Three weeks ago today I would have barely been through the first 12 hours after the surgery and now I am getting around on my crutches, going to swim therapy, and can slowly get dressed on my own. I still can't get in and out of the shower without help, which I believe is the most frustrating part. I hate not being able to take care of myself without help. My PAO friend Stephanie has been through this process already and she reassures me that there is light at the end of the tunnel. She also admits that it is a daily battle of thoughts if you can make it through, did you make the right decision, etc. I guess this process is normal, but some days are much worse than others. Days like today, where I got to swim and actually felt normal for the first time in a long time, I feel great, but other days I wonder if I can make it, did I make the right decision, will I ever be back to where I was? I will only know these answers in time.
There are so many days that I struggle with my decision or the reality that I will have to do this surgery again on my left hip. I know God has a plan for me and that somehow this will fit into the plan, but I just can't see it right now. I have struggled over the last year dealing with this problem and the ramifications it had on my Army training. It was hard to stand by and watch as my class moved on, as well as have been punished for the fact I was injured. It was hard hearing what others had to say in regards to my condition, such as it's my fault that I am in this situation and that if I don't recover, it too is my fault. Without a shadow of a doubt, I don't want to let those individuals win by me leaving the program, but part of me also does not want to continue in those surroundings or cause permanent harm to my body. These things I have definitely thought about throughout my recovery, because you have no option but to sit and think. In time these concerns/issues will be worked out and figured out, but it is going to take time. I just hope whatever that may be that I will be happy and fully recovered.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Two Weeks Post-Op
Today, I am officially two weeks out from my RPAO. It seems as if the last couple weeks have gone by both fast and slow. I look back at where I was even a week ago and I have made huge improvements, but there is still so much I can not do yet. I am most frustrated by the fact that I can not take a shower without help. I think once I can at least get myself ready I will feel better. It is just hard because I have to rely so much on others and I will have to until I get through the healing process.
This week I start hydrotherapy and get to bike without resistance. At least, I will be able to get out of the house for therapy three times a week for the next few weeks until I can bare weight on my leg. Also, I plan on going up to Wisconsin for the Fourth of July, which gives me a goal to work for in regards to recovery and physical therapy. I will be able to relax by the lake, enjoy friends & family and lots of good food!
It has been hard lately, especially the last few days have been frustrating, but I am able to do more and more. There are days where I wonder if I made the right decision, or think if I can make it through all this and there are others where I feel that the scar is not so bad or that I am progressing well. I am just trying to take it day by day...
This week I start hydrotherapy and get to bike without resistance. At least, I will be able to get out of the house for therapy three times a week for the next few weeks until I can bare weight on my leg. Also, I plan on going up to Wisconsin for the Fourth of July, which gives me a goal to work for in regards to recovery and physical therapy. I will be able to relax by the lake, enjoy friends & family and lots of good food!
It has been hard lately, especially the last few days have been frustrating, but I am able to do more and more. There are days where I wonder if I made the right decision, or think if I can make it through all this and there are others where I feel that the scar is not so bad or that I am progressing well. I am just trying to take it day by day...
Thursday, June 18, 2009
PAO Friends
Yesterday I had my first post-op visit to get new x-rays, staples/stitches removed and an update on progress from the doc. Everything went great! Progressing well and I am very pleased, as well as my doc.
While I was waiting to get my x-rays I noticed another girl getting wheeled out of the x-ray room wearing similar clothing to me (knee-high TED stockings, shorts, t-shirt, etc.) and I had to ask if she too was a patient of Dr. Scheid. She turned around and responded "yeah." I asked if she too just had a PAO, realizing that she was the girl the nurse was talking about that had her surgery the day after mine. Her name is Stephanie and she is a Depauw student and dancer. We had both been researching and reading blogs for years, never meeting anyone with the same problem and in a matter of a day we had a new friendship through our circumstances. We immediately exchanged contact information to stay in touch. I must say that prayers are answered in different ways.
We have many similarities including what we do upon graduation (PA School), being active college girls, sports, etc. It is interesting how you form friendships with people, but I have to say it is soo nice to have someone that you can relate too. Someone who understands completely what you are going through because they have gone through it as well. It definitely made my day meeting her. I hope others going through this can find someone to share their experiences with or can find support through the many blogs dedicated to dysplasia.
While I was waiting to get my x-rays I noticed another girl getting wheeled out of the x-ray room wearing similar clothing to me (knee-high TED stockings, shorts, t-shirt, etc.) and I had to ask if she too was a patient of Dr. Scheid. She turned around and responded "yeah." I asked if she too just had a PAO, realizing that she was the girl the nurse was talking about that had her surgery the day after mine. Her name is Stephanie and she is a Depauw student and dancer. We had both been researching and reading blogs for years, never meeting anyone with the same problem and in a matter of a day we had a new friendship through our circumstances. We immediately exchanged contact information to stay in touch. I must say that prayers are answered in different ways.
We have many similarities including what we do upon graduation (PA School), being active college girls, sports, etc. It is interesting how you form friendships with people, but I have to say it is soo nice to have someone that you can relate too. Someone who understands completely what you are going through because they have gone through it as well. It definitely made my day meeting her. I hope others going through this can find someone to share their experiences with or can find support through the many blogs dedicated to dysplasia.
Monday, June 15, 2009
One Week Post-OP
I am officially one week post-op today and would have never imagined the progress I have made in only one week. I was terrified for the surgery and what was to come, but I am taking it in strides. Each day gets a little easier to get around. I am able to eat at the dinner table, in my wheelchair, with the rest of the family. I am getting better and better on my crutches, but still have problems standing for long periods of time and have to constantly changes positions when sitting to maintain some level of comfort. I wake up several times during the night, but am able to nap during the day when I am tired. I will take sleep when I can get it!
The pain isn't nearly what I anticipated, but it is still significant...no sudden movements and getting in and out of chairs, etc., takes a little time, but progressing well. I am looking forward to being able to swim in a couple of weeks, which will feel like a little bit of freedom. I see the doc on Wednesday to get my sutures/staples removed, x-rays, and see how my progress is going. He expects that I will make a full recovery and I am just doing my best to get there, no matter what it takes! It has not been easy and I don't expect it to get easier, but I do know what I want and what it will take to get there!
The pain isn't nearly what I anticipated, but it is still significant...no sudden movements and getting in and out of chairs, etc., takes a little time, but progressing well. I am looking forward to being able to swim in a couple of weeks, which will feel like a little bit of freedom. I see the doc on Wednesday to get my sutures/staples removed, x-rays, and see how my progress is going. He expects that I will make a full recovery and I am just doing my best to get there, no matter what it takes! It has not been easy and I don't expect it to get easier, but I do know what I want and what it will take to get there!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Back From the Hospital
Well, its been a few days since my last blog because I have been in the hospital recovering from my RPAO. It has been a long and challenging week. Here is a recap of my last week:
Monday:
Surgery Day! I had surgery at 8am at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, which was quite an experience. Waiting for the OR nurse that morning to be prepped for surgery was making me nervous. I had even began to cry while waiting, so my mom was allowed to come back and wait with me as I got ready. I had the IV placed in my hand and was wheeled down to the OR. Once I got into the OR, I began to cry because it seemed so scary. Equipment was everywhere, people in scrubs, and an OR table that was nothing I had ever seen before and the tears continued to stream down my face. My doctors reassured me that everything was going to be okay and a few minutes later I was asleep and surgery was under way.
They used general anaesthesia, IV, and an arterial blood gas line to monitor blood pressure during the surgery. The torn labral cartilage was repaired by Dr. Maier from Methodist Sports Medicine and the osteotomy was preformed by Dr. Scheid from OrthoIndy, which went well with less bleeding than expected. The surgery lasted about 4 and a half hours and was in the recovery room for another 4 hours before being brought up to my own room.
I remember very little after the surgery and was very incoherent for the first couple days. I do remember seeing the faces of my family and boyfriend when I came into my room.
The day after surgery
Incision: 2 days post-op
Tuesday:
I don't remember much from Tuesday, but it was the worst day in regards to pain, even though I was on norco and vistaril by mouth and had a morphine and dilaudid pain pump. Respiratory therapy did come to my room to give me an inspirator, the thing that you breath into that measures breath volumes, so that I could learn to take deep breathes and decrease the chance of blood clots. I also sat up for the first time after surgery on the edge of my bed and stood up for a few seconds before getting too dizzy and having to sit back down. That night was the worst with pain...all I remember I was shaking and screaming for medicines because the pain was so severe.
3 days post-op
Wednesday:
I woke up and was still incredibly pale and my blood count was low so the decision was made to transfuse two units of blood. I was only allowed to transfuse one of the two I donated due to the fact that it needed to be destroyed for reasons I do not know. The other unit was from the Indiana Blood Center. PT came back twice and I was able to get up and walk a little with the aid of a walker. I didn't realize how different and painful it was going to be, but I did alright.
Getting up for the first time after the surgery
Thursday:
By now, the blood transfusion had taken effect, my color was back and I looked better than I had for days. I was even able to eat more than yogurt for breakfast and had some pizza for dinner. PT was really good and I was determined to use the crutches and walk a little. I was able to get up and down the stairs, as well as walk, "crutch", the length of the hallway and back. I had managed to impress my physical therapist. I had an ultrasound on my legs to check for blood clots and all was well. My IV and pain pump, as well as catheter had come out, which felt great, and I was one step closer to going home! I was feeling pretty good, so later that evening I took a lap around the orthopedic floor with my cool, millennial crutches.
That night was a little more rough and required a shot of morphine and zofran for nausea. The pain goes up and down and I had a big day. My leg looked a little more red and swollen and was checked for infection. I had even spiked a fever, for the second time during the week.
Conquering the hallway
Friday:
After a long week, in which I felt that I rested little with all the nurses coming in and out of the room every few hours, shots, medicines and vitals that had to be checked, I was finally going home. I saw my surgeon, his assistant and my physical therapist with a "good-to-go" report and I was headed home to recover. I had ambulance transport home, which wasn't too bad, and I was finally back to a normal room! It has been a long week and now that I am home, the therapy is up to me and I even have to give myself blood thinner shots.
Discharge Day
Lovenox shots
My friends and family had come throughout the week to visit, bringing balloons, flowers, cards, magazines and things to make me smile. It was greatly appreciated and kept my spirits up.
It has been a long week, filled with shots, IV's, doctors, nurses, therapy and lots of pain. But I feel better now that I am home and have my own bed :) Let the recovery begin!
Monday:
Surgery Day! I had surgery at 8am at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, which was quite an experience. Waiting for the OR nurse that morning to be prepped for surgery was making me nervous. I had even began to cry while waiting, so my mom was allowed to come back and wait with me as I got ready. I had the IV placed in my hand and was wheeled down to the OR. Once I got into the OR, I began to cry because it seemed so scary. Equipment was everywhere, people in scrubs, and an OR table that was nothing I had ever seen before and the tears continued to stream down my face. My doctors reassured me that everything was going to be okay and a few minutes later I was asleep and surgery was under way.
They used general anaesthesia, IV, and an arterial blood gas line to monitor blood pressure during the surgery. The torn labral cartilage was repaired by Dr. Maier from Methodist Sports Medicine and the osteotomy was preformed by Dr. Scheid from OrthoIndy, which went well with less bleeding than expected. The surgery lasted about 4 and a half hours and was in the recovery room for another 4 hours before being brought up to my own room.
I remember very little after the surgery and was very incoherent for the first couple days. I do remember seeing the faces of my family and boyfriend when I came into my room.
The day after surgery
Incision: 2 days post-op
I don't remember much from Tuesday, but it was the worst day in regards to pain, even though I was on norco and vistaril by mouth and had a morphine and dilaudid pain pump. Respiratory therapy did come to my room to give me an inspirator, the thing that you breath into that measures breath volumes, so that I could learn to take deep breathes and decrease the chance of blood clots. I also sat up for the first time after surgery on the edge of my bed and stood up for a few seconds before getting too dizzy and having to sit back down. That night was the worst with pain...all I remember I was shaking and screaming for medicines because the pain was so severe.
3 days post-opI woke up and was still incredibly pale and my blood count was low so the decision was made to transfuse two units of blood. I was only allowed to transfuse one of the two I donated due to the fact that it needed to be destroyed for reasons I do not know. The other unit was from the Indiana Blood Center. PT came back twice and I was able to get up and walk a little with the aid of a walker. I didn't realize how different and painful it was going to be, but I did alright.
Getting up for the first time after the surgery
By now, the blood transfusion had taken effect, my color was back and I looked better than I had for days. I was even able to eat more than yogurt for breakfast and had some pizza for dinner. PT was really good and I was determined to use the crutches and walk a little. I was able to get up and down the stairs, as well as walk, "crutch", the length of the hallway and back. I had managed to impress my physical therapist. I had an ultrasound on my legs to check for blood clots and all was well. My IV and pain pump, as well as catheter had come out, which felt great, and I was one step closer to going home! I was feeling pretty good, so later that evening I took a lap around the orthopedic floor with my cool, millennial crutches.
That night was a little more rough and required a shot of morphine and zofran for nausea. The pain goes up and down and I had a big day. My leg looked a little more red and swollen and was checked for infection. I had even spiked a fever, for the second time during the week.
Conquering the hallway
After a long week, in which I felt that I rested little with all the nurses coming in and out of the room every few hours, shots, medicines and vitals that had to be checked, I was finally going home. I saw my surgeon, his assistant and my physical therapist with a "good-to-go" report and I was headed home to recover. I had ambulance transport home, which wasn't too bad, and I was finally back to a normal room! It has been a long week and now that I am home, the therapy is up to me and I even have to give myself blood thinner shots.
Discharge Day
Lovenox shotsIt has been a long week, filled with shots, IV's, doctors, nurses, therapy and lots of pain. But I feel better now that I am home and have my own bed :) Let the recovery begin!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Down to the Wire
My surgery is approaching, about 36 hours away, and I am getting anxious. I am trying to think of it as the sooner I get this done, the sooner I get to start my recovery. This process has been painful, long and very scary to me at times. I have never dealt with or gone through anything like this before and I hope that this is the last. I never thought I would be in this position and I am definitely ready to get back to my true love, running. I am very scared of what is to come and I definitely fear the pain. This would not be my first surgery, but it is definitely the biggest one I have ever needed.
My boyfriend, Andrew, and his family have been very supportive and helpful throughout the process. They are keeping me in their prayers, which gives me comfort. My family has been there every step of the way and will be with me through the hospital stay and recovery process.
I have just been trying to relax and enjoy my time with family, friends and lots of good food! lol I am not looking forward to the surgery, but rather looking forward to getting back to running and all the things I love. Having no pain will also be a nice change to my most recent months and hopefully my hip will no longer pop in and out of place.
I will not be blogging for the next few days, but once I begin to feel better I will be back to documenting the process and will be started with the recovery process!
My boyfriend, Andrew, and his family have been very supportive and helpful throughout the process. They are keeping me in their prayers, which gives me comfort. My family has been there every step of the way and will be with me through the hospital stay and recovery process.
I have just been trying to relax and enjoy my time with family, friends and lots of good food! lol I am not looking forward to the surgery, but rather looking forward to getting back to running and all the things I love. Having no pain will also be a nice change to my most recent months and hopefully my hip will no longer pop in and out of place.
I will not be blogging for the next few days, but once I begin to feel better I will be back to documenting the process and will be started with the recovery process!
Monday, June 1, 2009
1 Week To Go...
I have one week till my surgery. As the days pass, I try to fill them with fun activities and hang out with friends to keep my mind off the surgery, but it has been hard. I am getting more and more nervous as the days go by, but I am hoping the nerves are just getting the best of me and it is not going to be that bad.
I have plenty of sweat pants and t-shirts to lounge around in and soo many dvd's! My boyfriend, Andrew, bought me some awesome sweats and a stuffed puppy named Gunner.
I am taking Gunner with me to the hospital...he is soft and cuddly. The sweats are so comfortable and cute too! At least I have comfy clothes and plenty of things to do after surgery, but I am scared for what is to come. The unknown can be terrifying and I hope everything goes well!
I have plenty of sweat pants and t-shirts to lounge around in and soo many dvd's! My boyfriend, Andrew, bought me some awesome sweats and a stuffed puppy named Gunner.
I am taking Gunner with me to the hospital...he is soft and cuddly. The sweats are so comfortable and cute too! At least I have comfy clothes and plenty of things to do after surgery, but I am scared for what is to come. The unknown can be terrifying and I hope everything goes well!
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