January 3, 2008
off crutches!
Day 18: I went to physical therapy yesterday and then at night went to a new gym, where I did more stationary biking and some light leg-presses. Of course I did a little more weight than the therapist told me to. But I didn’t push it too hard.  I limped around without a crutch most of the evening. Not much pain and it has been more than 2 weeks… This morning, I went to the physical therapist’s again and she said it seemed like I gained more range-of-motion overnight. Interesting… Then, after work, I went to the doctor’s. I got my stitches pulled out and the doctor looked me over, asked me how I felt, then told me I could ease off the crutches whenever I felt ready. I officially retired the crutches today. I got some “after” X-rays taken. I will post many of these images here before too long. He said I could have the other hip done as soon as one month from now. But due to my hectic upcoming plans for karate activities, I told him I would need to hold off for a few months.  I made an appointment to see him for a routine followup in about 6 weeks, at which time we will plan out when I will get the additional Xrays, etc, to start preparing for surgery on the right hip. I taught Karate this evening. I was not on my feet the whole time and cut the class short. I didn’t feel much “pain” but did feel a little “discomfort” a few times, so I eased off and eventually sat down. It is frustrating to not be able to get right back into training but my patience will pay off. I plan to visit the gym again at least twice over the weekend and will teach my class on Saturday (our annual review of all the 26 JKA kata) but plan to not physically participate much.