Yesterday was a tired day, so I slept instead of blogging! Today I’m more energetic and thought I’d reach out and update all of you.

I continue to do so much better than last time! It is truly amazing the difference with this hip. I have way less pain, much more strength and flexibility. I can actually stand on my left leg, which I couldn’t do for a long time on my last one. Because of this, I can walk better right from the get go! I hardly need the walker anymore, but do use it to carry things. I use my hiking poles for stability when I’m just walking. But, honestly, a lot of the time I don’t need them either and this is only Day 4! I am absolutely stunned. I think videos are always worth so much more than words, so let’s do that…  Rhonda’s Hip Adventure Videos.  See the video of Day 4 Surgery 2 and compare it to the first video which was Day 4 Surgery 1. Pretty incredible difference!

My body seemed to get back to its regular functions yesterday and I was able to take my first shower. Last time, this was quite the ordeal, requiring several days. I don’t think I could shower until the 5th day and that was a multiple-step process requiring resting in between steps. I couldn’t shower unattended for 3 weeks. Yesterday, I did it myself.

Once again, I’d like to recommend to anyone having surgery, make sure you use stool softeners like Colace and a stimulant like Dulcolax to get your BM’s back on track. It really helps to start the softeners 3 days before surgery  (stay on them until you are off the narcotic meds) and then use a couple of stimulants on the 2nd night after surgery. This usually takes care of things by the 3rd day, and I haven’t needed a stimulant again if I eat right and stay on the softeners. This time I also cut down on eating meat 2 days in advance of the surgery and I’ve eaten lighter during the first 72 hours of recovery. I think this also helped my surgery-sluggish digestive system.

Yesterday, third day after surgery, was a sore and tired day. It’s like the muscle soreness after an intense workout times 10. I find this is also a predictable pattern, but by today I am feeling much better and less stiff. Scott has set up my PT room in the back bedroom again and the cone walk:

I am amazed at how much more flexible this hip is! I can draw my heel to within about 6-12 inches of my behind while sitting up against the pillow. I can also open the leg a lot farther this time. You’ll see me do the cone walk in the video link above.

So, I am SUPER EXCITED!!! Now the big thing is staying in my Goldilocks zone and not doing too much or too little, but just right. I can tell that’s going to be an extra challenge with this one. I remember Davis telling me at my pre-op appointment, “Now, remember, no 2 hips are alike, so expect this one to be different.” I’m so thrilled it is such a wonderful different!

Thank you to all of you for your thoughts, prayers, emails, texts, calls, cards, flowers, food, visits and loving support! Thanks to my Beloved Scott who is always here for me, though this time, he gets off way easier! I could never get through this life without you my dear, sweet partner. Ok, time to sign off, mom is bringing us scalloped potato and ham casserole for dinner–one of my favorites.