Stairs and conquering and such

-
I warily went up my first stair on Mother's Day, two and a half weeks post op. This week, I've conquered 14 stairs in a row no less than four times each day. Going up takes a little more effort and tends to cause a little more discomfort; going down causes more fear and requires more concentration.

Tonight, I climbed those 14 wooden stairs with a backpack and a bag from Target in hand. (Photo for all my girlfriends who wanted me to zoom around in the motorized cart.)

And if that wasn't enough, today I also decided to try to get into my little two-door coupe to see if I'd ever be able to drive back to Colorado. I conquered that, as well. And it was EASY.

And if that wasn't enough, today I also was able to kneel with my good leg on the floor to search for something in a low cabinet.

And if that wasn't enough, today I also was able to grab from a standing position -- not with my grabber but with my own hand -- a cord that was ON THE FLOOR.

I have a new gnawing pain in my backside and a little achiness when I overdo it, but my pain is so minimal that it might as well be nonexistent. I feel great; I feel strong. I'm less than a month post-op and feel that I will soon be able to conquer the world. And without pain!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Yea Cassie! Sounds like you are doing AWESOME! When do we get to go out dancing?!!!!
May 19, 2008
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dreams

-
I still have bad dreams about having hip surgeries. It's been nine years since I went under the knife. The surgeries seem far from mind – I don't have daily pain, I don't talk about hip dysplasia, and when I get undressed, I rarely notice the thin white scars on either side of my hips. When I do think about it all, gratitude and pride overwhelm me. I think of my recovery and wonderful life that has followed. It's strange then, that my brain sums up this life-changing event with disturbing scenes from an operating room, flooding me with anxiety and reminding me of the unpleasant parts of PAOs. But maybe the nightmares have some value, after all. Being reminded of the stress and pain and work that went into fixing my hips also reminds me of how strong I was to get through it. Never forget.
Read more

4 years post-op LPAO

-
Image
It's been four years since my left hip surgery, the day-long event that became a years-long cornucopia for which I am eternally thankful. My thanks does not wane, even though the periods of pain-free living have started to. Between anniversaries three and four, I have to admit that life has been a little tougher. My hips hurt more often and are less willing to take the beatings an active lifestyle evokes. My mind returns to dark places of my past, when pain ruled and I couldn't count on my body. The most challenging aspect is not letting fears and negative thoughts squash the positive feelings and abilities my new hips gave me. Post-surgery pains are completely different than pre-surgery's. Sporadic, unpredictable and in places I didn't think even counted as "hip pain." Post-surgery pains also have been easier to control, just harder to understand. I am considering a visit to a hip doc in my town, rather than a flight to Tacoma to see Dr. Mayo. I need to
Read more

11 years post op

-
Image
In April, my left hip turned 11. I'm happy to say I'm still doing great, and have even surpassed my own goal of making it more than 10 years (mostly) pain free. At this point, I think you could safely call me a success story. I've been having more pain than usual in my left hip, but it's usually caused by squats and lunges, which are a part of the weight lifting classes I take. May have to rethink those in the near future, but for now, I'll take the bit of pain. Always thankful. My hips are rock stars.
Read more