Tag Archives: hospital for special surgery

Joy

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It’s been seasons since I last posted.  The simple fact that I can say that would have made 2013 Me really happy.  2013 Me couldn’t even imagine getting to where I am today.  I haven’t written because I haven’t need to.  I don’t think about my hips all the time anymore.  Most of the time I don’t think about them at all.  They no longer rule my life, activities, thoughts and I am no longer in chronic pain.  I guess what I’m saying is that, cross my fingers and knock on wood, I’m better!

Sure, better is relative.  I am so much better than I was a year ago when I was being primed for the possibility of a hip replacement because of the persistent and exhausting pain.  I am better than I was after each of my four surgeries.  I can sit cross-legged on the floor and I am back to flying trapeze, aerial silks, the gym – everything but running (but I think I’ll get there). No – I’m not better than I was before all of this started. I do still have some pain, mostly aches if I sit too long or push myself too hard but at this point, who cares?  I sure as hell don’t.

I saw my surgeon Dr. Sink at HSS today for what was basically my 2 year follow-up from my PAO and my almost 2 year follow-up from my SDD.  EL with crests 3.5.15

To my surprise I was told that I don’t need to come back for three years, and then only if I want to.  We agreed that I’ll probably need a hip replacement (or two) sometime down the line but for now, I’m A-OK.  In fact, my x-ray weirdly looks like I never had a single surgery.  It took me twice as long as to heal as normal so yea, it was crazy how long it took – like molasses on a 10 degree incline slow – but I am pretty much there. I also know that Dr. Sink and everyone at HSS will be there if my hips falter, my stand-by support system.

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So as of now, the blog part of this site, as it is, is on indefinite hiatus. I’ve decided that I am going to maintain and improve the site so that people who are searching for information have a resource.  I still get between 50-100 hits a day, so clearly there are people out there who are looking for information and I’d like to help them.

For most of you it’s “until we meet again.” Thank you all, for the kindness you have shown me.  I was not alone through this – you were with me, reading along, and I am genuinely grateful.

 

Summer 2014

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Holy macaroni has a been a while! 6 months since my last post is inexcusable so I have made a commitment that even if I do not have an impending surgery scheduled, that I will update my blog at least once per season. And this, dear readers, is summer.

Since I last posted, I completed the “plan of attack” I mentioned in my previous post — a combination of 2/week pilates, 1/week physical therapy, daily anti-inflammatories, and monthly meetings with my surgeon.  I still need to lose weight (for health reasons) but am hopeful that the regimented schedule required by part-time law school in the fall will help that along.

I am happy to say that my right hip, the PAO side, is doing really well.  In general, I have no pain unless I walk for a really long time and even then, the pain is mild (though I have to acknowledge that I haven’t pushed my hips beyond basic activities like walking).  Dr. Sink has been very happy with this recovery as well, although he did acknowledge that my recovery from the PAO was about 200% of the average.  I am the turtle of recovery but dammit, I think I pretty crossed the finish line.

The left hip continues to strengthen but unfortunately, the pain caused by activity – specifically any significant distance walking – has steadily increased.  As a result, my left hip is out of line and thus in pain.  Often, after sitting for a period of time, my left hip will ache just from standing up and I limp around for a while like a Weeble-Wobble.  I avoid stairs as much as possible because they cause the greatest pain.  On top of it all, I have maxed out of PT sessions because apparently I am ‘all better.’  All of that said, Dr. Sink and I agree that it seems possible that it will continue to improve, if slowly, so I am going to wait a bit longer see him around Christmas to discuss next steps and to have new MRI and X-Rays taken.  Based on my symptoms and the pain level, my guess is that I will have a total hip replacement within the next 9-15 months.

All of that said, I start back at my last semester in of law school in 2 weeks, followed by the Bar in late February, and then I’m DONE!  While it is unlikely I will ever run again, I’ve wrapped my head around that fact.  However, I continue to take pilates, bowl, golf, ride my bike (on occasion) and even take weekly trapeze classes — strangely, trapeze doesn’t bother my hips a stitch —  and here is video proof from my trapeze show on August 8th.    Onwards to Fall!

Ex post long screws

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Not much new to report from hospital land. My hip and the incision site ache and burn. My right leg basically does not work – it is incredibly heavy and like a dead muscular fish. Therefore, my left leg is having to bear the burden of walking and pretty much any activity I try. Unfortunately the left leg quickly becomes very weak and unstable and I feel like I could easily collapse (i have a similar problem with my left leg as the right and am having surgery in May.

It looks like i will be released tomorrow to recuperate at home for several months. Dressing over the incision comes off tomorrow too! For the meantime, here is an x-ray of my right hip post-PAO (the doctor takes numerous X-rays during the procedure to be sure that the placement is correct and he kindly gave me a copy). More photos coming soon!

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