the trip back

getting too busy

2011-12-16T11:13:00.001-05:00

I'm going to slow the blog down now. A whole week and nothing related to my hip or recovery. I'm exercising more each day. Sleeping good at night. My weight has stabilized. I walk with a limp when tired.

Next week I have my back to work medical review, I hope to punch the clock on 12/26. I'll let you know how that works out.

I hope the blog has been entertaining. For those having hip issues, I hope it's been educational.

I hope everyone has a joyous holiday season and a happy new year.

More of the same

2011-12-12T17:36:00.000-05:00

Had my final PT session today. Range of motion is back to normal. Working on endurance now.

I have my visit with the Dr Rudolf on 12/23 to discuss return to work (Merry Christmas!). So until then it's work out everyday and condition myself to my work hours. Life is good though, starting to feel some holiday spirit.

Scott and I had pizza with beer tonight, "guys movie night." Pepperoni Pizza with Molson Golden.

Ordered my books for next semesters course, Pop Culture in America. After that course it will be 6 more courses to complete my BA, a degree 36 years in the making.

TGIF

2011-12-09T07:52:00.001-05:00

It started out as a slow week, but it came to a crescendo. Yesterday was non stop.

I didn't work out yesterday, that's probably why I feel good today. No pain no gain. So I will get back to business today.
<5 hours pass>

Did the workout, ouch. I turned in all of my work for my college course, my final grade was a little over 90. Had to work for that one, some of the other courses I've taken were a review for me. 8 more course to go for my BA.

Started another project (blog), trying to get the local public motivated to tell the USPS not to close the White River Postal Facility. Here's the Link , content will not "cross pollinate"

The temperature is dropping, my leg tightens up. Time to break out the long underwear!

every day, in every way,

2011-12-07T12:09:00.001-05:00

Do you remember that line from the Pink Panther movies? Chief Inspector Dreyfus used it when in the insane asylum.

Well I'm not getting any stronger in sanity, but I'm getting there physically. Working out every day, spending more and more time without the cane. Sleeping better at night as well.

I had a late night last night, I had to attend a town meeting. I could have slept through most of that!

Finals arrrrgggghhhh!

2011-12-05T21:52:00.001-05:00

Well, I said I was going to be busy, that was an understatement.

Saturday night, however, I took a break and attended my wife's company Christmas party. Lois works for the hospital (Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital) where I had my surgery and continue to have my physical therapy. It was a good time. I wore my special holiday earring.

School work continues, almost finished. Friday's the end of the semester. This week I've got some political meetings to attend, town and union...that will be fun (NOT!)

Well my break's over gotta get back to my Politics of Gender finals.

2 days off, woot!

2011-12-02T16:23:00.001-05:00

I took 2 days off, just not a whole lot going on about my hip or recovery.

Headed south to Manchester NH for shopping yesterday, others in the party shopped...I just walked around the mall. It was a pleasant drive and the mall was quiet.

Had a late night as Scott had college and I had to pick him up, had to get up early today for errands and chores. I predict an early night tonight. One more week of classes for me. Three essays to write and turn in my final draft on my project. I'll be busy this weekend.

a gentle day

2011-11-29T21:09:00.001-05:00

Took a more relaxed approach to today. I stretched but didn't do the weights or elliptical. I built a mile walk into my errands.

My car had to be serviced. The shop is about one half of a mile away from the plant that I work at. So while my car was being worked on, I visited the plant to catch up on my co-workers. Some thing change but most things are the same. There is a lot of angst because the post office is thinking about closing our plant and consolidating operations with other plants. It probably will take years but people don't want to hear that crap right before the holidays. If they close it, I retire from the post office.

Walking is good, I use the cane as a prop as it helps me with my gait. Tonight I'm a little tight but I still have to pick up Dal at work, so I'm up later than I like to be.

Tomorrow, I have to be up for a 5am Union meeting. At least it's only 3 miles away. I hope the coffee is ready before I get there!

warm weather continues

2011-11-28T23:08:00.001-05:00

I'm liking this warmer weather, it is unseasonably warm for the end of November. My muscles don't tighten when I go outside, plus I'm not having to clear snow!

Woke up early today, so I worked out early, went to PT did a lot of exercises that focused on legs working with the core of my body, similar to crunches but more holding than repetition.

Helped Scott with his homework. I took programming in 1970, fortran, basic and cobol. His course is in Perl.
I helped by showing how to flowchart the project, his course book doesn't even teach flowcharts. By using a flowchart the project is laid out end to end, you know when the subroutines come in and out. You can test before coding. Scott then built his program, he gave it the "dad" test (if I can't screw it up, it must be idiot proof!) Then he explained his programming to me. It works....

Did some shopping online, beats getting pepper sprayed at Walmart or robbed in a dark parking lot. Someone complained in a blog that when you shop online the money doesn't stay local ... hello UPS, USPS and FedEX workers aren't your neighbors?

Tomorrow is a routine day, going to have the van serviced. Other than that its workout and my college homework. Have a great night.

A great weekend

2011-11-27T21:00:00.001-05:00

Yeah I snoozed on posting yesterday.

Today I worked out. Weights and elliptical. Focused on walking slowly and correctly without my cane. I really have to think about it. Otherwise I wind up doing the "rock in my left shoe" walk. It's coming, slowly.

Did a fair amount of reading, worked on my homework and final project for my college course. Working on some holiday decorations inside the house. Don't know how much I'll do outside as I'm not confident about ladders yet.

Been watching Christmas movies, napping. Tryptophan from the Turkey, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

I have a morning appointment with Don, my PT tomorrow. I'll stretch and work out before I go.

Have a good night.

The day after

2011-11-25T20:44:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope your travels were safe.

I did not participate in the annual Black Friday sales. Reading the internet on parking lot robberies and people getting maced in Walmart... hello its Christmas shopping, right! Then I read that Walmart.com had server issues and people couldn't shop online.

We had a great day on Thanksgiving, spent hours prepping then a couple of hours cleaning up. Dinner took about 45 minutes but it was excellent. The leftovers will go far.

The snow is cleaned up well. Should melt off in a week or so. I'll get back to working out tomorrow.

just plain lazy

2011-11-23T13:01:00.001-05:00

I had an attack of the "lazies" yesterday. PT went well on Monday, the session was later in the day. I had already worked out using weights and the elliptical machine so I was loosened up. I was pretty pooped by bed time.

So yesterday I worked out, did some chores and wasted a lot of time.

This morning mother nature hit us with 5 inches of wet heavy snow. But I was ready with the snow blower! My repairs seem to go the distance, I hope it will make it through this winter and maybe next.

So my workout was behind a snow blower. The forecast calls for showers and then freezing tonight. I hope everyone's travels for the holiday go smoothly, there were wrecks everywhere today.

I wish all of you in the US or those celebrating the holiday, a Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter prep

2011-11-20T21:45:00.001-05:00

In spite of the unseasonably warm weather we've been having I broke down and did some winter prep during the weekend.

I repaired the snow blower. I'm trying to stretch it another year or two. I had rebuild parts of it with fiberglass. Then I had to repair the broken sheer pins, had to drill one out. Added some motor oil, it even started on last winter's gas. Yeehah! The thought of shoveling was getting to me.

Raked up leaves today, maybe one more time this year. Did on overkill grocery store trip. The goal is not to have to go between now and after Thanksgiving.

Took a look at all of the pirated Black Friday ads that are online. Everyone is making a fuss about the stores opening on Thanksgiving and the Black Friday sales. After looking at the ads, I saw nothing great on sale. So do us all a favor, send the message to the corporate "greedsters" and boycott the whole mess. Go to small independent store, enjoy a coffee.....

The leg is feeling worn tonight, it did a lot of bending and squatting today. A hot soak and some ibuprofen and a nights sleep. Pleasant dreams to one and all.

TGIF

2011-11-18T19:52:00.001-05:00

To most people that means "Thank God It's Friday!" but when you're learning how to dress post surgery its a reminder for footwear "Toes go in First."

A great day today, weather was great and I got out a while. I used the cane and I'm feeling pretty good.

I was in a bit of pain last night and took some sodium naproxen before bed. Had a good deep sleep and woke up feeling better than I had for a while. Worked out on the elliptical and leg lift machines. Tonight, I'm pretty limber. Hope to sleep well again tonight.

Hard to take the Christmas music that's already playing in the stores. Had to reprogram my Sirius radio in the car to block the Christmas music channel.

Everyone has college break next week but we all have projects. I have to do a 15 page powerpoint on something that wasn't covered too well in my History of Gender in America course. I'm going to do it on "gender dysphoria." A clue, think of Chaz Bono or Renee Richards. I figure a safe topic, not even mentioned in the book.

Got some more reading to do before bed so I'll sign off

exhausted!!!!

2011-11-17T19:58:00.001-05:00

I had a PT appointment with Don this afternoon. I worked out this morning with the elliptical machine and the leg lift. Then when Don got through with me I was just wasted. Thank goodness I had dinner cooking in the crockpot so we could all just sit down and eat.

I still have my chauffeur duties this evening, I have to pick Scott up at the college.

I signed up for my next semester's course today, American Pop Culture. In some of my classes I'm definitely the old fart, this one should be quite a hoot.

Tomorrow will be a lot easier of a day, I hope no Murphy's Law!

yesterday

2011-11-16T09:30:00.001-05:00

I had my pt yesterday. It was a mixed emotions workout. There was some pain involved in the stretching which diminished afterwards. The surgeon and my PT agree that I need to use my cane more. The importance is walking correctly not walking unassisted. I'll get there, I've been warned about the nasty habits I'll develop if I'm too aggressive. OK, advice taken...I'll chill a bit. Transitions from not moving to moving are pretty rough. Once I'm moving, I'll just put less demand on the cane.

Today I used the leg lift weights front and back and did 10 minutes on the elliptical, 5 minutes going forward and 5 minutes going backwards.

I've got a bunch of homework for my college class, I have to check my son's homework and finish up a website mock up I've been working on. So it will be busy busy busy today.

surgeon's visit

2011-11-14T21:46:00.001-05:00

I had my followup appointment with Dr Rudolf today. He examined the wound which is healing great, we looked at the xrays. I have another appointment on 12/23 and we'll talk about return to work.

Tomorrow I have a pt appointment with Don. I'm also going to start a program on my elliptical machine.

All in all a great day.

raking

2011-11-12T18:42:00.001-05:00

Lois and I attacked the lawn today. Raking is good exercise and we managed to finish and drag the leaves into the woods to compost.

I can feel the strength differences in my legs while raking. By supper time my legs were very tired. I took a nice long hot bath and everything feels pretty good right now.

Other than last nights beers, I've been pain med free for a few days now. Things are looking up, I wish I could get the strength and flexibility back soon.

end of a great week

2011-11-11T21:46:00.001-05:00

Scott and I are chilling watching the Terminator movies and knocking back some Foster's Lager. Best pain med yet...I'll deal with the swelled head tomorrow.

Had my extra PT session, they ran an a good eval on me. My left side is weak and needs a lot more work. If I were older we'd all just say it'll come back if it's going to. But we all agree that the 30 or so years I may have left may be difficult and other parts (lower back) will take the hit if we don't fix it. So I'm going to fix it.

I'll see the surgeon on Monday, I hope I can get back on the elliptical machine afterwards.

Apparently, prior to the surgery I was really favoring the left leg and now that the joint is fixed the muscles need to be reminded of their job.

I've got my marching orders......

Happy Veterans Day!

2011-11-11T09:12:00.001-05:00

and its 11-11-11

I was whupped yesterday by bedtime. Between driving duties and catching up on some housework.

My PT went well, we added another session this afternoon. I can rest up on the weekend and meet with Dr Rudolf on Monday. I didn't take any meds yesterday so the streak continues.

I've been working on a website for my union local. Its been a while since I did any html work and with the new version (html 5) I have to hit the reference material quite a bit. Getting old sucks, you reach a point when you have forgotten so much.
The warm weather is holding out. I've got a lot to do to be ready for winter.

enjoy the day.

what a day

2011-11-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Lois' birthday with a trip to the coast and a walk along the beach. 66 degrees, sunny hard to take on November 9th. Drove there with studded snow tires on the car.

I was exhausted from all the walking. I've gone 2 whole days without any pain meds or anti-inflamatories.

I've got PT today so that I'll probably break that pain meds streak today. This is my last session (?) as I have a doctor's appt with the surgeon on Monday. I'm making progress, I hope I can be released to use the elliptical machine.

I've posted a pic of my "movember project" day 10.... movember? Google it!

gorgeous fall day

2011-11-08T13:06:00.000-05:00

60 degrees in November, I'll take it!

I received a comment yesterday from Suzie Thomas (aka abdominalexercisezone.com) and I checked out her blank profile so I followed her link and discovered

Suzie, market it somewhere else. I'll be reporting you to Google.

Really feeling good today, probably because of the stretching at PT yesterday. Ran some errands with Lois while her car was being winterized. We'll be heading to the southern New Hampshire coast on a day trip tomorrow for her birthday, I'll be bringing the cane for that one, might be doing a bit of walking.

Going out to rake some leaves and enjoy this day, might not see another like it for a while.

a great day

2011-11-07T17:45:00.000-05:00

Today was a good day. I loosened up this morning. Had my PT session with my favorite therapist. We talked about the right quadriceps, talked about other options. I think things will be on the up and up now. Not a lot of pain, but I'm tired... in a good way.

Did some chores, rebuilt a working netbook out of 2 dead ones. See how long the rebuilt one lasts, HP mini 210s are such junk.

Had to carry 4 tires out to Lois' car today, time for snow tires, she has a service appointment tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll have to carry 4 tires in and store them. I get my workout just by doing my chores.

Tomorrow, for the most part will be a lay back day. Lois and I will go out and have coffee while her car is serviced.

Finally got all the clocks set back.

better and better

2011-11-06T18:24:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my right quadriceps (thigh muscle) was about to give out. A lot of rest, heating and ice. Last night I took naproxen sodium (alleve) at bed time and slept really well. Woke up virtually pain free. Skipped PT today and used the cane. Hopefully, the right leg is in the clear.

Went to a town meeting at Montpelier (VT) High School. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders was discussing what can be done to save the US Postal Service (my employer.) A really good crowd in attendance. Hopefully, the movement can gain some momentum.

So after the gloom and pain of the last few days, today was really good. I have a date for PT with Don tomorrow. I'm going to let him work the left leg but we have to leave the right leg alone, I don't want to go through that again.

According to my pageview analysis I've got some viewers in Europe and Russia, thanks for stopping by!

good night!

a real bad day

2011-11-05T18:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we didn't get to the mall. It feels like I've pulled my right quadricep. While I've been pushing the recovery, no doubt "righty" has been carrying "lefty" and yesterday he said enough.

I've been icing and heating. No swelling per say but a bit of pain on transitions. Hopefully, just a minor set back.

Finished the Jobs biography. An interesting man but I was saddened that in spite of his successes and literally changing the computer industry, the animation industry, the music industry and the phone industry he never appeared to be happy. It was just sad.

Today, I did a couple of errands....slowly. It can be frustrating.

Tomorrow the kids and I are going to a rally and presentation by Senator Sanders on saving the US Postal Service. Bernie is always interesting, even if you disagree with him.

Ciao for now....set your clocks back tonight. And check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!

Another wasted day

2011-11-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was going great, after PT I ran out of steam. It wasn't that arduous it just took a bit out of me.

I can jump and do jumping jacks now and was advised not to by my physical therapist. Told me to put off the elliptical machine until after 11/14 when I see my surgeon again. I took a mile or so walk with Lois yesterday afternoon, winter is coming.

Still working on the Steve Jobs biography, the book gets so damn depressing sometimes that I have to put it up. Some people I guess just can't be happy or satisfied.

After Scott's karate, we'll be heading down to the mall in Manchester NH. A good indoor walking opportunity for me. I've had the new hip for a month now, in comparison to the first operation I feel great, from where I want to be well I'm short of that mark. ever upwards!

2 days no cane

2011-11-02T22:30:00.000-04:00

Well for two days now I haven't used the cane. The first left step is always shaky but once moving I'm good. Stairs are no problem now, I still use the hand rails.

On Friday, we'll head to Manchester NH so I can walk around the mall. That will be some good pt.

Speaking of PT, got a date with Don tomorrow. Pain, but it's all good. Ice packs and a hot bath afterwards.

My upper lip is itchy, 2 days of Movember growth.

Movember 1

2011-11-01T12:10:00.000-04:00

No that's not a typo.... http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/01/living/movember-mustaches/index.html?&hpt=hp_c2

If you have Y chromosomes and you've been touched by Prostate Cancer, let the stash grow! This is not to be confused with Manuary when you let all of the facial hair grow, this is just the stash.

My pt yesterday did wonders. I was able to wash both of my feet, cut my toenails, put on socks without the "appliance". Stairs are working good at the beginning of the day, later on it gets tiring.

Haven't been out to see the debris from Halloween, smashed pumpkins etc. Our volume was light, 16 trick or treaters, spent $14 on candy. Had Skittles for breakfast.....well it tastes like fruit!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T18:05:00.000-04:00

Boo! I guess that didn't scare you.

Waiting for the ghosts and goblins, we always seem to have a lot of leftover candy.

Scott and I are doing the duty of passing out the candy this year, Lois and Dal are at work. Locked the cat up in a bedroom, don't need her getting out.

Scott and I killed off a couple of pizzas and a couple of Foster's lager for supper. First beer in a month, different kind of pain relief! I had PT today, I was in pain.

Well gotta hand out candy, so take care and watch out for zombies!

Snow, snow, snow

2011-10-30T20:16:00.000-04:00

Mother Nature nailed us with 4 inches of wet heavy snow last night. We went without power for a couple of hours. It went up to 40 degrees today, it will be 45 tomorrow and work it's way up to 60 on Thursday. Cleared off the cars, and the steps but we're leaving the rest to melt.

Did some morning errands, groceries mostly. Lounged around reading Steve Jobs' biography. I'm less than a quarter into the book and I'm no doctor but this man was seriously depressed. He had a rough start, adoption and all, all things didn't always go his way, but unless Isaacson (the author) slanted it, it appears that Jobs was never happy with his successes.

Enjoying the rest, controlling pain and swelling with ibuprofen. I did my light PT today and I'll be doing weights tomorrow.

I was reviewing my post surgical instructions again. Something struck me as odd. They say I can have normal sex in 4 to 6 weeks. This begs the question, what about kinky sex? OK, that's the type of day it's been, really random.

If I offended anyone, my apologies. Gotta get some rest for tomorrow.

Burlington

2011-10-29T13:34:00.001-04:00

We made the trip north. Lois is shopping in the city mall and Church St. Scott and I are at the tech jam at the former Borders store on Church St.

We having a free lunch and listening to presenters from Google and Dealer talking about innovation.

I wish some of Vermonts tech would move south to our area.

Here's a pic

best day yet

2011-10-29T00:02:00.000-04:00

Got my best night of sleep last night, 5 hours unbroken sleep, then 3 hours of micro naps. Thank you ibuprofen!

Did my chores and chauffeuring today. Did my light pt, tomorrow I have to use the leg left machine, ouch!

The snow didn't add up to much, just a nuisance. I guess it means I can put the lawn mower away.

Tomorrow, we are making a pilgrimage to Burlington, VT. Scott and I to visit TechJam VT and Lois is going to take in some shopping.

I'm heading off to slumber now, after my ibuprofen that is!

PAIN

2011-10-27T20:58:00.001-04:00

I had pt today and I worked hard. At the end of the day it comes with a price. Tonight it will be ice and inbuprofen.

I've been advised to walk more heel to toe. With the tautness in my left thigh this is very difficult and slow.

It is snowing tonight, bridges and lawns have snow, for the most part it is melting on the street.

Well, time for some vitamin I...

3 Weeks ago today

2011-10-26T14:54:00.001-04:00

I woke up and the recovery began.

Today I did my pt and did some upper body work with dumbbells. Pre surgery the workout would have been a joke but today it was agonizing. No pain no gain. Pain is your best friend , it lets you know you're still alive. Well, I'm very much alive.

I've attached a picture of the hip. I'm keeping the wound clean, but I can't scrub it so the discolaration is the lint the residual adhesive picks up. The super glue is washing away.

Scott and I are guys night in, so it's pizza and Terminator 1,2,3 tonight.

We may also get our first brush with snow tonight, not ready for that.

Hasta la vista baby.

PT: Physical Therapy, Physical Training, Physical Torture....

2011-10-25T18:01:00.000-04:00

Had my first PT appointment today. On the questionnaire I had to list 3 goals.

Stretch out left leg muscles to gain flexibility.
Then work on strength.
Be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound like I used to.

As the Meat Loaf song said "two outta three ain't bad."

Was shown a bunch of stretches to do, I needed ice before I left the appointment. Friendly people at the APD rehab services, its just that the exercises do hurt. The worst exercise is laying on my back on the edge of the bed. Then sliding my left leg out into the air and holding it up, as it strengthens I can work to doing a leg lift this way. The clinic is an open ward and it was mixed company so I didn't speak my true feelings. @$&##!!!!!

Got some chauffeuring to do tonight then it's going to be ice city!

Went by work and dropped a sick leave slip for another month. At first they appeared happy to see me, I guess that wasn't the news they were looking for.

Found a magazine I'd been hunting for at all places,a grocery store. Wired's App Guide. The local Barnes & Noble didn't have it, I miss Borders. Trying to makes heads or tails of all these programs for the phone. It reminds me of shopping for my Commodore 64, you could get a floppy diskette of freeware/shareware or pirate stuff for about a buck or swapping a disk for a disk, back before virii and other malware.

Well I gotta don my chauffeur's cap and drive Scott to karate.

Monday, monday

2011-10-24T15:38:00.001-04:00

Slept pretty bad last night. I'm exhausted when I get to bed, sleep pretty deeply for a few hours then I'm wide awake and restless.

Accompanied Lois on her errands. Took a nap in the car while she shopped.

Attached is a picture, I have to wear suspenders, no belts allowed, my pants will fall down. When this all healed, I'm going to get new jeans.

another day that I overdid it

2011-10-23T13:52:00.000-04:00

Didn't write yesterday as I was exhausted by the evening. I went most of the day without the cane, made it to suppertime. It hit me when I was in the grocery store, a shopping cart doubles as a stroller pretty well.

So today I had Scott help me with the lawn and other than that took it pretty easy. Hopefully we'll get a couple of hard frosts and that will be it for the lawn growth.

Kind of blue today, the weather kinda sucks, Scott's picks on Netflix are really bad. I may need to intervene.

I weighed myself this morning, 137 lbs. The nutritionist at APD would be pissed at me. The way I see it Bruce Lee was 5' 7" and 135lbs. I'm 5' 8" (now that my legs are the same length!)

Its a short post but it's all I got today.

followup visit with doctor

2011-10-21T18:36:00.000-04:00

Made it to the Doctor's today, saw Dr Rudolf's assistant, Dr Macko. She had me walking in the office without my cane, looked at the scar. Things are ahead of schedule. I get to stop taking the aspirin for blood thinner on Thursday, which means on Friday I get to take Ibuprofen again. I'm looking forward to that, the Tylenol doesn't do anything for the swelling, it's my opinion but it doesn't do too much for pain either. I was released for PT.

My goal for PT is to get the strength and flexibility back to my left quadriceps. Once I start the stretching I'll be able to get on the elliptical machine.

Another thing I'll be able to do is take a bath. I enjoy my hollywood showers, but I'm ready for a warm soak.

Looking forward to Thursday.

I am worn out this evening, icing my thigh, hopefully I can get some sleep tonight.

two weeks

2011-10-20T15:36:00.000-04:00

Well it's been 2 weeks since I left the hospital. I am walking without the cane in the house (there's a lot to grab on to if I get wobbly), The last 3 days I've been able to tie my own shoes. My left leg isn't swollen anymore, almost to the size of the right. The muscles in my left thigh and pelvis are tight, I hope to start stretching those. My weight has dropped to that prior to the surgery, all of that swelling... a gallon of water is about 8lbs. I can alternate going up stairs but going down I just don't have the control yet.

I see the doctor tomorrow at 10am. I hope to get a release to schedule some PT so I can get this leg back to 100%. Hopefully get an ok on using the elliptical machine.

I'm not sleeping great at night, I'm usually a prone sleeper and it creates too much tension on my thigh as I have to rotate my feet either inboard or outboard to lie flat. It may sound like I'm complaining but really I'm not as I know I'm further ahead than this time last surgery.

Went out on some minor errands, bank, store, post office. Saw the first notice of benefits from my health care insurance so far I'm over $28K, my out of pocket is about $300 thus far. I'll try to not get to political but can't those idiots in DC see that people need healthcare?

Scott and I watched Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. We had watched the first one on Netflix but they don't offer the sequels, they try to sell you on the DVD service. I don't think they have coherent business plan, first they're dropping DVDs, then they are going to separate the two, then change their name, then change it back. Redbox is going to kick their butts. I use half.com and find people selling used or overstocked DVDs. After shipping and handling the 2 DVD set cost less than $5. Still waiting on T2, being shipped. $5 for a movie you might watch again is worth it, that's cheaper than a seat at the movies.

Class is going well. History of Gender, this week we've been addressing femininity of the 1890-1920s. This is the time frame that anorexia nervosa took hold, you couldn't be too slim, too pale or too weak. The slim part I can see but being frail and sickly and being unable to participate in life, wow please explain it to me.

I'm rambling again, so I going to disconnect for now, I'll let you know how the doctor's visit goes.

A day in the life

2011-10-19T22:54:00.001-04:00

Today was spent helping Scott with his programming homework and doing my own coursework.

Scott and I killed a couple of pizzas for dinner and spent the evening watching guy flicks.

Updated the Iphone to v5. Haven't noticed a difference yet, play with it more tomorrow....

Leaves are turning and fallin

2011-10-18T09:16:00.001-04:00

The leaves are piling up around the yard, I suppose I'll have to address them. It's not the physical duress that de-motivates me, its the anticipation of yet another winter.

Got busy in homework yesterday, I'm taking a 300 series course in the history of gender. I've got to read the course syllabi more closely when I sign up.

Walking is getting better, sleeping is getting more comfortable. I see the doc again on Friday.

Today, more homework, Scott and I have a date with his Perl programming book.

Damp and cold

2011-10-16T15:14:00.001-04:00

Tough getting up today, after that wonderful day yesterday today was gray, damp and cold.

My leg hurts as well. Had one errand today, a flu shot. There was quite a line, Scott and I braved it. It amazes me that a bunch of duffers, some with canes etc can wait patiently but other people have to hold places in the line for other able bodied people.

The skin on my thigh feels raw, my softest blue jeans feel like sand paper. Looks like I'll be commando today.

Netflix is going to get a workout today....

gorgeous fall day

2011-10-15T19:12:00.000-04:00

Took a drive through the hills and valleys of NH to Center Harbor on Lake Winnipesaukee.

I wanted a day out and Lois wanted to visit her favorite quilting shop, Keepsake Quilting. Someone did some great engineering on this "strip mall." It has a boardwalk with adirondack chairs. There's a grocery store that has coffee and baked goods. So Scott and I indulged sitting in the warm sunshine, overlooking the lake, sipping coffee and eating turnovers. Lois could then shop unhampered by a pouting husband and bored son.

We went to a deli across the street. Lois and I split a reuben sandwich and watched Scott polish off huge plate of chicken fingers and fries. There is no justice!

The ride out and back was beautiful, the foliage has not reached peak yet.

Tonight I feel the "burn" of a good workout, time for some icing and some rest

A better day

2011-10-14T19:09:00.000-04:00

Slept in.... woo-hooo!

Today I puttered around, did a few errands, did some homework for my class.

I experimented walking up stairs with alternating steps instead of the step/follow method, going down the stairs I'm still doing the step/follow method. I walked a few "laps" around the living room without the cane. I wobble like a toddler.

I remember the last time and I'm light years ahead but I'm anxious and overly aggressive about recovering. I ran into one of my former Eagle Scouts and he joked about the "old man with a cane." I told him to check me out in about 3 months and I'll be as good if not better than pre surgery.

I'm back to my pre surgery weight 142lbs. That was my weight when I ran my last marathon back in 1987. I won't be running again, I've been keeping in shape with aerobics and cycling. I'm going to sign off before I ramble too much.

Tomorrow, a road trip with Lois and Scott to Center Harbor NH.

A day here, a day there

2011-10-13T10:12:00.001-04:00

Blew off yesterday, just vegged out, Did some chores and paperwork.

Watched all 3 Robocop movies. I laugh whenever they talk about his titanium suit. I may not have a titanium Exo skeleton but I now have 2 titanium joints in my endo skeleton.

I've cut the pain meds to 1000mg Tylenol at bed time, still taking aspirin as a blood thinner. My pain is a constant 3 or so on a 10point scale. The pain reminds me not to overdo it.

Nighttime swelling is an issue, my left thigh expands 5 inches or so between supper and bed time, keeping the ice maker running!

Just going to mail some letters and pick up the bills today.

Have a good one

tried to be lazy, didn't work

2011-10-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

Whether it be my adhd or something else I have trouble sitting still.

Went for a ride with Lois on errands. Groceries and whatnot.

Sat on the back deck in the great warm sunshine for a while.

Back home again after a day out

2011-10-10T19:09:00.000-04:00

The trip back from the mall was uneventful. We'd brought a cooler with my ice packs so I was able to ice my leg after it's workout. Tonight I removed the bandage as instructed, "let it air", hopefully the seeping will stop before I ruin something.

Some observations of the day. The fastest I ever ran a mile was 5:26, I ran 10 mile a race in Ashdod Israel at about 100 degrees in 59 minutes, this sailor wasn't going to let a Marine beat him (It's a Navy / Marine Corps thing, I have the utmost respect for the USMC, the Navy is better however). I've run marathons and endurance races (probably why my hips needed replaced) With my cane I'm not a fast walker.

Then there's the populations at malls. I never felt fear over exuberant running toddlers but "texting teenage zombies". Maybe I'll write an app, a radar program that will warn the owner that a slower object is ahead.

I'll have Scott's karate Sensei teach me a weapons kata for the cane.

All in all a great day. My life is almost at zero stress right now. Prior to the surgery I represented my Union in negotiations, Management and I came to a reasonable plan for downsizing that won't lay anyone off. Now the only thing that bother me is can Netflix get anymore screwed up?

Out for the day

2011-10-10T15:02:00.001-04:00

Lois, Scott & I headed to Manchester NH to shop and just get out of the house.

I got tired so I'm sitting at the food court absorbing java and sucking up the free wifi.

I'm pretty handy with the cane.

Overdid it yesterday

2011-10-09T12:50:00.001-04:00

Says it all.

Here's a pic of my nurse Katoosha. I had to shoo her away when she tried to knead my thigh.

Here is a picture of my thigh, not as swollen today.

life is good

2011-10-08T07:21:00.000-04:00

Didn't post yesterday, was too busy to get to a keyboard.

All of the posts I made in the hospital were done on my Iphone. I'm not an Apple fanboy, but the Iphone is the best phone I've used. I didn't like much of what Apple but Steve Jobs was a visionary and his ideas were excellent. The pressure he put on the rest of the industry is what I'll thank him for the most (and my phone!) Rest in peace and thanks!

After being released on Thursday I napped and motored around the house.

Friday helped with some errands, didn't drive, used my cane. The pain is real, I'm only taking Tylenol about 4000mg day, I'm shy of narcotics. I only have to do aspirin therapy for the blood thinner, no cumadin.

I'm still waiting for my first post surgical BM... nuff said. I've found 3 comfortable positions to sleep in. Flat on my back, on my back with my legs bent at the knee and on my non surgical side (right) with a pillow between the legs.

Today I've got some errands to run. I'll be driving the van. TTYL8R

One day surgery?

2011-10-06T09:11:00.001-04:00

Well not yet, but close. I'm heading home in 2 hours. Total hospital stay 30hours.

All I can say is W00T!

The operation

2011-10-06T05:11:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I arrived bright and early. Starving and coffee deprived, I slept through an anterior approach total hip replacement. Dr Rudolf did a fantastic job.

I was walking less than 10hours later. The pain is dull 2 on the 10 point scale, it's been 7 hours since my last pain med, trying to wean.

Round 2

2011-10-04T17:05:00.001-04:00

Well time for the left hip!!!!!

A great day

2007-08-23T04:13:00.000-04:00

A successful hike. The trail was a short 3 mile round trip witha 1200 foot elevation gain. Didn't trip once. weather was gorgeous, everyone had a great time

Another hike

2007-08-22T03:24:00.000-04:00

My son, his girlfriend and I will be hiking Mt Cardigan in NH today. Mt Cardigan will be an easier hike than the hike one month ago on Mt Mousilauke.

Cardigan is 3120' but the trailhead is at 2000'. It's a "schoolkid's" climb. It should be a nice day for it, partly cloudy highs in the 70's.

2007-07-04T03:22:00.000-04:00

After a hiatus away from this blog, I'm back.

I've been riding my bike about 6 miles a day when I can (weather dependent).

Today my kids and I climbed Mt Mousilauke (4802 ft). My first major hike since Nov 05.

A bit sore, nothing ibuprofen (vitamin I) can't fix.

Felt good to be back in my game.

One year

2006-11-02T02:53:00.000-05:00

Well, its been a year.

Didn't get to do the things I had wanted to. But it wasn't because of the hip. Life and all of it's crisis got in the way.

Physically doing well, the hip is performing as well if not better than expected. The other hip isn't any worse for wear either. It will give problems eventually, the xray isn't pretty.

Still exercising at home, mostly cardio. Trying to learn Tai Chi, having to use books and video as with my work schedule (nights) it's hard to find a class.

I'll try to keep up with this blog, it's been 4 months since my last post. There really hasn't been a lot of change in status concerning my hip, which was the purpose of the blog. I didn't want to turn this into a daily diary of my life.

Take care of yourselves....

8 months

2006-06-30T03:31:00.000-04:00

Not a whole lot happenning, which is a good thing

I've only made 1 hike so far, a 3 mile jaunt through the woods following a wilderness survival instructor. It was pouring and miserable. The hip was the least of my problems.

The weather in the Northeast has been very wet and uninspiring. I've been maintaining my fitness level with exercises in my basement, mostly cardio.

I've got two big trips with the Scouts this summer, summer camp and NOAC.

If I don't post before... have a great summer

Day 133

2006-03-13T07:18:00.000-05:00

I'm making progress. I'm covering the 5 or so miles I walk when I'm on shift and I'm not exhausted. I'm only getting to swim about once a week now, my other activities are getting in the way. I'm chewing over other workout activities.

We're experiencing an early spring here in Vermont, I'm hesitant to believe it myself. Mother Nature can be cruel. Usually it's the end of April before you can hit the trails. If you go early when the ground is muddy, you can damage the trails. Still looking to do Mt Washington by August. The warm up hikes will be Mt Cardigan and Mt Mousillauke in NH and Camels Hump in VT.

My flexibilty is improving, I don't really notice the leg length difference unless I'm barefoot.

I'll be making more posts as the spring gets here and I get out on the trails.

Day 99

2006-02-07T03:47:00.000-05:00

Well, I snoozed on the blog for a while. My free time is diminishing as I have returned to work.

I'm on 3rd shift, full duty. I'd gotten used to being up days and sleeping nights. My transition seems to be ok so far. The diet is the rough part, planning meals can be a challenge.

My workouts are a problem with the schedule, but hey that's life. On my job I can walk up to 5 miles per shift servicing equipment. My legs feel pretty good with the workout they are getting.

My goal is to get the distance up so that I can start hiking in the spring after the trails dry out. I'd like to be able to hike Mt Washington (NH) this August.

Day 82

2006-01-21T10:06:00.000-05:00

Well I had 2 swim days this past week. First workout I went 1000yds, the 2nd workout I only did 500yds. My toe pain is receding, the doctor suggested that my sciatic nerve may have been "pinched" by swelling in my butt. I cut down to two swimming workouts a week and the fatigue and swelling factor seemed to have something to do with it.

I go back to full duty for 3rd shift on February 4. I work one shift and then start my weekend. It's going to be tough going back to 3rd shift, I've been living a day shift schedule since I went out almost 3 months ago.

Wrapping up the "busy" work projects around the house that I had created for myself.

Take care of yourselves... more to come

Day 76

2006-01-15T18:45:00.000-05:00

Well a few things have happenned since my last post. I have been given the green light to head back to work, full duty for 3rd shift February 4th. I work one shift then start my weekend. I have mixed feelings about returning. I'm not sure I can physically do what I did before, my coworkers will have to assist me more so than they have in the past. I'm looking forward to doing something different. Que sera, sera.

My swimming is better than it ever was, in the water my leg joints aren't supporting weight. I recertified as a lifeguard so my Boy Scouts haven't lost their swimming merit badge counselor.

My weight has levelled of at 150lbs, a full 15 lbs from pre surgery. I'm drug free again, it's been over 2 weeks since my last ibuprofen.

Walking and stairs are not as much a challenge unless I'm tired. So things are falling back into place. I'll try not to let 2 weeks go by before the next post.

Day 64

2006-01-03T22:56:00.000-05:00

It's gonna get difficult counting the days soon.

Had a quiet new years, don't have too many resolutions just my goals from last year.

Been swimming, the workout is 700 yds now, some days I feel good and go a little more.
Changed the lineup to swim 3 days per week, weightlift 2.

My lifeguard recert is on January 8th, I think I'll pass.

Working in the water is effortless. I put in some time standing and walking, I even walk with snow boots on to add weight, I can take stairs 2 at a time now. Balance is still an issue. Transitions sitting to standing for example still require a lot of work.

I see the doctor on the 9th, we'll be discussing going back to work as well as other things. I might have to get a physical therapist or occupational health person to evaluate my job as some tasks that I used to do violate the lifetime restrictions that have been advised.

Oh well, enough for now. I hope everyone had a safe and healthy holiday season. Have a great 2006, I intend to.

Day 57

2005-12-27T13:44:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a peaceful opening to Hanukkah.
We celebrated both.

My weightlifting schedule got blown to hell with the final holiday preparations and the kids being out of school. Friday I made it to the pool and swam 800 yds. Today I went back to a strong 500yds.

With the holiday eating I went up to 150 lbs again, my PT warned me that as muscle tone comes back my weight may creep up. But this gain was pure pigging out.

The weather warmed up, the highs are between 35 and 40 degrees. It makes moving easy. When it gets cold I tighten up pretty bad.

Well thats it for now, more before the new year!

Day 50

2005-12-20T19:54:00.000-05:00

PT and exercise are going well. I wound up not lifting on Friday because I spent an hour or so clearing the 6 inches of snow that we got. Monday I couldn't squeeze my weightlifting in, baking for the holidays.

Today however I went swimming, I swam 500 yds breaststroke, 100 yds sidestroke and YES 100 yds freestyle (crawl). I'm pretty exhausted tonight, feeling a burn.

I wish I moved on land as well as I move in the water!

It's tough these days to get rolling, it's not bitter cold but it's enough to stop me from loosening up. I just gotta keep moving.

Anxiety levels around the house are dropping. The kids are out of school, with the exception of groceries and a couple of internet e-cards the shopping is done.

If I don't post before then, I wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hannukah!

Day 45

2005-12-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

Still weightlifting. I've worked up to 500 yds swimming (breaststroke), my crawl is non existent not enough strength in the flutter kick to hold my legs up. My PT says it will come into it, has me doing leg lifts and stair work.

I seemed to have mastered sleeping through the night, I actually manage 6 hours a night now. The insomnia was killing me. I was becoming a pill to be around.

My PT asked where I was compared to pre surgery, pain wise I'm better off now but strength and stability aren't where they could be. My weight has dropped to what I weighed 10 years ago, I've lost 18 lbs since the surgery. My attitude is usually up, but somedays I get the blahs. The last 2 days have had lows to 10 below, I have to got through stretching exercises just to take the dog out!

It should warm up tonight, of course it will also snow tonight!

onward and upward!

Day 39

2005-12-09T13:38:00.000-05:00

Tuesday I swam 200yds of breaststroke and couldn't swim crawl (freestyle). My "frog kick" is just about perfect and gaining strength. I wish I coud say the same for my crawl kick.

Did my weights on Wednesday as well as the PT exercises, leg lifts and stretching.

Thursday I swam 250 yds breaststroke and worked with a kick board on the crawl kick.

Friday had physical therapy, more stretching and some suggestions on strength building. We had 6 " of snow, even with the snow blower after I got through clearing everything I was wiped. Skipping my weights today.

Sleeping still isn't going well, just can't seem to get comfortable and then when I do I'll shift in my sleep and wake up. I'm pretty much "drug free" now. I take ibuprofen when my muscles ache.

My weight is staying down, I pig out at times but I think I've reached a balance as it is neither going up or down.

Hopefully this will be a quiet weekend.

the saga continues...

Day 35

2005-12-05T20:46:00.000-05:00

It was a quiet weekend. We had a bit of snow, less than an inch. Makes walking real slow and deliberate as I don't know if I'm going to slip on something underneath.

Had my first physical therapy at the hospital today. My therapist is having me start some stretching exercises as she feels that my right leg muscles are too tight. I'm making some headway on the strength.

I did an upper body session on weightlifting today. I swim again tomorrow.

Unfortunately, my sleeping is all screwed up. Prior to the surgery, I worked 3rd shift for years. I think my body wants to be on 3rd shift again. I have a hard time getting comfortable and then when I do get comfortable, I'll wake up when my body shifts. I never wake up in the same position I fell asleep in.

I'm taking over the counter pain meds at night. I like sodium naproxen (alleve) as it is a 12 hour pill. During the day, pain isn't an issue.

I have to get custom orthotics made for my shoes to adjust for the leg length and I think my right arch is collapsing. Dr Scholl's can only do so much.

With the added exercise, my appetite has picked up. I've got to watch out now, especially with all of the holiday goodies.

More in a few days...

1 Month

2005-12-01T16:16:00.000-05:00

I celebrated my "monthly-versary" by joining a local health club and I went swimming.

Prior to the surgery I was a good strong swimmer, certified lifeguard even. Today I was able to cover 125 yds of breastroke and 25 yards of freestyle crawl. I need to build up my kick. Its great that I don't have to modify my right leg kick anymore. I have a long way to go in the swimming department.

Yesterday, I finally got back to weightlifting. I was able to bench press 85lbs 3 sets of 15. I did the same sets/reps with dumbell flys at 10lbs, lat pull downs at 30lbs, and curls at 30lbs. Tommorrow I'll probably feel the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).

Walking is coming into it but it is tiring. I'm trying to keep busy during this recovery period. My weight on the scale is below the 150lbs mark, first time in over 10 years.

I'm off the hard drugs. I was taking hydrocodone with acetimenophin at night, it helped with pain and let me sleep. I'm just taking extra strength tylenol now at bedtime. Sleeping isn't as restful but I wanted to be off of the prescription meds. It was tough quitting drugs when I was a young adult, I didn't want to go through that again.

More later..

Day 29

2005-11-29T13:07:00.000-05:00

I had a followup appointment with the surgeon yesterday. I was feeling pretty good but he told me to stay out of work until at least January 9th. I was surprised, I figured another week or two; but 6 weeks. I'm slowly losing my grip with this time off.

I've resumed my family chauffer duties, trying to earn my keep at the home front!

Last night was a rough night. I overdid the walking yesterday and it let me know at bedtime. I've moved over from the prescription pain med to extra strength Tylenol. The relief and retreat curve are different and it wasn't too restful a night.

Going to start swimming this week, I blew off my weightlifting (upper body) yesterday. More later...

Day 25

2005-11-25T19:30:00.000-05:00

I didn't gain the 16 lbs back that I lost, in spite of all I ate yesterday.

After my post on Wednesday, I had a visit from the visiting nurse/ physical therapist, Donna. The VNA discharged me, I'm mobile, I don't need to have my blood drawn anymore. I have a surgical followup appointment on Monday, I'll check in with the hospital's PT/OT department.

Donna and the crew from the VNA were great.

Thanksgiving was a busy day, I did a lot of cooking (and eating). I held myself to 1 glass of wine as I thought I would have to take some pain relievers at bed time. I had a glass of White Zinfandel, it was my first "drink" in 2 months.

We had to clear up the 4 inches of white powder that fell over Thanksgiving. My neighbor had done most of it with his ATV mini-plow, THANK YOU RUSS, I just had to get the vehicles, front walk and the deck.

I cleaned out my workout area in the cellar. I'm going to start doing upper body exercises, things that don't stress the hip/thigh area.

Well thats all for now. More later...

Day 23

2005-11-23T15:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for a lot this year, my family, my friends and of course my ongoing recovery.

The scale read 149 lbs today. I've lost over 15 lbs since the week prior to the surgery. It feels good, even with the minor swelling in my butt, I can get my clothes on.

Doctor Rudolf took me off the blood thinners which is great. If I'm a good boy and time the pain meds correctly I can join my wife for a glass or two of wine with Thanksgiving dinner. I haven't had a glass of wine in over 2 months, so I'm going to sip slowly and savor the flavor.

Movement is getting better. I am driving again both in the van as well as the little honda civic. But I get tired easy, so no long drives.

I hope those of you that are travelling have safe journeys, those that are staying home have a relaxing time with family and friends.

Day 19

2005-11-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

Using handrails I'm able to walk up and down stairs (slowly). Raked some leaves, doing some housework to earn my keep.

My son and I held down the fort while my wife and daughter did a campus visit for a prospective college. We baked and ate a lot of ginger snaps! I also rebuilt my computer as my hard drive started to fail, hopefully tomorrow I can retrieve our saved documents from the original hard drive.

I'm having trouble sleeping the whole night. I just can't stay in the same position all night.

I'm down 1o lbs since before the surgery, my apetite hasn't come back( except for ginger snaps).

Getting ready for Thanksgiving. We're staying local. More before then,

Day 15

2005-11-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

I'm still having pain at night so I'm taking the pain meds at night. I'm staying busy enough in the day I'm probably tuning the pain out.

Walking is an adventure, around the house I'm pretty good without the crutches, of course there's furniture to hold. I'm cooking again. Sometimes I have to get creative with low shelves in cabinets and the pantry. I wind up looking like a crane, I extend my right leg out to the rear so the leg/torso angle is negligible and I bend forward and raise/lower my body height with my left leg. I should have studied ballet. Where my left leg is quite strong, my right thigh has atrophied. I've been doing the prescribed leg lifts hopefully it will come back. Where I had issues prior to the surgery I attribute the leg atrophy to my poor posture and efforts to compensate for the right hip over the last 5 years.

On stairs I'm still doing the single step system kind of like how a toddler does it. I tried alternately one day and it wasn't comfortable even with the handrails.

I drove once this week. I practiced on my street with no traffic and the kids in school. I think in another week I'll be driving again. This is what Dr Rudolf had predicted.

I sleep most comfortably in the La-Z-boy recliner. My kids say I look like an old F--t sitting in the recliner with my blanket and asleep with a book on my chest "coke bottle" reading glasses on.

My son has been studying Okinawan Karate for a couple of years. I always thought when things slow down for me I'd like to do that. I think Tai Chi will be more my speed now. In December, I'll start swimming at the pool. I'll have to learn how to kick again. Getting my mobility is a major deal with me. I get frustrated with the tiny gains I'm making, by spring I hope to be up to speed.

My daughter figure skates and I used to hack around during open ice times with her. I think skating is going to be out. Ice is too unforgiving.

Well I'm on my way to bed now... more on another day

Day 11

2005-11-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Veteran's day to my fellow vets!!! Thank you for keeping the land of the free, free.

Well I had my staples out yesterday! Yeah! All but one came out easy, isn't that life?

It had got to the point that I would have trouble sitting, every time I'd shift I'd feel another one of those &@$%!! staples.

I've had some good days and bad days. There are days I just want to get going and move around and others where I just want to sit and moan.
PT is going well except 1 exercise which I doubt I could do before the surgery. Been going through the family video cabinet. Hopefully, I can drive before I go through the archives so I can get to the video rental. Driving isn't an option at this time. I couldn't move the right leg fast enough to brake in an emergency.

I walked outside and talked to some of the neighbors yesterday. They've been great, we've had meals just show up at the door. One of our neighbor's daughters has been helping out with our kids' transportation. These little kindnesses are huge to me. Thank you all.

Day 7 first PT visit

2005-11-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

Visiting Nurse/Physical Therapist came by. Checked me out and gave some guidelines.

I still need to wear the "hose" as my right leg keeps swelling up. I'm probably up too much. I take breaks but I've been doing some housework... trying to earn my keep.

I've arranged transportation for 2 Scout meetings for this week so my son and I can get out. Going to try to get some stability around us

My posts will slow down as my life is going to get real boring now.

Check back again... I'll post when there's news.

Day 5 home sweet home

2005-11-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

Got home last night, took a while to settle down.

It's hard for me to just sit around, going through a lot of movies.

Doing my exercises, taking my meds.

catching up on a lot of stuff.

Day 4

2005-11-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Woke up on my own. Changed clothes, brushed teeth and shaved.

I cleaned up my "room", this is the day I blow this joint.

I have trouble reading with the pain meds, I can't focus.

Prune juice this morning, gotta to get the other end moving. The prune juice did it's trick. Had my morning OT/PT did stairs. I got it mastered easily, my left leg is strong and healthy.

The meals are getting better. The chicken pot pie and the eggplant parmesan were great.

Looking forward to a shower tonight.

My pain meds retreated right before afternoon PT so I didn't look so good. My resting posture was off, I was leaning to the left, I've been doing it for 5 years now. The therapist lashed out at me, I almost broke down and cried. I've got 5 years of bad habits and corrections that I will get rid off. The criticism was deserved but it came at a really weak moment.

The doctor visited and gave me the green light for leaving. Visiting Nurse will be sending a Nurse/Therapist to the house until I can drive to therapy (3weeks from surgical date)

Well the time has come to leave the hospital and go home. The people that worked with me were the greatest. Thank you for the help on this phase of the "rebuild".

The story continues

Day 3

2005-11-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning.

I had a restful night. I refused some pain meds, just slowing down pushing for the high end of the time envelope, I don't want to get hooked on anything.

Mobility is good, going through my PT exercises and sitting up more.

My day went to hell really quickly, my own fault, I was too aggressive on the pain med retreat. I made it through my OT session, learned to dress myself. So I'm out of the johnny and into my own clothes, sweat pants and crew shirt.

The afternoon got better I played in the OT/PT kitchen showing that I still could be independent there.

My wife called after supper and told me the furnace quit, thank God for service policies. Technician en route to the house, I won't get my visit tonight.

Spoke with the Surgeon this evening, he had noticed my "diary" I told him about the "blog", I told him I was leaving names out but that I was impressed with his work, the staff of the hospital and if it was ok with him I'd name names.

So starting this post you get names. My surgeon, the best Orthopedic Surgeon in the world, Dr Leonard Rudolf. The hospital is Alice Peck Day Hospital in Lebanon New Hampshire the home of the best med/surge team that I've run into. I wasn't put up to this, there's no break in my bill for it, (I'm even out of the hospital as I update this so noone is forcing me to do it.)

Today started rough but got better and it closes great. It looks like I'm going home tomorrow afternoon. And yes my fuel company Johnson and Dix was able to get the furnace going!

Good Night

Day 2

2005-11-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

I wouldn't call it a restful night but I did sleep. I was given oxygen which helped. I slept through a round of meds so I'm suprised the pain hasn't caught up yet.

It's 6am and I've had my blood drawn already. The efficeincy of the hospital staff really impresses me. My wound has stopped draining, yesterday we recycled about 500 ccs of my blood yesterday.

At 830am the catheter was removed, I have to be on my best behavior. I was introduced to Mr Jug.

The dressing was taken off, I asked how much I'd swollen the nurse said I still had a butt to die for. I feel like I'm dragging the state of Rhode Island.

Had PT before lunch, roamed the hallways with my walker, used the jug in the standing position.

Sat up for lunch. The hospital is dry, I can't drink enough water.

Afternoon PT wandered the hallways using the crutches. Therapist says Friday looks good for discharge.

Dinner was non eventful, tomorrow a laxative to get things moving. Going to learn how to dress tomorrow.

7pm

2005-11-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

The surgeon came in to check on me told me to anticipate the spinal. I passed on the drugs this time, wanted to see if I really needed them.

At 6pm a velociraptor started tearing my leg apart and started beating me with it. Nurses gave me the pain meds and I waited 10 minutes (for me a long time) before I came down off the ceiling.
Remind me to get my Velociraptor Hunting License.

I have never felt pain like that in my entire life, it was eye opening. I will never downplay anyone else's pain ever again.

My wife and kids came in after the episode, timing was excellent. They left a little more confident after the visit unaware of what had just happenned. As I write this the leg is waking up some more so I'm going to get some more meds.

Got extra meds, stool softener it might be be day or two but the pros want me to have an easy experience.

As a joke I called the night shift supervisor at work and explained that I wasn't coming in tonight. He didn't know what to make of the call. At midnite I called up my co worker and shared the day's experience. It's good night to day 1.

Day 1 4pm

2005-11-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

Things are great, feeling is coming back. Movement is good, drinking a lot of water passing a lot of gas. I'm afraid of what that might lead to!!!!

They are draining blood from my hip filtering it and reinjecting it. I didn't lose a bunch so I won't be needing a transfusion from someone else.

I'll be finishing my novel that I started this morning, I'm suprised I can focus this well.

Spinal is wearing a little bit. The weather outside is unbelieveable, we had 3 weeks of junk and today it's 70 degrees and sunny. Well I can look out the window and enjoy it.

Today, is the first day of the rest of my life

2005-11-01T16:20:00.000-05:00

Well the morning started off bumpy. Woke up at 5am. Hadn't eaten or drank since 10pm last night. It's amazing that I can go a day without eating or drinking but have someone tell me I can't and its a whole new ball of wax.

Checked in at the hospital at 6:15am. Was given an IV so I wasn't going to dehydrate. I had an anti anxiety drug through the IV and finally a spinal. I fell asleep on the way to surgery.

Woke up at 11am or so feeling GREAT (picture Tony the frosted Flakes Tiger). Was moved to my room and was given COFFEE. Drank 3 cups with lunch. I was reading, doing my PT exercises that I can, still a little numb.

I'm told that the spinal will wear off. My legs are being squeezed by a compressor off and on and I've got these great garter free hose, my legs still look like a train wreck no fashion model.

But I'm being a model patient...

more later

D - 2

2005-10-30T18:00:00.000-05:00

Well the weather finally gave us a break and we got all of the yard work done. The yard and house are pretty much ready for winter. I had dropped 2 trees which had to be cut and split. Almost a cord of wood had to be bucked up in easy reach of the house. With the price of oil, we thought we'd augment with the woodstove, the trees were standing dead, "drying on the stump". Seeing as I'm home I could run the stove during the day.

Been super busy, down to about 40 hours. Just one more trip to the grocery store.

Went to church today. It's been a while (really no good reason why) but I figured it might be a while before I feel up to it again.

I will be in the hospital probably until the 4th. I will keep a journal as I won't have access to my computer. This will be the last entry prior to my admission to the hospital

Tomorrow night we'll be passing out the candy to all the trick or treaters. Happy Halloween everyone. I'll write after I'm out.

D - 5

2005-10-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Down to less than a week. After 3 weeks of rain the weather broke and today it started snowing, you gotta love New England weather!

The camping trip with the Scouts went well. A hard frost Saturday morning followed by a rainy/snowy Saturday evening. It was good to get out even if the conditions weren't ideal.

It looks like the weather is going to stop me from getting all my prep done, oh well, we're ready for winter anyway.

One round of appointments left before surgery. Have to visit the Surgeon, the Surgical coordinator and the Rehab people. I'll rest over the weekend and on Tuesday it will be "showtime".

Not much to say at this point, the fun is about to begin.

D - 9

2005-10-20T05:20:00.000-04:00

My primary care physician gave the green light for surgery, only concern was my breathing capacity (I'm asthmatic.) So in spite of not being "in season" for my triggers, I have to use my preventative.

My level of physical activity these days is light, I didn't realize that my breathing capacity was impaired.

There is a risk of Pneumonia after the surgery so that's the concern about the breathing.

This morning I'll be going camping with the Scouts. My son and the Troop are already at the campsite, the temperature has dropped below freezing for the first time this year. Hopefully with the cold temps and the rain that is forecast we won't get Pneumonia beforehand!

the saga continues

D - 12

2005-10-19T17:31:00.000-04:00

I had some of the pre work up labs done on Monday. Blood and EKG.

Another physical with my primary care physician later this week.

Vermont has been hit with some of the wettest weather on record for this area. We get 7 or 8 wet days then 1 sunny one. Putting a crimp in the old "honey-do" list. Trying to clear up a lot of dead wood that has fallen over the last year. I'll try to burn it this winter to augment my oil heat, since I'm going to be home anyway.

Camping with the Scouts this weekend, hopefully we won't drown LOL.

more to follow....

D -20

2005-10-11T07:02:00.000-04:00

Turned in paperwork to my employer. I've got 10 months of sick leave banked so even with the doctor's suggested 2 to 3 months downtime I should be set. I had called the mortgage insurance company and my hip replacement is considered a disability absence so the mortgage is paid after the first 30 days. This isn't going to hurt as bad as I thought, bad joke I know.

Been pretty busy up to this week. Mother Nature realized the great weather we've had in New England and decided to make up for it by giving us a week of rain. So I've been stuck inside doing the seasonal stuff. The break actually has been a blessing as I've actually had a chance to sit back and make sure I've got the bases covered.

Some of my wonderful neighbors are going to help with some transportation issues as I can't drive for 3 weeks after surgery. Some of my coworkers have offered assistance. I can't imagine something I haven't covered but I'm sure there will be something.

Received a letter from the surgeon's office with all my work up appointments, it's going to get busy. My son's Scout troop has a camping trip scheduled for Oct 21 - 23, I'm going to try to go and get a good weekend in before I become housebound. Trying to tie it all up.

More later...

D - 27

2005-10-04T05:14:00.000-04:00

More preparations around the home, handrails on stairs, winter prep.

Starting to see some paperwork, insurance etc.

Other than that just counting down.

Preparations

2005-09-27T21:28:00.000-04:00

D minus 34
Spent this last weekend getting the house ready. I want to finish off any projects that I had going. I installed handrails on stairs so that after my homecoming I'll be able to get around the house.

I also have to get winter prep done, which considering we've had a really warm "indian summer" is hard to fathom. Winter will be here soon enough. We live in central Vermont, so even if the global warming people are right, I imagine it's still going to get cold.

Introduction

2005-09-24T01:09:00.000-04:00

I'm about to have surgery replacing my right hip. I have had leg pain in my right leg for over 5 years now. 4 years ago I was diagnosed as having osteoarthritis, degeneration and a few calcium growths on my right hip. At the time I was 42 and the orthopedic surgeon advised me to not have surgery as the standard replacement hip lasted 15 years and could be replaced only once after the original replacement. With the average male in my family living to 80 years that would put me in a wheelchair for 8 years or so.

Never really had an idea why my right hip went bad. I pulled my right thigh muscles playing softball over 20 years ago. Like most health conscious individuals in the 70s and 80s I ran. I put in about 35 - 100 miles a week for a long time. Ran a lot of 10ks, 5 milers and 1 marathon.

I did a lot of mountain hiking and sleeping on the ground.

A lot of the things I enjoyed I couldn't do anymore. I couldn't ride a bike as one of the calcium growths was in the rotational area of the ball. So the last few years I couldn't get any real cardio workouts. I tried step aerobics, actually enjoyed it but I couldn't get consistent because of the leg pain. I enjoyed swimming but doing laps was pretty dull.

My weight and cholesterol was up at my last physical. My personal care physician also noticed a shift in my attitude and did depression screening on me which I flunked. We talked about reasons and everything came back to the hip. He advised me to go back to the orthopedic surgeon and see what could be done.

I have avoided pain meds for the problem as I didn't want to injure my right knee which has been working overtime compensating for the hip.

After a brief exam by the surgeon it was suggested I get a total hip replacement on my right hip. It seems that in the last 4 years they have a new replacement hip system which replaces the hip and the socket. I would have a ceramic to ceramic joint that would probably not need replacing.

So on November 1st I will get a new hip.

This blog will be my journey back