So, I had my appointment with Dr. Maiers this morning and I was there for almost 2 hours, but I have to say that I feel pretty good after talking with him. I had numerous x-rays and will need a ct scan in the couple weeks prior to the surgery. We discussed my options and have decided to pursue a hip arthroscopy in which Dr. Maiers will reshape my femoral head because I have "weird hip bones" and he will also do a cartilage repair and psoas tendon release. The dysplasia on my right hip has improved by ten degrees with the RPAO, but my left is borderline and doing the femoral head reshaping might be enough to avoid the LPAO, which is great! It is not a guarantee, but worth the surgery if it does provide relief. So I scheduled it and I will be having my left hip scoped 3 weeks from tomorrow morning. The surgery should take about 2.5 hours, if all goes well and I will have to use crutches for about a month, but will be allowed to bear weight as tolerated. The total recovery times is upwards of 6 months and I should be able to start running again in about 3 months if all goes accordingly to plan.
Although I am extremely nervous, I know I am in good hands with Maiers and I hope this will fix my problem. Since this is also less invasive than the PAO and might give me more options in regards to the Army. I am hoping that will give me the opportunites I have worked so hard for, but I do have to stay realistic. It is exciting to see some hope again. I was devastated when I got my MRI results Friday and Scheid shoved me off, but I feel much more re-leaved after speaking with Maiers. Hopefully I will be ready for surgery because in 3 weeks it is coming whether I like it or not!
Oh Ashley, I'm so happy to hear that you might not have to have the LPAO! Sounds like you and I have similar hip joints, only opposite hips! I can tell you right now, it is definately worth it and I so hope I never have to have the RPAO on my hip because right now it feels great! The searing labral tear pain in gone and the joint clicking/snapping is gone!!!! I can even stand alone on the right leg and it doesn't feel like it is going to break or cave in like it used to from the pain! I thank my doctore every day for that. I'm so glad Maiers spent that much time with you and spelled it out. You're awesome girl, and you are right, 3 weeks is going to be here before you know it!!!! Will you tell me what brought on the psoas tendon release, because I am having issues with mine, thanks! xoxo
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ReplyDeleteThis morning I finally decided to research what I have been afraid to face, that my hip dysplasia as an infant has come back to haunt me as an adult. I have been an active athlete right up until this year, my 44th birthday, but suddenly things like putting my sock on, walking without my leg giving way have made me consider the possiblity that my hip is in need of help. I was on one site this morning and saw your blog. I guess I just felt like over the last year I was losing my flexibility on my right side due to the long term affects of my dysplasis as a child. I guess I am reaching out today to see where to start, an X-ray with my doctor? I am scared, I guess after having had this surgery as a 2 year old and being in a body cast for a year and a walking brace, I am afraid of what the future may hold. I am still very active and don't want that to end.....Help!
ReplyDeleteMary Petteys
TX
Hi Mary! It is great hearing from despite the circumstances. I had that way about my surgery, but I was unaware I had dysplasia until my twentys. I was confused and devastated. Although I realized the surgery was going to be no easy process I knew the alternative of doing nothing was not a possibility either. I love being active and despite the recovery I continue to push towards 100%. It is a hard concept to grasp, but you have to do what is best! I would definitely start with the doc, ask a lot of questions, what is your best options, etc. Take it a day at a time and there a plenty of women for support. Check out hipchicksunite.ning.com It is a site for women with dysplasia...also hipwomen on yahoo groups! Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteAshley
Ashley...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your encouragement, for me there is no other alternative either but to push forward....I don't want to let this define my life...now that I know I am not just creating this in my head, I am anxious to find out all I can about my alterntive treatments and the next step... I wish you luck with your journey too and I will check back in when I have more word on what the doctors say....
And all of this support helps....
~Mary
Hi Ashley! Thanks for keeping your blog updated. We're all here to support you and hopefully everything worked as fine.
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