Spring in My Step Again

Spring is finally here and that means outdoor activities are picking up. For me that means cleaning up the yard from winter (ugh!), walks outside, more bike rides, softball season, disc golf, and eventually getting back into roller hockey after over 2 years off due to my bad hip.

       My new hip is 11 weeks old and raring to go. We had our first softball practice last weekend and it was liberating to be able to move easily again. Being able to put weight on my back leg during batting practice had me hitting better than ever, and I was even able to run a bit. It felt good to be fully mobile again after 2 rough seasons, and I was pleasantly surprised at no soreness the next day. I’ve now joined a growing list of teammates with new parts. Hey, it’s an over 55 league.

      I am thankful that the surgery went so smoothly and that my surgeon is a believer in immediately starting physical therapy. That got me up and moving right away and I pushed myself – within limits advised by the therapists – to do more each day. It is due to those PT sessions, 2 weeks at home and 5 weeks at the facility, that I bounced back so quickly. Movement is the key to recovering flexibility and strength, and building both prior to surgery helped make recovery easier and faster.

      The toughest part has been regaining full strength and stamina after a couple of months off from weights and biking. Once the incision fully healed, I jumped back into my regular weight workouts. Still not at full strength but I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was able to complete most of the exercises. Getting there slowly. Same goes for biking. The legs and lungs are good, it’s the butt that needs to get used to being on a bike seat for extended periods. Those of you who ride understand that one all too well.

Also need to get used to the gearing on my mountain bike again as it is very different from my hybrid that I ride on the road. Couldn’t ride the mountain bike for the last few months before surgery due to the position my legs have to be in as I have toe cups on the pedals, so my feet don’t slide off while trail riding. Got in a couple of short rides around town and feeling good on the bike. Looking forward to hitting Columbia Trail in nearby High Bridge when the ground dries out a bit. As a bonus, a new brewery - Esker Hart Artisan Ales – took over where High Rail Brewing used to be, and they will be opening in April or May. Perfect timing for post ride pints! 

It's been a quick 11 weeks and the pain I had prior to surgery seems a distant memory. As I joined the replacement parts club, several friends at our local brewery have asked about my experience and requested information about my surgeon. I have happily recommended him to five people with various hip issues and look forward to them getting the results I got. If this keeps up, I may have to request a finder’s fee from him!

Once again, to all of you reading this who have hip, knee, back, or other issues that limit your activities and impact your life, don’t wait. The sooner you overcome your apprehension about potential surgery, the sooner you will get your life back. After putting it off for over a year due to my own fears, I am now grateful for my new hip. A friend who just had a procedure to open blocked arteries in his legs said, “we’ve been given new legs”. It’s more than that I told him, we’ve been given new life.

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com  3-25-2024