Bodybuilder Sheila Bleck has never shied away from a challenge, and her recent recovery from hip replacement surgery is no exception. Known for her strength and resilience, Bleck shared her personal journey of bouncing back through a series of Instagram posts. From returning to the gym just days after surgery to carefully rebuilding her damaged muscles, she’s chronicled every step of the healing process. Through patience, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to recovery, Bleck is gradually getting back on her feet. She has been open about her fears, struggles, and triumphs, offering herself as an example of determination. Her story highlights the importance of self-care, following medical advice, and leaning on a strong support system during difficult times.
1. She’s Took It Slow
Recovering from a hip replacement varies with each person, but Bleck was determined to return to her regular routine. She was back in the gym just a few days after surgery, doing lightweight exercises but no heavy lifting and took her workouts slow. “What most of you did not know was the hell I was going through,” she wrote. “I walked incorrectly to get around. I could not do treadmill , stairmill, precore machines. Just a spin bike or row machine. No Squats. Hard to do leg curls the list is long.” She added, “I'd say difficult 2 yrs and nerve pain kicked in June and surgery July. Yes I did MRIs n x rays, but no one did my hip. It's a frustrating story. So during all this. I have nerve damage. So I'm retraining my muscles. In video I show you. Glute sagged, hamstring and calve atrophy. So as I journalize my recovery. Im journaling on how well I can rebuild what got damaged.”
2. Wanted to be an Example
Two days before her surgery, Bleck shared she was “petrified” and “scared” but explained the pain was so bad her hip felt like it was “rotting .” She tried to prolong the situation by “easy training and diet,” but the pain became too overwhelming. Bleck admitted she was also not in a position financially for a major surgery. “The world intimidates you,” she wrote. “Your poor its expensive you better be prepared. Well I am not.” She ended her lengthy video by saying she wanted to be an “example” for others.
3. Followed Doctor’s Orders
Sheila Bleck/Instagram
Three days after surgery, Bleck did a video explaining her post-opp orders and how she’s following doctor’s advice. “My days are spent legs elevated and cold packing them. It took a day too finally sleep and not be paranoid. Im sleeping now. My leg has felt dead. But the feeling is coming back. Again a very unsettling feeling. I am swollen. But its moderate not severe. I am not in pain. If anything its a mild ache as things are waking up. I use my walker to get around. I wear compression socks all day except at night.”
4. The Road to Recovery is Hard
A week after surgery, Bleck was using a walker, but navigated stairs on her own without one. She started physical training and said the swelling was a “discomfort” she “absolutely hated,” by PT helped her mentally work through it. At this point, she didn’t have much of an appetite, but she wasn’t in serious pain and she wasn’t limping.
5. Thankful for Support
In one of the final videos Bleck posted about her recovery, it had been 16 days since her operation and she was doing well in recovery. She had stopped using a walker adn cane, and was back to doing light workouts in the gym. “I had a lot a lot of support going into this. I promise. Not one of you wasted your time w/ me. You all either did emotional support or shared experiences. Next was my job to show you guys I'm healing correctly and following protocols. Letting you all know my results. Unfortunately I have mild arthritis in my right hip. Fortunately I know how to handle my situation and myself better for when the time comes again. Thank you for being there. Thank you for reading and listening.”
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