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.

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 =)

I'm sending out a HUGE congratulations to a fellow hip chick for completing a half marathon over the weekend!!! What a great accomplishment, and with a reconstructed hip and another that is holding its own. Way too go, Beth!

He Did It!

Just Awesome! Follow up from the link below.

Inspiration

Think a PAO is a big deal to recover from? Here's some inspiration from a guy that's got it a lot worse. Quite amazing. Go Blue!

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100720/SPORTS0201/7200317/U-M-coaches-helping-player-s-brother-to-walk-again

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

Wow, two years have now passed since under going RPAO surgery. Here's how I spent my day--teaching a water class, working, then taking the kid to the park to play some ball with him. Pretty cool that it was all done pain-free. Don't get me wrong, it aches on occasion but that usually only lasts a few minutes and I still do get some muscle spams but nothing that keeps me idle for long. I can do lunges/squats and ride a bike all day long, but please don't make me jog or jump! I've learned to modify as needed, it's just good not to be a slave to my hips. I can still feel in my heart where the fear of surgery once was, and what a relief to have that all behind me now. For those of you preparing for this surgery, you'll find you're stronger than you ever thought possible and you'll be so relieved to be on the other side. I must say, "Thank you Dr.Z for giving me my life back!!!"

Nerves

The body continues to amaze me. As I'm driving yesterday, out of the blue I had the most intense electrical-like, burning feeling take over the front of my upper thigh. This burning feeling created an intense itch and I swear I could feel these electrical like currents running through my skin. After awhile I forgot about it, then suddenly today it hit me that my thigh is not quite as numb as it use to be! I have more feeling in it today than I did yesterday. Isn't that weird, I'm coming up on 2 years post-PAO in July and my body is still continuing to reconnect.

Ultimate Compliment

I received a compliment the other day after teaching a weight resistance class . . .that I'm even tougher now than before surgery! Maybe they have a short memory, but I'll take it. It's good to know that I can still challenge them =)

Continued Traffic

I haven't posted in awhile, but am amazed at the traffic this blog continues to receive. I hope people find it to be a good resource for anyone facing PAO surgery. I can tell you that I am so glad I had this surgery. On my way to teach a class today I was wondering how things would be if this surgery wasn't available for someone like me. Would I limp in shear pain for the rest of my life? Would I have stomach ulcers from so many pain killers? Would I have faced a total hip replacement in my early 30s? Not nice thoughts I know, but they make me even more grateful for having access to a great surgeon.

Just wanted to check in . . .like I've said before--No news is good news!

Hip Girls!

What would we do without our 'Hip Girls?!' Or at least the internet with so much information on PAOs and such. It's the first place everyone hits after being told they're in need of having their hip cut out and repositioned, and by the way you'll be down and out for 8 weeks. In my journey it seems like each women finds at least one story to latch on to and follow. I know I did, and I had the opportunity recently to meet my hip idol and have a couple of beers. Of course we talked hips, but what was even better is that we've both moved on from hips and have our lives back!! I can't thank her enough though for answering my questions in my time of distress. It's nice to have someone to lean on! I know I've also been that point person for a couple of other ladies that have contacted me (turns out I even worked with one years back!) I'm glad I started the blog because I know how scary the process can be, and just to have someone's story to reference is nice. Although each person's experience is so different.

No News is Good News

It's been a while since I last posted, but that's because there really isn't too much going on with my hip. And in the world of hips. no news is good news! I can tell you that it's calmed down from October when pivoting was stopping me in my tracks, thank goodness! I started teaching a resistance and weight class once again, and I can feel improvements with each week. I do a lot of work with exercise cuffs, squats, and lunges and the great news is that my leg is able to do what I tell it. My range of motion while in a lunge stance has also improved, and certain stretches are now more comfortable (like laying on my back, 1 foot on the floor with the knee bent, and the other ankle crossed over the bent knee.) So nothing exciting, but that's a good thing!

Massaging the Scar Tissue

OMG, can I just say "OUCH!" I had my scar worked on today by a massage therapist, and boy does that hurt. The skin literally had adhered to the bone, and it hurts like a banshee to have someone apply pressure to it, let alone force. She told me to keep working it. Problem is that the most I can stomach from myself is just applying some oil and lightly rubbing it in. It's hard to inflict pain on one's self. I can feel the heat coming off of it right now, and it's been 5 hours.

No so fast . . .

I'm suppose to be merrily going about my business at this stage of the game, but for the past 4 days my hip is constantly on my mind and has me wondering 'What is going on?!' Out of the blue I've been having pain in the groin area, the same general area where the cartilage was originally torn. It started when I knelt down to kiss my son one day, and is now most prevalent when I pivot. I've also had the sharp electric like shocks pinging me along my outer hip, so maybe the nerves are still trying to reconnect? I can only hope. In spite of this, I did manage to play some golf over the weekend, I figured if it's gonna tear, then it's gonna tear. But of course, that is the worst thing that could happen. Hopefully I'm worried about nothing and the hip calms down--the sooner the better!

1 Year Post Op Appt

It's been 1 year and 1 month to the date since my RPAO, and today I had my 1 year follow up appointment. 2 days ago I had a very unusual pain in my outer hip while teaching a class. It felt as it something had chipped off, hurting so badly that I couldn't put pressure on my leg for a few minutes. My doc thinks it was just a muscle spasm and nothing related to the joint. Thank goodness for that! And I was so please that this spasm decided to happen prior to my appointment rather than after!!

I was also told that if I want more kids to go for it and that no special considerations need to be done for my hip. So that was also good news. I sometimes worry as the hips really change during pregnancy with the joints loosening up and such.

And I told him that my good hip is calming down from all the extra work I put it through last year, but I'm mindful of the activities I do being careful not to irritate it. I pray I never have to go through this again!

So that's it! I go back in a year. What a difference a year makes.