I am just over 2 weeks post op from second half of Bilateral. The first week
was definitely a challenge. I took the pain pills before I felt I needed
them and that worked great, not much pain to deal with. I was a little
unprepared for how useless my legs would be, a good deal of swelling even
with the ice machine. I guess the big downside from Bilateral is not having
a good leg to help out. I defintely questioned the wisdom at first but now
I'm sure it was the right way to go.
When I first arrived home from Columbia it was all I could do to walk from
the car to the house, but each day was noticeably better. After the first
week at home I made it around the block, roughly a mile, and I have
continued to do that walk daily, getting faster each day. I hope to lose the
crutches soon. there is still a measureable difference in the recovery
between the first and second leg that I find interesting.
So far so good, hope to head back to work next monday
4/23 ( 3 weeks post op)- Back at work, no real issues just need to prop my
feet up as often as I can to minimize any swelling. Using one crutch, mostly
just carrying it around for balance. I also went to the health club and rode
the stationary bike for half an hour, pretty stiff but no real pain. I can't
wait until I can finally tie my own shoes...
4/30 Walking without a cane, riding the stationary bike for about 30 minutes
a day, I even cut the grass a couple of days ago. Stairs are still a little
dicey. I have to remember all the things I'm not supposed to be doing as I
am definitely tempted to push it a little bit.
2 year followup
I have to say except for setting off the detectors at the airport, I
never give a thought to having had bilateral over 2 years ago. There is very
rare startup stiffness but for the most part I do whatever I want with no
pain. The range of motion in my hips is so much better than before surgery.
I used to develop lower back pain from being on my feet too long, that is
all gone and I am free to bicycle and RUN after my kids which I was not able
to do prior to surgery...
