Yep,round 2 is going to be here before I know it! December 17th is the date and I'm ready, even though things don't seem to be falling into place. My surgery time has been changed 2 times since I've scheduled it and when I called to schedule my PT sessions, I found out that my PT left. I did find her (wether she likes is or not)and have scheduled my first 2 PT sessions with her. I just hope billing all works out the same as it did when she was at the other place. Don't get me wrong, she is more than worth it, but therapy get expensive. Because I'm having surgery so close to Christmas and New Years Eve, getting in at the "required times" has been difficult.
I'm a bit wierd in the fact that I wanted all things (time, place, surgeon, nurses and anastegiologist) to be the exact same as last time, but I already know it won't. I have all the faith in the world that my surgeon is the best, but if all things were unchanged I would feel more comfortable. I have my house set for recovery. My toilet is ready, my bike is set up and recliner is ready to be sat in. As for Christmas, my presents are bought and just need to be wrapped. I have the beer and wine for Christmas Eve with my family and just need to make the chex mix (not too early because Eric would eat it all and then I would have to make it again).
I also have my plan for the first two weeks in my head with regards to Eric.
Last time, I played the tough card and did most things by myself within a relatively short amount of time. This time, I think I'm going be a bit more "needy". This is my last shot I figure to see what Eric is really capable of. Grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, dog duties, cooking, my personal cares and of course my last minute holiday shopping...how far can I push him!?!?!? In all seriousness, Eric is great to me and I have no doubt that he will do even better with me the second time around!
I'll post the specifics of my surgery time when the time comes closer. Knowing my surgery team, it will change once more before the time comes!
Happy Holidays to everyone!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
It's been a while
Haven't posted in a while, sorry. I can't even tell you what week of my recovery I'm at...but I've passed the 4 month mark now. I don't count weeks anymore because nothing else exciting really happens at any particular point in my recovery.
I'm starting to be able to cross my right leg over my left a little. Having not done this in over a year has made my muscles/tendons/ligaments in glute shorten so I'm working on stretching them out and boy can I feel it! It's a good feeling to be able to do this, but so wierd how things have changed! I'm still working on doing the stretches I've been doing for months now. I'm sure it's from the dislocation, but I just can't seem to get rid of the discomfort in my hip flexors. I've been going to the gym more often, even getting in a class every once in a while. I still can't do all that goes on in the class, but just going makes me feel better. I typically stick to the exercise bike, eliptical and the tred mill. I do about 10 minutes on each to get different range of motions in. I'm not having any difficulty on any of the machines and running doesn't give me any problems! Last time at the gym I'm pretty sure I saw a fellow hip surgery victim, but didn't say anything. I just wouldn't expect a guy to mount a bike like I saw this guy do, so i'm guessing he's in my boat!
My head is playing games with me lately. There are days where I've having second thoughts about this upcoming surgery and then days that I'm ready to get it over with. Sometimes I feel like I don't need it, then I move the wrong way and that reassures me that I do. Then I feel pretty crappy and think I need the surgery, but don't think I'm far enough in my recovery on the right side to be 100% positive that this surgery is going to be my cure-all. I would hate to have gone through surgery 2x's and then still have to have the other yucky procedure done (i'll spare the details of that one until a later time). This is what happens when I have too much time to think about things. I'm sure all things will work themselves out in the end. We'll see how I'm feeling about it next time I get around to posting!
The more time that goes by, the more I'm hearing of those around me going through the same ordeal. I don't like hearing that others have to go through this too, but at least I know I'm not alone. Best of luck to those having surgery soon and those just recovering from the surgery!
I'm starting to be able to cross my right leg over my left a little. Having not done this in over a year has made my muscles/tendons/ligaments in glute shorten so I'm working on stretching them out and boy can I feel it! It's a good feeling to be able to do this, but so wierd how things have changed! I'm still working on doing the stretches I've been doing for months now. I'm sure it's from the dislocation, but I just can't seem to get rid of the discomfort in my hip flexors. I've been going to the gym more often, even getting in a class every once in a while. I still can't do all that goes on in the class, but just going makes me feel better. I typically stick to the exercise bike, eliptical and the tred mill. I do about 10 minutes on each to get different range of motions in. I'm not having any difficulty on any of the machines and running doesn't give me any problems! Last time at the gym I'm pretty sure I saw a fellow hip surgery victim, but didn't say anything. I just wouldn't expect a guy to mount a bike like I saw this guy do, so i'm guessing he's in my boat!
My head is playing games with me lately. There are days where I've having second thoughts about this upcoming surgery and then days that I'm ready to get it over with. Sometimes I feel like I don't need it, then I move the wrong way and that reassures me that I do. Then I feel pretty crappy and think I need the surgery, but don't think I'm far enough in my recovery on the right side to be 100% positive that this surgery is going to be my cure-all. I would hate to have gone through surgery 2x's and then still have to have the other yucky procedure done (i'll spare the details of that one until a later time). This is what happens when I have too much time to think about things. I'm sure all things will work themselves out in the end. We'll see how I'm feeling about it next time I get around to posting!
The more time that goes by, the more I'm hearing of those around me going through the same ordeal. I don't like hearing that others have to go through this too, but at least I know I'm not alone. Best of luck to those having surgery soon and those just recovering from the surgery!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Matching scars, here I come!
I had my 3-month check up with the surgeon today. I wised up this time seeing how late he was for my last appointment and called ahead of time to see how far behind he was. I was told to be there at 4:00 for my 3:30 appointment. When I got there at 4, I was told he was still 50 minutes behind. I walked into the room at 5. Seriously, I know he is good, but 1.5 hours behind schedule???
Anyways, my appointment went well, he moved my hip around and didn't say too much. I was happy to report to him that I can now walk on all types of surfaces and for an unlimited amount of time. We talked quickly about my limited range of motion and he didn't seem too concerned, but told me I need to "work through it", whatever that means.
Here comes the best part of my visit...He was being followed by two austrilian surgeons while he was seeing me and our conversation went a little like this:
Surgeon: You're not have any trouble with your left side are you?"
Me: Yes I am, but you said you wouldn't talk to me until I was 6 month's post on my right side.
Surgeon: No I didn't, lets talk about it (I'm sure he was trying to look good in front of his Aussie friends).
Me: The same thing is happening
Surgeon: come see me in 3 more months which will put you at the 6 month mark and if things are good, we can schedule surgery for your left side 2 weeks after that.
Me: That's not going to work for me!
Surgeon: Do you have a better idea???
Me: Why yes I do! Seeing how I'm a teacher, I want to have surgery over my Christmas break so I don't have to take that much time off of work and so I can work next summer
Surgeon: Ok, go ahead and schedule surgery for whenever you want in December.
Me: Speechless because I finally got my way!!!
I never thought I would hear him say those words this early, but he did!! Last time I heard him say the words "schedule surgery" i nearly pooped my pants I was so scared, and today I was so excited I almost peed myself! I'm sure it sounds wierd to be excited about surgery, but I'm ready for all of this to be done and to move on with my real life, not this psudo life of an 80 year old! SO, December 17th is the big day. I took his last surgery time of the day so I don't get my booted from my time again.
I have one more follow-up appointment with him 2 weeks before surgery to make sure my right side is strong enough to support all my weight when my left side goes under the knife. He said that if I'm feeling better making progress on my right side, I don't even have to come in.
Here's to a successful 3 more months on my right so my left can get the payback it deserves
Anyways, my appointment went well, he moved my hip around and didn't say too much. I was happy to report to him that I can now walk on all types of surfaces and for an unlimited amount of time. We talked quickly about my limited range of motion and he didn't seem too concerned, but told me I need to "work through it", whatever that means.
Here comes the best part of my visit...He was being followed by two austrilian surgeons while he was seeing me and our conversation went a little like this:
Surgeon: You're not have any trouble with your left side are you?"
Me: Yes I am, but you said you wouldn't talk to me until I was 6 month's post on my right side.
Surgeon: No I didn't, lets talk about it (I'm sure he was trying to look good in front of his Aussie friends).
Me: The same thing is happening
Surgeon: come see me in 3 more months which will put you at the 6 month mark and if things are good, we can schedule surgery for your left side 2 weeks after that.
Me: That's not going to work for me!
Surgeon: Do you have a better idea???
Me: Why yes I do! Seeing how I'm a teacher, I want to have surgery over my Christmas break so I don't have to take that much time off of work and so I can work next summer
Surgeon: Ok, go ahead and schedule surgery for whenever you want in December.
Me: Speechless because I finally got my way!!!
I never thought I would hear him say those words this early, but he did!! Last time I heard him say the words "schedule surgery" i nearly pooped my pants I was so scared, and today I was so excited I almost peed myself! I'm sure it sounds wierd to be excited about surgery, but I'm ready for all of this to be done and to move on with my real life, not this psudo life of an 80 year old! SO, December 17th is the big day. I took his last surgery time of the day so I don't get my booted from my time again.
I have one more follow-up appointment with him 2 weeks before surgery to make sure my right side is strong enough to support all my weight when my left side goes under the knife. He said that if I'm feeling better making progress on my right side, I don't even have to come in.
Here's to a successful 3 more months on my right so my left can get the payback it deserves
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
11-weeks and progress
The beach, tropical heat and tequilla is just what my hip needed to start feeling better. I honestly wasn't bothered by my hip at all while in Cancun and I could have stayed there for ever (with my mexican boyfriend Luis of course). My hip has finally started to feel better, but I still have a long way to go. I'm able to get my glute to fire almost all the time now and I don't have the pain in my butt when I walk. My groin continues to give me trouble and I'm still very limited in my internal and external range of motion, BUT things are getting better just like the doctor said they would. I'm just about at 3 months and that is when he said I would start to notice a change-which I am. I'm still not able to wear jeans comfortably because of the groin pain, so I'm sticking to my cotton crop pants. I'm able to take long walks again and walk on uneven surfaces so watch out! I was even to climb a sand dune in Mighican (300 foot incline over 500 feet)and was never bothered by my hip. It feels so great to get to do more things!
I go and see the doctor on September 13th for my 12 week check up. I have the 3:30PM appointment again which means a LONG wait, but this time I'll bring something to do. This is the appointment in which I should be cleared to run and jump which will be timely with me going back to work. The little runners in my room won't be able to get by me!!!
I'm hoping my hip holds up with me going back to work. I feel like I just got it all figured out and feeling better and now I'm going to abuse it by sitting in little chairs, sitting on the floor and moving quickly. Maybe I'll just schedule a trip to Cancun for a little rehab every month! Who's coming with???
I go and see the doctor on September 13th for my 12 week check up. I have the 3:30PM appointment again which means a LONG wait, but this time I'll bring something to do. This is the appointment in which I should be cleared to run and jump which will be timely with me going back to work. The little runners in my room won't be able to get by me!!!
I'm hoping my hip holds up with me going back to work. I feel like I just got it all figured out and feeling better and now I'm going to abuse it by sitting in little chairs, sitting on the floor and moving quickly. Maybe I'll just schedule a trip to Cancun for a little rehab every month! Who's coming with???
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Have you seen my right butt muscle???
It's missing!!! My left one works just fine, but my right one just doesn't want to fire. I'll explain...because my right side has not done much in the past 10 months, it has pretty much "died". I now need to re-train it to fire and start working again. I can tighten up my glutes, and can feel the burn on the left side, but I can't feel anything on the right. SO, my job for the next week is to experiment with different exercises to get my right butt to fire!. I think today I got it one time, but then it went away. My PT told me that this is normal, so I shouldn't be too worried. At least my right butt doesn't droop.
I have to say that my new PT kicks butt (literally) and I am so happy I switched to her. I saw her yesterday for the second time and she was impressed with my ability to get my femur head into my hip socket now. I worked hard on getting it in there and I'm able to about 90% of the time now. I'm doing my exercises regiously and have been to the gym 3 times now this week to bike, stretch and swim. All have been very successful and I have very little pain when doing so!!!!!! I'm a bit sore during the night and early in the morning, but I can live with that.
Let me know if you find my right butt!
I have to say that my new PT kicks butt (literally) and I am so happy I switched to her. I saw her yesterday for the second time and she was impressed with my ability to get my femur head into my hip socket now. I worked hard on getting it in there and I'm able to about 90% of the time now. I'm doing my exercises regiously and have been to the gym 3 times now this week to bike, stretch and swim. All have been very successful and I have very little pain when doing so!!!!!! I'm a bit sore during the night and early in the morning, but I can live with that.
Let me know if you find my right butt!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
7 weeks and some progress
Finally, I'm seeing some progress!! I've been working my butt off, literally this past week! I'm doing my exercises/stretches for about 1.5 hours daily and I think it's helping. I've caught myself sitting on the couch in ways I haven't sat in months and I don't even realize I'm doing it. TMI, but I have also been able to snuggle Eric which I haven't been able to do in months either.
Decoy has been on two walks in two days and I haven't had much trouble. I've also been to the gym 2 times and I'm feeling pretty good. I'm by no means out of the woods yet, but maybe starting to see the light at the end tunnel?
My exercises consist of about 20 minutes on the bike, followed by about 1.25 hours of stretching and a core workout. I do a lot of glute work, but am having a bit of trouble getting my right butt cheek to tighten up. My left one does what it's supposed to do no problem, but my right just doesn't want to work. I'll keep trying! I'm going to see the new PT tomorrow and am excited for her to help me make more progress! I'm not really looking forward to the groin massage (shocking, I know), but whatever she can do to help me move forward, I'll put up with.
I'm so happy to report some positive things this week and hope to do so more often!
Decoy has been on two walks in two days and I haven't had much trouble. I've also been to the gym 2 times and I'm feeling pretty good. I'm by no means out of the woods yet, but maybe starting to see the light at the end tunnel?
My exercises consist of about 20 minutes on the bike, followed by about 1.25 hours of stretching and a core workout. I do a lot of glute work, but am having a bit of trouble getting my right butt cheek to tighten up. My left one does what it's supposed to do no problem, but my right just doesn't want to work. I'll keep trying! I'm going to see the new PT tomorrow and am excited for her to help me make more progress! I'm not really looking forward to the groin massage (shocking, I know), but whatever she can do to help me move forward, I'll put up with.
I'm so happy to report some positive things this week and hope to do so more often!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
6 weeks AND and new PT again!
Yesterday marked the 6 week mark post surgery. Overall the time has gone by fast, but I cannot believe it has only been 6 weeks since surgery. I had my 6 week check-up with the surgeon today and he didn't say much. This time I was his first appointment of the day and I saw him 20 minutes after my scheduled appointment-not bad!
Physically, I don't feel any different than I did prior to surgery. The surgeon told me that it really takes 6 weeks to heal from the surgery and from now on is when I should start seeing changes. GOD I HOPE SO! He said at 3 months I should really notice some changes and I should be 80% at 6 months and 100% at a year. So, all along I have known this, but there is something about having your hip dislocated and bones shaved down that makes me want to see some results weeks ago. I'm still experiencing the extreme back pain, in fact I've started back at the chiropractor this week. I've only had the extreme groin pain 1x in the past 2 weeks when Decoy jumped on me, so maybe that's progress!?!
I've also switched PT's again because the surgeon is not impressed with my progress thus far. I met with the new PT today (she had a cancellation, how great is that) and she seems awesome!!! She is a preferred PT of my surgeon and comes highly recommended. Bad thing, she is not in my insurance network so I'm having to pay quite a bit of money out of pocket. BUT, if she can help me get back to my normal life, I'll pay. Please send money!! She spent about 10 minutes doing a deep tissue massage on my groin and then evaluated my pelvis and such. She said that my right side is basically locked into place and I'm moving as one rather than moving my leg, hip and torso independently of eachother. Both she and the surgeon said that I need to spend about 3-4 hours a day doing the exercises they showed me what to do. What else do I have to do right?
Interactive portion of the bolg.... (what I learned is part of my problem)
Stand up with both feet close together, but not touching. Then keeping your left leg straight, slightly bend your right knee and notice what your left hip/leg did (did it kind of drop down and go backwards a bit?). Then do this to your other side. Notice the same thing? Well, when I bend my right knee, my left hip/leg do what they are supposed to do. When I bend my left knee my right hip/leg don't move...I'm locked into place. She said that is is a huge reason why I feel the way I feel and I need to work for about 2hours a day trying to get my hip to move into place. If you can't do it both ways, don't blame me!
Eric continues to be supportive of me and my old lady hips. He has stepped up his involvement in the household duties and has even made dinner!
On a happier note, April and I are going to Mexico again in August!!! This time we are going with a few friends from college and I couldn't be more excited! We are headed to Cancun again, but a different hotel. I'm thinking this is just what my hip will need.
Physically, I don't feel any different than I did prior to surgery. The surgeon told me that it really takes 6 weeks to heal from the surgery and from now on is when I should start seeing changes. GOD I HOPE SO! He said at 3 months I should really notice some changes and I should be 80% at 6 months and 100% at a year. So, all along I have known this, but there is something about having your hip dislocated and bones shaved down that makes me want to see some results weeks ago. I'm still experiencing the extreme back pain, in fact I've started back at the chiropractor this week. I've only had the extreme groin pain 1x in the past 2 weeks when Decoy jumped on me, so maybe that's progress!?!
I've also switched PT's again because the surgeon is not impressed with my progress thus far. I met with the new PT today (she had a cancellation, how great is that) and she seems awesome!!! She is a preferred PT of my surgeon and comes highly recommended. Bad thing, she is not in my insurance network so I'm having to pay quite a bit of money out of pocket. BUT, if she can help me get back to my normal life, I'll pay. Please send money!! She spent about 10 minutes doing a deep tissue massage on my groin and then evaluated my pelvis and such. She said that my right side is basically locked into place and I'm moving as one rather than moving my leg, hip and torso independently of eachother. Both she and the surgeon said that I need to spend about 3-4 hours a day doing the exercises they showed me what to do. What else do I have to do right?
Interactive portion of the bolg.... (what I learned is part of my problem)
Stand up with both feet close together, but not touching. Then keeping your left leg straight, slightly bend your right knee and notice what your left hip/leg did (did it kind of drop down and go backwards a bit?). Then do this to your other side. Notice the same thing? Well, when I bend my right knee, my left hip/leg do what they are supposed to do. When I bend my left knee my right hip/leg don't move...I'm locked into place. She said that is is a huge reason why I feel the way I feel and I need to work for about 2hours a day trying to get my hip to move into place. If you can't do it both ways, don't blame me!
Eric continues to be supportive of me and my old lady hips. He has stepped up his involvement in the household duties and has even made dinner!
On a happier note, April and I are going to Mexico again in August!!! This time we are going with a few friends from college and I couldn't be more excited! We are headed to Cancun again, but a different hotel. I'm thinking this is just what my hip will need.
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