My Journey Through Hip Labrum Recovery: Entry 3 - Recovering

This morning marks day 5 of the recovery process since the surgery to repair my hip. When I was told this was my only option to run with the same intensity ever again, I started the process of doing research to better understand the mechanics of the surgery, the aftermath and any tips athletes had to offer from their experience. Along with what my research uncovered, I now have my own set of universal truths that I would like to share in hopes of educating those going through the same thing.

• First of all, it's not the end of the world. More than likely, you will be able to resume your pre-jacked up hip activities. The flip side is that it's not days or weeks, but months before you can do so. Learn to accept this and build upon your patience level (which the majority of triathletes have zero, so this is a good place to start).
• Opt in for the spinal tap before surgery...it will save you 12 hours of misery afterwards.
• Realize that you are going to need help doing the normal, mundane things that are typically taken for granted and understand that you will absolutely have to ask for help... Sitting up. Sitting down. Putting on underwear (or just go with gym shorts full-time). Putting on socks. Showering. Moving pillows. And last/most important/most personal, going to the bathroom (which by the way is a marathon in and of itself). This is not a training run, you cannot do any of these by yourself.
•  The CPM machine sucks, You have to wear this thing for 6 hours/day and it is loud, uncomfortable and monotonous. Imagine the worst amusement park ride ever built: it takes your knee up to the angle you choose, then back down. And does it again. And again. And just when you think it might deviate, it does it again. But wear it to prevent atrophy in your leg and protect those quads that you have worked so hard to build up,
• Medications...I have 4 prescriptions for pills and 2 prescriptions for topical compounds. There is absolutely no way that you are going to remember to take 1 pill every 4 hours, another every 6, another once a day and another only if your stomach hurts (and then every 2-3 hours). That and you need to rub a NSAI cream on your hip. I built a spreadsheet, no joke.
• Stay hydrated. You will wake up with hangover-esque headaches otherwise...I use coconut water, G2 and tons of water.
• Crackers are a life saver when your stomach is aching.
• Larabars have become my breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Crutches suck. I went to amazon.com and bought these things called "crutcheze" which have been extremely helpful in preventing sores on my hands and underarms.
• Start physical therapy immediately, otherwise you will start getting sore on parts of your body that didn't have holes punched into them.
• Get plenty of books and magazines to read.
• Load up your ipod with music that can play while you doze in and out of consciousness.
• Those geek socks that race directors give away in their swag bags are awesome to sleep in.
• Count your blessings...

I am hanging in there and progressing quite well. I am able to put weight on my foot while on crutches and I have my first physical therapy session this afternoon, so things are turning around for the best. The pain is manageable and I am getting better at managing the logistics of getting around. I owe all of my progress, from the surgery to now, to the prayers and thoughts of all of my family and friends. There is absolutely no way to do it otherwise!

Will follow-up after PT this afternoon. Thanks for keeping up with my adventure.

Kelly