The Hip Chronicles: Recovery, Week 2

Time is flying and yet crawling at the same time. I feel like I'm in a weird time warp. It keeps passing but my reality is completely altered.

And no, it's not the drugs.

Day 8 (9/18/15)

My last dose of narcotics was at 12:30 am that day. I was a little concerned about how I would feel just quitting those pills right away, but I was just fine, which means I probably could have stopped them sooner. But, how do you know when you're told to keep ahead of the pain? I was so concerned that, the day before, I had emailed my office to ask what to do. They said Tylenol would be fine to take in addition to the remaining drugs on the list. So, that's easy. Either way, happy to be off narcotics.

Britney is happy for me, too.

As far as day to day, Mom and I developed a parttern:

Morning: PT, followed by 3 hours in CPM.

Lunch: FOOD!

Afternoon: 3-4 more hours in CPM, Mom naps & does her cross-stitch, I nap, read, watch trashy shows on Hulu. Finished the Hot Wives of Las Vegas and caught up on this season of America's Next Top Model. And I finally started watching the newest season of Orange is the New Black again, picking up where I left off awhile ago.

Evening: Dinner (with ice cream), then 2-3 episodes of NCIS with Momma, then PT and bed.

Of course, on this day, the routine got interrupted a little bit with a PT appointment in the afternoon.
The appointment started with massage of the surgical area, then mobility exercises while on my back. Then, flip over, massage of my butt (who knew that would get so tight?!?!?) followed by more mobility exercises. After that, left to do my isolation exercises, with two new ones - holding a ball between bent legs and squeezing and pushing out bent legs with a belt wrapped around them. The new at home routine looks like this now:

• Roll leg inward (15 times)
• Move leg outward to 45-degree angle (15 times)
• Move leg in circles, clockwise and counter-clockwise (15 times)
• Move leg to 90-degree angle at hip, with bent knee (15 times)
• Hamstring stretch while on stomach (3X30 sec)
• Bend leg at 90* while on stomach, rotate foot outwards (15 times)Glute, hamstring and quad squeezes, 10X10 sec each
• Squeeze travel foam roller (it's what I have at home) between bent legs, 10X10 sec each
• Push out bent legs with belt wrapped around them, 10X10 sec each

This was followed by 10 minutes on the exercise bike and 10-15 minutes in a cryo cuff, which is amazing. It ices and compresses at the same time. I didn't want it to end! I was also told that I can lay on my stomach for up to 2 hours each day and it's a really nice, passive way to stretch out the muscles in the front. So now I joke that I get "tummy time".

That day, flowers from one of my roommates in college arrived. It brightened my day! 

One of my friends in Denver also stopped by to say hi and brought ice cream - cookies and cream. It was so good that I asked for a second bowl, ha! It was great to chat with her and catch up and so nice to have a visit from someone who isn't family. Mom joked that I should give her one of the many pictures I've colored during recovery, so I did, and signed it. Then I was told it was going on her refrigerator. What more can an invalid ask for??!?!

Drug list:
Vimovo 2X daily
Aspirin, 325 mg mornings
Regular vitamins and supplements
Regular strength Tylenol as needed (which has been rare)

Day 9 (9/19/15)

Our routine was once again interrupted as we had brunch at a cousin's house Saturday morning. When she opened the front door, she exclaimed, "I should have come to you!" But, really, I loved the excuse to get out of the house. We had a great time and ended up staying there for almost 3 hours, chatting and enjoying the company.

Since we didn't get home until 2, I went straight into the CPM until 6 that evening, then we had dinner and watched old episodes of Batman and Wonder Woman. I had secretly hoped that Mom had forgotten that I still needed two more hours, but she didn't. It's probably for the best. The 6 hours in the CPM wasn't too bad as I was entranced in the first 6 episodes of the most recent season of America's Next Top Model.

Drug list: Same as day 8

Day 10 (9/20/15)

I slept horribly the night before. The brace had just gotten extremely uncomfortable and it seemed like nothing I did helped make me more comfortable. As a result, got a late start to the day, and didn't do PT until after 10. Then, it was 6 hours straight in the CPM, as we were headed to another family member's house for dinner.

At this point, my parents started to worry that my mom had planned to go home too soon, as she was leaving 5 days before I was officially off crutches. It really annoyed me a little bit, because when I was booking flights, I specifically told her this and asked "are you sure?" multiple times. And I was told, yes, she had planned on starting back to work on 9/28 and if I knew I would have help, then that was fine.

Yeah. Right. So I just said, no these are the plans and we are sticking to them. I'll be fine. Also, I'm stubborn. So there.

I had read some article about how BCAAs had helped some patients retain muscle while recovering from surgery. Granted, this was knee surgery and the patients took it twice a week for two weeks before and then however many weeks after and I sure hadn't followed that protocol before surgery, but hey, figured it wasn't hurting anything to start taking them again. So ... added BCAAs to my water.

Drug list:
Same as Day 8, plus BCAAs

Day 11 (9/21/15)

Woke up in the morning and decided I would start work that Thursday (9/24 - day 15). I'd started to get bored and figured 2 weeks on short term disability ( and reduced pay) was enough.

PT in morning, about 1.5 hours in CPM and then Mom and I hit the road to run some errands. This included running my return to work form to the clinic, where a gentleman rushed to open the doors for me, even though there is a handicapped button for those doors. Then he held the elevator for me, asked what happened and I gave my usual short answer "I had a ligament repaired in my hip."
"Ouch."
"Hey, it feels better now that they fixed it."

Once I got to the office, someone in the waiting room jumped up to get the door just as I hit another handicapped button. He shrugged and smiled when I walked in and said, "It's the thought that counts, right?"
I smiled back, "Yes, it definitely is! Thank you!"

After the doc's office, I asked if we could stop by the gym so I could use the exercise bike. Mom dropped me by the front doors before she went to park, and as I was trying to open the doors (no handicapped button this time), the young man working the front desk rushed to my assistance. I then proceeded to have the exact same conversation as I did with elevator guy, and as I went to work out he said, "Be careful".

Men are so chivalrous when you are in a chunky brace and on crutches.

After the gym we did a little bit of grocery shopping, and then it was home to be back in that awful machine. I feel asleep in it and Mom took a nap when we were both rudely awoken with a knock on the door. I had no clue who would be knocking, and was so surprised to see a Oiselle package. It was a recovery surprise from my trail running buddy/friend and her husband: arm warmers, with the sweetest note attached. These will definitely help me fly when I can start running again in March!

In other news, the stitches had really started to itch, a good sign that the surgical entry sites are healing. Woot.

Day 12 (9/22/15)

Jeffery had a date with the vet, so only got in 1 hour with the CPM after PT.
No sickness, just needed his yearly heartworm test and distemper vaccination. Heartguard at this vet is up to $50 for 6 months. Yowza.

After returning home and having lunch, it was 3 hours in the CPM, a little reading (In the Arms of Mr. Darcy, one of many Pride and Prejudice spin-off books. None of them are as good as the original) and some watching of TV on the computer (Orange is the New Black).

Then I decided to make Momma dinner - one of my favorite recipes using zucchini cut in thick "noodles" and sauteing with garlic and other spices and shrimp. Then, you top it off with feta. Yummmm.

My stress level was really high that day - my apartment had left a renewal notice on my door the day I returned to Denver (essentially a day before surgery) and rent was increasing by at least 10.5% - and that was for a 15 month lease, renewing in December. So, this requires an evaluation of things, consideration of finding roommates, etc, which wasn't a priority immediately after surgery. So I asked for a 1 week extension since there are extenuating circumstances. I was told no. Apparently, the "It's about You" slogan for Griffis Residential is more like "It's about Money".

So, I de-stressed by beating Mom in Sorry!, just barely:

Day 13 (9/23/15)

There was no time made for PT or the CPM because, sutures out today! I made sure to wear running shorts, because, duh they needed to be able to get to the surgical site. It was a little more painful than what I thought it would be. I guess painful is the wrong word. I didn't expect it to hurt at all, but with the little tugs and pulls, it was a little like taking a band aid off - not completely pain free, but easily tolerable.

After those were removed, I was taken to get x-rays to make sure everything looked okay, since they did some sawing on my bones. One was taken standing up and the other lying down. On the lying down one, there was a wedge placed beside my bent leg (on the surgical side) and then the tech asked to to lay my leg down on the wedge. I hesitated at first and then moved my leg at a snail's pace, because I'd been told to not rotate my hip that way! I said, "I'm scared!" and the tech laughed and said, "I know, you've been told to not move it like that, but I promise it's okay!".

After that, my PA and a student in PA school came in and we chatted, talking about how I feel. The highlights:

• I said I was surprised at how good I feel. I was told this is the honeymoon phase, as I'm only putting 50% weight on that hip. As I start to use it more, it will feel more sore. 
• I got mildly teased for still wearing my jet packs, as most people only use those for a week. For the record, the post-surgical instructions say 14 days. I was trying to be a good patient. 
• I asked to review what happened in surgery, so the surgeon came out, teased me for not remembering our conversation and then we went over the surgery with color photos (ooooooo). 
• Apparently, I had both a pincer and cam lesion (extra bones), NOT simply a pincer lesion like I was originally told. 

Double duty

• When I saw the picture of my frayed labrum, I literally said, "Whoa" outloud. It was seriously frayed, my friends. 

It sorta looked like this.

And that was it. The only other question I had was regarding driving - I knew it was when you were off crutches, but my next PT appointment was day 21 - the last day of crutches, so it was right on the line. I was told if I felt comfortable, it should be okay, but to not rush anything. Turns out, I have a ride to PT anyway, so I won't be driving, but should be able to get myself to work when I need to, so that makes me happy.

After the doctors appointment, I had physical therapy, which lasted 1.5 hours. It was an hour with my PT (who I really like), doing some work to make sure no scar tissue is forming and then building on the strengthening exercises I was already doing. Since Momma was leaving Saturday, I asked about the passive motion items she was helping me with, and I was shown how to do two on my own and the rest she said to not worry about, as I will be moving away from those anyway. After my work with her, I did 15 minutes on the upright exercise bike and then 15 minutes in the cryo cuff.

My new list of exercises looks like this:
On back:

• Isolation squeezes: glutes, quads, hamstrings 10x10 sec each
• Squeezing foam roller between bent knees 10x10 sec
• Pushing out on belt wrapped around bent knees 10x10 sec
• Pull bent right leg towards chest 15x

On belly:

• Quad stretch 3x30 sec
• Push out with bent leg 10x5 sec 
• Push in with bent leg 10x5 sec 

On all fours:

• Quadriped rocking 15x

Standing:

• Calf raise 15x2
• Surgical leg back 10x
• Surgical leg back at 45* 10x

After PT, I essentially had 6 straight hours in the CPM. During that time, I confirmed my return to work the next day, got a few things arranged related to that and more reading/coloring/OITNB.

Day 14 (9/24/15)

First day back at work! Part of me was ready, the other part was annoyed I was back to soon. Spent the first few hours working from home and then Momma took me in for a few touchbase meetings. It was good to see my co-workers, catch up with them, and get back into the old routine. After the meetings, I rode the exercise bike for 17:30, and the mileage said 6 by the time I was done, but I'm sure it was really more like 3. Something was off!

After Momma picked me up, we had lunch and then I was back to work. I timed my return just right as some new projects had become available, so I was happy to have something with which to immediately get my brain going again. Some people like to be eased in, but I like being busy.

I had to do some work while in the CPM, and finally resigned that I may have to sleep in in the last week. I was at the point where I could get in and out of it without assistance, so that was good, but the thought of trying to sleep in it again still wasn't my favorite idea. I made it about 3 hours in it, barely sleeping, when I gave up, put my brace on and called it a night.

So, we'll have to figure that time management aspect out.

All in all, still a pretty darn good week. If this is a post-surgical honeymoon phase, then I'm ok with it.

The Hip Chronicles: Recovery, Week 1

Preface:

When I first realized I would need surgery if I ever had a chance of pain-free running again, I scoured the Internet for any insider knowledge on surgery and recovery. I didn't just want the surgical exlanation; I wanted other's real experiences. The blogs and youtube videos that I found were so helpful that I feel the need to document my own personal experience, as it has been a little different from what I read (isn't it always??)

I also want to preface this with a few things: I did core and hip specific strengthening exercises very regularly from the time I scheduled surgery (mid-June) until a week before my surgery (September 10). I would have probably done them right up until surgery, but I was traveling and decided fun was more important at that point. I also had spent about 9 month doing hour long strength training sessions 4-5 times a week, and about 2 months after that doing HIIT training nearly every day.

With that, here is my experience in recovery:

Day 1 (9/11/15)

I opted for an overnight stay in observation at the surgical center, so spent the morning there. The nurses were wonderful (I honestly can't say enough good things about them). They took my vitals, helped me to the bathroom and gave me Norco every 4 hours. I slept ok, but did wake up every hour from midnight until about 5:30 when I gave up and turned on the television. I found MSNBC's rebroadcast of 9/11/2001 and took time to count my blessings and remember that day.

About 9:30, my nurse helped me get dressed and ready for the day. The surgical center ended up providing me crutches versus my clinic, but she said they were the same thing and they would work it out between them. When I was all ready, I was in a hip brace, TED hose, compression cuffs and had crutches. I was to sport that look continuously for 2 weeks.

My sister and mom came about 10, and after all the discharge work, we got me into my car and we headed for my first post-op and physical therapy appointment. The post-op appointment was short, one of the medical assistants just checked the surgical area - lots of swelling but only two incicisons about an inch long each and not a whole lot of bruising. Then she showed us how to change the dressing, which included a transparent and water-proof cover, which meant I could shower right away! <--- you have no idea how awesome that is

Physical therapy was short and very easy - just passive range of motion exercises that mom could help me with at home and a few isolation exercises for me to do on my own, to be done 1-2 times per day. The PT was really impressed with my mobility and range of motion, despite having an incredibly swollen leg and hip.

The exercises:
Roll leg inward (15 times)
Move leg outward to 45-degree angle (15 times)
Move leg in circles, clockwise and counter-clockwise (15 times)
Move leg to 90-degree angle at hip, with bent knee (15 times)
Hamstring stretch while on stomach (3X30 sec)
Bend leg at 90* while on stomach, rotate foot outwards (15 times)
Glute, hamstring and quad squeezes, 10X3 sec each

After we got home, someone showed up with a continuous passive motion machine (CPM). I was to use this 6-8 hours a day to help prevent the build-up of scar tissue. Most people sleep in this because it's the easiest way to get the time in. So, I decided to try that as well.

Family brought us lunch and it was nice to 1) eat a real meal and 2) have visitors. My co-workers also sent a lovely edible arrangement that was quite tastey!

Jeff insisted on being on the loveseat with me when I came home Friday.

Did round 2 of PT before bed, got strapped into the CPM.

Drug list:
Norco (every 4 hours)
Vimovo (morning and evening)
Aspirin, 325 mg, mornings

Extra instructions: no greasy or spicy food the first 24 hours post surgery, take temperature daily, change dressing every other day.

Day 2 (9/12/15)

I showered! My mom left me completely on my own after we had set the shower handle where we thought it would be most helpful and I was a little scared to get in and out of the bathtub, but I did it. That shower felt sooooo amazing. I also used a shower stool, as recommended by a fellow Loopster and I'm so glad I got it. It made it so much better and I was glad I didn't have to worry about balance.

Did PT in the morning and then relaxed for most of the day. We went to my aunt and uncle's that evening for pizza so my sister could see more family while she was in town. That pizza was also amazing. I guess it was Amazing Saturday. That venture was my first time going down stairs (there are 44 between my apartment door and the ground), which was a lot scarier than going up, but once I got into a rhythm, it wasn't bad at all.

Ready to head for pizza!

Drug list:
Same, plus stool softener + laxative combo.

That night, after PT round 2, I once again slept in the CPM. Jeff was allowed on the bed with me, since he clearly didn't like that I was not "normal". In the middle of the night, he got sick and nearly threw up on the bed, so I was frantically trying to get him off it (which I did), and the in process, strained a tendon in my foot that was strapped into the CPM. It hurt so much that I had to wake my mom and sister at 2 AM, apologizing in tears because of the pain. So, we decided no more sleeping in it.

Day 3 (9/13/15)

PT in morning, followed by breakfast with fibrous foods, as Mom announced that I was going to poop that day. I didn't think it was that big of a deal, but wanted to get an informed opinion, so I called my pharmacist. That was probably a fun conversation for him. Those of you that know me know I have very little inhibitions when it comes to discussing poop, so it didn't bother me any, lol. He said that if I was taking stool softener for 4 days without any results then I should be concerned, but don't get over zealous with the stool softener because then before you know it, you have diarrhea and no one wants that.

We split up my 8 hours in the CPM through-out the day and I continued to eat as much fiber as possible at meals ( brussels sprouts, kale, plus a fiber supplement).  I tried drinking coffee twice and got an upset stomach both times.

PT round 2 in evening.

Drug list:
Same as Day 2

Day 4 (9/14/15)

I POOPED!
That morning, I had researched natural laxatives, so tried to have both more bland meals that were also fiber-rich. Breakfast was yogurt with peach and flax seeds plus a fiber supplement drink and lunch was oatmeal with honey and almonds. I also had peppermint tea and started taking my magnesium supplement again, both of which I was surprised to learn were supposed to help with BMs.

More family came to visit that afternoon, bringing tons of food, like Norwegians tend to do. We had a great afternoon of chats and laughter. It was also an afternoon of not eating great. I actually had vanilla ice cream with potato chips. Tastes great, but felt like crap afterwards, so much so that I had to have alka seltzer before bed. Bleh.

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Drug list: Same as Day 2.

Trying to get my hours in on the CPM during the day is difficult. I began to dread going in that thing. And I was only on day 4 of 21 with it!

Day 5 (9/15/15)

My sister departed for her home early in the morning. I was really glad she was here to help, because she was able to take control with a few things when Mom was still concerned with me. Mom and her cousin took my sister to the airport, as Mom isn't very comfortable with city driving. While they were gone, I made my own breakfast and was so tired that I slept the rest of the morning while in the CPM.

I'd been having mild headaches, and thought maybe it was because I had stopped taking my allergy medication, so I started taking that again, and it definitely helped.

Up to this point, I had only been drinking water or peppermint tea. To change things up a little, I added some Nuun to my water. While probably not necessary, I figured it wouldn't hurt and it was nice to have a different flavor for a change.

My compression cuffs, aka my jet packs had started to annoy me by this point. I have to have them on whenever I'm not in the CPM or showering, and when I walk, they always slide down. Then, they compress on my ankles and it's really uncomfortable. UGH.

But then I also am happy that it's these little annoying things that I'm complaining about and not surgical pain. So, that's a win.

Drug list: Same as Day 2, plus Zyrtec, magnesium

Day 6 (9/16/15)

Again, I was exhausted in the morning and had an upset stomach after breakfast. At that point, I decided that breakfast would simply have to be delayed to later in the morning for a few days.

Mom & I have gotten into a routine, where we do PT and then 3 hours in the CPM in the morning, followed by lunch (with lots of fibrous foods) and then another 3 hours in the CPM in the afternoon.

I felt a little more mobile today so played a little with Jeffery and "chased" him around the apartment, while on my crutches. Obviously, it wasn't much of a chase, but it was fun to play with him and I think it made him feel a little better - dogs can tell when their human is 100% and he definitely had been acting like he was worried. I also started feeding him on my own and he seemed to be eating more than when Momma was feeding him.

So far, the only pain I've been having is very low (1-2) and mostly feels like I have a tight IT band. My back occasionally hurts, mostly after sleeping in that giant brace, which has gotten slightly better now that I put a pillow under my legs and I sleep on my left side for part of the night. I still ice 30 minutes on/30 minutes off as often as possible - I was using so much ice that we had to buy some extra to let my ice maker catch up.

Because I'd been feeling so crappy in the morning, I wanted a bland dinner - just had chicken and rice. I love eating complex carbs at night again, ha!

Drug list: Same as Day 1, plus started taking all supplements again (multi-vitatmin, magnesium, fish oil and glucosamine.

Day 7 (9/17/15)

Woke up in the middle of the night with heartburn radiating to my chin, which I found incredibly ironic, given the meal I had for dinner.

Did only 1 hour in the CPM after PT with Mom. Then, we went into my office so I could use the upright exercise bike at the gym and get lobster BLTs from the food truck that was scheduled to be there that day. I was soooo looking forward to those BLTs, but the truck never showed up. I was beyond frustrated and let it carry over far too long. But, thankfully, Momma took it in stride.

Using the exercise bike felt odd at first, but after I got in a rhythm, it felt great. Only did 15 minutes, but I enjoyed it. Also visited my co-workers, since the office is right across from the gym. It was good to see them.

After lunch, I was back in the CPM for 3 hours, then dinner, 10 minutes of the Chiefs/Broncos game and then 3 epidodes of NCIS while in the CPM. Yay.

Jeff found the only open spot while I was on the couch.

Pooping was completely normal/regular by this point. Wa-hoo!

Drug list: Same as Day 6.

Other notes: 
I definitely believe that the hip and core strengthening I did really has helped minimize the pain and uncomfortableness post-surgery as well as helping maintain my mobility. I also highly recommend stocking up on reusable ice pack (big ones), because it's so hard to keep up with ice. Plus, zip lock bags tend to leak and get lots of condensation on them. A shower chair is a worthwhile investment, and the one thing I wish I had gotten was a reclining pillow for when I'm in the CPM. I sometimes have a hard time getting my pillows in a position where I'm 100% comfortable in that machine. Maybe the recliner pillow wouldn't help, but in my mind, it does a lot!

Also, although the clinic/surgical center only required someone to stay for 24 hours after surgery, I can't express how much I appreciate that my mom took three weeks off to be with me. It's made it possible to get out sooner, and especially with taking care of my dog. I would have spent a lot of money hiring a dog walker during this time if she was not here.

The Hip Chronicles: Surgery & the First Days Afterwards

I woke up Thursday morning at 6AM. Figures, on a day when I can sleep in, I'm up at my normal time for work. So, I took Jeff for a walk and enjoyed the cool morning - and one of my last walks on my own for at least 3 weeks.

I wasn't scheduled for surgery until 2PM, which means I didn't need to get to the surgical center until noon. My mom, sister and I had a quiet morning and I was just happy that I was still allowed to drink water until 11 AM that morning. Can you imagine if I had to stop all fluids AND food past midnight? They wouldn't have found a vein for the IV!

At check in, I signed the usual paperwork - agreeing to pay about 6 different times, various consents (I said no to video and photos for educational purposes, as well as no to medical students observing my surgery), and advance directive information.

I was taken back to pre-op and the first thing I did was give a urine sample. Then, I changed into my surgical gown and put on my TED stockings, which were about to become my best friends. I also had cuffs wrapped around my calves, all to help prevent blood clots. These were actually quite comfortable when they were turned on - felt like a mini massage on my lower legs.

I took this when I was in observation after surgery, but these green things are the cuffs

I had to sign my right hip to indicate that was the leg that was to be operated on. The surgical gown was really nice - part of the Bear Paws system, where they can connect a heater to the gown so I didn't get so cold.  My leg was checked for leg hair (I was good - no extra shaving needed) and then scrubbed down. I did okay until they started adding the heart rate monitor pads to me and started my IV. Then, all the emotions I had been holding in poured out. I had great nurses, though, who were very comforting and helped calm me, which was especially important because I didn't want my momma to see me all upset.

One of the nurses gave me this bear as a little token to make me feel better.

When I calmed down, the nurses brought my mom and my sister back to sit with me for awhile. The anesthesiologist came by, spoke with me about what I'll be getting during surgery and recommended a nerve block as well, which I already knew I would get. So, signed another document for that and then the anesthesiologist signed my right leg.

After a little more waiting, my mom and sister were escorted out, and I was allowed to use the toilet one last time before I was given the nerve block. First, something like valium was given to me in my IV to help relax me, and then the nerve block was injected into my leg, just above my hip (sort of where the crease is between the torso and leg). By the way, when they shove medication quickly into an IV, it burns like HELL. Every single time I said "ow!" outloud. I'm prone to flinching, but rarely do I vocalize pain. So that tells you how much it hurt. It was at this point that I was put on oxygen and had my hair net put on.

A few minutes after the nerve block was administered, we learned that Dr. Genuario, my surgeon, was going to be an hour and a half longer in his current surgery. Everyone seemed surprised and said they must have had something unexpected, like more extensive injury, come up, because he is never late.

I told my mom and sister to go have something to eat, since it was nearing 1:30 and they hadn't had lunch yet, so they wished me well and headed across the street for lunch. With that, it was me and  Rose, the last nurse of the day. I sort of wished I had asked my mom to leave my book, because I literally had nothing to do but lie there and wait.

Finally, around 3:30, Dr. G came to see me and go through his part with me and then he also signed my leg. I had intended to ask him about a particular item on his CV - an honor of being a 2-time powerlifting champion from his undergraduate years, but being that he was running behind on his schedule, I didn't.

I still had to wait half an hour and then I was being wheeled into the OR. At first, I was joking around with the nurses, but then I saw the table I would eventually be moved on, and the room just felt so busy and loud that I was immediately overwhelmed and started crying again. I tried so hard not to, and a first, no one noticed, but then someone grabbed my hand and told me they were going to take good care of me. Dr. G joked that those were tears of excitement and asked the name of the bear, who was actually nameless at the time. Then he kept asking me what kind of music I wanted on, I think in the hopes of distracting me, but I really didn't care. That is the last thing I remember.

When I woke up in PACU, my thoughts immediately when to my leg, which was throbbing. My nurse, Kris, was immediately all over that after I said my pain level was an 8. She adjusted the brace I was in, which seemed to be pressed against the dressing, and ended up pushing 4 units of morphine by the time all was said and done - that got me down to a 2 or 3. I remember joking around and laughing with her a lot during this time and before I knew it, I had been in PACU for over an hour. Time sure flies when you are coming out of anesthesia. I also briefly talked with Dr. G during this time - and asked him about his powerlifting championships, to which he responded, "ha, that was a long time ago" and then he called my mom, who decided I should stay overnight. Everyone else encouraged it, so I said, fine I'll stay.

That was a great decision.

I was moved to my room, and my mom and sister and my mom's cousin who was a nurse for 30 years were able to come in. Apparently Kris told my sister she had never had a patient wake up and just start cracking jokes, but laughter was a nice distraction from the pain, so it wall worked out. We sat and talked for a few hours and I got two kinds of jello, ginger ale and gluten free crackers that were wonderfully salty. I made my first trip to the toilet and everyone was impressed with my mobility (yessss!). My IT band was really bothering me - felt wound up tighter than a top. The nurse finally gave me a second dose of medication and that helped so much. I guess the nerve block isn't 100%!

I slept okay that night, waking up every hour and taking another dose of meds every 4 hours along with more crackers (I totally should have asked what kind they were). I finally gave up on sleep around 5:30 AM and turned on the TV, delighted to find old re-runs of Jersey Shore on MTV. Brainless television was exactly what I needed. As the morning wore on, I changed it to channels that were airing remembrances of 9/11.

I was excited that my nurse from pre-op the day before was my morning nurse, and she spoiled me with a gluten free breakfast sandwich, applesauce and apple juice - things I never eat anymore! It was fantastic. Slept a little more around 8 and then about 9:30, I got changed into my street clothes to get ready for my pt appointment. My cuffs got switched out for a mobile pair, which I call my "jet packs" lol.

PT went really well - it was mostly passive motion, where I just lay there and someone else moves my leg. I only have to go in once a week, and my mom or my sister will help with the exercises the rest of the time. I am also ok to do an upright exercise bike for 15-20 with no resistance, although I don't have easy access to one. My dressing also got changed, and we were given a kit for future changes. The best part is that this is all water proof so I can shower right away! Walking on crutches is pretty easy - once I got them fitted to me it was even easier. It helps that I'm partial weight bearing. Of course, all of this is with the nerve block still in full force, so tomorrow may be another story. Hoping I can just stay ahead of the pain with my prescriptions and don't have to worry about it.

When I got home from PT, a continuous passive motion machine was delivered, so that got all set up in my bed. I have to get in 8 hours of that each day, and will probably do most of that while I'm sleeping.

The rest of the day, I have been perched on my loveseat. So far, I've managed to keep up with the pain with only 1 of the three prescribed narcotics every 4 hours.

Family stopped by with lunch on Friday and I devoured a chardonnay brie salad, and then I got this special delivery from my co-workers:

Yum!

My mom and sister have been wonderful and so far I've only been snarky a few times. So, that's good. Let's hope I continue to be a good patient! Saturday evening, we went to my Aunt and Uncle's house for pizza so my sister could see more family while she was in town. It was nice to get out, although a little exhausting.

Things to note (for the person who found this blog because they are having the same procedure):
If you have the chance to stay in observation after surgery, take advantage of it. The cost is likely rolled into your surgery fee anyway, and it's so much better to have professionals taking care of you.

Yes, you will need help getting around. They require you to have someone stay with you the first 25 hours, but really, having someone for a few days at minimum is a good idea.

You will likely be uncomfortable for awhile - there aren't a lot of positions you can lie or sit in, and things start to get stiff. Nothing you can do about it, just be mentally prepared.

If you are in the Denver, Colorado area, I highly recommend Steadman Hawkins Clinic and Centrum Surgical Center. The staff with both are fantastic - the nursing staff at CSC are so good that I'm actually sending them a thank you card for taking such good care of me.

Even if you have an appetite, be thoughtful on what you choose to consume. Twice, I've made a few bad decisions - I didn't get physically ill, but definitely recognized that certain things were not a good idea shortly after consuming them. This included a Sonic slushie and almond butter with greek yogurt and granola.

Items to have at your house: extra pillows, shower stool, shower handle, extra TED hose, and bland snacks like rice cakes - they are perfect for the middle of the night drug doses.

Step Up Storm Lake Half Marathon Relay: Fun with family

Race morning was like, "Ugh, it's early."
But I pulled on my new race singlet for Team RWB. Even though I've only gone to one Team RWB event in Denver, I feel like I am a part of them now, so it was time to, as they say, "Eagle Up". The only shorts I brought along were some shorty Nike Pro compression shorts, which I sort of regretted, because those things ride up on thunder thighs.

Oh well, it's what I had. I decided to call it my Dare to Bare moment.

A few months ago, my brother asked me if I wanted to do one last race before surgery, since we were going to be home Labor Day weekend. That was a no-brainer, so we decided on the Step Up Storm Lake race, which is about an hour from our parents' house - the closest Labor Day race. And, since I was feeling a little crazy, I asked if he wanted to do the two-person half marathon relay. That is how the "Dynamic Duo" was born.

The race itself was small and low key, probably less than 250 runners there. I don't mind small races. We picked up our packets, sort of warmed up and waited around with everyone else to start. In the meantime, my brother and I met two women who were running the relay as well.

The start of the race was very casual - no timing mats, no corrals, just a megaphone and a horn. I took off, waved to the family and tried to get into the mental space for a long(ish) run. It literally took me about 1.5 miles to get into that head space. Because I was run/walking, I was leap frogging with two girls but I was finally able to drop  them somewhere between miles 2 and 3. Because the course was a series of out and backs along the lake, I saw the leaders coming back fairly quickly. The lead guy was running in the middle of the road, so I met him and gave him a high five for speed. I dig it when a runner high fives me back.

I was pleasantly surprised with how well I was doing, running wise. Between my run and walk intervals, I averaged 11: 31 miles; I had been expecting 13's. I guess that is just how much the altitude is affecting me. This realization made me remember one of the big disappointments of the past year in Colorado - I had high hopes that it was going to be an amazing running year, where I would get in good training and come down from altitude and KILL some old PRs. No such luck, but I guess I was not meant to get an advantage in anyway, even from natural blood doping, hehe. That's ok. I don't mind good, honest work.

For most of my portion of the race, there was a woman in front of me, who made a great carrot. It took 5 miles and the lone hill in the race, but I finally caught her as I powered up that rather small hill. She passed me on my next walk break and said, "I guess we will be leap frogging for awhile." I smiled and laughed and secretly thought, "Fat chance." The next run interval, I totally dropped her. And smiled doing it.

I'm so competitive.

When I finally reached my brother ( at 6.6, not 6.1 miles), I was happy to be done and happy I had reached that point much faster than anticipated. I handed off to him and he was on his way:

A high-ten hand off. I am jumping. My brother is not.

Happy to be done. Dad's enjoying the last of his giant cinnamon roll.

We made our way back to the start, and (seriously) before we knew it, my brother was coming down the final stretch. I ran out to meet him, and he grabbed my hand and we took off. We were seriously running so fast, I was wondering how I could keep up with him. I was so concerned with my turnover, I missed my sister's high five.

Sorry, sister, didn't mean to leave you hanging.

"We are going to fast!" - me

At the finish line. Yay!

On the drive home, I iced my hip and then went to meet up with some old high school friends. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Week of August 31

My last full week of "freedom" before the entrapment of post-surgical recovery takes my independence from me.

Sorry, that was a little dramatic, but I do hate being dependent on other people. I need to try to get in a positive state of mind. Honestly, most days I'm ok with it, just very nervous because I know what to expect based on other blogger's experiences, but I don't know how much of that I can relate to my own personal experience. I feel like I've done enough over the summer to ensure a better than average recovery, but who knows what will happen once they actually stick the scopes in me and prod around ...

Monday

Started the morning with a little yoga to ease my mind. Unfortunately, all it did was bring up lots of emotions. I did not behave well most of the day. Whoops.

Bia hip/atlas core in the evening.


Tuesday

Had every intention of biking into work in the morning - I actually was walking out the door with my bike when I decided to check the tires and noticed they were flat. I've had a really hard time keeping them inflated, and because I have no patience these days, I threw my bike keys and just got ready for work and drove in.

Not my best moment.

My co-workers threw an ice cream sundae potluck for me before I took my leave for surgery. It. Was. Awesome.

Wednesday

Did a body weight HIIT from DailyHIIT/BodyRock. It was HARD, but loved it. Had to do some modifications, but it felt good. I can't wait for 6 months from now when I can just work out and not have to deal with a very sore hip.

Thursday

Did some hill repeats just to get some running in before the half marathon relay on Saturday. I took Jeff with me, which was a big mistake. He really has a hard time running in the altitude, and it was nearly impossible to power up hills with him. The middle two repeats (I only did 4) I just dropped his leash. The first time, he thought it was fun. The second time, I think he was a little hurt.

But he's a dog, so what do I know about his "feelings".

Traveled all afternoon to get to Iowa. When I fly, I eat terribly. The only vegetables I got that day were from the spinach in my pre flight smoothie and some tomato in a chicken wrap that I had at the local bar in my hometown. The bar had salads, but I bet you a year's salary they are made with iceberg lettuce. Which, incidentally, was also in my wrap.

Friday

Worked from home today and noticed how little walking I get in when I don't have my dog or apartment stairs to climb. I found it incredibly annoying. I walked around the farm, took a peek at the new culvert by the house that replaced an old bridge under which my siblings and I played when we were kids. It looks weird.

Saturday

Half marathon relay with my brother. For the first mile and a half or so, I seriously questioned my decision to run 6.1 miles, but after I got into the groove, it wasn't so bad. Detailed RR to follow. My brother and I ended up running about the same distance; he finished 20 minutes faster than me.

Those types of stats will change, I promised you that.

In the afternoon, I had lunch and time at a park with some old girlfriends from high school, one of whom was an exchange student from Germany (and who still lives there). I hadn't seen her for 13 years and it was so wonderful to see her and the other girls, most of whom I don't get to see very often.

Sunday

Quite literally, a day of rest for my family and I, except for my dad, who was in a golf tournament. I had so few steps on my activity tracker that I walked up and down our driveway for 20 mintues, just to get to 4,000 steps. Sigh.