I've made really good progress in physical therapy the last few weeks. I am less stiff and have a much better range of motion than even just last week. Ben helped with with a stretch today and was shocked at how far I could move my leg to the outside while laying on my back. He has to help hold the leg and pull it outward because I do not have the muscle strength to do it myself yet. He stopped pulling it out even before I was ready because he was scared he was going to break me! I told him not to worry- I would definitely stop him before he broke me. And wait, isn't my hip already broken??
My dad's visit was great, but of course it was too short. He and my mom flew home to Vermont yesterday. My poor mom went from North Carolina weather for 5 weeks, then back to 2 feet of snow. Yuck! Owen had a stomach bug all weekend, so we stuck mostly to home. Mom and I worked on our 1000 piece puzzle, while dad attempted to make Lego trucks for Owen and Landon. I'm not sure what's harder, a 1000 piece puzzle, or finding the correct Lego piece when they are scattered all over the house?
I didn't have much time to miss my parents with my appointments and the company of Ben who had taken the day off. But when I sat to do my puzzle in between appointments, I had a short cry. I missed my puzzle partner, my nurse for the past 5 weeks, my Mom, who no matter how old you get always makes you feel better when you are down. We've lived 800 miles apart for the past 8 years, and it never gets easier. I am a very lucky girl to have had her here that long.
Today was much easier for everyone, getting into a new morning routine without the help of my Mom. I didn't have to go anywhere, so could stay in my pajamas all day if I wanted to. There was no rush for me to get ready. Owen was more than willing to be helpful, and even go himself fully dressed. Ben is working from home for the rest of the week, so he has kept me company and helped me shower this afternoon.
Showering has gotten much easier. I can now get myself into the tub all by myself with the help of my shower bench. I close the curtain, shower, then yell for help when it's time to get out. And just today, I was able to shave my legs all by myself!! I am slowly reaching further down my legs. Today, I was halfway down my calf, and my razor reached the rest of the way. So liberating! I can almost get out of the shower by myself, but standing up on tile floors with wet feet doesn't seem the safest right about now. I get help drying off (I can't reach my feet yet) and then help onto the bed. One thing I cannot do is lift my foot by myself. It just won't budge. So Ben helps me lift my leg up onto the bed, and I get dressed, do hair, makeup, etc, while sitting. We've got a pretty good routine going.
I want to note a few bits of progress in the past couple of days. For me lately, it is the little things that make a big impact on my recovery. I realize now how many things I take for granted each day.
3-21: Can now get in and out of the car unassisted (that is of course, until I need to walk)
3-25: Slept on operated side for the first time (only for a brief time, but hey, I'll take it!)
3-26: Played cars with the boys while sitting on the bottom stairs
3-31: Wore underwear for the first time without it being uncomfortable
4-1: Put my pants on all by myself
4-1 Shaved my own legs
I received a card from a friend in Vermont right after my surgery. It wasn't a "Get Better Soon" kind of card. It was a "Congratulations" card. "This calls for a celebration!" You know what? It certainly does!
Things are looking up!