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.

Chance Encounter

As I was sitting in a coffee shop this afternoon chatting with an old college buddy, through the window I watched a car pull into a handicap spot. Out came a girl on red millenial crutches, crutching her way into the store with her mom by her side. I said to my friend, "I bet that girl had PAO surgery." I recognize the walk and the crutches. I also knew that we weren't too far from my surgeon's office. Of course I couldn't resist asking if she had PAO surgery, and sure enough she did! After a few more questions we figured out that we actually "know" each other, as we've talked online many time and are actually friends on Facebook! What a small world. Nice to meet you in person, Marcie! Looks like you' are doing great and are right on target. Look me up next time you're in town =)