I was given.  Top two are getting into the area, next two are looking at the bruising and inflammation, not sure of the next two, and the bottom two are assessing the extent of the tear.

This is the second page of the pictures from Dr. Ho.  You can see the important shots in the next two pictures.

The top picture shows the excess bone or FAI.  The bottom picture is what he removed.

This shows him moving things around to determine how torn the labrum is.  Based on his discovery, Dr. Ho decided to leave the tear and allow it to hopefully repair itself.

8 Days Post Hip Arthroscopy

I have been very fortunate to have the love and support of family members and friends to assist in my recovery.  As I mentioned a few posts ago, I carefully planned the best time to have my hip arthroscopy in a way that would best suit my family and recovery.  My two children, 5 and 3, have been with my family 2 hours away since Saturday.  About a half an hour after they  left, my husband said to me, "I don't know what we used to do without kids."  The house was quiet, things were put away and stayed in their little homes for nearly five days.  My husband and I enjoyed some quality time together just relaxing and allowing my body to heal.  I am forever grateful for my family as a result.

As scheduled, Tony met my dad half way for the great kid exchange.  While they did have a phenomenal time and were spoiled rotten, I do believe they missed us.

It didn't take too long for the kids to get back into their normal routine of chaos.

During the great kid exchange, I took about an hour to do some spring cleaning in my dresser and closet.  I sat on a bench as I sorted through clothes and reorganized things.  For the rest of the day, though, I chose to rest and tried to ice as much as I could.  

My hip continues to heal, but I am noticing lower back pain.  Towards the end of the evening my outer hip and deep inside the area was bothersome.  I used my fist to massage while I lied on the couch and tried to perform some subtle movement like a physical therapist probably would.  

My physical therapy is scheduled to begin on Monday and I am both excited and nervous.  I mentioned to my husband that I am worried about the fine line between pushing myself to get a better stretch and improve range of motion vs. doing too much.  As an athlete and runner specifically, I am used to aching.  I am used to running on tired legs.  Jumping right into the pool and starting to swim like I did the day before surgery seems feasible in my "athlete" mind.  However, I don't think that is exactly what the doctor ordered.  

1 Week Post-Op

It is amazing to see the quick healing that is occurring for me.  I am truly thankful and I hope things continue in this trajectory.  Yesterday was my first day completely by myself.  Dr. Ho informed me that putting more weight on my operative leg would be allowable and he permitted me to take small, careful steps while in my house.  I was able to do quite a bit of this today, but did spend much of the morning sitting upright in a chair and working on some scrapbooking for my children.

The neighbor lady was nice enough to come visit.  We enjoyed lunch and sat at the table chatting away for nearly 2 hours!

After she left,  my outer hip hurt quite a bit, so I lied down and iced the area for at least an hour.  I took it easy the rest of the day and caught up on the latest news.  The down time allowed me to gear up for a grand adventure with my husband to see Divergent.  He had asked me a couple days ago if I had wanted to go and, and at the time, it seemed like this would have taken herculean effort.  Well, like I said above, it is impressive how different just a couple of days have been for me.  I packed an ice pack and we were off to movie as soon as he returned home from work.  I was fine most of the time, but noticed the outer hip to be annoying.

Afterwards, I iced for at least an hour and headed off to bed.