2011 was definitely a rough year, but I am still standing and still fighting! I feel very motivated and am excited for many things to come this year. I like to set goals for myself each year and usually am able to accomplish many of them or continue to work on them as the years go on. But first a 2011 recap!
2011 started off with a hip surgery performed by Dr. Millis at Children's Hospital of Boston. It was a hardware removal combined with removing scar tissue, "tweaking" some issues and a scar revision. Unfortunately, it was not enough and I ended up having a right femoral rotational osteotomy in June at Children's. I was able to meet other fellow hippie, Sarah Zimman & Jillian Murphy, and saw some sites in Boston. It ended up being a 7-day hospital stay, my longest yet. It was very difficult being away from my dad and Chloe for that long. But, Chloe did a great job protecting my hip and keeping me company when I got home.
I continued to work on my paralegal certificate full-time as well as began working at a law firm starting this past August. Working, school and recovering from surgeries was very difficult and trying both mentally and physically. There were many times I felt like quitting, but with the support of my family and friends I was able to keep pushing and finish out the year. It was a relief when finals ended and my paralegal certificate was complete, except for a couple assignments that will be finished via independent study this spring. School this past year was difficult because of how my school accommodates, actually does not, accommodate those with disabilities. Even the disability director stated that violations had occurred, yet nothing changed semester after semester. Instances like those have made me a fighter and stand up for myself and what I believe, no matter what it may take. That was also a reason why I was relieved to be done with school, for now. It is my first semester off for over 6 years!
2011 ended unexpectedly as well. As you know I received an unexpected e-mail from Dr. Millis that my bones had shifted during recovery and would require a revisional FO. I was shocked and not looking forward to doing this surgery over! I then received another email from him the Sunday before finals that he had an open surgical slot for the 23rd and could I be in Boston by then. It was a hard decision to make so quickly, but my parents and I decided to take the slot and we booked the flights and hotel and were in Boston before we knew it. I went through many pre-op appointments on the 22nd after a long day of travel. The time was set and everyone was getting ready for the re-do, but plans unexpectedly changed after x-rays were taken and I had my pre-op appointment with Dr. Millis. Based on changes from x-rays a month earlier and the physical exam Millis and his resident decided that it was too risky and the surgery would be post-poned till about March. WOW! No one expected that. They didn't want to cause the bone to collapse or to have to put another plate back in possibly causing more problems or damage, leaving me in an even worsened state. I didn't want that to happen, but I was also ready to be done with the plate and past my right hip surgeries. I know they wanted the best outcome, but I was devastated and felt horrible that I cost my family money we did not have. But, the exam and new images changed the plans and it was ultimately the right decision. Millis wanted me back in about 3 months after using a bone stimulator to help the healing process. He would then re-evaluate if a revisional FO would be necessary or just tweaking to compensate for the shift and give the best alignment and relief. He also said that he would look at left hip images because it was clear there was a lot of impingement and rotational issues. It may only need a scope, maybe an FO and depending on imaging could be combined with the right. Finally, I felt like we were making progress and I could see the end of hip surgeries for awhile.
After finding out that my surgery was post-poned I made a promise to myself to get as healthy and fit as possible before the next round. I want to be healthier with eating as well as fitness. I have started off by weaning off half of my pain meds and cutting out soda & caffeine. DRINK WATER! I have been going through cook books looking for healthier recipes to cook rather than eating out and have been researching workouts and exercises to strengthen my legs (safely) and get in the best shape possible. I have also been looking at doing CrossFit again. I use to do when in ROTC and at the top of my game. It excites me just thinking about it, but I will need to modify some of the exercises because of my hip. I will also be doing low-impact cardio in place of swimming. But, I am SOO excited to be back doing something I love and that energizes me!
This year I will continue to strive to be healthier, further myself mentally, physcially and emotionally. I will apply for law school, continue to work at a law firm and continue to strive towards my dreams. I also plan on furthering Chloe's training towards a therapy dog and service animal. I am also excited to be able to have time to do more art. It has been a couple years since I completed a piece, but have a new portfolio waiting to be filled! I am already enjoying my break from school and look forward to more time with family and friends and maybe even a vacation!
I am excited and already enjoying 2012! I have been relaxing and enjoying time with Chloe and getting ready for a new week. I will continue to fight for my dreams. I found a quote that was a twist on Freud's original. It stated, "What does not kill me, makes me a fighter." I definitely believe that and my dad has said that even when things seem to have me down, that I brush myself off and keep pushing. I will continue to do that with every challenge I face. It's easier to persevere when they are not many obstacles, but true strength and determination is when you feel like you have nothing left and you keep pushing to the finish line. I am excited and ready...Bring it 2012!!!
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