Noreen Firefighter from Florida

[rotag]

Hi

My story is as follows:

I am a 50 year old female who had suffered hip/groin/knee pain for years, so finally  6 years ago I went to a sports medicine doctor, thinking the pain I had been feeling for a year was a groin pull.  I am a firefighter, so that is why I thought it was just a pull, or a tear.  After my visit with him, he felt is was more than a muscle/tendon issue, so he ordered x-rays.  The x-rays showed bone on bone on my right hip.  He then refered me to Dr. Alan Valadie.  After sobbing to Dr.Valadie that I was sure my career was over, he explained to me about a THR, and that we could do that, and I may be able to still do my job.  He advised me to hold off as long as I could, due to the fact that THR would only last so long.  He prescribed Vioxx for me and we kept in touch.  Vioxx was a MIRACLE drug for me.  I know it did not work for everyone, but it took away most of my pain.  I kept working and working out regularly to keep my weak muscles in my right leg from getting weaker.  I compensated at work with my left leg, and worked very very hard in gaining very strong upper body strength, plus keeping my back muscles strong as well.  A few years later, the FDA pulled Vioxx, and I found myself crying once again.  My miracle drug was taken from me.  I was put on something that didn't work, and then finally Celebrex, which I have been on for 3 years now.  Celebrex never eliminated the pain like Vioxx, but it helped.  Finally my poor hip could not take it anymore.  I realized now....that I was putting the civilians and my crew at risk, due to my weak leg.  Climbing ladders and pulling hose was agonizing, letting alone climbing up into the fire truck.  I went to my Doctor in August and said...I am ready...I can't take it anymore.   He told me it was a good thing I waited because I am a candidate for the BHR, which was approved in May of 2007 in this country.  It was that easy.  After new x-rays and scheduling...I had surgery on November 29th, 2007.

My surgery went well.  I had an epidural, because I freaked at pre-op...and they gave me that option which eased my mind.  For some reason I thought if I was completely under, I would never wake up.  Anyway, the surgery lasted about an hour in a half.  Dr.Valadie told my sister once they opened me up I was much worse than he thought, but that everything went well.  My recovery was good.  3 days in the hospital, with in hospital PT.  Great nurses, specialized ward just for joint care, and a good experience.  I used a walker for one day, used extra strength tylenol for pain (narcotics make me ill), and just dealt with the discomfort.  I had 7 days of shots for clotting, wore my TEDS for 18 days, had in home PT, walked with one crutch for 10 days, drove at 14 days, and started outpatient PT, at 17 days.  I had no complications and loved it when I got to the 6 week mark to BEND OVER!!!!!

At 10 weeks I am doing great.  Aggressive PT, for 4 more weeks as of this writing. I have an excelent therapist who is working very hard with me to get me back on that "fire truck", as he tells me.  PT is a key for me to get strong to get back to the job.  I can't go back to work until the 6 month mark, due to the femur head fracture thing, and heavy weight lifting.  So, until that, I rehab, rehab, and rehab some more.  I am a testimony for this procedure.  What a wonderful thing!!!!

Noreen
Bradenton, Fl

[Pat Walter]

Hi Noreen
I gave your story it's own post.  I also posted your info on the Hip Stories section on the website

http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipstories07/noreen07.php   linked from here under Additional Stories towards the bottom
http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipstories.php

I have had other firefighters write to me so I felt it was important to have you story posted.

I try to get everyones story posted on the main website.  If I have missed anyones - just email me to remind me.

I will also post updates and photos - just send them to me.

Pat