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!
Hi Kate,
ReplyDeleteGood news, glad you are doing so well. I miss walking for fun. Now I try to walk as little as possible. No PAO for me it looks like. I am trying to get seen in December to look at other options. Strange how I read about people who are my age or older (38) who still have PAO option. But I will get fixed one day one way or another! Best wishes.
Annie
Hi Annie, where are you based? Is your hip past the point of a PAO,and has this been confirmed by someone who really knows, if so don't be too disheartened there are people who have had fantastic results from a BHR or a THR, and thats definitley and option I would have taken if necessary. The main thing is to get back to being pain free and being able to have some quality of life, and I am sure with the right Dr you will get there.December seems a long way off, who are you seeing then?
ReplyDeleteHang in there and keep in touch,
Kate
Hi Annie! Hi Kate!
ReplyDeleteGreat news on the update, Kate! I have often wondered how soon I will be able to wear heels - good to know that it can be done again one of these days!
Hello again Kate and Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI am in the US-Tuscaloosa, Alabama to be precise. I actually have been to the same Doc who Jen saw. I am in process of getting all my records together to send to an academic center in North Carolina that does everything (PAO, BHR, THR, and various other procedures). They will review and make a recommendation on a doctor for me to see. I am reluctant to see another doctor who probably knows less about dysplasia then I do or can't evaluate all my options because he or she doesn't perform all the different procedures. so I'm hoping to avoid that by going to the place in North Carolina. i always thought doctors knew more. Or why it's been so hard for me to get to the best doc-Is that easier in the UK? My goal for December is mainly due to convenience-It's an eight hour drive and I will be going there anyway to see family over the holidays. Being pain free would be so nice- I have started using a cane (on my own-not under a doctor's suggestion- last week). This seems to help but the pain is always there nagging away. I try not to take any meds, figuring if the pain is dulled I am just allowing myself to do more damage to my joint. It's a lot to absorb and think about while trying to stay positive and not overly self/hip obsessed. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I keep telling myself this is a "temporary" disability. Here's hoping that's true.
Annie
Gosh Annie, looking at Kate you will get thru, but I do feel for you!
ReplyDeleteKate, heels, I only have one word JEALOUS!
Hang in there Louisa and Annie, you WILL get there. Have to say I am a tad sore today after the heels, but hey, it was worth it! LOL!
ReplyDeleteAnnie, I am sure you will feel happier once you have been to North Carolina and got a definate plan of action and found a Dr you are happy with. The worst time is when you are not sure what the future holds, or whether you are ever going to be pain free-but you will be, just follow your gut instinct and keep going until you find the answer you are happy with even if it means getting several opinions.
Good luck
Kate x
Kate,
ReplyDeleteThat's such cool news! Heels at 4.5 months!!! You must be giddy:) I am cheering for you! Reading your blog is really helpful and encouraging. My countdown is on (literally on my blog, lol!) and I have 71 days left before I begin my hip surgical journey....can't get here soon enough! Keep posting and I'll keep reading:)
Thanks Marcie,
ReplyDeleteIts good to know it helps-I was obsessed with reading blogs before my surgery so its great to know mine is helping others too.
Those 71 days will fly by and soon you will be on the road to recovery too, and the horrible dysplasia pain becomes just a distant memory ( and I never thought I get to the point where I would say that! )
Kate xx
Kate do you know of an FAI hip specialist in Calgary Canada, someone on my blog needs help, thanks X
ReplyDeleteNo idea sorry x
ReplyDeleteKate,
ReplyDeleteDo you know anything about retroverted acetabulum and whether it can be fixed thru arthroscopy, because I have become aware that is behind my pincer FAI and I'm wondering how severe it needs to be before it needs treating open rather than scope??? Just my hip isn't leaping ahead in recovery and... oh and and , and I never trust surgeons agendas!