23 June 2016 - Week 5 Surgeon's Visit

20 /22  June

- My first physiotherapist (PT) appointment was earlier this week on Monday with a second appointment on Wednesday. Not too much to report he checked out a few things in regards to my strength levels and my ROM. I commented on my Glute issue. He determined that it was my piriformis and there was not much he could do with it at this stage of my recovery. It would be something my PT in Ottawa would be able to tackle. He stated risk of infection (no dry needling /IMS) or TENs machine due to the tissues and having metal in my hip. The second appointment was similar to the first. He did expand a few exercises I was already currently doing to making them more challenging.

23 June

-Visit with the Demon Hunter. We had a lot to cover since I have not seen her since the week before surgery (6 weeks). Big take away was continue to do what I am doing. In addition build a schedule for myself. I have lots of time right now being off work. So setting up a rough schedule for Mental and physical hardening is the direction.

24 June

-The visit to the surgeon. I showed up, nearly 1.5 hrs early as i had no idea how long it was going to take me to walk through the hospital. Not a big deal, just more time to read my book. Checked in, got sent for X-rays, then in to see the man himself. I had been warned by a few people that he sometimes doesn't show up for the first follow up post op. So I guess this makes me special? He came in we shook hands, and he asked me how I was doing. I replied "I don't know you tell me?" pointing to the X-rays on the screen. Dr Beaule replied "It looks really good'. "Well then I am doing awesome".
-We discussed the piriformis. Totally normal. The muscles in my hips need time to stretch and readjust to the new normal.
-I asked about the TENs unit (see above). No issues, use it as required.
-NO Restrictions (The post Op movement restrictions are now lifted)
-Cleared to drive
-Now lower body lifting for another 4-5 weeks.
-Another 4 weeks off work.

The heart of his instructions were this. I have no more post Op restrictions. Gradually re-introduce everything back in my life and daily routine as I feel comfortable. At this stage of recovery short of throwing myself down the stairs or going to the gym tomorrow and trying to skwat 4 hundo I am not going to screw this up.

So moving forward, working on what the PT gives me for Exercises. working bodyweight movements for upper and lower body. Using a gradual piecemeal approach adding something new everyday or every few days. I will be finding time to swim this week, probably tomorrow. Still A lot of work to be done before I am fully functional. Going to solve this piriformis issue first, re-learn how to walk while learning how the new hip moves. My left hip is going to recover fully.

Coach X

I was once told by "Coach X"  Buddy Morris the S&C coach for the Arizona Cardinals (pointing at my right knee post ACL repair):

"That knee may feel 100%. It may even feel better than your other knee some days. Never forget they have gone in and surgically altered it. It has been changed permanently. It is not your original parts. So there are things you will need to do weekly or even daily for the rest of your life to maintain it."

I have never forgotten that advice and I apply it weekly.
Now I get to learn how to take care of my hip moving forward.
Thanks for reading.

KEEP Moving Forward, Keep Getting Strong(er)