06/25/2025
Therapist Log::Post Op::Day 63
It is time to wrap up "Therapist Log::Post Op" series. It has been an amazing experience. I cannot believe it won a Peabody Award. And nor should you. Because it didn't. I won something better: An increase of pain free hip movement by about 86,400 seconds/day.
As my last entry regarding recovery, I would just say to anyone thinking specifically of full hip arthroplasty (left or right). If you have been seen by an ortho, and seen your x-rays and have been told you could benefit from a mechanical implant.
It is true. However, you could benefit is different than you will benefit. There is so much of this that simply comes down to you.
You will need to be physically and mentally prepared for the event.
You will absolutely need something to trigger your sense of humor.
Plan for the abyss. Time stands still; and pain receptors begin to overwhelm the tylenol/advil/codone haze. Have something funny nearby. Not a book. You will not be able to read. A video. Or your own personal standup comedian. My son Erik has a million voices (those who know, know). And playing Scottish Highlander or Irish Door to Door Body Soap Salesmen really triggers the best medicine.
You will also need to conjure your inner:
A) Ninja
B) Drill Sergeant
C) Coach
D) Dark Overlord with a Fiery Whip
Take you pick - but when you are EXHAUSTED from putting on your shoes. Or your overall soreness level is too high. Or you've done your PT exercises 3 days in a row ALREADY!
*As long as you are not experiencing specific symptoms you've been told to watch out for*
You MUST submit yourself to whomever you have chosen to lead you through weeks 2-(rest of your life) as your inner holder of accountability.
When I had my LEFT hip replaced 12 years ago, I went right back to my old activities as soon as I could. I would ride my bike 11 miles to work. Then at lunch 2 miles to the PT office. They would look at me sideways as I took of my helmet and kicked off my clip ins.
And say: here...warm up on the recumbent bicycle. I'd tell them what I just said; and they would look horrified. As such, my left hip healing process - while complete is fraught with issues because I did NOT do my PT exercises. Range of Motion (ROM), and strength in the tiny rotators has never been fully restored. My left iliopsoas complex is so easily injured and so weak.
So this time. I am preaching the teaching and walking the path. I have submitted to my PT in almost everything, and we've found alternates for the stuff I find to emotionally difficult ;)
We are working also to UNfork my left hip, while micro strengthening, stretching an improving ROM in the recovering right hip. Last week I got clearance to start riding my bike, and making the "frog kick" motion in the water while swimming.
And so as my last post op entry workout I chose to go swimming and ride my bike! At 6am the sun is so low on the horizon. I usually do 2 laps crawl, and 1 lap breastroke. Rest for half minute and repeat until I desire change. Then I try some single sprint-rest-sprints. Swimming is all about form and time. And I put in a solid 30 mins! Probably got a quarter mile in! Dried off and hit the road again on my bike. I had set a goal. But my inner coach suggested I reevaluate the distance I was targeting suggesting it might be too far. Fine I'll adjust. But as I approached the first checkpoint...I felt too good. No argument from the coach. instead we set a new checkpoint. Again, I felt too good. It was just so nice to enjoy an activity I have been limited from for so long. I kept checking my heart rate and made sure I wasn't over doing it. So I went to whole 8.1miles. My PT said 10 was MAX! So, way to go Sean. Stay tuned. I got other plans for posting here.
