I did my daily bike ride this afternoon. Only a couple of miles but it was enjoyable. I am making progress in my journey of healing but at a cost of somewhat increased pain levels.
Since I started riding daily my walking has definately improved. I am now walking around without using my cane most of the time. I usually need it first thing in the morning as I awake with a very stiff and sore hip. But once I have moved around a bit I am usually able to set it aside and walk reasonably well albeit with a pronounced limp. But it's progress.
The pain in my hip and leg in constant now, but I feel that it's a healing pain. Most of the time it's a deep, constant ache. Other times it's quite sharp. My leg is becoming stronger with each day and I look forward to getting out and doing some longer distance riding some day. I'm slowly working toward that goal.
The healing is coming along, gains are being made, but the price is measured in pain. Please don't get me wrong, I am not complaining here. I view my constant companion Pain as a sign that my body is going about the work of repairing itself. My cycling is helping it to do what needs to be done and it can't accomplish it's task without the pain of healing.
Every day I look forward to my rides as I think about how just a short time ago I wasn't even able to walk without the use of crutches. When on my bike I feel free. But that freedom comes with the knowledge that pain is close behind.
It's worth it.