Post-Op Update

I will be 3 weeks post-op this Monday and have had some rough and low moments these past few days. The pain has increased despite efforts for relief using pain meds, icing, rest, etc. It definitely is frustrating because I am following my post-op instructions, but the pain has been sharp and severe recently, especially in the groin. If I do anything in regards to PT or even a short outing you can definitely tell the increase in swelling in my hip/leg. I try to ice every night before bed. I have also had some side effects to the Lovenox shots with bloody noses. I am going to call my local OS, Dr. Maiers, and see if it can not be ended early. I feel like it's definitely done its job and if there is anyway to change to aspirin or end entirely. I also want to talk to Maiers about the severe groin pain and if it is normal post-op. I have been having popping since surgery, but it has been non-painful and more due to swelling and the IT band snapping over the blade-plate. Fortunately, the nausea has been improving with a change in meds to Zofran which has helped even just with being able to do more daily tasks without becoming overwhelmed with nausea. Now I am just ready to get the pain under control.

I met another fellow hippie, Megan Hershey, this past Wednesday. She is such a sweet and kind-hearted person. She brought me some flowers, soup and fruit. We got to visit for a bit and she looked amazing for her having her PAO in March with Dr. Clohisy out of St. Louis. She was using no walking aids whatsoever! We talked about each others stories, Dr. Scheid, etc. It was great seeing a friendly face, but definitely made me think about what has all happened, what I have lost and already dealt with, but also what is left to be done. It is hard to think that one person's mistake or negligence from lack of experience and ability to know when to say no has had such a profound effect on someone's life. I have been thinking what it would have been like had I never had surgery with Dr. Scheid and where would I be. I would have been on track to be an Army officer, still distance running and maybe having a life that wasn't in constant pain and full of appointments. I also think will I ever be able to get past this stage of constant surgeries and have a sense of normalcy in my life? I also think of how it has effected my family and the burden I have put on them financially, mentally, emotionally, etc. Especially lately, I have felt like such a burden and whether this is all worth it? Will this get better? It has definitely brought me to some low moments. I am trying to find strength through others love, support and encouragement. I hope these feelings will pass with time as I heal mentally and physically. This has not been a short, nor easy journey. I am more than ready for these surgeries to be over with and to get a significant break from them.

I will post some pics of my X-Rays when I see Dr. Maiers in another 2 weeks or so. I am hoping to see some progress with the bone healing and to begin PT and increase weight-bearing!