This always feels like an important date in my hip recoveries. It’s the point where I feel like the new hip becomes part of me and a lot of the tightness and guarding of the muscles releases. I definitely feel that today. Again, I am back on my yoga mat on the floor. But this time, I am walking around the block without a cane or limp (see the last video in: Rhonda’s Hip Adventure Videos), can do stairs already and 24-short form Tai Chi! This hip is much stronger and more flexible, with much less pain than my right hip at this point. I can already stand on the leg and balance in all directions. I can do side leg lifts from a prone position, and the clam shell exercise. These were agonizing for months on the right hip and totally impossible at 3 weeks. I absolutely know now that it was the result of the cable, especially the tightening mechanism (the knot on the side of my leg in the xrays). As my muscles snap across that cable, it causes pain, weakness and a tightening of the muscles. Now I can feel the difference so clearly.

I went to physical therapy last week and both Lori and her assistant, Jessie, were amazed at the difference between my two recoveries. We all agree that it is the cable. Already, there is a marked difference in the muscle mass between my right and left legs and glutes. My right side is atrophying. This is not a good sign. If it continues and I cannot get used to the cable and fire my muscles normally, the cable will have to come out. I anticipate we will make that call at my September, 2018 annual checkup on the right hip. Until then, I’ll keep trying to get used to it and strengthen the leg. We will see what happens…

My body is feeling good and my energy level is coming back. I’m able to resume much of my normal activities, in moderation. I do poop out more easily than normal and have been taking afternoon naps. Still loving my ice/compression machine a couple of times a day. I’m only using about one Tylenol a day now and my Celebrex. I think I’ll try stopping the Celebrex and Tylenol this week and go back to ibuprofen as needed, see how that goes.

Reading through my 3-6 week journey on my right hip, I realize that this is the point where I started to push beyond my edge and really set myself back last time. I am determined not to repeat that mistake this time. And, really there is no need. I am already where I was fighting myself to be last time. But, I couldn’t get there because of the cable! At least I know why now.  When I am effortlessly able to do something like lift my leg to the side, I still cry when I remember how difficult and painful it was last time.

I am so very grateful for this miraculous difference!