Anybody out there?

It's been so long that I even forgot the name of my blog and had to go searching for it! I'm 17+ years post right PAO, and after all these years of doing just fine, something is now not right. I did a light quad stretch a few months ago, and it has set off a series of events. At first I thought it just needed rest, but then I felt something tear. Fortunately, my original PAO surgeon is still working and is local, but it took weeks to get into see him. Then the pushback from the insurance company to get an MRI approved has delayed things. I was able to get an ultrasound that showed a femoral hernia, but the general surgeon and orthopedic surgeon were pushing for the MRI to get a full picture. I was finally able to have the MRA this week; waiting on the results as I type. An MRA is an MRI with contrast (this was my second time in this hip journey), and lets just say I do not like needles. Anyways, "Hello" to anyone who may be other there.

Relaxin

No, I'm not talking about taking it easy, although I wish.  I'm referring to the so called helpful hormone Relaxin that relaxes the body's muscles, joints, and ligaments during pregnancy.  Its effect centers on the joints of the pelvis, allowing them to stretch during delivery.  Well, I suspect it's also the cause of the recent dislocation feeling I've been experiencing in my operated hip.  Maybe dislocation isn't the right word, but wow it sure does stop me in my tracks and it is not a comfortable feeling.  It's down right scary!

5 Years!

I knew July marked 5 years post-PAO, but I had forgotten the actual date until I just revisited my previous posts.  Good thing for blogging.  The hips are doing well.  Occasional chiro adjustments are keeping me in line and feeling good.  An unexpected surprise will really test these hips over the next few months.  Our second child is due around Christmas--first one post-PAO.  So far so good over the first 5-months, let's hope it stays that ways!

4 Year Anniversary!

 Four years seems like an eternity ago.  I actually missed my anniversary date!  Guess that's a good thing.  The repaired hip continues to do well.  I still cater to it by not running or jumping in hopes that increases it's longevity.  My good hip had a few months of being not so good late last summer.  It was to the point where I was ready to pick up the phone and make the dreaded appointment with my hip doctor to schedule surgery, it seriously hurt that bad.  I decided I owed it to myself to try a much less invasive approach, and met with my son's chiropractor who said she's dealt with hips like mine before.  I didn't hold out much hope, but I gave it a shot.  My x-rays showed a hip that was turned inward, twisted-like.  My right hip and shoulder were a couple of inches higher than my left, and I could feel it with every step.  But  I swear after one adjustment I felt like new.  I was amazed.  I've continued with once monthly adjustments and haven't given much thought to my hips otherwise.  I'm not saying that would have solved my other hip's issues, but I'm thrilled with the results I've gotten thus far.

More Nerves

Not sure what's going on the last couple of weeks, but there's something going on with  the nerves in my right foot.  This is my operated side. I'm trying to figure out if the nerves are still coming back and the activity is picking up, or if the nerves are fading and numbness is setting in.  Sounds dumb, I know, but I really can't tell.  There's a tingling numb feeling in the arch of my right foot that comes and goes.  But I don't remember what it felt like before--if it was just completely numb and I never realized it or if it was normal and now something is going on.  I can tell that the nerves in my thigh have gradually improved, although still not perfect.  It's been almost 4 years since my RPAO, and I'm probably due for a check up (I think I stopped going after my 1 year check up.)

Painful Memories

I have a good friend that just had a PAO done on Friday. Reading her posts bring back a lot of painful memories, I literally have a pit in my stomach and feel a bit ill. I've managed to surpress so much of that experience as it was not pleasant at all. The first few days were the hardest. She will get through it and in a week from now she'll be so happy she's on the other side!

3 Years Out

Wow, it's already been 3 years since my RPAO. Funny thing is, that this post could be identical to what I wrote in my second year anniversary post. Taught a water class, went to work, hung out with my kid--just another day. I hardly ever reference my hips anymore, except when I have a new face in class. Then I feel like I have to explain why I do more coaching than jumping around, which usually ends up with comparing myself to an old golden retriever.

Nothing really too exciting to report, which is a good thing!! It's nice to be able to put years of hip problems behind me and get on with life.