As a birthday present I received tickets to the Canada v. USA Rugby Game at the Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton on June 24, 2017. I originally was not going as I wasn’t sure where I would be in my recovery, but, because my boyfriend is awesome, he got me tickets once he knew I would be able to handle the event.
Preparing for the Day
The day started early. I showered on my own for the first time! Well, the boyfriend was close but I was independent the entire time. I set up the bathroom the evening before. Ensured that all my containers I would need would be within reach (without breaking 90 degrees). It was a great success!! I could get in and out of the tub independently from my chair, water didn’t get everywhere (which is challenging when sitting and shower even without limitations) and my boyfriend was able to continue sleeping (although I’m sure he had one eye open just in case). Everyone won!!
After I went downstairs, made myself and the boyfriend breakfast and continued getting ready. A frustration that plagues me is my speed on the stairs. I can’t just run to do something or get something. It has to all be planned out, so at times when I’m anxious and feel like I need to get so much more done (like this morning) I get frustrated and annoyed easily. Some of the things I just can’t get done, like make-up or more attention to my hair, sacrifices had to be made.
Pre-Game
Anyways, a girlfriend drove us to Hamilton. We started at a friends house for some drinks and food. I 1 crutched around her yard and the house. When I sat on the outside couch everyone would alway leave me wiggle room and when I went inside to watch something someone would give up their spot on the couch with back support for me (so I could lean back a little and relax). I told them I could have sat on the floor but they wouldn’t hear of it. My friends are sweethearts.
Later a bus picked us all up to go to the rugby game. I made sure to have both crutches. It’s one thing to move around a home with only a few people with 1 crutch and another when I’m out in public places. The bus ride was fine for my hip, luckily as wasn’t very sensitive to bumps anymore. Otherwise I would not have attempted the bus ride… that wouldn’t have been insane. Also, school buses are not designed for people with crutches. The isle is so narrow!! I already knew that it was tight but you really feel it when you are trying to crutch down it to get to a seat. So needless to say I sat near the front, I couldn’t get any further.
So before the game even started there was a tailgate party included in the festivities. As the bus approached the stadium it kept driving past it… for a couple of blocks. I was like WTF!! I had no idea the tailgate wasn’t at the stadium as it had been for other events in the past. This now meant a bit of a walk for someone on crutches… I was a little nervous (and so was the boyfriend).
But after a beer and part of a hamburger the boyfriend and I started to make our way to the stadium (before most other people haha). We took our time (and a break or two) and finally arrived at our gate. Time to head to our seats!
Note: If you are at a public event on crutches, people will often help you out. It was nice how helpful Ruggers (rugby people) are!
Game Time
When we arrived to the stadium we got to the elevator (it was huge!). The security guard at the elevator used a metal detector to scan us. That’s a 1st for me with new hips. Did you know that the beeping noise is different for implants compared to other external metal? Me neither. That was a cool learning experience. (I have since been through other ones and I haven’t had the same response, so it may be related to the type of metal detector they used). The security guard knew a lot. Kinda cool to hear my hips go off, cause they don’t do anything in the big walk through scanners at the airport.
We had box seats and they were pretty sweet! Not only because of the view but also because I knew there wouldn’t be randoms trying to get passed me and I could stretch my newest hip leg straight out to not break my 90 degree restriction. I could also stand whenever needed to stretch out and move around. Normal seats would not have been safe for me at this point in recovery.
Ever since finding out that I needed hip replacements I have gotten into some very interesting conversations. And today was no exception. So many people with so many different experiences with pain, joint replacements and tons of other relate able topics. Sure having to get hip replacements suck but it has also enriched my life in so many ways (beside no longer being in pain).
Post-Game
When the game was done we rushed back to the bus. The shenanigans continued back at my friends house. I’ll be honest I did fall once that evening, it was onto my right knee (the recovered, good leg). I was exhausted and it just gave out for a second (I only had my one crutch with me at the time). I honestly don’t remember a trigger, it was just more tired then I was registering, I think. It was a little embarrassing but it happened. I was fine, I didn’t go all the way down, just onto my good knee.
The Following Day or Two
I slept like a baby and just watched TV all day. My right left felt sore (like it had a good workout the day before… which it did). My right butt and leg could feel the effects of all the activities for a few days.
I’m getting comfortable laying on my operated side. It doesn’t cause pain to lay on that side anymore but it still feels a little weird and some pressure if that makes sense (it’s hard to explain). I laid on my left side for a good 10 minutes while watching a movie.
Moving Forward
I was starting to get super excited about moving forward with life. Once I’m off crutches (less then a week at this point) that’s it for me, I’m off crutches. There isn’t another hip waiting to be changed, there isn’t another surgery or rehabilitation from surgery for many many years! The last year or so has been me waiting and anticipating… but not anymore! The possibilities are soon endless and limitations (both pre-surgery pain and post-surgery restrictions) will be GONE!!