The Journey Continues...

 Another year is coming to a close, while at the same time I am gearing up for what I know will be a challenging 2013. Here is an update of my last few months and some future plans in the works...

 I am 8 months post-op from my right trochanteric transfer/revision and hardware removal. I saw Millis at the end of October for a 6 month post-op as well as diagnostics of my left hip. My right hip has been better than it has been years and Millis was so greatly impressed. He told me that he did not think the right coming back to this level was even possible. I do have residual pincer impingement, excess bone growth on the iliac crest and hardware remains in the femur. That will be dealt with during the left femoral osteotomy at this point or on its own at a later date.

 As for the left, it had been put off until the right was stable enough. Three years later, we are now investigating the left. I have had a scope on the left, but nearly three years ago. The left hip has a labral tear, cam impingement, bursitis, mild dysplasia and femoral retroversion. As of right now, the scope to address the labral tear, cam lesion and bursitis is scheduled for Jan. 22nd, 2013. The idea is that because the left femoral torsion and dysplasia are not as bad as the right that the scope may be enough. However, both Millis and Maiers were not convinced that the scope would be enough and the likelihood that it will require a FO is highly probable. Although I do not like the idea of another 2-3 hip surgeries, I know that Millis would not steer me wrong. I can also see that even though the chance is small that a scope will be enough, that Millis would not want to put me through the pain of an FO if not at all necessary, especially because of all the prior surgeries. Whatever Yoda wants, I will do :)

 During the most recent trip to Boston, my best friend, Jessica Nelson, was able to be my travel buddy. We had such a blast! She was able to experience a little of what I deal with and even met the doc himself. We toured the city, shopped, spent Halloween in Salem, visited a hip sister of mine and even experienced Hurricane Sandy! We had such blast!!!

 I began working for a company, Advocare, that is a direct-sales, health company. Advocare is a world-class nutrition company specializing in health and wellness, weight management, vibrant energy and sports performance. I was approached by an Army doc from my former unit because he thought I would benefit from a particular product already knowing my medical history. I started using the energy drink, Spark, and couldn't believe how much better I felt. I continued to use the products and saw improvement in my PT. My dad started using products and has lost 26lbs in a little over a month! I felt so much better using the products, so I took the step to be a part of the company. I have a great team of people teaching me the business aspect of the company and encouraging me every step of the way!

 http://www.advocare.com/121020640

 Advocare will allow me to be able to work despite surgeries and constant appointments, etc. It will also allow for financial growth and stability that a traditional job would not be able to offer.


 Other Updates:

*Shoulder-Although my shoulder strength has increased, I have not gotten a lot of relief in regards to inflammation and pain. I am also developing nerve symptoms in a couple of my fingers.

*Hips-Left scope is scheduled and plans for further surgeries are in the works.

*Jaw- I have had TMJ issues for many years, but has been incredibly painful since having a root canal this past July. I actually have a displaced disc on my left side that helps cushion the joint. When opening my mouth, my jaw shifts down and out to the side prior to opening fully. My jaw will move in and out of place and has locked while closed. Traditional, non-surgical options are no longer working and surgical options are being considered for the upcoming year.

*RSD/CRPS- My right leg has been worsening. I had a spinal injection for low back issues, but resulted in a spinal headache. A sympathetic block typically brings relief, but was not successful this last go around. We will now be looking into other treatment options, probably in conjunction with a hip surgery.

*EDS- I am scheduled for the EDS Clinic at Cincinnati Children's Hospital end of January, but am reconsidering to just combine an EDS appointment with hip surgery at Boston Children's. I would like to have a place a little closer to home in regards to continued, specialized care for the EDS. It was also depend on hip surgery, recovery and what complications may arise.

I am looking at graduate programs focused around health law, patient advocacy, etc., for the fall of next year. I am also hoping to find a new apartment when my current lease is finished. Another crazy year is about to begin!