Well this time last year, I was sat in London having my pre-surgery meal, with a mixture of excitement at beginning the journey that would hopefully change my life, and slightly nervous at what the next day would entail.
What a difference a year makes!
I have gone from not being able to walk around a supermarket without a walking stick, and a hip that gave out at almost every step, constantly living on strong painkillers and working through a fog, to being 'normal' (although close friends and family might dispute that . I can do everything that any other 41yr old can do, work without strong meds, clean the house as much as I like, walk the dog etc but, unlike others my age, it is something I will never take for granted again. It has been a long, and often frustrating year, and many times I thought I would never reach this point and would never be pain free again, particularly following not recovering from the Arthroscopy the previous year. I am now 32lbs lighter, and much fitter than I have been for years.
My no 1 goal following the PAO was to be able to work pain free, without meds. I finally managed that about 11 months post op.
No 2 to be able to walk the dog pain free,something I haven't done for about 4 years. Also managed around 11 months.
I have now set myself some new goals for the next year, whether I will achieve all of them or just some depends on my operated hip and also the unoperated one, but either way, I intend to have fun trying, and be grateful for what I can do now, anything that follows is just a bonus.
I have just started a run/walk programme to get me back into running. ( Hubby doesn't know yet, have been doing it in secret as I will go crazy, things its stupid after all I have been through). I have ran/walked 1min each x5 for 3 times last week. The first couple of times hip felt very strange. almost as if there wasn't any cushioning inside the joint, but the third time I went out with the dog and my youngest on her horse.Thet trotted when I ran, and we all had a great time,then walked for the rest and was out for 80mins, and the hip felt great. Started week 2 today, ran 2min/walked 1 x6 plus 10mins walk warm up and cool down, hip wasn't an issue except the quad when running downhill,but my fitness was!!!! I take Ibuprofen before as advised by Mr W and iced afterwards and everything feels better now than before I started the running so it can't be doing any harm.
My following goals are;
1, Run for 30mins solid,
2, enter a 5k,
3, 10k,
4 half marathon,
5-have entered the ballot to run or walk or a combination of both,the London Marathon (all Annicks fault,lol). If I don't get a place a friend has agreed to walk the Moonwalk ( same distance),although I am not sure London is ready for me in my bra! :)
So thats where I am up to now. I hope it helps those of you who are still recovering, or to anyone who reads this and needs a PAO in the future. It is worth every moment, and eventually you WILL get your life back, and will be a stronger and more thankful person for it.
I have met some fantastic people that have helped me through this journey-too many to mention,all undergoing their own personal hip battles too. Each and everyone of you have been a tremendous support and I would love to meet some of you someday.
Thanks to all the hip chicks who have supported,listened and given their advice.
I hope this blog helps someone who needs to undergo a PAO at some point in the future. Its a tough and frustrating journey but sooo worth it when you get to the end!
