2 steps backwards

I have been back to my GP today, who has been fantastic the last few weeks. She is writing to Witt to try to have my next appointment in March brought forward, and is going to try and get some physio started and a pain management plan. For now she has put me on Fentanyl patches until she hears back from Witt and has also requested a steroid injection if he thinks thats necessary.
I am pretty sure this is just a temporary blip, but want to know why the joint has suddenly got so inflammed and don't want to just keep masking it with painkillers.
Only two more days to go at work though until a week off for Christmas so that will be a great help and hopefully a chance to relax.
Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope all the hippies have as pain free a time as possible.

Not so great!

Not had a great few days. Operated hip has been really sore and inflammed and has locked a few times. A trip to the GP resulted in her advising me to go back on crutches until everything settles down a bit, back on the diclofenac (with a stomach protector this time so hopefully that will be ok) paras, and dihydrocodeine for breakthrough pain.
I am pretty gutted at the thought of whats going on, and to why it has got so inflammed at seven months post-op, but am trying to tell myself its just a glitch in the recovery. I haven't done anything to aggravate it, and have cut down on everything except the necessary stuff over the last few weeks so am pretty sure I haven't overdone it.
If there is no improvement in the next couple of weeks the GP has agreed to send me to physio for deep heat and massage (hopefully by some gorgeous hunk ;) ) or contacting Mr Witt to see if he will see me sooner than March, although once xmas and the New Year is over I don't think I will get in much before March anyway.

7 month update!

Sorry for the lack of updates but things have really slowed down on the recovery front, so there's not much to report.
I am now almost seven months post RPAO. Things are definitely better than before the surgery, but are by no means perfect. The joint is good and rarely causes any pain when walking.That's the good news. I can survive most days without taking any painkillers stronger than paracetamol, which is a big improvement on pre-op.
The not so good;
My hip flexor still causes loads of pain and by the end of a shift at work I find it difficult to drive, sit on high stools, get in/out of the car etc, sometimes even walking can get pretty sore.
I still have a constant dull aching in the back of the hip ( ischium, hamstring area) which gets worse if I walk more than about 30mins.
There is a small area in the front of my groin that still feels as if it gets 'caught' occasionally, especially when bending forward over 90 degrees,this also wakes me up on a night.

Leftie catches quite often, and lets me know it wants some attention too, but it doesn't cause the sort of giving way pain that was soooo painful constantly pre-op with the right one.

I still have a few ongoing stomach problems caused by taking NSAIDS so long pre-op, but hopefully they will settle down soon.

Am I better than I was pre-op? Yes, without a doubt, as I am able to function fairly well on a daily basis without being stuffed full of strong meds, and I am glad I had the surgery, but I am also a little disappointed that I am still in pain and am still limited in my activities.
I have tried working out/not exercising/ resting and doing/not doing physio but nothing really seems to help. The muscles are all pretty strong and I don't limp (unless I have been sitting a while) so I don't think its anything to do with weakness.
As a fellow hippy also commented the other day, I am craving being able to get back going for long country walks (or even daily shorter ones for now) but I am starting to wonder whether that will ever be the case.
I have my next post-op appointment in March, which will be 10 months, so will update after that.
In the meantime I hope everyone has a great Christmas, and all those who are presently recovering from more recent surgeries are as pain free as poss.

41/2 month upate :)

I have made a massive step forward this week. I almost feel better:)

I have been discharged from physio, and spent two days in heels!!!!Now this might not sound much to those of you that haven't been through hip problems/PAO but believe me it is a big deal ! To be able to wear whatever shoes you want without and to walk pain free without the fear of your hip giving out at any point is something I can't quite believe is happening to me.
I am able to live my life again, work without strong meds, workout at the gym , walk as long as I want all relatively pain free is amazing and all that at only 4.5months post-op.

To anyone contemplating a PAO- GO FOR IT! It is not so scary as you imagine and the results can change your life. I can't thank Mr Witt and his team enough!

I have been for my 4 month post PAO appointment today with Mr Witt.

It went really well,in fact I couldn't have asked for it to be better.
My ROM was really good. The discomfort that I feel is quite normal and to be expected at this stage.
My xrays showed that the bones have healed exceptionally well and are looking really strong. I have had all restrictions lifted, am allowed to do weights at the gym and even impact stuff! I jokingly asked the registrar if that meant I was allowed to jog to the train station , and he said I will just go and ask the boss- Mr Witt reviewed my x-rays and said YES!!!

I have some inflammation in the tendon that was cut so they are hoping that will settle down as the bones continue to heal if not I will need a steroid injection into that.
We have agreed to watch the other hip for 6 months to see how it goes, and also to review the screws at that time as they will be removed if they are a problem .

The only downside is that there was more Arthritis than I first thought, so I will def need a THR in the future, but hopefully not for 10 years so I'm happy with that.

Guess I am officially on the mend now. :)

4 months post-op

I am exactly four months post-op and am so far pretty pleased with the results.
There has been lots of up and down days but the good days are definately outweighing the bad ones now.
I am back at work, although only half days at the moment, increasing each week by an hour.

I am carrying on with workouts at the gym and am presently doing about 45mins cardio;
10mins stationary bike
15 mins treadmill (walking on 15% incline)
15-20mins elliptical
5 mins rower
plus abs and upper body weights, (hoping to add lower weights after post-op appointment).

I alternate this daily with about 45mins swimming , and have one day off a week.

Each day I 'try' to walk about 45mins too but this depends on schedule and comfort levels.

I am not in any pain at all now, but my hip does still get tired fairly easily and when I have done too much I am still experiencing a pain in the butt around the bone cuts, and also the hip flexor is being lazy. I am finding SLR hard as it feels and I get a burning pain when I try to do them, I still need to lift my leg with my hands into the car. I think Mr Witt will tell me to get on with the exercises for that.

I only need the occasional Ibuprofen or Paracetamol now, but pre-op was taking lots of strong meds and downing them like sweets so thats a big improvement. It is fantastic to be leading a more normal life and getting on with things instead of being hampered by my hip. Working without being drugged up with meds is great too (although now I have no excuse if I do anything wrong,lol). I am still not at the stage where I am not thinking about my hip all the time, but I expect to be there fairly soon, and I am at least as good as I was pre-op if not better!
I have my 4 month check up next Friday so will see what Mr Witt has to say then.

Success at last!!!

I have lost count how many weeks post-op I am-that in itself must be a good sign!!
I think I am 15 weeks post-op.

The last couple of weeks have been full of ups and downs. One day I think I am doing well, only the next I have wished I had had a replacement instead! I have had a few issues with hip flexor problems/tendonitis. I haven't had much help from my physio, and even when I told her which exercises were making it worse, she just gave me a variation of the same one! I have been gradually increasing my activity, with that came more pain and soreness from the bone cuts.

Last week I started at the gym. I have been doing the cross trainer, the bike and the treadmill, also upper body weights and swimming. This has all helped the strength in my hip tremendously, and my physio has agreed to let me carry on on my own over the next four weeks. I will see her again, hopefully for one final time, after I have seen Mr Witt.

Today I took my daughter for a look around a University. It was quite a long day, about an hours drive each way, plus lots of walking around, stairs and on/off buses etc. I took some NSAIDS and paras before leaving home as I was a little sore anyway, and didn't want to be slowed down for the day. We had a few opportunities to sit down during the day, so it was better than I expected. I suddenly realised something at teatime... Although my quads, glutes and back were all sore (muscle only),and I had had a few hip flexor moments getting up into the buses, I realised for the first time in YEARS........................ I HAD NO HIP PAIN!!

I can't believe it, sometime during the day, I forgot about my hip, and only remembered when I noticed that it didn't hurt! Hours later , it still doesn't!! Yes I am a bit muscle sore, but today is the first time my joint has felt normal! Its amazing!! Lol!!

So 15 weeks on, I can say, for the first time , I am 100% glad I have had this surgery.
Things can only get better now, and hopefully the good days will continue to outweigh the bad ones.
I am back to work in just over a week, and today, for the first time, I feel ready.

3 Months post-op!

Three months post-op already, the time has flown, but at the same time that nerve wracking day in May seems an age away.

I am now about where I expected to be at this point. I have very little pain in the joint itself, and certainly the pre-op dysplasia pain has disappeared. My walking is about at the same level as it was pre-op, perhaps better , as I know I can walk around supermarkets without my leg suddenly giving way, and the horrible feeling of instability that was always present and made me wary of every step I took. Now my joint is still a bit weak, I limp for the majority of the time,but I know that is improving daily, and I would rather have that than the pre-op pain that was getting worse daily. I still have some butt pain, and the muscles get tired when I have been on my feet for too long, but nothing that I can't handle. I think the worst thing I am dealing with now is the soreness and weakness at the front of my hip where the Rectus Femoris tendon was cut to allow access into my pelvis. I still find it gets sore very easily especially when going upstairs, driving and walking uphill. It is a balance between doing these activities and the physio exercises to improve it, and not overdoing things and causing a flare up. I am returning to work in two weeks, and although I am looking forward to things finally getting back to normal, I am also terrified at the thought of having to stand and walk around all day. I am sure it won't be as bad as I imagine though.

I have just returned from a week away, a last minute decision as we didn't book a holiday this year due to the PAO. We had a fantastic time, weather was glorious, and I was able to swim and canoe in the lake, and go for short walks each day in between lots of rest and relaxation. My hip didn't spoil things too much, in fact some days it felt better than the left one (Mmmm, bit concerned about that!), I was limited in what I could do, but obviously I knew that before we went and the change of scenery did us all good.

Physio is still going well. I am there once a week. Today I increased the resistance with the bike and the hamstring curls,my regular physio was on holiday this week so the assistant just followed her programme and didn't add anything extra. I am definitely feeling it now so I have obviously done enough. I am hoping to arrange a gym membership this week so I can swim more, and do the cross trainer as well.

11 weeks- small improvements!

I really enjoyed yesterdays physio session. I got to go on the exercise bike with some resisitance, the stepper, and a stair box to practise going up and down steps. I also did some more exercises including squats and hamstring ones with weights.I even managed to break into a sweat-was surprised how unfit I have become!! This has given me loads of things to practise at home. Some of the exercises I have been doing are getting a bit easier so I have added ankle weights to those, she changed my theraband to a more resistant one and I dug out my old gym ball and have done lots of new exercises on that too. Next week hopefully we can add the treadmill. She told me to go home and take it easy, but being me I went out and walked the dog for an hour instead. I am using a walking stick outside now instead of the crutch, which is just enough to stop me lurching,and definitely uses the muscles more than a crutch. I am hoping to ditch that in a day or two, so next week, by 12 weeks post op I am aiming to be off all aids then can just increase the time and distance.
I was sore after everything I did yesterday, and today have the old 'pain in the butt' back, but am resigned now that that's the way things will be every time I increase something.

New trick of the week-walking up and downstairs normally, leading with alternate legs instead of the same one first all the time. Great excitement at that,lol, ( small things , small minds I know:) ) I still need to hang on to the rail but I am sure now I can do it, that will soon improve. I spent 10mins today going up and down a step to practise, hopefully nobody was watching through the window!

Goals for this week-go out biking at some point if the rain stops long enough, start swimming regularly (only just got the go ahead for this, I know lots of you do it much earlier) and ditch the walking stick.

Emotional Rollercoaster

Ten weeks post-op.

Recovery from a PAO is such a test of patience. Over this last week I have experienced every emotion possible. Joy from being able to do the little things that we would normally take for granted, and frustration at not being able to do more.

I am progressing when I look back to what I could do a fortnight or even a week ago but I am still not where I expected to be at this stage. I don't know if my expectations were too high, or if I am not healing as fast as I should be, but either way I know that I can only do what my body will allow and I have to accept that.

I am still in lots of pain at the back of the joint. It is a deep and sharp pain, I don't know if it is bone or muscle and it doesn't really matter at this point except it limits the amount of walking I can do.I am off crutches in the house but keep needing to rest after being on my feet more than a few minutes. I still use one when walking outside.

Physio exercises are going well, and I have been given more this week, to do twice a day. They are getting easier and the joint feels stronger. The limp is still pronounced, but not as bad as it was to start with.

I am focusing on the fact that the pain and instability that I had pre-op has completely gone, which is great news, and makes everything worthwhile as I was so limited before I had the surgery. I am glad I had the PAO because I do feel that once everything heals it will have been worth it- but I am not so sure I would be prepared to have my other hip done unless it becomes more symptomatic.

Turning Point

The last couple of days I have definitely turned a corner. I feel fantastic! :)

I am off crutches completely in the house, only using one when outside. I am doing 2x30mins each day on the bike. The hip could go longer, but it is too uncomfortable to sit on the seat for any longer, the last 5 mins are a real test of willpower. Physio exercises going well, and today I walked the dog along the river for 45mins using just one crutch. I carried the other one just in case, and used it for the last five mins because I was running late and needed to get home to meet someone-next time it stays in the car!
I want to do more!! I can't wait for physio on Monday. I hope she is impressed, and will give me more exercises to do.
I am going to ask her about swimming, also possibly the treadmill and cross trainer.
Would like to hear from anyone, post PAO , (especially by Mr Witt) about which stage you were allowed to try these.
I am in hardly any pain, only when lying and trying to change positions, that is still waking me up lots during the night. Walking on hard ground, eg concrete is uncomfortable but thats all.
I am soo happy things are starting to improve so quickly, and feel stronger each day. I still walk like a penguin, but even the limp is improving a bit each day.

9 weeks has definitely been the turning point for me! :)

9 Weeks post-op- slowly improving

I can't believe nine weeks ago today I was still in recovery!
Its been a long and short nine weeks.I have come so far , and yet I still feel I have a huge mountain to climb, think I am only about half way up,lol.

I have achieved a lot this week. I am down to one crutch all the time in and around the house, just take two if I am going to be out a long time or doing a lot of walking. I have been surprised how difficult the last couple of weeks have been, and surprised that I am not further along than I am. I thought I was a tough, determined person, that could cope with pain (having lived with it for so long).It has been hard dropping the one crutch, and I keep trying to lose the other one, or go onto a walking stick, but my hip just isn't strong enough yet. The first few days were very painful and extremely sore by the evening, but that soon improved.I can walk a few steps without any aids, but with a huge lurch that resembles a penguin. Also another thing I wasn't expecting is how weak my knee is on the operated side.
I am up to 25min twice a day on the stationary bike, aiming for 2x30min tomorrow. This is fine on the hip, although I do get some burning , which I presume is inflammation, but sitting on it still really hurts the pain underneath(which I am convinced is where the Ischium was cut, and is not yet fully healed-but what do I know?). I walk the dog for about 40mins twice each day-off the leash-but use two crutches for this at the moment, and am working hard at the physio exercises. Straight leg raises are still really hard, and side leg raises, although much easier to do (2x25) still hurt the Ischium area.
I am sore by the end of the day, some of it is muscular, and where the tendon was cut (hip flexors) which is to be expected, and some feels like bone pain (in the butt)especially intense when lying down, but it is all controlled by pain meds so is not too bad.
My local physio is still trying to get in touch with UCLH, I however, have given up on that!
Am hoping to add swimming next week( not breast stroke) or at least going to the local pool and doing some hydro exercises that I can remember from previous surgeries, however the kids break up from school this weekend so that might not happen.
All in all, I have made a huge leap forward from this time last week,and am fairly happy with how things are going. I just wish it would progress even faster.

Warning-moaning post!

I am now managing to full WB on one crutch (just). I haven't left the house yet, and am just doing little and often pottering around and resting inbetween. I went into town for half an hour yesterday to do some banking, used two crutches for that, and even that jars my pelvis badly.

Hip is stiff and sore(as expected) and as swollen as it was when I left hospital. Glutes area is achey and the front where the tendon was cut also get sore pretty quickly, both of these things I am sure are normal and will improve over the next few days. The posterior pain is still there and getting worse again as I put more weight on it. I can't do the physio exercises at all, but am using my dressing gown cord to assist and doing them that way. Am up to 15mins on bike which feels fine.

Have been reading over other posts when people dropped the crutches and saw it took about 7-10 days for things to improve, so hopefully I will be the same. It is really a test of patience, I thought I would be able to things much quicker.

Mr Witt told me I should be able to return to work at 10-12 weeks post-op, and by then would be able to walk and stand for hours without walking aids!! Either I will suddenly have a massive improvement or that was a tad optimistic-at the moment I can manage up to an hour on one crutch in the kitchen when I first get up, then need to rest as I am in pain and so tired, and that cycle continues throughout the day. Am still getting intense pain when trying to change position when lying down. Returning to work seems a lifetime away.
I feel as if I am being a real wimp,lol.

Everyone said that the first two weeks of a PAO recovery was the worst, but for me I sailed through the first five weeks before things started to go downhill. So far weeks 6-8 have been worse for me, more frustrating, and in a way more painful too as I am battling with not taking meds as I don't want to cover up the pain and do too much.

I have had no support at all from UCLH, and neither has my local physio. All I want to know is what is normal at this stage and what isn't.I am seriously considering contacting their PALS to see if they can help at all.

Thats my daily vent over with.

8 weeks post-op

Still having some pain, but not as severe as it was. Have given up trying to get an answer from UCLH. I have spoken to his secretary, who referred my details to the physios, but they haven't got back to me, or my local PT who has been desperately trying to get a protocol from them.
It is a shame because Mr Witt is an amazing surgeon, and I am sure he is unaware that patients are not getting the post-op support that they need.

I have decided to go ahead with the full weight bearing as originally planned, but am going to take it carefully. I started using one crutch around the house this morning, but am pretty sore now after a couple of hours. It is so nice to have a free hand to carry stuff around with!
I need to go out into town today so will definitely need to use two crutches for that.

Am carrying on with physio, but she is taking things slowly because she hasn't had a PAO patient before and is scared to push things too much, which I can understand, but at the same time I am eager to get trying new stuff. I was given a theraband this week to strengthen my knee, as it has got weak from lack of use over the last 8 weeks. I also damaged some ligaments in it about a year ago when one of our horses fell on top of me, so it is probably still a bit weak from that too. I can feel it buckle sometimes even on the crutches, so am glad she is addressing that too.

Will post more on the WB in a couple of days.

Pain in the butt!

Well , here I am at 71/2 weeks post-op.
Not much to report really. Have increased weight bearing to 50%.

I am still suffering with increased pain in the bum (Iscium area). It is worse when WB for more than a few minutes and really intense when rolling over in bed.I lost count of how many times it woke me up last night. The rest of the time when I am taking it easy, it is just a dull ache. I have tried to contact Mr Witt, but it seems his secretary is away this week, and I keep getting her voicemail, which is now full so obviously she is not there.

I am hoping to get in touch with her next week, as I am due to start full weight bearing then. (I have had a sneaky try, but the leg gives out due to this stupid bum pain) I also want to know if I am ok to carry on with physio or if I should wait until things settle down, as the exercises he gave me seem to be making it worse.

Will report more when I know something.

Physio

Well yesterday I went for my first physio appointment at my local hospital. My consultant recommended I start physio at 8 weeks when fully weight bearing, but I booked it for yesterday because I has a sneaky feeling what would happen.
The first thing she said to me was that there wasn't anyone in the department who knew what RPAO actually meant! ( Great start!) I explained and gave her the full name and she disappeared off to see if they had a protocol. Obviously they didn't, as expected, and I heard her asking a senior colleague what she should do. She returned and explained that no one in the department had ever treated a PAO patient and none of the Drs there did the procedure-surprise, thats why I had to travel the country to get it done! I told her my restrictions, but they were terrified to do anything without first speaking to my consultant.So she just measured my ROM and strength, told me to carry on with the exercises that the consultant had given me and come back in two week after she had the chance to speak to him. I expected all that anyway, so was glad that at least they will be equipped to start in two weeks when I will be almost full weight bearing.

On a side note, I am now 6 weeks post op and due to move onto 50% WB at the end of this week.
I have had a sudden increase in pain over the last few days around my coccyx and ischium area. I don't know if it is bone or muscle pain but seems to be increased when I do the side leg raises that the consultant gave me last week. I am going to ease off all the exercises for a couple of days and do ice and heat, then if its ok I intend to start increasing the WB and continue the exercises and hopefully it will settle down again when the joint gets stronger. If it doesn't improve by the end of the week I shall give Mr Witt a ring before starting any weight bearing.

Now the good news, although I took some painkillers at bedtime last night, I actually managed a full nights sleep for the first time without having to wake up to move my leg or position. :)
Everyone said this would take about 6 weeks and it was bang on!!
I can also lie on my operated side for as long as I want without pain. It hurts to roll over but is ok once I get there.So at 6 weeks the only thing that I can't do is weight bear and drive.

1 month post-op check-up.

I am now 5 weeks post-op.

I went for my 1 month check up on Friday.

It was a long day, we caught the 8.00am train to get us into London just before 11am. I decided to manage without the wheelchair, which was probably a stupid idea, but I wanted to crutch in the hospital instead of him thinking I was being a wimp and needed the chair.
It took us about 2 hours to do the 20minute walk from the station to the hospital, but this was broken up by coffee, then lunch, and a rest every few minutes,lol.

The appointment went really well. I had x-rays taken first ,then saw the registrar. He compared the before and after x-rays, and confirmed that they had increased the CE angle from 6-23 degrees.
Then I saw the consultant. He examined my ROM and the incision and was pleased with the progress so far. I have been given a couple more exercises, and a third one to add in two more weeks, when the tendon that they cut will have healed.I have two more weeks on toe-touch weight bearing, and then two weeks on 50% WB before being able to go to one crutch.He gave me permission to try driving at 6 weeks post-op, but warned it might take a little longer until I am able to brake safely, so to just be the judge of that myself.I have also been given a physio referral for my local hospital that can be done from 8 weeks post-op, once I am fully weight bearing. I can return to work at around the 3 month mark, if I feel able to do so.
All in all I was pretty happy with that, and can't wait to move onto the next stage to be able to test out my new hip. Also I don't need to see him again until September, so that is great news!
We eventually got home about 9.30pm and I was absolutely shattered. Every part of me hurt, both hips, arms ,hands etc but had a great night sleep!

After an easy day on Saturday, we went out for a drive on Sunday, and stopped for lunch in a pretty little village with a farm shop that did the most gorgeous cream teas, yummy!! :)

I am starting to feel human again. The last 5 weeks have gone so quickly, and yet feel like ages.I finally feel as if there is light at the end of the tunnel , and am excited at the thought of being 'normal' again, and after years of pain will have the chance to live my life without it, and am looking forward to be able to do all the things that my friends take for granted. I know that once weight bearing starts there might be an increase of pain/soreness so am prepared for some rough times ahead. The pain , for me, was far worse pre-op than anything I have experienced since the surgery, so for those going into it, please bear that in mind.

4 Weeks post-op

Recovery is continuing , but too slowly for my liking!

I can do more and more each day. I have managed hoovering , ironing, etc (all on one leg, lol) . Everything takes three times as long having to balance stuff on crutches, but its amazing how much is possible.

The big improvements this week are being able to get into the bath for a good long soak, and sleeping on my unoperated side for most of the night. I can also lay on my operated side for shorter periods. Basically there isn't anything I can't do now, except walk of course and raise my leg without using my hands.

I still get stiff and sore sometimes. I get different types of pain at different times, sometimes sharp and shooting down my leg, other times stabbing into the groin, or aching over my bum cheek, where the skin is often tender to touch too. I presume all this is perfectly normal and probably due to things healing and knitting back together.I also still have the grinding feeling in the joint that I have had from day one, but its not as often now, and I have also read that this is normal too.

Incision looks great now and I will post another photo of that very soon.

I have felt more tired the last couple of days, possibly because I have being doing more. We had a busy weekend- went out for tea on Friday, visited family on Sat then received an unexpected invitation to go out on Saturday evening.I was really wiped out on Sunday, and haven't really bounced back yet, even though I am sleeping better. I guess its a reminder that its still fairly early days yet.

I cancelled my appointment yesterday with my local OS who did my Arthroscopy. My hubby really couldn't take more time off work to take me,and I didn't think he could really examine me properly anyway, so have rescheduled that to October.
I see Mr Witt on Friday for the 1 month post-op appointment , so will update after I have seen him. I am pretty sure it will be uneventful and I think everything is healing as it should be.

I am also still amazed at the support that continues to come from all my hippy friends on injury update, hipwomen and through each others blogs etc. We are from all over the world and from a wide range of backgrounds, yet have been brought together through our dodgy hips. It feels like some of you have become my best friends and being able to share thoughts, vents, fears and triumphs will you all has been a privilege.
Hugs to you all. :)

Aaargh!

Aaaargh!!!I am soooooooooooooo fed up!

It seems wrong to moan because I was so happy to get this surgery, and have had a text book recovery, but ,boy am I fed up! Bored just doesn't come close!I cried twice today, but haven't told my OH because he has been so good.

This is the second time in 8 months I have been on crutches, and the novelty has definately worn off. I am dreading having another 5 weeks before I can go down to one crutch, let alone drive-dunno when that will be!

I hate being stuck in, and am even missing work! My brain is turning to mush!

And the suns gone!!!!

I know the time is passing, and its worth it in the long run, blah blah, but I am really climbing the walls today.


On a side note, have not taken any pain meds at all the last couple of days, so thats good. I still have a mild ache sometimes but not enough to take painkillers. I am still waiting to sleep through the night, and wake several times to change positions, but can also lay on my stomach now too. I have tried the operated side, its possible, but not comfortable, so will wait awhile before trying that again.

Three weeks post-op

Not a great deal to report on the recovery front.

I feel great in myself. I don't feel as if I have had surgery ( except for the scar and the crutches of course). I am off all painkillers except for two Paracetamols at bedtime, and I might try without those tonight.

I can do most things for myself;

wash, shower dress myself,
use normal height toilets and chairs,
prepare quick meals,
sleep on my side( Yay!)
Sleep ok through the night, just waking to change positions sometimes.
Pick stuff up from the floor,
shave my legs,
paint my toenails,

I have got much quicker on the crutches although I find the hard pavements jar a little bit, so would still use a wheelchair if going out for long periods, and its easier on the arms too!
All the swelling has gone now, and left in its place a very pitiful, thin, atrophied leg, which I still need to move with my hands, but stuff like going up and down stairs is easy now.

I am finding new ways to do stuff everyday. Todays I realised that the wheelchair is so much more useful than I first thought-if I put a tray on the seat I can push food and drink around on it, and it also makes unloading the dishwasher, or transporting laundry easy!


All in all, things are going great-boredom is starting to settle in, and I really wish I was able to work from home, which isn't possible in my job, because I am definately well enough to start using my brain.

Next week I have two hospital appointments, one with the Dr who did my Arthroscopy, he wants to keep an eye on how things are progressing on Monday, and one with Mr Witt, my PAO surgeon on Friday. I am looking forward to seeing the x-rays, and finding out his long term opinions on my hip.I also intend to discuss the other hp with him to see if that will need a PAO or not. The dysplasia is milder on that side, so maybe not, but I have some pain and lots of popping so my guess is that something is not quite right.

Two Weeks Post op

I don't know where the last month has gone. It doesn't seem two minutes ago I was writing that there was two weeks until surgery, now suddenly I am two weeks post-op! YAY! I know the worst is behind me, and all the nerves and worry that I had a month ago were, more or less, unfounded. Yes, its a big surgery, but very doable. I will not be at all concerned if I do need to have the other hip done.

Two weeks post-op I feel great in myself. My pain hasn't been more than 'mild' for most of the time.It occaisionally spikes in the evening, when sitting on a hard chair which is uncomfortable, or when I try to reduce the meds( which I still keep attempting ). The hip is uncomfortable sometimes, and stiff when I first stand up, but that is to be expected. It grinds quite a bit, but I have read on other blogs that this is normal. I can crutch much better now, and can swing the leg through instead of sliding it, or dragging it with the TEDS stockings, which is what I had to do to start with. I am down to two paracetamols and one codeine every 6-7 hours. I am still fairly swollen around the butt area, and have quite a numb area on the outside of my thigh, but this is reducing already. The rest of my leg looks quite pathetic-I am amazed at how quickly it has lost all its muscle tone!

At two weeks I can;
Get in and out of bed/chairs by myself,
Wash, use the bathroom, shower without assistance ( although hubby won't let me shower alone yet, I know that I can)
Get dressed by myself,
Put socks and shoes on good leg, but still need help with the right one.
Pick stuff up from the floor,
Do light housework, such as dusting , putting washing away etc,
Make light meals
Lay on my side for a few minutes at a time.


At this point I can't sleep on my side, or sleep through the night yet.

My goal over the next week is to cut out the codeine during the day, and to sleep on my side, even if its just for short periods.

We went out for a meal on Sunday just at our local pub. I went in the wheelchair which was mentally hard, as I felt like a child in a pushchair, but it a nice evening so we enjoyed the walk. It was a fairly quick outing as I couldn't sit for too long, but it was nice to get out in the real world again.

Bad Move!

Yesterday, I decided as things were going really well I would try and reduce some of the pain meds. I have already cut out the Diclofenac, but thought I could cut down the codeine too. I was taking eight a day, and needless to say was getting major constipation issues. So as the pain was well controlled I thought I could cut them out during the day, and just manage on Paracetamol.

Bad idea!!

You would think after months of reading every word on other hip chicks blogs I would have remembered their advice of keeping on top of the pain. No, I thought I was superwoman, and soon found out that I wasn't!! I ended up in more pain than I had been since just coming out of surgery, and it took a good few hours to get back on top of it.

So the moral of this post, to those of you still to do the great PAO journey, please remember not to be in too much of a rush to get off the meds, its not a race, and its better to take some and keep on top of the pain.
On the bright side though, at least I know that I still need them. I intend to take 6 over then next day or so, then cut down to four, before trying to be Superwoman again!

Apart from that, things are going great. I am getting more mobile on the crutches, and feel less tired in myself.

Home!

Yay! Home again!

The journey home really wasn't as bad as I thought. It was made better due to some of the planning we had done beforehand- we hired a wheelchair from the red cross and took it to London with us, then arranged wheelchair assistance from the train company. This worked out really well as they met us at the station, helped with the luggage, and used a ramp to wheel me on and off. I took my meds an hour before leaving, so they were just kicking in by the time we got to the station, and lasted almost until we got home.Also travelling first class was comfortable, and I enjoyed a nice breakfast of smoked salmon and cream cheese! Yummy! Travelling this way was the best thing for us, as my dad picked us up from the station and drove the short way home, and that was much more uncomfortable than the train, also it was better than taking the car into Central London for ten days.

It is so nice to be home. As soon as I got in I had a short nap as I was pretty tired. It is great to be able to manage the muscle pains etc with hot water bottles and ice packs whenever I need them. Although I am only 8 days post-op I am already so glad I have had this surgery, and have already come so far. I am not in much pain, and haven't been since day one, just uncomfortable at times, but my hip already feels more stable.

At first I felt like I had a mountain to climb before things would get better, now it seems like a hill. I just need to be patient over the next few weeks and not do anything to spoil Mr Witts good work.

1 Week post-op

Hi Kate here, back in the land of the living. Thanks Becky for updating this for me.Sorry for not updating more in the last few days.

The last few days in hospital passed fairly uneventfully. I had some issues with the diclofenac causing stomach pains, so was taken off them last night and have felt much better since.

I escaped at ten o'clock this morning. Have spent today watching TV and sleeping in the hotel, then we attempted my first outing. Complete with wheelchair and crutches we went to a nearby pub for some tea. It was nice to get back into the real world, although sitting is pretty uncomfortable, so it was a quick meal and back to the hotel bed. However, I feel like I have accomplished quite a lot already considering where I was a week ago today.
So far I can get in and out of bed by myself,
Get washed and dressed without help ( apart from sock and shoes),
crutch short distances, and sit for short periods before getting uncomfortable.

I am on paracetamol and dihydrocodeine every 6 hours, which is controlling the pain pretty well. I plan to cut down on these once we get home tomorrow, but have got a three hour train journey to get through first.

I have to keep wearing the teds until I get more active, and can't do straight leg raises, but apart from that, and toe-touch weight bearing only, I have no restrictions.

I have not found this anywhere near as difficult or painful as I expected, but have had amazing support from my husband, and don't think the experience would have been as easy if he hadn't been by my side. I love him so much.

Will update more when I get home.
Thanks for all the support and good wishes from family, friends and fellow hippies.

3 Days Post OP

Nothing much new to report today. Mr. Witt came round first thing he is pleased with how everything is That was really good. I had about 45 minutes in the pool, walking and stepping up and down steps plus sum exercises bending my knee and hip and out to the side. It was so much more comfortable to do them in the warm water and walking freely without the aids felt great.

Had all the remaining drips and tubes taken out so am free to move around now. There is a weird catching/clicking feeling in the joint every time I move, but this isn't pain full just feels strange. I am only taking paracetamol, dihydrocodeine and diclofenac now and that is controlling the pain real well. I haven't had much pain at all, just times when it felt a bit uncomfortable or achey. One word of advice for anyone going into UCLH, ask if you think you need stool softeners etc.. because they are not given at all unless you request them. I have been really glad to have a grabber, lip salve, baby wipes and moisturiser with me, but have been to tired to bother with reading material.

Last night the pain got quite bad probably and after effect of moving around more in the afternoon. Not much to report today. The physio team and the consultants team have been excellent, as have a couple of the nurses - but not many! On the whole they leave a lot to be desired. I also think most of them think i have had a THR - I have not had any help getting in and out of beds, just left to struggle with lifting my leg up myself.

I can't wait to get out of here. Some of the nursing staff are so miserable and look like they really think everything is such a chore. I have had my PCA removed and swapped my walker for crutches so hopefully that is one step nearer to getting home. I think i was spoilt at the previous hospital where I had the Arthroscopy because the staff were lovely, cheer full and that noting was too much trouble here it is just the opposite.

5:00pm
I can't believe how this is going. The physios came at about four o'clock and gave me a couple of exercises to do in bed, then it was the dreaded time to stand!
It went ok then I walked across the room to the toilet and back - the physios were stunned as they hadn't had anyone go so far on the first day! I could have gone further only i wasn't sure if i was able to get back. It wasn't at all painful just a bit uncomfortable from the clicking. I have been sat in the chair for over an hour now and still feel good.
Tomorrow hopefully the catheter can come out and i can go onto oral meds and crutches.

9:00
Am still feeling pretty tired today but otherwise quite good. I don't have pain when i am lying in bed, which is good but any movement is difficult - not looking forward to getting up later!
I managed to eat two slices of toast for breakfast. Mr. Witt has been to see me and he was very please with how the surgery went, he said he had got good coverage and the hip should be a lot more comfortable - so that's great news!
My BP is low so that has caused some concerns and I have been put on O2, but apart from that everything is going really well.

Tuesday 12th May - Surgery Day!

Kate here -
Hi, Becky is posting this for me as I can't log onto my blog for some reason, so will send updates via Becky while I am in hospital, but I won't be able to reply to any comments so please don't think I'm being rude - lol!

Got up 5:30am for a shower and last hair wash then left the hotel about 6:30am for steady walk to the hospital. The admissions lounge opened at 7am, and once there things moved pretty quickly. I was first on the list so quickly went through the usual blood pressure and health checks before being seen by the Consultant and Anesthetist. I was taken down to theater at 8am, where i was then asked to change into a gown and anti-embolic stocking on my good leg. At about 8:30am I was taken into anesthetic room. I was given a GA and once asleep they gave me a spinal and a catheter.
I came round in recovery about 12:30pm, and had to wait for a bed so was taken to the ward at about 3:00pm. The pair was very well controlled, initially with they spinal, then with a morphine PCA pump, diclofenac and paracetamols. The only problems is the intense itching from morphine, but that improved after piriton through the IV.
Ian and Becky came to see me about half past 3 and stayed for a couple of hours whilst I attempted a little beef stew and some fruit. By 5:30 I was completely wiped out so they left and i slept for the rest of the night.

Post Op Becky's Post

Mum successfully had surgery this morning, the surgeon said she'll be out of bed tomorrow.

She went in at quarter to nine and was in recovery for half eleven. No real problems at the moment although morphine is making her itchy.

WARNING scar picture below, scroll down to view!

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Becky's Update

Hi everyone I'm Becky, Kate's youngest daughter.

Took my mum to hospital at 7:00 am, she was first on list and went down to theater at 8:00 am.
Will post back this afternoon with more updates.

We're off!

Well I really can't believe the time has come, but we are leaving for the train to London in half an hour.
Tomorrow I need to check in at the hospital at 7.00am.
I will try to post an update whilst in hospital , but have been told that there isn't an Internet connection available at UCLH, so my youngest daughter who is 13 has agreed to post a quick update if I am unable to.

Thanks to all the support and good wishes that I have had from all my friends , family and hippie friends.

Rayray, have been thinking about you today as you have your surgery-hope everything goes perfectly.
Debbie , good luck with the CT scan tomorrow.
Annick, will text you before, but good luck for next Wednesday too.

So here goes....

Reality check

Well I have just taken delivery of two very unattractive raised toilet seats with a surrounding frame, one to double up as a shower stool. They may be functional, but are certainly not pretty!
I am fed up of trying to explain to people that I am not having a hip replacement, and have become expert at the hand over fist demo of dysplasia, but looking around my house at the moment it is definately more suited to an 80 year old who is about to undergo a replacement.

It certainly feels like there is no going back, and it is really going to happen.

I think I am going to need to be pushed onto the train on Monday.

Great timing Lefty!

Ok, so here I am four days away from surgery on the right and the left one that has been niggling away quietly for the past couple of months has decided now is a good time to become more vocal.
She is popping and cracking constantly ,sounding like a bowl of a well known cereal. I am slightly worried as she will have to take my entire weight for the next 6-8 weeks, so am really hoping it will hold up.Hopefully as I won't be moving around so much it won't be a problem, and I have been pretty busy the past few days getting stuff sorted so possibly it just compensation (fingers crossed!)

Almost there

Only another five days to go!!!

Am gradually working my way down my list of 'lasts'.

Last haircut,
Last night out ,
Last day at work-still got that one to do.

At this point I am alternating between being fairly calm and resigned to the fact that for the next 6 weeks or so my life is basically on hold whilst I recover , and being downright terrified! I had a moment today when I really felt like picking up the phone and calling the whole thing off! But I got through that, and I know that I would bitterly regret it if I did.I am not scared about the anaesthetic, or have any worries that something will go wrong, its just the unknown and the fact that as much as I have read lots of other blogs, and am really prepared in that way, I have really no idea at all how much pain I am going to be in, and can't imagine what that will feel like.
Oh well, will soon find out.

I have picked up a wheelchair that I have hired until 1st July. I hate being stuck in the house so I am hoping that it will enable me to get out a bit in those first few weeks. All the other wonderful aids that I am to be given are due to arrive sometime whilst I am in hospital.

I was so grateful yesterday, when I had a meeting with someone who had a very bad cold and she rang me to cancel as she was concerned that she would pass it on and then I might have had the surgery cancelled. That was really thoughtful of her and I can't thank her enough, as I would have been in a difficult position if she had turned up. I would have felt like running a mile (well ok then, hobbling quickly) away, but would have had to sat through it. I am a bit paranoid at the minute in case I get anything, normally I am not the least bit bothered about things like that- I would be gutted to have got to the last stage and have it cancelled,( Hobbling Helly , I really feel for you on that one! )

So everything is done now, just got to get through the last few days of waiting.


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Two weeks to go!

Well two weeks today, I will be hopefully away with the fairies whilst Mr Witt finally manages to reconstruct my hip so it can behave itself and act more like a normal one!

I am super prepared, in fact I think I have peaked too early. I challenge anyone to find even a speck of dust anywhere in my house, as I have cleaned until I have run out of anything else to clean. The only problem is, due to two teenagers,and the ever increasing presence of daughter no1s boyfriend, horses, dog, cat and two hammies it won't stay that way for long!!

All that is left on the list is haircut and colour ( need to get rid of the grey bits before the big day), the necessary bits waxed, vaccinations for the dog, and a new pair of large baggy joggers to buy to travel home in and then everything is complete. oh, and to wait the arrival of all my lovely orthopaedic aids that I will need post-op. A grabber arrived in the post the other day, much to Ians ( my OH) amusement- it kept him quiet for hours! His favourite trick is to get someones wrist in the grabber and make you slap yourself with it( small things, small minds lol)

Am I nervous- not at the moment, that has come and gone, probably to return again, but at the minute I am excited, and ready to get this over with. The only thing I am worried about is how Ian will cope on the day of my surgery. It will be a long day for him, and I feel so guilty that I am putting him through this and won't be around to comfort him whilst he waits. That job will be down to my 13yr old , who will be down in London with us. I, hopefully ,will be sleeping soundly for most of the day without a care in the world, oblivious to the fact that everyone around me is worried and clock watching, and not even worrying about one of my bezzie mates who is having a CT scan that very same day ( normally I would be worrying about her too, but Debbie, I know you will be fine, xx)

Oh, and a quick update on the work situation, after my rant in the last post, they were obviously just trying it on, because once I asked they quickly agreed to reduce my hours next week. So all is well there too.

Not Again!

I don't believe this, I have gone back to work after a weeks annual holiday to find that next week I am down to work an extra 3 hours which is fine because someone is off but the following week ( the week leading up to my surgery ) I am expected to work an extra 10hours on top of my normal contracted hours. This takes me up to the amount of hours I was doing last year( before I had to reduce them due to being physically unable to stand for so long). I have not worked so many hours in 8 months, never mind the week leading up to my surgery, when I will have loads to do at home anyway, never mind being mega stressed out-which I am already!
Normally I would have a moan but do the hours anyway, but not this time. When I next see my boss I am going to tell her I just can't do it-surely they can't make me work over contract anyway.I am not going into surgery even more sore and knackered that usual.
I can't believe how insensitive they are being. They think I am off having fun over the summer.I really don't think they realise what a big deal a PAO is.
This is the last straw. I have dragged myself there, time after time,when I have been in too much pain to think straight, but not anymore. Once I am fit enough I will tell them where they can put their job! lol.
If anyone has managed to stay awake to the end of this post, well done , and thanks for letting me vent.

Pre Surgery Assessment

I had my pre-op assessment on Thursday.It went ok, they did the usual tests, height, weight( too much of it, lol) MRSA and blood tests.I had a lot of questions I was hoping to get answered, but quickly realised that I knew more about the upcoming surgery than they did.

Then I saw a member of the physio team, she was more clued up and talked me through what would happen on the morning of the surgery. I will be given an epidural for post-op pain relief, followed by a GA. The surgery should last about 3 hours, followed by 2-3 hours in recovery, depending on how long it takes to get some response from me, ( OH said that could take a while!) Should be given breathing exercises that afternoon, and expected to stand for a minute or two the next morning.

Then I was given a list of furniture measurements, need the chairs, suite and toilets raised, and a frame around each toilet.Luckily our bed is high enough, as they can't make kingsize ones any higher.I should also get a shower seat, and will need a grabber. There aren't any real precautions I need to worry about, other than what pain prevents and straight leg lifts are forbidden ( can live with that).So know I sit and wait to be invaded by a local team from the social services to make my home suitable for someone about 90 years old!

The major concern was the fact that I am expecting to get the train home- she was not at all happy about that- said it was far too dangerous. I spoke to Mr Witts secretary after I got home and the outcome was they will arrange hospital transport for me if I am not fit to travel home.
In the meantime I was told to keep as active as possible to avoid blood clots post-op, and avoid journey's longer than 3 hours .
So all is well, and the countdown begins....

Back to the hips

Ok, back to the hips.

We have been out for lunch today with my husbands family. We had a great time, there were sixteen of us , and it is great to all get together, however it was a pretty long lunch so I am feeling quite sore tonight from being sat in one position for too long. Worryingly, it seems to be the left leg that is giving me the most pain at the minute. I am pretty sure this is just compensation, but will discuss it with my surgeon as soon as poss post-op.

Thursday is my pre-op appointment. It will be a long day because we need to get the 8.30am train down to London, which gets us there for about 11am. This will give us plenty of time for lunch before my appointment at 2 o'clock. I am not sure how long the appointment will take, I always expect to have to wait around for a while, plus we need to see the OT as well. We had a choice of two trains home either 4pm or 6.45pm. We picked the later one, although this will mean some hanging around, but never mind. We should be back home for about 9.45pm.

I have got a few questions that I still want answering. I have a rough idea thanks to the advice of those on Hipwomen, but it will be good to have confirmation from the hospital.
Heres the list so far;

Pre-op questions;

How long is surgery?

Where is/how long is the incision?

How long is the epidural/ catheter usually in for?

Is a blood transfusion usually necessary?

Pain management in hospital/ at home?

Do I need any aids post-op at home? Are they provided?

Do I need blood thinning injections when I get home?

I am planning to travel home by train, will this be possible?

How long will I need help during the day at home?

How long until I can drive?

Is there any chance that once the surgery has started, the cartilage will not be as good as thought, and would need a resurfacing/THR?

Will post any info that I have afterwards. I am looking forward to this appointment, although I can't believe how quickly it has come around. It will be good to get the last minute details. I really feel as if this is going to happen now.

Perspective

I had some sad news at work lately.
A colleague of mine was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. He is only late forties, and in the last 4 months has gone from leading a normal, healthy life to being confined to a wheelchair. He has gone downhill so rapidly, his future does not look good. It is such a cruel illness. It really does put things into perspective when it happens to someone that you know. He is a really nice bloke.

It made me realise that no matter how much pain my hips might cause me, it is really not that bad. At some point I will get through this time, and will look back at just a short part of my life that was temporarily disrupted by hip dysplasia. Bilateral PAOs or THRs are not life threatening by any means and there is always someone that is worse off than you are. It is too easy to get wrapped up in yourself and forget that there are others facing much worse things.

Preparations starting

I have been preparing some meals over the last couple of days to put in the freezer for post surgery.I know its a little early, but the last couple of weeks before surgery I am going to be super busy with work so I wanted to get everything done before then. I am pretty sore tonight but it has been worth it to get it all done.
I have managed to get about three weeks worth of meals into the freezer. I have to stop now because it is absolutely jammed full and I just can't squeeze anything else in.

Next week I intend to go right through the house and deep clean it is much as possible. It doesn't really need it , but I will feel better once it is done. My husband is off too, so we are also going to decorate the bedroom( so that will be nice to recuperate in!) I also have my pre-op next week.

The following week I plan to pick up a wheelchair from the local red cross, and buy any last minute stuff such as a couple of pairs of larger size jogging bottoms to wear afterwards.

That should be everything done by then, just need to keep on top of the house, washing and work after that.

But you know what they say about the best laid plans....

Scary thoughts

There has been several posts on some of the boards the last couple of days about the risk of dying through hip surgery!

Thats not really what I want to think about!
Apparently there is a risk of 1/200 will die through a complication-jeez thats a scary thought!

I am really trying to focus on the fact that 199 out of the 200 are absolutely fine, but I'm having a hard time convincing myself. I knew that there were risks involved, obviously, but its something that you can put to the back of your mind, until you read it in black and white!
Still, possibly a large part of those statistics are the elderly that have hip replacements, and are not in perfect health anyway , not healthy 'young'( well not really, but I still like to think so) patients.

Gulp!

Please stop me!

My healthy diet seems to have flown out of the window.

I have been doing great, lost ten pounds , only needed a couple more off and I would have been really pleased.

So what happened?
Couple of really bad days pain wise, needed to rest today, which I did , but needed some company- first to oblige me was the biscuit tin, munched my way through a fair few chocolate caramels, they needed some company, so a twirl followed, that was lonely too so a bag of quavers was sent in as reinforcements.I am now fighting the urge to add some cereal bars to the rest.
What happened to the healthy eating? There is a big bowl of fruit, yoghurts etc but its just not hitting the spot today!


Two weeks today to my pre-op appointment.
Need to start compiling a list of the questions that are still outstanding.
Can't believe its coming round so fast.

Ups and downs of Dysplasia

I have had a really bad day at work today, was in tears by 8.00am.
I don't know how I am going to get through the next 6 weeks ( well 5 weeks and 5 days, not that I'm counting! )
I was going to go home sick once my colleague had arrived, but then I found out that the company I work for are planning to reduce the hours in my office. I am too scared to take any extra sick leave now because I am already facing a disciplinary when I return to work following the PAO, because I will have had two surgeries in 8 months. This gives me an unacceptable level of sick leave, despite not having any other time off at all in the five years that I have worked there.
I really like my job, it is local and the hours fit in well with school times etc. I Unfortunatley it involves a lot of standing, and is impossible to do using crutches. I really don't know what to do. I have already reduced my contract to shorter days and only three days a week, so I really can't afford to reduce it further.

I know I shouldn't really complain. At least it can be treated, and in the end I will be OK. There are a lot of people that are so much worse off than me!

On a better note, its 1st April today, that means my surgery is next month!

Its starting to feel real now, after months of knowing it is going to happen, but feeling ages away, it is suddenly starting to feel much closer.
I am alternating between excitement, (I can't wait to be able to get on with my life again), and sheer terror, (at the thought of what I need to go through first).

Surgery is a great excuse to shop!

Over the last few weeks I have been shopping for stuff to take into hospital with me. This has had to be done at one hour max at a time, cane in one hand and balancing a bag or two in the other. I have noticed how rude people are when they see you using a walking stick. With some you get the pitying 'she looks too young for that' look, others the 'there doesn't seem much wrong with her' look,after which they usually slam a door in your face. But the one thing I have noticed is that the most courteous of all are couples who are approximately eighty years old who always stand and hold the door with a genuine, but not pitying, smile on their faces.

Anyway, I digress,back to the shopping. Being a bit of a shopaholic, I have relished the thought of having a valid excuse to buy an endless supply of 'necessary' items.

Here's what I have so far;

Toiletries;

Bath towel, hand towel and face flannel,
Soap,
Shampoo, conditioner,dry shampoo,
Hairspay, hairbands
Hairbrush
Toothbrush,toothpaste
Lipsalve,
Savlon,
Body lotion,
Moisturiser,
Body spray and perfume
Hand gel
Tissues.
Earplugs.

Dressing Gown,
Slippers,
Fleece jacket ( in case Im cold in bed but don't want a dressing gown)
Nightshirts(9 in total. Is that too many? Said I would be in 7-10 nights, need a clean one each day, but don't want hubby to have to bother washing as he will be staying in hotel)
Boxers ( largest size I could find.Don't like the thought of going commando)
Bras.
Socks.
Grabber.
Ipod.

Need to get; Pen, notebook, mags, book , sweets to suck, puzzle books.

Is there anything I have forgotten/don't need?

Also I have bought some extra large jogging bottoms and leggings.

Now all I need to get is a bigger suitcase .....

I'm back!

Inspired by a fellow hip chick (Annick, if you read this, thank you so much)I realised I have done exactly what I said I would never do.For the last year I have let my hip take over my life. I allowed it to turn me from someone who was always active, on the go and loved to exercise to a couch potato who wallowed in pain and self pity.

Just because I can't run, do high impact aerobics and walk very far, there is no reason why I can't still exercise and keep fit.So, determined to shed the pounds before surgery,I went swimming today.I intended to do around 20-30 laps to see how things felt,but once in I couldn't stop. It felt so great to be doing some exercise again! I stopped after 50 laps of the pool, and felt brilliant.Now Im not the greatest swimmer, and it wasn't pretty, but I didn't care.I loved it!
Yes, I am a bit sore now, but no worse than I would be at the end of the day anyway,but I also feel on top of the world, and determined to do this at least 3 times a week.I am going to get a waterproof case for my Ipod, and go cycling at the weekend.I feel, for the first time in a long time, like the old me.

I have been thinking about all the things I need to get sorted before I go into hospital.The list just keeps getting longer,
Heres what I have so far:

First and foremost, get fit and lose some weight! This seems a common aim for most of us pre-surgery. I have put on about 10lbs since my Arthroscopy. Too much sitting around feeling sorry for myself. So I have decided to try and lose a bit of weight, whilst eating as healthily as possible, stocking up on lots of iron rich foods(bring on the liver!)Also I am going to start swimming more, and dust the cobwebs off my bike.

Keep on top of the housework. I spring-cleaned last week, but am sure it will need it again before May!

Freeze lots of nutritous meals for when I get home.

Hair cut, and colour(yes, I am going grey around the edges,thanks to the NHS!)

Buy lots of granny style nighties for in hospital, and joggers to slob around in afterwards.

Book train tickets.

Book hotel for OH and youngest daughter to stay in London, whilst I'm enjoying all-inclusive at the UCH.

Arrange kennels, and vaccinations for the animals.

Have necessary bits waxed!

Teach 17yr old how to use washer,cooker,vacuum, its the first time she has been left(OMG!).


Then theres the next lot of lists...
Make lists for thing to buy for hospital stay, lists of questions to ask at my pre-op, lists of lists.....
Aaaargh!

Fellow Hip Chicks!

I hope that this blog can give someone some help and alleviate their fears about having a PAO.
I have spent the last few months pouring over some fantastic blogs written by fellow hip chicks,most who have had a brilliant outcome with their PAOs.I can't promise that this blog will be as entertaining or as articulate as some of the blogs I have read, but I promise I will do my best to tell things as they happen to me, and if I can help just one other hip chick who is following on this daunting journey then it will be worthwhile.
I have gained so much and got so many tips including what to and not to take into hospital, questions to ask,etc, that have helped me prepare for the big day. I would like to thank all those who have been through this procedure and put up with my endless questions and those whose blogs I have read and reread (I know I'm sad!). You are all an inspiration!

Some background info

I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at around 15months which was treated successfully with a deroational osteotomy. This give me a normal, painfree childhood,and allowed me to take part in whatever sports and hobbies that I wanted to.
Fastforward to about four years ago, at the grand old age of 35,and after a few years of vague pains around my groin I began to experiance episodes of sharp groin pains enough to make me limp for short periods of time. These began to get more frequent and last longer so it was time to seek some help.
After a few months of physio, pain meds, anti-inflams, and cortisone injections, I was referred to a consultant for a Hip Arthroscopy.I had this in September 09, and spent 6 weeks on crutches.The pain didn't ever go away, and at 8 weeks post-op I was referred to Mr Witt at University College Hospital, London.
That brings me to where I am today( if anyone has got this far and is still awake).
I am due to have a RPAO on 12th May 2009.