Update!

These last couple weeks have been very difficult for me. I have had a lot of news to digest in regards to my health. Dr. Millis told me that I will need a femoral derotational osteotomy to fix my femoral retroversion. I did not even know that I had femoral retroversion until that point in time. I knew I had hip dysplasia and that my case was more difficult, but with the additional diagnosis it would only further complicate the surgeries and recoveries. He also spoke to me about getting a referral for genetic testing for a connective tissue problem because it is clear that something else is contributing to the problems. That was a very difficult phone conversation to have. By the end of the conversation I was speechless and in utter shock. Dr. Millis kept explaining different things, but I just couldn't believe that everything was happening. The tears just rolled down my face. Just thinking about going through a FO and it not being enough, then still having to do a RPAO for the second time. I knew this would take awhile to digest.

This past Monday, I followed-up with Dr. Maiers, my local OS per Dr. Millis's request. I wasn't expecting anything that I had not already heard from Dr. Millis. The appointment went as planned and he just reinforced what Dr. Millis said. He said that my problem was definitely very complicated and "way above his pay grade." However, unlike my bestie, Jess, I would not have the option of having the surgery here in Indy by Maiers, like she did because of the complexity and my routine post-op complications that I experience. He also agreed with Millis about a referral to a geneticist. There is clearly something else going on. Maiers did however approve of an alternative PT test for the Army. I would be allowed to do the bike event instead of running. This was a good part because at least I will be able to participate more in my unit and would allow for more job opportunities. I could definitely use a job with a decent income to help pay for all the medical and travel expenses.

Wednesday, I went to Meridian Health Group, the pain management clinic I am using, for a morning full of appointments. They had called me earlier in the week about my lab results and that I had a vitamin D deficiency. My day started with OT to help with different therapies and daily changes I could do to help with the pain and improve my daily functioning. Then I saw the nurse anesthetist for an injection consult. She suggested that I could get some different joint injections to help with the hip pain and nerve issues. I opted for a sympathetic nerve block under sedation. Later, I met with Dr. Wright, an interventional radiologist. He suggested to have a couple of nerve blocks first, then to do the sympathetic nerve block, because it would have a better result. I would do a block in the front of my hip first, then a week later a piriformis block in the back of the hip. I would allow my hip to rest for two weeks and then we would do the sedation and sympathetic nerve block. We got all of the injections set up to be done in the month of March. Next, I went to see the podiatrist to check on my gait, etc., to see if there were any adjustments to be made. My "bad" leg, or right leg was actually structurally longer in length. A temporary fix, was just to add a lift in my left shoe to help. It also is part of the reason I continue to get bursitis in my left hip from overuse. The final appointment of the day was a psych consult. I knew this part would be emotionally draining having to talk about everything that has happened, what I have lost, my stresses, fears, etc. My psychologist, Linda, and the head psychologist, Dr. Gleckman, couldn't believe how young I was and how many incredible things I have had to deal with already and what I would be continuing to face medically. It was definitely an emotional session. I try to put a happy face on, a cheerful façade, but it doesn't always work. They said that I am so strong and people tell me that a lot, but there are so many times I do not feel that way. It had been a long morning of appointments and I was spent by that point, so I headed home to finish homework before class.

I had only been home a couple of hours, when I got a phone call from my family doctor's office. The nurse had called to tell me that my Pap results came back abnormal and that I was being referred to a GYN to get a colposcopy and biopsies. I couldn't believe it! I almost immediately broke out in tears. I was so upset and had no idea how this could possibly happen. I am a health conscious person, had my Gardasil vaccine, yearly check-ups, etc., etc. Now, I have one more problem that I have to deal with. The nurse continued to explain what the abnormalities were. It is called low-grade squamous intraepitheleal lesions. LSIL are caused by the HPV virus, there are over 100 strains, and can also be referred as mild dysplasia. They are abnormal cells that are not cancerous, but can lead to cancer untreated. Some strains of HPV lead to plantar warts on the feet or hands. When I looked up the information it scared me because it was one of the groups of abnormalities that requires treatment and that can't just be watched carefully. Usually docs will run another regular Pap before referring to a specialist, but I was referred immediately, which completely freaked me out. I set up the specialist appointment yesterday and when the nurse asked for me to wait so she could check that the "procedure" room is available, I nearly lost it! She told me not to worry, that this happens a lot, but that was not reassuring at all. I just do not have that kind of luck, no matter how hard I try to take care of myself. When I got off the phone I broke down. I have been feeling so overwhelmed with just dealing with my hip & leg, but now I could be dealing with a potential serious and scary issue. I just don't know how much more I can take. I felt as if I was drowning with no way out. Just the words of "cancer" or "procedure" just sends me over the edge. I just think of all the procedure rooms I will be in, injections, testing, surgery, etc., has me so anxious and it makes me feel so anxious just thinking about it. I am so scared for what is to come and if I will be strong enough to handle it all...