Next Thursday will be my one year RPAO anniversary. That also means my LPAO will be 1.5 years old. It seems to have gone by in a blink of an eye, literally! I think my new job has a lot to do with it. It keeps me crazy busy, which is good for me.
Over the last few months I was experiencing reflux and burning in my belly and also a continuous cycle of anywhere from 5-7 mouth ulcers (not cold sores) at a time and it was miserable to eat or drink. My pcp tested some blood, which was negative, so the next step was to stop one drug at a time that I was taking. Mobic (my anti inflammatory) was the first and most logical choice. I was supposed to give it 2 weeks and if no relief, start it back up and stop the next drug. Well, the ulcers cleared up so it seems I'm getting sensitive to NSAIDs. No more Mobic, no more NSAIDs, at least for long term use. I've been off it now for three weeks and I feel a lot achier without it in my system. I told my friend at work today that I felt a major increase in pain and she pointed out the fact that I'm without the Mobic now. I hadn't connected the two until she said that. It surprised me how much it actually helped!
So at 1.5 years post LPAO, my left hip feels really well. It has begun to get painful clicking/snapping a little more occassionally now and the "bulging" feeling is still there but I don't have any residual aching after activity. I can be "rough" on this hip and it doesn't really bother me too much.
At 1 year post RPAO my right hip is still not good. It hurts no matter what I do and has begun to disrupt sleep more too. Driving has become really uncomfortable. The pain is distracting.
I do alright if I can move around and reposition myself. Walking short distances for the most part is ok, but I have to keep my stride short. Stretching out to a long stride hurts both hips actually. My SI joint pain on the right has flared up really bad again too. Of course, this could be due to no more Mobic.
I'm curiously awaiting my one year post op and screw removal post op combo appt on June 14 to find out if things are still status quo with the hip or if the xrays will show further breakdown. I also want to get a handle on surgery; the when, what, where, etc.
I haven't been able to run/jog again since stopping the Mobic. Everything hurts too much, and I really have no desire to pound my hips/knees and pay for it after. I will keep walking with incline to stay healthy. I'm having a difficult time controlling pain right now so it's hard to do even that.
The worst thing with the right hip right now is the spasms it will get. It starts on the side and rolls in waves to my groin and then right on down to my toes. Not typical spasms, but painful none-the-less. I'd rate it comparable to migraine pain.
I guess I really can't believe what a difference there has been in the recoveries of both my hips. A part of me still kicks myself for having done the very first hip scope 3 years ago, before I researched the crap out of hip dysplasia. Hindsight really is 20/20.
You win some, you lose some, right? Hopefully I'm still on the winning end of the spectrum for a few more years with my right side. I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Twisted sister
I finally had my appt with Dr. T, a patello-femoral specialist who is to knees as Dr. Z is to hips. Basically I was looking for how bad my malalignment is in numbers and to see if Dr. T suggested the same thing as Dr. Z. Both docs came up with the same conclusion about my left leg. Derotation osteotomies (DRO) for both the femur and tibia. My right femur is not "twisted" enough to consider any derotation.
So, normal femoral anteversion is 13* and normal tibial torsion is 25*. My right femur is anteverted 14* and my right tibia is externally rotated 37* (which is pretty significant). My left femur is excessively anteverted at 45* and my left tibial external torsion is at 45* (both numbers are very significant). So the DRO would be beneficial for my left leg. It is not something that HAS to be done but more on how I feel and adapt to limiting factors.
One interesting thing is my orthotics are doing me no good (as I've mentioned previously) because they are meant for arch support to keep from over pronating. But Dr. T showed me where having the orthotic would be most helpful and it's under the ball of my foot. That helps to align my femur/knee a bit more and take some stress off my knee. I actually have higher than normal arches and they are stiff. Who knew?? I also inquired if the dysplasia caused the miserable malalignment or vice versa. Dr. T said one does not cause the other but research shows that those with hip dysplasia are more likely to also have excessive anteversion. He was also very interested in how asymmetrical my femurs are. He said it's unusual for only one femur to be excessively anteverted. But then, my pelvis is also unusual according to Dr. Z, so maybe that has a lot to do with it! My guess is that it must be my tibias causing my knee caps to face inwards because the right knee looks like it faces in too even though my femur is nearly straight.
I learned a lot of interesting things at my appt yesterday, but as much as I liked Dr. T, I will not go to him for treatment. I'm a Z girl and staying that way ;)
So, normal femoral anteversion is 13* and normal tibial torsion is 25*. My right femur is anteverted 14* and my right tibia is externally rotated 37* (which is pretty significant). My left femur is excessively anteverted at 45* and my left tibial external torsion is at 45* (both numbers are very significant). So the DRO would be beneficial for my left leg. It is not something that HAS to be done but more on how I feel and adapt to limiting factors.
One interesting thing is my orthotics are doing me no good (as I've mentioned previously) because they are meant for arch support to keep from over pronating. But Dr. T showed me where having the orthotic would be most helpful and it's under the ball of my foot. That helps to align my femur/knee a bit more and take some stress off my knee. I actually have higher than normal arches and they are stiff. Who knew?? I also inquired if the dysplasia caused the miserable malalignment or vice versa. Dr. T said one does not cause the other but research shows that those with hip dysplasia are more likely to also have excessive anteversion. He was also very interested in how asymmetrical my femurs are. He said it's unusual for only one femur to be excessively anteverted. But then, my pelvis is also unusual according to Dr. Z, so maybe that has a lot to do with it! My guess is that it must be my tibias causing my knee caps to face inwards because the right knee looks like it faces in too even though my femur is nearly straight.
I learned a lot of interesting things at my appt yesterday, but as much as I liked Dr. T, I will not go to him for treatment. I'm a Z girl and staying that way ;)
Monday, April 9, 2012
Results are in
I heard back from Dr. Z today about the CT of my right hip. I'm in for another scope.
I have heterotopic ossification around the socket and my femoral head has bone spurs on it. My pubic symphysis is also degenerative (I didn't ask how or why but read that it can be caused from pelvic instability).
Anyway, since I can't have MRIs anymore, the scope is a way to determine the condition of my cartilage too. Dr. Z made me feel pretty good about my convincing him to do the scope with the PAO because now he has something to compare it to. He said it was a wise decision :)
I don't have an appointment with him til early June so I'll make more decisions then. I don't have FMLA again til October, so I know it will be at least 6 months til I go thru with this.
One good thing is he didn't feel this is urgent so much as it will hopefully give me some pain relief and ROM back, so scheduling it at my discretion and comfort is key.
At least now I don't feel so crazy!
I have heterotopic ossification around the socket and my femoral head has bone spurs on it. My pubic symphysis is also degenerative (I didn't ask how or why but read that it can be caused from pelvic instability).
Anyway, since I can't have MRIs anymore, the scope is a way to determine the condition of my cartilage too. Dr. Z made me feel pretty good about my convincing him to do the scope with the PAO because now he has something to compare it to. He said it was a wise decision :)
I don't have an appointment with him til early June so I'll make more decisions then. I don't have FMLA again til October, so I know it will be at least 6 months til I go thru with this.
One good thing is he didn't feel this is urgent so much as it will hopefully give me some pain relief and ROM back, so scheduling it at my discretion and comfort is key.
At least now I don't feel so crazy!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Screwless in Detroit
Screws are out, without a hitch. Took about 45 minutes in total. However, I didn't get to keep my screws. Something about they have to go to an inspection lab first (???) then they will mail them to me. I didn't quite understand this but I guess it must be a pretty new policy. Darn it, because I wanted to see how big the biggest screw is too!
I also got a cortisone injection to my left knee.
When I was being discharged, I realized that my bladder was really full and hurting. The nurse had me get dressed and go to the bathroom but I sat on the toilet for awhile and.....nothing. Not even a dribble. I spoke to the nurse about it and she got things rolling.
A bladder scan revealed a bladder full of urine, greater than 1000 ml, which prompted a straight catherization to relieve it. Much better!
Then it was time to go CT my right hip. They should have it reconstructed on Monday and Dr. Z said he'd call me about it next week sometime.
Having screws removed is pretty easy! No crutches, and 10 day restriction of no "rough housing" (only gentle play with the pups) and 30 day restriction of no "strenuous exercise" (ie: no running). He's mostly worried about the incision splitting open. I can take the dressing off in two days and shower at that point too. Whew! Time for a nap.
I also got a cortisone injection to my left knee.
When I was being discharged, I realized that my bladder was really full and hurting. The nurse had me get dressed and go to the bathroom but I sat on the toilet for awhile and.....nothing. Not even a dribble. I spoke to the nurse about it and she got things rolling.
A bladder scan revealed a bladder full of urine, greater than 1000 ml, which prompted a straight catherization to relieve it. Much better!
Then it was time to go CT my right hip. They should have it reconstructed on Monday and Dr. Z said he'd call me about it next week sometime.
Having screws removed is pretty easy! No crutches, and 10 day restriction of no "rough housing" (only gentle play with the pups) and 30 day restriction of no "strenuous exercise" (ie: no running). He's mostly worried about the incision splitting open. I can take the dressing off in two days and shower at that point too. Whew! Time for a nap.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Cool runnings!
I hope it's not too early to post this, but I've been running on the treadmill for the last two weeks...
Ok more like jogging and really only every other day. I am trying the couch to 5k treadmill training (just kind of making my own version) and so far I'm doing pretty decent!
Now, I haven't run this past my OS, but I think he'd be alright with it. I'm to the point where I'm so tired of waiting to feel better. I think I'm about as good as I'm going to get and I might as well just go for it while I can. To run one 5k is a bucket list item I really want to cross off my list of things to do. I want to run one race with my husband who has turned into somewhat of a marathoner. He's willing to do a 3 miler with me in order to help support and cheer me across the finish line.
This, among wanting to sky dive and zip line through the rain forest and write a book are just some of the things I aspire to do in my lifetime. I figure, why not now for the 5k? I'm not getting any younger or healthier just sitting and hoping my hips will last or be completely pain free...because they probably won't and they certainly aren't. Granted, I could do other exercise that is healthy but has much less impact on my joints, but riding a stationary bike doesn't get me across a finish line holding my husband's hand and feeling a sense of total accomplishment. I've been through hell and back the last few years, had some major life changing decisions made because of the surgeries, and I'm ready to do something fun, something not to be determined by the state of my joints.
Thus far, my left hip feels pretty good. Some painful snapping at times. That's it! Left knee is doing alright if I wear my brace. But my gait has changed and I have more and more frequent giving way, or buckling, of the knee (strangely enough, it's not very painful when it buckles).
The right hip is touch and go. I feel ok half the time and the other half I feel like the old pain is creeping back. I do think the steroid injection back in January had been helping up to this point. Now I'll just have to wait and see how it goes. The catching is starting again and the really deep pain is back when I flex my hip and then try to put weight on it. I ice and take way more anti inflammatories than I probably should, but whatever it takes.
I really probably shouldn't have started training now. I have my screw removal coming up in 10 days. Which means more than likely having to put the training on hold for a few weeks. It'll be like starting over by then. But that's what impatience does to a person!
One thing to note, that numb/bizarre feeling I was writing about in my right hip after the injection has remained. There is an area laterally across my thigh right over the scar to my hip scope incision that is getting more and more tingly/bizarre feeling. I don't understand why it's more noticable now but it is!
Ok more like jogging and really only every other day. I am trying the couch to 5k treadmill training (just kind of making my own version) and so far I'm doing pretty decent!
Now, I haven't run this past my OS, but I think he'd be alright with it. I'm to the point where I'm so tired of waiting to feel better. I think I'm about as good as I'm going to get and I might as well just go for it while I can. To run one 5k is a bucket list item I really want to cross off my list of things to do. I want to run one race with my husband who has turned into somewhat of a marathoner. He's willing to do a 3 miler with me in order to help support and cheer me across the finish line.
This, among wanting to sky dive and zip line through the rain forest and write a book are just some of the things I aspire to do in my lifetime. I figure, why not now for the 5k? I'm not getting any younger or healthier just sitting and hoping my hips will last or be completely pain free...because they probably won't and they certainly aren't. Granted, I could do other exercise that is healthy but has much less impact on my joints, but riding a stationary bike doesn't get me across a finish line holding my husband's hand and feeling a sense of total accomplishment. I've been through hell and back the last few years, had some major life changing decisions made because of the surgeries, and I'm ready to do something fun, something not to be determined by the state of my joints.
Thus far, my left hip feels pretty good. Some painful snapping at times. That's it! Left knee is doing alright if I wear my brace. But my gait has changed and I have more and more frequent giving way, or buckling, of the knee (strangely enough, it's not very painful when it buckles).
The right hip is touch and go. I feel ok half the time and the other half I feel like the old pain is creeping back. I do think the steroid injection back in January had been helping up to this point. Now I'll just have to wait and see how it goes. The catching is starting again and the really deep pain is back when I flex my hip and then try to put weight on it. I ice and take way more anti inflammatories than I probably should, but whatever it takes.
I really probably shouldn't have started training now. I have my screw removal coming up in 10 days. Which means more than likely having to put the training on hold for a few weeks. It'll be like starting over by then. But that's what impatience does to a person!
One thing to note, that numb/bizarre feeling I was writing about in my right hip after the injection has remained. There is an area laterally across my thigh right over the scar to my hip scope incision that is getting more and more tingly/bizarre feeling. I don't understand why it's more noticable now but it is!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
At least my toes look good!
Since the hip was injected, I've had moderate relief of my two main symptoms that led me to get the injection. I'm able to flex my hip without as much pain, still restricted to less than 90 degrees though, and can stand on it without the wincing pain afterwards (biggest thing is I can reach my toes to cut and paint my nails now! Hence the title of this post). However, I ended up with a really painful internal bruise, my right thigh was an inch bigger than my left, and I have sensation changes to my hip that are just bizarre. Nothing concerning though. I did have to drive back down to Detroit to be reviewed by Dr. Z two weeks after the injection to rule out hip infection from the injection and while I was there, he did say the possibility of heterotopic ossification (HO) could be what's causing my right hip to have the symptoms it does. If it's not HO, then it's adhesive capsulitis. There's a fix for the HO (scope) but if it's adhesions, then we'll just leave it alone. I had him take a look at my right hip muscles on the outer side (where my fat/muscle hernia is, and where the muscles around the incision look like they "cave in") to get his take on it. He said that is really common due to the density of soft tissue/adipose tissue/fascia there (especially if a person has weight loss after surgery) and that when we're all done with fixing my hip, he could refer me to a plastic surgeon to lipo out the irregularity and smooth down my leg muscles. Bonus!
Since the injection (which is also about the time I started my new position at work), I've had a slow return of the offending pain (my flexion is still limited), but the pressure from the bruise is getting a lot better. My new job is certainly easier on my body physically but I am learning that sitting isn't going to be the best thing either. Too much sitting causes the front of my hips to feel pain (the right hip feels the pinching pain and the left hip feels the "out of place" pain). I also participated in a snow shoe 5k (3 ish miles) last weekend and really had fun! I didn't fare so well physically (fell once during the walk and had some tracking issues with my knees) but it felt good to DO something. Of course, same old, same old with the right hip and left knee pain that plague me. I still continue to ice/heat, wear my knee brace, and consume pills to keep me functioning. I can't wait for the day when I can just go do something physically active and not pay for it for the next few days (like how my left hip feels!!).
I still wake up tired and unrefreshed even though I'm taking Lunesta to help me sleep through the night. My knees feel stiff and achy first thing but then calm down once I'm up and moving and the right hip is always sore upon waking. I definately shouldn't feel like I've run a 5k after light/moderate house chores either, but yet that is how my right hip/left knee react. I'm pretty confident that my right hip will be about as good as the left side once we know what we're facing, because then I can get the correct treatment for it, whether it be the scope or just continue strengthening/injections. I did schedule a 2nd opinion consultation with a patello-femoral specialist (Dr. Teitge) for my left knee however. I'll be seeing him in April and getting a rotational 3D CT scan of my lower body to see how bad my malalignment really is. I want to know what his thoughts are on treating my alignment, see if knee injections would be something I could do, and if surgery really is the only option (other than doing nothing) to getting rid of the knee pain/instability. Then I'll just digest what he says and sit on it awhile before deciding what to do if anything needs to be done. Ultimately, I want to stay under the care of Dr. Z as he has been through the majority of all this. It's always good to have an extra set of expert eyes look at you in my opinion, as different view points can shed light on things. Plus it'll be interesting to hear what Dr. T thinks of my dysplasia in relation to the miserable malalignment, if one caused the other or if they just typically go hand in hand.
Since the injection (which is also about the time I started my new position at work), I've had a slow return of the offending pain (my flexion is still limited), but the pressure from the bruise is getting a lot better. My new job is certainly easier on my body physically but I am learning that sitting isn't going to be the best thing either. Too much sitting causes the front of my hips to feel pain (the right hip feels the pinching pain and the left hip feels the "out of place" pain). I also participated in a snow shoe 5k (3 ish miles) last weekend and really had fun! I didn't fare so well physically (fell once during the walk and had some tracking issues with my knees) but it felt good to DO something. Of course, same old, same old with the right hip and left knee pain that plague me. I still continue to ice/heat, wear my knee brace, and consume pills to keep me functioning. I can't wait for the day when I can just go do something physically active and not pay for it for the next few days (like how my left hip feels!!).
I still wake up tired and unrefreshed even though I'm taking Lunesta to help me sleep through the night. My knees feel stiff and achy first thing but then calm down once I'm up and moving and the right hip is always sore upon waking. I definately shouldn't feel like I've run a 5k after light/moderate house chores either, but yet that is how my right hip/left knee react. I'm pretty confident that my right hip will be about as good as the left side once we know what we're facing, because then I can get the correct treatment for it, whether it be the scope or just continue strengthening/injections. I did schedule a 2nd opinion consultation with a patello-femoral specialist (Dr. Teitge) for my left knee however. I'll be seeing him in April and getting a rotational 3D CT scan of my lower body to see how bad my malalignment really is. I want to know what his thoughts are on treating my alignment, see if knee injections would be something I could do, and if surgery really is the only option (other than doing nothing) to getting rid of the knee pain/instability. Then I'll just digest what he says and sit on it awhile before deciding what to do if anything needs to be done. Ultimately, I want to stay under the care of Dr. Z as he has been through the majority of all this. It's always good to have an extra set of expert eyes look at you in my opinion, as different view points can shed light on things. Plus it'll be interesting to hear what Dr. T thinks of my dysplasia in relation to the miserable malalignment, if one caused the other or if they just typically go hand in hand.
Monday, January 30, 2012
No MRI
Quick update; MRI is a definate NO. Dr. Z will be ordering a 3D CT scan immediately post op from the screw removal. Once I'm stable in recovery room, they'll transfer me to radiology, do the scan, then discharge me.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Injection relief
Why did I wait so long to get this hip injected again?! The cortisone has been a saving grace for me everytime! I forget how helpful it is, just sad it doesn't last forever.
I was seen yesterday for my right hip, complaints of continuing pain and restricted joint motion. Dr. Z first had me get xrays. They came back unchanged from September which is a huge relief! So we know it's not advancing arthritis. But when he did his physical exam on my hip, it wouldn't flex any further than 85-90 degrees. It was very painful at about 80 degrees and I was very unhappy letting my hip be pushed any further. I told him it felt like I didn't want him to go any further with it. He said there was actually something physically blocking movement. A bit perplexing, to be sure. I'm sure he hates this hip since it's had everything done to it already and still presents abnormal.
Anyway, he thinks I need to have the screws removed soon (March 30th), and then I need an MRI. I had to remind him I can't get MRI's anymore (I have an internal cochlear implant that the FDA will not ok MRI's) and then he was even more perplexed. So, my assignment is to try to get permission from my ear surgeon to ok the MRI, but if absolutely not, then Dr. Z said he'll just have to go with a CT scan. At that point we did the hip injection. The numbing spray is amazing! I like it so much more than the lido injection. While ultrasounding my hip he thought he could see a bunch of adhesions, so that could explain the joint restriction and pain. When he tested my hip after the injection, there was almost no pain, but still had hip flexion of about 85-90 degrees. While I don't know what the next step will be after the screw removal and imaging, my best two guesses are 1) scope to clean up scar tissue or other underlying causes of pain/restriction, or 2) do nothing and live with it as is. I have my follow up after screw removal in June, so I suppose I'll know more then.
The other issue discussed was my left knee/leg. I was finally diagnosed with miserable malalignment officially and left side is much worse than right. I really only have two options to consider for my left leg. 1) Do nothing and just put up with it. Continue to ice, take Mobic, and do activities to tolerance. 2) The only correctable option is a combination femoral and tibial osteotomy. He is very reluctant to go this route because it's a nasty surgery, I'd be off work for up to a year (not so long with my new office job now though), and according to Dr. Z the PAO would seem like cake compared to this. He said he wants me to wait as long as I possibly can before considering this route. One big thing to consider is that my knee is not in danger of being harmed with the miserable malalignment. I'm "functional" so why mess with that? It's really going to be up to me in the end (and we're talking back burner, a long time from now before this decision will be made. My criteria will be limitations from pain, if knee goes from subluxing to dislocating, and intolerance to Mobic long term). Basically, I'm focusing on right hip for now, since it is sooo close to being finished!
So roll on March 30th where I will really and truly be "just a few screws loose" one last time!
I was seen yesterday for my right hip, complaints of continuing pain and restricted joint motion. Dr. Z first had me get xrays. They came back unchanged from September which is a huge relief! So we know it's not advancing arthritis. But when he did his physical exam on my hip, it wouldn't flex any further than 85-90 degrees. It was very painful at about 80 degrees and I was very unhappy letting my hip be pushed any further. I told him it felt like I didn't want him to go any further with it. He said there was actually something physically blocking movement. A bit perplexing, to be sure. I'm sure he hates this hip since it's had everything done to it already and still presents abnormal.
Anyway, he thinks I need to have the screws removed soon (March 30th), and then I need an MRI. I had to remind him I can't get MRI's anymore (I have an internal cochlear implant that the FDA will not ok MRI's) and then he was even more perplexed. So, my assignment is to try to get permission from my ear surgeon to ok the MRI, but if absolutely not, then Dr. Z said he'll just have to go with a CT scan. At that point we did the hip injection. The numbing spray is amazing! I like it so much more than the lido injection. While ultrasounding my hip he thought he could see a bunch of adhesions, so that could explain the joint restriction and pain. When he tested my hip after the injection, there was almost no pain, but still had hip flexion of about 85-90 degrees. While I don't know what the next step will be after the screw removal and imaging, my best two guesses are 1) scope to clean up scar tissue or other underlying causes of pain/restriction, or 2) do nothing and live with it as is. I have my follow up after screw removal in June, so I suppose I'll know more then.
The other issue discussed was my left knee/leg. I was finally diagnosed with miserable malalignment officially and left side is much worse than right. I really only have two options to consider for my left leg. 1) Do nothing and just put up with it. Continue to ice, take Mobic, and do activities to tolerance. 2) The only correctable option is a combination femoral and tibial osteotomy. He is very reluctant to go this route because it's a nasty surgery, I'd be off work for up to a year (not so long with my new office job now though), and according to Dr. Z the PAO would seem like cake compared to this. He said he wants me to wait as long as I possibly can before considering this route. One big thing to consider is that my knee is not in danger of being harmed with the miserable malalignment. I'm "functional" so why mess with that? It's really going to be up to me in the end (and we're talking back burner, a long time from now before this decision will be made. My criteria will be limitations from pain, if knee goes from subluxing to dislocating, and intolerance to Mobic long term). Basically, I'm focusing on right hip for now, since it is sooo close to being finished!
So roll on March 30th where I will really and truly be "just a few screws loose" one last time!
Monday, December 26, 2011
The hip book is finally here!
Due to an overwhelming amount of support and opinions I have decided on seeing Dr. Z over having my PCP inject my hip. January 23rd it is. It's great to bounce ideas off my fellow hippies and get their take on a situation.
I finally got my copy of the first ever written and published adult hip dysplasia guide! It was a great Christmas gift to myself:) Great read for those who haven't been through the gammut yet. Plus, for those of us who are a part of this original group that the book originated with, it's fun to read and review all our thoughts from when we were going through the initial stages. I feel a kinship with my hip sisters, and reading the book makes it even better. You can find the book here: www.Lulu.com or www.amazon.com
I finally got my copy of the first ever written and published adult hip dysplasia guide! It was a great Christmas gift to myself:) Great read for those who haven't been through the gammut yet. Plus, for those of us who are a part of this original group that the book originated with, it's fun to read and review all our thoughts from when we were going through the initial stages. I feel a kinship with my hip sisters, and reading the book makes it even better. You can find the book here: www.Lulu.com or www.amazon.com
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
1 year post LPAO
Today is a great day in reflection of my left hip! I can't believe it's been one year already since my hip was realigned for the better:) I'm really happy with it as far as how stable it feels. For the most part, I'd say I'm 85-90% better now! I'll never be perfect, and still have occassional symptoms that bother me, but I love the outcome! At one year post op, I am able to withstand a full day of hard work, I don't have nearly as many giving out episodes, I don't feel as achy as I would have a year ago after any kind of activity, and my quad has full feeling in it again.
I do experience clicking in the hip occassionally, and the outside of the hip/leg pops or clunks which I think is the IT band? Anyway, whatever it is is pretty much the only thing that hurts my hip anymore. The problem is because the pop or clunk shifts all the way from my hip to my knee and it makes my knee feel like it's going to pop out of it's groove.
I still feel like my left hip is my strong, or dominant, hip. I tend to stand with most of my weight shifted onto my left hip. The good thing is that I can completely withstand the weight now without the hip getting sore.
I am definitely glad I had the LPAO. Even if I have to have other work done in the future, it will make my coming years much easier being without as much pain and uncertainty about my hip.
I have noticed my anteversion has gotten more pronounced since the PAO's were done. I guess it would be due to the new hip alignment? This has made my knees more painful, but I'm working on ways that will help them to feel less stressed.
My right hip is 6 months post RPAO and just shy of 2 years post RSDD. Unbelievable!! I don't feel good about my right hip at all. It really hurts after a day at work, and at night, forget it. I have a really bad time trying to sleep due to pain and aching in this hip. I still need pain meds to be able to sleep and this makes me really upset. I really love heat and always go to bed with my heat pad. I also need to ice quite a lot. I don't regret having the RPAO done since it puts my joint at a more normal alignment, but I wish it would have been done in the first place instead of the SDD. I can't change the past though, and can only hope that the future holds something that agrees with my right hip. I would be thrilled if I could get it to be around 85-90% like my left hip! I am looking for less demanding physical work (as a nurse) due to my right hip. I can't handle hard, long, crazy days anymore. At least it's only my right hip that I have to blame it on!
I'm so glad I had a great outcome first with the left hip. It makes everything a little easier to deal with and to know that maybe one of these days I will feel that way about my right hip too. Here's to hoping the one year post op entry about my right hip will be just as good!
I do experience clicking in the hip occassionally, and the outside of the hip/leg pops or clunks which I think is the IT band? Anyway, whatever it is is pretty much the only thing that hurts my hip anymore. The problem is because the pop or clunk shifts all the way from my hip to my knee and it makes my knee feel like it's going to pop out of it's groove.
I still feel like my left hip is my strong, or dominant, hip. I tend to stand with most of my weight shifted onto my left hip. The good thing is that I can completely withstand the weight now without the hip getting sore.
I am definitely glad I had the LPAO. Even if I have to have other work done in the future, it will make my coming years much easier being without as much pain and uncertainty about my hip.
I have noticed my anteversion has gotten more pronounced since the PAO's were done. I guess it would be due to the new hip alignment? This has made my knees more painful, but I'm working on ways that will help them to feel less stressed.
My right hip is 6 months post RPAO and just shy of 2 years post RSDD. Unbelievable!! I don't feel good about my right hip at all. It really hurts after a day at work, and at night, forget it. I have a really bad time trying to sleep due to pain and aching in this hip. I still need pain meds to be able to sleep and this makes me really upset. I really love heat and always go to bed with my heat pad. I also need to ice quite a lot. I don't regret having the RPAO done since it puts my joint at a more normal alignment, but I wish it would have been done in the first place instead of the SDD. I can't change the past though, and can only hope that the future holds something that agrees with my right hip. I would be thrilled if I could get it to be around 85-90% like my left hip! I am looking for less demanding physical work (as a nurse) due to my right hip. I can't handle hard, long, crazy days anymore. At least it's only my right hip that I have to blame it on!
I'm so glad I had a great outcome first with the left hip. It makes everything a little easier to deal with and to know that maybe one of these days I will feel that way about my right hip too. Here's to hoping the one year post op entry about my right hip will be just as good!
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