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