12 days Post-Op from Left Hip Scope

I will be two weeks post-op on Thursday. This most recent surgery was much easier than the RPAO. The pain was not as bad as I anticipated, but also I think my pain tolerance has risen after the PAO. I was on a toradol drip over night and had to stay over night at the Methodist Medical Plaza as a precaution as well as the fact my bp fell to 85/55. I really did not want to stay, but Dr. Maiers encouraged me that it would be better if I did, so I wasn't going to argue with my OS. It really wasn't that bad, but I did have PT first thing in the morning and was released the following day by about 9am and went home to sleep the rest of the day. With all the medication I only stayed up to watch a half of the opening ceremony to the Winter Olympics. I was bummed that I missed the parade of nations. It is my own personal tradition to watch both summer and winter Olympics and all the ceremonies associated with them.

8 months post-op RPAO, 1 week post-op Left Hip Scope

The left femoral head is now round, iliopsoas tendon released and labral cartilage debrided

My first post-op visit was last Friday and my x-rays looked great! The femoral head is now round and I was feeling pretty good. The stitches were taken out, but unfortunately one of the incision sites did not close all the way and was a "hole" still left in my leg. Although the assistant trying to help told me it was only a scab and would fall off later, Dr. Maiers confirmed it was a "hole." Geez lady, I think I know what a wound is when I see one. Steri-strips were put over it, but no more than 36 hours later it was infected, even though I kept it clean and dry. I am now on antiobiotics for the next week, yeah me! Dr. Maiers believes that my left looks good enough that a LPAO would not be necessary, but it still is no guarantee. Time will tell if the surgery was successful and I will not need the LPAO. He did say however I will probably need an iliopsoas release and some tweaking on my right hip, but will hold off till everything calms down a bit.

Pre-Op pic

Post-Op pic

Jessica came with me and stayed prior to surgery and visited after! She brought treats!

My dad was there for surgery and post-op, but Mom stayed with me for the first few days.

Overall, I am satisfied with the surgery. It was not as bad as I anticipated and the damage found was not as bad as Dr. Maiers expected. It was about 2 hours overall and it did not take me hours to come out of anesthesia this time, like it usually does. I have been doing pretty well since the surgery, sore as expected, but getting around well. I can bear as much weight as comfortable, but still have to use crutches for another few weeks. I am just ready to get back into the gym and get training again. I am ready to go and run and play with Chloe!

Post-Op Incisions and Swelling

Left Hip Sugery Tomorrow...AaHhAAhhh!!!

Tomorrow morning I am having my left hip scoped. My labral cartilage will be repaired, the iliopsoas tendon will be released and the femoral head reshaped. I am nervous, but trying to pass the time reading magazines and playing on the computer.

The last week and a half has been a living nightmare for me, which I would love to discuss more, but can not for the time being. I do thank all my family and friends for their love and support throughout one of the most difficult times in my life. Despite everything that has happened I know I have been truly blessed with the world's most amazing friends and family. I have needed their support now more than ever and I have a great support group.

Tomorrow begins the recovery for my left hip and I am getting nervous and I pray that my right hip does not flare up and cause any problems. I know I am in great hands because Dr. Maiers is amazing and I hope this surgery will allow me to avoid the LPAO and get me back to the lifestyle that I love.

Chloe is going to be a great rehab buddy and I am so grateful that I have her! My mom will also be staying for the weekend and I will have my "hip" girls to keep me company. I will also get to watch the 2010 Olympic Winter Games which begin Friday night! I am so excited...I love sports and the Olympics are a fav to watch!!! :) Unfortunately, it will also be the first year I am missing the ROTC military ball. I will be unable to make it because of my surgery/recovery. It sucks because it is my senior year, but I know there will be more. I hope all my fellow cadets have a great time!

I appreciate all the love, support and prayers. I have been having a difficult time lately and am grateful for my family, friends and hipchicks! I will post more after the surgery, keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well!!!