Hamstring Avulsion (complete tear from pelvis)

[Katied]

I'm set at 20 degrees. Bummer. I can only prop up at best. When did any of you get to put partial weight on that leg? I am 2 weeks Monday and am still toe touch only.....BTW, just had my first shower and I feel like a new woman!!!! I would have showered sooner as the dr. said I could, but was a sissy and scared to take off the brace even for a minute.....

[tricializ]

I was told 50% weight bearing when I left the hospital but have to admit that I hardly use the crutches around the house. It's just not practical and doesn't hurt to walk in the brace as long as I"m not doing a lot of walking. But I will find out if I'm in trouble for that on Monday. I bet you feel better after the shower. I took one the day I got home as I just needed to. I did feel naked without the brace though (I guess I was, technically naked. haha) But I keep it on 24/7 otherwise. Sometimes I will take it off for an hour or two when I am laying in bed, not sleeping. Doc said that was ok.
Tricia

[mlfoster1]

I actually had a "0" degree brace set in the beginning. It was really hard and really challenged me while going to the bathroom. At 10 days, he gave me 20 degrees, which helped a lot. But I still couldn't drive until the brace came off because they just didn't want any pressure on the attachment. Even then, if was hard to drive because it was so difficult to bend at the hip. I used a big pillow and eventually got down all the way. At four months, I STILL have a few issues with my incision line. I think a few others have mentioned that in the passed also.

Everyone sounds really terrific and coming along so well!

[tricializ]

It's good to know (although sorry you are having pain) that others are experiencing incision pain. That is my biggest complaint. It hurts! The incision looks beautiful; no redness ever, not swollen etc. and not really hard and lumpy too much. So it is weird that it is so sore. But it makes me feel like I didn't screw things up to have pain there.

Another question....How long till people were able to take a bath (versus shower)? I am missing that a lot.
Tricia

[sunluver12]

Tricia, For me after the stitches were removed steri strips were placed and they came off by themselves after about 5 or 6 days then I could bathe...and you and I are of the same mindset, A bath is pure heaven Sorry your incision site is still painful, as is Michelles. Mine is red, wider than I expected and the stitches holes show up as much as the incision line, not pretty. I feel it tear a little undermeath at times when I move but thats ok I think. I have numbness too still at 7 weeks. I think all that's really normal for this amount of time. You are barely past your surgery, you have a ways to go girl! Hang in there.

[Katied]

I had a melt down today. I am still really hurting as it feels like a dog has his teeth in my butt and won't let go. I'm getting tired of being in the bed on propped up on the couch. I know I'm just feeling sorry for myself. My husband keeps telling me the brace isn't tight enough and pulls it tighter. When he turns around I loosen it again. I'm just tired of just laying around I quess. Thanks for listening. I know it will get better, but sometimes it just seems this is my new life FOREVER......

[Katied]

Michelle, how far along are you? Tricia you are just a week ahead of me, but it seems you are able to do more......

[Katied]

So, sunluver, you bathed by the time you were 2 weeks?

[sunluver12]

Katied,
Yes, about 15 days from surgery after the steri strips fell off on their own. It is difficult to get into the tub but I managed. Remember though..I never had a brace so I was already moving from day one and bending to the degree I could manage without too much pain. With you having a brace you'll be MUCH stiffer than I was. Bad days are going to happen katie, it's ok to feel a little sorry and even angry, good thing is that tomorrow and every day after get's a little better. We've all had those days and here's about the only place you can vent and we understand completely. I started walking in the neighborhood at about two weeks out and I cried each time, once to the mail man who always knew me as a runner, I was pretty pathetic, looking back on it, lol. I just felt I'd never feel in shape again! Worried I'd get fat and all of that....you'll get through this.

[mlfoster1]

Katie, I am a full four months now. You MUST remember that everyone is so different. The brace, while quite protective will cause more stiffness. But you'll get past that. I am now running on the treadmill a little, biking, on the eliptical, and working all the machines that are suitable for me.. We use a lot of the palates work to add to everything. I needed a lot of core strengthening as a result of chronic injuries to both hamstrings, so we work a lot on that. Many on the site had less pain, less stiffness, and very problems. But some didn't do as well.

This is a very important time for your healing process. Just let your body mend, and later you'll be able to ask it to do more. Push it now, and you'll have set backs which could delay your progress. The other day i stretched much more than I ever had. I suppose it was too much and for two days I've been really sore. Now I have to rest for three days....bummer.

As for bathing, I didn't take one until I could get in and out of the tub safely. I did showers.....very carefully.

Hang in there. You'll see. Every week will be better!