Hi Folks,
I am four days out from surgery on my other hip. My left was done 2 1/2 years ago; I thought I was good for another 5 years before my right went, but sometimes the body has other ideas!
In the coming months, I hope to use this forum to help and inform future and past surface hippies, just as this site has helped me tremendously and to also use this as a journal for myself. My first time around, I kept no notes. I felt helpless to comment when you would post questions and I couldn't quite remember my details. What I do remember was leaving the hospital on a Thursday and on Friday, I was on a plane to Bermuda with my family for vacation/recuperation!
We had a family vacation planned, my surgery was moved back which almost collided with our vacation. My Dr. said if all looks good, you're good to go! I was a very good patient! I got the VIP treatment the whole way there and back and all worked out well!
Upon my return from sunny and warm Bermuda, I came home to damp and cold spring weather. My at home PT began and I just remember walking around my block with crutches forever and taking it very slowly. I wanted no complications so I did everything by the book. My recovery was a bit slower than most due to on-going back issues. I had my left hip resurfaced but my left back side was and is my worst side which hampered recovery. I would like to share a short version of a lifetime of issues:
-I have always had back problems - pretty much all my life - never a problem with my hips.
I made aggressive steps to solve the back issues, but most medical help meant some form of surgery. I wasn't interested so just moved through the pain, which became my normal. I'm very active and flexible - my yoga instructors thought I might be too flexible - I've been told that before.
-I've been exercising and running since the age of 12, used to swim, but walking was my favorite. I used to work in NYC and when everyone else was taking cabs, subways or buses, I would walk - no matter how long it took. I depended on my legs to get me everywhere.
-So, when I started having problems running and walking a few years ago, I was devastated. When I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis AND hip dysplasia, I went through a short period of denial.
-I developed arthritis in my left hip due to the dysplasia, the right seemed OK but there was a labral tear noticed on the MRI. It caused me no pain so we left that alone and concentrated on the left hip. It took a year for me to work through the system until I found the right Dr. to perform a hip resurfacing. My concern with a THR was dislocation. Since I was extremely flexible, even pre-surgery, I felt I would easily dislocate my hip.
-The surgery was done on 4/11/11. Due to the stenosis and what later showed were pinched nerves on both sides, it was difficult to do what PT required. Time moved on, I healed, put it all behind me and I became active and happy once again.
-Until my right went out December 2012. This time it was the slight labral tear that tore further that created excruciating pain. I still had cartilage but not healthy cartilage so nothing else could be done other than get a new hip. I chose to have the hip shot, which I understand is controversial, but it did buy me time.
So, here I am. I have spent the last couple of months just enjoying myself and having fun!
I discovered bike riding and have discovered new places because of riding! I still do yoga and my ROM is still incredible! Although, I can't walk without pain and becoming exhausted very quickly.
Thursday I head to HSS, Dr. Su is my Dr. Now I'm nervous, of course, and just wish it to be over.
Once again, thank you all for your supported stories - I think this time around, I am more aware and prepared. Unfortunately, I have no plans to fly to a beautiful island to recoup!
Cheers, everyone...literally, a nice glass of wine does wonders!
Debbie
Topic: Joining the club of bilaterals - 4 days to go! (Read 1524 times)
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