Recovery

THR

THR

I had total hip replacement on March1st. I spent one night in the hospital and am home now recovering. The femoral head was very damaged and I don’t think the femoral osteotomy would have helped. I’m hoping recovery is speedy and hoping I can get back to training and CrossFit soon!

FO vs hip replacement

After several months of having to modify in crossfit because of hip pain/lack of mobility I decided to fly up to Boston to see Dr. Millis. The PAO that was done almost 10 years ago has kept my hip socket good. However, my femoral head is not round, is pointed up instead of into the socket and besides arthritis I have developed bone spurs and have loss of cartilage. My choices are to do nothing and let my hip continue to deteriorate until I need a total hip replacement (which would most likely be within a year). The other option is FO - Femoral Osteotomy. Similar to PAO, this surgery cuts the femur, rotates the femoral head and hardware is installed. The recovery is about the same as PAO - about 3 months walking with some kind of assistance. I do not want to keep living with the pain

Dr Millis

I have kept in contact with Dr M since my surgery in 2008. I always email him after a half marathon. I emailed him yesterday telling him I completed my SIXTH half marathon... and he replied within hours. He said "You are AWESOME, Beth!" He truly is one of a kind. Hoping I can get in to see him this summer.

Princess

Princess 1/2 Marathon 2016

I finished the half.... not my best time... but not my worst :)

Princess 1/2

So.... I just registered for the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon in Feb of 2016! This will be my 4th Princess and 6th 1/2 marathon!!

Gym Life

Update

I can't believe I haven't updated my blog in over a year! I did not run the Princess 1/2 this year - but only because it sold out within hours and I couldn't register! :( I am still running....ran 4 miles yesterday. I am not teaching this year - so I have LOTS of time to spend on my fitness! I still run a few times a week....but my new obsession is my Bootcamp class! I do bootcamp every morning with a great group of girls that I love! I also spin 1-2 times a week. I still have no hip pain - even with all the hardcore exercises in Bootcamp!

Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon 2014

Princess 1/2 marathon 2014!

Today I completed my 5th 1/2 marathon!!! This is my 3rd Disney Princess! I finished in 2:35:20.

Family photo shoot 2013

FMB 1/2

Fort Myers Beach 1/2 Marathon

On Sunday I completed my 4th 1/2 marathon!! I finished in 2:33 - which was 4 minutes slower than my PR - but I'll take it considering there was a bridge at the beginning and the end of the race! Next one is the Princess 1/2 in Feb! :)

Next 1/2!

I am currently training for my next 1/2 marathon which will be in November. Ran 8 miles Sat and felt great!! I haven't been running as much as I should... I have become addicted to spinning! Spin class is a great workout and I love it!!
After this 1/2... the next one will be the Disney Princess 1/2 in Feb :)

Princess Beth

Cinderella

Princess 1/2 Marathon

I ran the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon yesterday!!! Met my goal of under 2:30.... New PR for me... 2:29:50!!After running, I wore my tiara medal and sparkly rhinestone tiara all day at Epcot!!

TOT 10 miler

Tower of Terror 10 miler

I ran the TOT 10 miler at Disney this past weekend! I finished in 1:53....
10 EVIL miles.....

Check up

I saw Dr Millis today... X-rays and check up.... Everything looks great and I got his approval to "keep running" :). I also met a Dr that has been training under him... He will soon be doing PAO's in Memphis.

Seeing Dr. Millis

I will be seeing Dr. Millis this July during my vacation to Cape Cod. It will have been 2 years since I have seen him.... over 4 years since the surgery. I will have x-rays done before the appt (no MRI) and am hopeful that my hip still looks good he will encourage my running! I have not had any pain from running (not from my hips anyways!) and will be running in the Disney Tower of Terror 10 miler in Sept...... and will soon be registering for the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon for Feb. I am amazed at what he can do..... fixing my hip (with my own parts) to the point that I am able to run pain free....when before PAO I couldn't sit or walk pain free. I ran 6 miles yesterday..... in the afternoon..... in June....in Florida.... in 90 degree heat..... and felt wonderful!!! I did take a few walking breaks... only because I didn't want to get heat stroke! I am so thankful to Dr. M... sent his assistant an email last night trying to confirm the day and time for appt and copied him on the email. I got an out of office reply back from him...that he was gone until June 11th.... yet I got an email back from him this morning. He is unlike any doctor I have ever met. I am trying to think of something I can give him.... as a thank you.... thought maybe pictures of me wearing my 1/2 marathon medals?? With a nice thank you written on it?

Princess Beth

Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon

I finished the Princess 1/2!!

Training.....again!

I have started my training for the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon at the end of Feb!! I am up to 6 miles.... and will have plenty of time to be ready by Feb!! I am excited to be training again - as I have found running as become very addictive. I have guilt on days I do not run. I try to take a few days off a week from running - and either rest or do the elliptical. My hip has been good..... fine when running..... slight limp for a few minutes after running - but no pain. I have 2 goals for this 1/2 marathon: 1) Finish. 2) Beat my last time by at LEAST 20 minutes.
If there are any other Hip Princess PAO girlies doing this 1/2 - let me know!!! I have already informed Dr. Millis of my intentions to do another 1/2 marathon..... even though last year I did not tell him until AFTER I completed it :)

Disney 1/2 Marathon 2011

I did my first 1/2 marathon!! I finished in 2 hours 51 minutes. I then spent the day at Magic Kingdom with my family!! I am ready for another...... :)

Christmas 2010

First Race

I signed up for a 5K last month.....and this morning decided to do the 10K (6.2 miles)! I finished in 1 hour 18 minutes......and yes...I did finish last....but I FINISHED!!!! The most I had run until today was 5.6 miles. I still have a long way to go before the 1/2 marathon in Jan....but its a start..... I am blaming my last place status on the hill (ran up AND down it 4 times), running on grass and sand, running without my ipod.....and oh yeah....the fact that I had RPAO!!! My hips, knees and ankle are now soaking in the cryoderm..... :)

1/2 Marathon

So........I just registered for the Disney 1/2 marathon in January!!! I guess I need to start training....as I can only jog 3 miles right now!!

Keep it coming ladies!!!

I try to check the blog for comments - and my email for any new hip girls needing advice/support. I had many girls I followed through my process....and it is only right that I keep that going! I love getting new messages from people who have found my blog. We all have a special connection to each other :)

update for me: same as before......feeling wonderful!! still walking, jogging, dancing, wearing heels...... with no pain :)

And if I havent said this before ...."Dr Millis - you are THE MAN!!!" I will be forever grateful.....for giving me my life back....as a normal, active mom.......

Hip Girls

I met a fellow PAO Girly this weekend :) We have emailed, commented on blogs and chatted on FB.... She has a place about 5 minutes from me (small world) but lives north.... So great to meet and talk with a fellow PAO'er...... WE ARE NOT ALONE!!!!
I also have gotten several emails this past month....from girls looking into PAO. I know I have posted this before......but again - there is something about the age 28.......so many of us were diagnosed at that age (or close to it)....... has to be more than coincidence......
My intent for this blog was to hopefully help one person.......and am glad I keep getting emails from people who have found this.....and it has helped them......
Danielle - so great to meet you....and we WILL be having beers again soon!! :)

Christmas Photos

Jogging

I have been sooo busy...back to teaching in August...and yes...still wearing my high heeled shoes EVERYDAY!!! Still exercising.....biking, walking, jogging, elliptical......
Got a crazy thought that I wanted to train for the Disney 1/2 marathon in Jan.....doesn't look like its gonna happen.....this year.....maybe next year!!! I can jog for 3 miles....... and can't even think about doing 13!!! I could probably jog/walk the 13 miles.....but it is my goal to jog/run the whole time.....so next year I will start training earlier than Nov!!!!!! Right now I am doing a 15 minute mile.....hopefully that will get better with time :)

MRI and Dr. Millis Appointment

We flew into Boston last Wednesday and had an MRI Thursday morning. After the MRI I met with Dr. Millis. He viewed my x-rays and MRI....and everything looks good!! The degrees that he measured were almost normal, and before the RPAO they were way off. We viewed the before and after - and he was pleased. After all the questionnaires I filled out, I came to the conclusion that the only time I am aware of my hip is when it pops (which it does daily but does not hurt) and occassionally when I get an ache (from the arthritis which is still there). My hip does not prevent me from doing ANYTHING!! I told Dr M that I had been jogging lately - up to 3 miles. He told me that he would not tell me that I couldn't - and told me that biking and elliptical are better. He also told me that if I was 15 and had the surgery - he would tell me I have no limits, that I could do what I want. However, I am almost 35, and he just told me to be careful. If my hip ever starts to hurt - I will stop the jogging. He again stated that it is his hopes that he has corrected my hip - for good. He also told me that if I had not had the surgery, I would have had 3 years tops on the hip before it would have been so deteriorated that a new hip would be needed. I am SOOOO glad that Dr M has fixed me.....I feel like a new woman!! I am on vacation in Cape Cod....and have been jogging 3 miles a day AND going for bike rides.....and feel GREAT!!!!

Follow up

So, I booked my trip to Cape Cod for this summer and I knew I had to have an MRI and see Dr. M. I called his office today, expecting to play phone tage for SEVERAL days/weeks before getting an appt. To my surprise, I left a message and got a call back within a half hour. The day after I fly into Boston, I have an MRI in the morning and them off to see Dr. M in the afternoon. I am anxious to see what he says about my "improved" hip. I hope the MRI shows a "normal" hip with little arthritis. We are just doing my right hip, so my left one will have to wait until she is causing me problems - which she is NOT doing at the moment.

Exercise

I have been struggling with trying to exercise as much now (that I am working full time) as I was when I was home. I exercised everyday when I was home....and now after a LONG day teaching, the last thing I want to do is workout. By the time I get the boys home and fed, it is usually too late to go for a walk or bike ride (plus Reilly goes to bed at 6 - 6:15!!). I do have an elliptical machine which I try to use 2-3 times a week.
I found a new exercise that I am excited about and it is FUN!! It is a type of dance class.....and yes...a pole is involved!! It is SOOOO much fun! It is a great workout - the first time I did it I was sore for DAYS!! I am able to do things after 4 classes that I didn't think were possible! My hip seems to be taking this class well. A few pops here and there...but that is "normal". I am not sure that Dr. Millis would quite approve of this.....especially when I am wearing "the shoes" dancing!! I will just be careful and make sure nothing happens to my "new and improved" hip!
I look forward to the class each week.....and feel good about myself after I leave...and that is the most important thing.

1 Year Post RPAO!!!!

I can not believe it has been 1 year since my surgery! I feel great! I sent Dr. Millis a "Thank You" email today...and admitted to him that lately I have been jogging "lightly" - pain free. I am able to exercise without pain during or after. The surgery has changed my life. When I look back now at the "long" recovery....it doesn't seem so long now. Yes I was using a walker, then crutches, then one crutch, then a cane...for over 2 months - but it was all worth it. I am excited to see Dr Millis this summer..and have look at my hip and tell me how wonderful and normal it is now!!

Disney....again!

First few weeks AND Disney!!

I have survived the first few weeks back to work!! I am teaching middle school Reading and English at a small private school. I have wonderful classes and LOVE the kids!! I have not had any hip pain and have been wearing all my cute high heeled Nine West and Steve Madden wedges and sandals!

We spent last weekend at Disney. We went to Magic Kingdom Sat and Sun. We got there around 9 and left around 4 the first day and 3 the next. After walking ALL of Magic Kingdom SEVERAL times, I was a little sore - but not in pain. It was rainy on Sat and I think that makes my arthritis act up.

1st day of school!

I had my first day of school with the kids yesterday. I taught 7 classes - and wore my heels ALL DAY!! I did sit a few times - but was proud that I did not limp out of there!!
We are now home as school was cancelled because of Tropical Storm Fay - which has been dumping rain on us since about 2 in the morning. I am getting some cleaning and laundry in - as long as we have power!!

Back to work!

On Monday August 11th I return to teaching after being home with my boys. I will be teaching middle school Reading and English at a private school and am lucky that Brady will attend the pre-k program there. Reilly will be right down the street at the daycare owned by the same school. My hip is feeling great and plan on wearing all my heels when I teach all day!! I know that I am not going to be able to exercise as much as I have been - but plan on doing some kind of exercise at least 2 nights a week and then on weekends.

3 weeks post screw removal

It has been almost 3 weeks since my screw removal and I am feeling great. I took the bandage off a few days early and it didn't look so pretty! The steri strips had dried blood all over them - and I was told to wait until they fall off. That lasted about 2 days and then I peeled them off, carefully. Dr Millis gave me the go ahead with exercising - but to keep bandages over the scar for 2 months, so it doesn't spread open. I bought sterile strips from Walgreens that go over the scar - but still let it breathe. The scar is lumpy and I have emailed Dr M to see if this is normal. I don't remember it being lumpy after the PAO. Maybe it is because he cut on the same incision line as before?? Who knows - I will have to wait for Dr M to respond. I am making my arrangements for my MRI and visit with Dr M for the fall. I am trying to tie it into a Cape Cod Thanksgiving vacation - as I did last year when I first met Dr Millis.

Exercising....once again!!

It has been a week and a half since my screw removal - and have almost no pain. I have not yet seen the incision - as Dr Millis told me to keep the bandage on for 14 days. I don't think I will make it until Monday - I have almost taken it off SEVERAL times! I am assuming the stitches have dissolved - so I started exercising again. I figured bike riding would be the best (rather than walking or elliptical). Today I went for about a 4 mile bike ride with Reilly on the back. It felt good!! I am back to walking with no limp and feel as good as new!

Screws

Vacation/Screw Removal

We spent the first 9 days of our vacation in CT and then Cape Cod. We had an awesome time seeing family and friends in CT. At the Cape we ate "wicked good" food like "lobsta" bisque, scallops, clam strips.... TJ and I rented bikes - mine had the seat for Reilly on the back and TJ's had the "tag along" 1/2 bike for Brady. We went for a bike ride every day and on Sunday TJ and I did about 15 miles!
I had my screw removal done yesterday and will fly home today. We arrived at Children's Hospital at about 11:15 - I had x-rays and then up to day surgery admitting. The procedure was scheduled for 2:00 - but Dr Millis was help up in another surgery, so I didn't go in until about 4:30. It didn't take long at all and I was awake! I was given a local and some sedation - but didn't fall asleep. I could hear and feel what he was doing - but it didn't really hurt, just felt uncomfortable. I got into recovery at 5:30 and was "awake and alert" and was able to leave at 6:00. TJ and I checked into a hotel here in Boston - and will meet my parents at the airport to get the kids. I was given crutches, but am thinking I can use my cane at the airport. I will post pics of the screws once I am home!

Weight Loss

To anyone interested - I have added the link for "Medi Weight Loss Clinics". I started 2 months after Reilly was born (June) and by Christmas I had over 60 lbs. I went back after my hip surgery to lose a few more and my total is over 70 lbs. All I can say is that it works. I got my father-in-law to do it (he lost about 70 lbs) and TJ is working on his second goal as well (50 lbs). I had posted my before and after pics in an earlier post - you can scroll down to view. Just to put things into perspective - in my before pic I had already lost about 30 lbs from delivery. I am now about 100 lbs less than what I was the day I walked into the hospital to have Reilly on April 10, 2007. I was BIG!!! I don't even like to look at old pictures because I am a new person now. That is why I put pictures from my trip to Key Biscayne - I was wearing a size 8 dress!!

Key Biscayne...

View from our balcony...


Lounging at the pool...



View from the pool...

My scar was hidden underneath my bathing suit - no one had a clue that just months ago I had my pelvic bone sawed in 2 and then screwed back together!! I have no limp - even in my high heeled shoes that I wore! I am "back to normal". :)

Screw Removal a Go??????

The last email I got from Dr Millis said that he needed to see an x-ray - as the last one showed that the bone has not completely healed. He said that if the lastest x-ray showed healed bone, we could proceed with the removal. I had the x-rays done last week and shipped them off to Boston. The doc down here said it is "healing" nicely, and you can clearly see that the bone has not filled in in that widest part of the cut. I am anxious to see what Dr M says - as I was really hoping to have these screws taken out in a month. If he needs to wait longer, I guess I will just have to make another trip up to MA - our trip in a month has been planned and tickets bought!
TJ and I spent a weekend in Key Biscayne (off Miami) and got some relaxation in!! I worked on my tan and TJ worked on his burn. I told him - "I think you forget you are Irish!". We spent the whole weekend at the Ritz, laying by the pool looking at the ocean, eating, and drinking! There was no need to leave the resort. We did drive through South Beach on our way out - and I am glad we went back to Key Biscayne. It is a beautiful, quiet island!
The day we left for the east coast- we heard sad news. We brought Brady for his last day at his preschool - and learned that one of his teachers had been killed in a car accident. She was a wonderful teacher and a mother of 3 children (the youngest Brady's age). She had been with Brady in the 2 year old room last year and with him in the Junior's (3's) this year. We decided not to tell him, because it was his last day there. He will be starting the summer camp at the new school where I will be working next year. It makes my PAO surgery/recovery seem so small in comparison to what his teacher's children and family are going through.

Back to work....

I knew that I would be returning to teaching after being home with Brady and Reilly. I have resigned my position with the public school district and got a job at a wonderful, small private school. Brady will come with me to the all day pre-k 4 program. Reilly will go to the daycare owned by the same people - down the road. He will go 3-4 days a week, and have the grandparents watching him the other days. I will be teaching middle school Reading and English. I am very excited about this new position!
I am having the screws removed July 7th - but will first have 9 days of vacation at the Cape! We are looking forward to the trip - especially Brady who LOVES Cape Cod!! We will be there on our 7th anniversary and maybe have dinner where our wedding reception was! We will also try to get to CT to see family and friends.
I am also going on a much needed vacation - without the kids! TJ and I will spend a weekend in Key Biscayne doing nothing but sitting in the sun, drinking pina coladas, reading and relaxing.
I am feeling wonderful, happy, pain-free (walked today AND did 25 minutes on the elliptical!) and "normal". I will be happy when the screws are out - I always seem to bump the shopping carts right where they are - OUCH!! Also, when I hold Reilly, his feet sometimes hit them. I am so ready to be "screw-less"!!

Was PAO the right decision???

The answer is YES!!! I am 3 and 1/2 months out and feeling wonderful! I am walking fine - no limp. I am not getting the sharp groin pains, the dull ache deep in the hip, or the butt pain - like I did before. I still get occasional stiffness, or the need to "pop" it. Shortly after PAO, my hip was popping all the time. It has gotten less now - I feel as though it needs to pop, but sometimes can't shift the right way to pop it. I still have not gotten the OK to use the elliptical - but feel as though I could do it no problem. I am back to my fast 3 mile walks - and sometimes feel like jogging - that's how good I feel!!! (although I know Dr Millis would KILL me!) I am hoping that within the next year - I will be able to jog again.
Some of my "hipsister" and "hipbloggers" have talked about how PAO has changed their life - and I agree 100%! I finally feel like a normal 33 year old - without hip pain. Deciding to have PAO was a difficult decision - because of my small children and recovery time. I am POSITIVE I made the right decision. Dr Millis has been an amazing doctor. I was leaning towards PAO before I met him, and had decided that once I had my consult with him - I would do what he said. As he told me - "PAO is a no-brainer" - to save my own hip was better than replacing it, especially at 33. The recovery wasn't nearly as bad as I expected and the results have been great so far. Yes, I am glad I had PAO!

Screw Removal!!

It looks like July 7th will be my day to have these wonderful 4 inch screws removed! It is the day before we fly back to FL - so I am a little nervous about flying. I have been told that the procedure takes one hour - and I will be given a local. I thought I would be knocked out - and am HOPING they give me something to make me "happy" so I don't freak when he cuts me open and uses a powerdrill on me!! I am also hoping that I won't need crutches afterwards - because I really don't want to fly on crutches with 2 kids! Thankfully, we ended up getting Reilly a seat on the plane - because there was NO WAY I was going to be able to hold him for 3 hours!! He will go in the travel car seat on the plane - which will make my life SOOOOO much easier! He is walking now - and does not want to be held.

13 weeks post RPAO

At 13 weeks out - I am walking with just a slight limp. I feel as though I am walking normal - until I see my shadow! I'm sure this will go away soon as I have no pain - and not really sure why I am limping, habit maybe? I still have not been given the OK to use the elliptical, but am walking almost every day. My latest x-rays showed healing is coming along nicely - and I haven't broken or moved any of the screws, so that's good! I booked my trip to the Cape for the summer and emailed the times to the surgical coordinator at Dr Millis' office. He said there should be no problem with scheduling the screw removal while I am there - so I will keep pestering her until I get an actual date and time for this procedure!
I took Reilly for his 1 year check-up - and mentioned that I have heard his hip "pop" during diaper changes. She did the hip test and felt and heard clicking. She ordered an ultrasound and x-rays of his hips - with a diagnosis of "hip click". I was very worried that I had passed down dysplastic hips to him! He had x-rays done - and I got a copy for myself. I asked Dr Millis if he could view them - and he said he would be happy to. I mailed them along with my latest x-rays. The pediatricians office called and said that his hips were normal - no signs of dysplasia - THANK GOD! I still will feel better once Dr Millis looks at them.

My Birthday Boys!

What Limp?

I have now been walking with no cane for a few weks now - and have noticed my limp getting less and less. After a long walk I may limp a little more- but otherwise feel "normal"! My brother and his family have been in town - so we have been on the go! Reilly had his 1st birthday and Brady had his 4th. We had LOTS of cake! We went to the Naples Zoo Monday and today went to the beach on Sanibel. Brady just noticed today that I am walking alone! We were walking along the beach and he said, "Hey Mom, you don't have your crutch or your cane!". I told him that I didn't need them anymore -and his reply was, "Wow Mom - I'm so proud of you!!"
I have been trying to schedule my screw removal for this summer - but can't seem to get Dr. Millis' surgical coordinator to call me back! I would like to have it done when we go on vacation up to the Cape in July - but don't want to book flights yet until I know when Dr. Millis can do it. I am frustrated because tickets to Boston are $206 right now!!!

POP goes my hip!

I am still feeling great - and think I am giving up the cane.(10 weeks post RPAO) I am walking with only a slight limp now! I am back to my "normal" walks - about 3 miles - and am anxious to get back on the elliptical machine. I am gearing up for Reilly's 1st birthday this Thursday and Brady's 4th birthday a week from today. My brother and his family are coming into town this week - and Brady is excited about seeing his cousins. We got Brady a bike - but all he really wants is a Lightning McQueen birthday cake! (Which he also had last year!!)
My hip is feeling good - but I am getting the "popping" and "cracking" that I have always had. It didn't start back up until about week 6 or 7 post-op. It first started when I shifted in bed - but now my hip is "catching" and getting stuck - and then I have to "pop" it back. Dr. Millis informed me that the "popping" is normal. As TJ would say , "Normal for who??!!". I also mentioned it to my local doc - and he told me that my hips may always pop. I am trying to find out why this happens. What makes them pop? Why does it "catch"? Am I causing more damage?? All questions I will ask Dr Millis and my local doc (Dr Kagan). I have posted these questions to my fellow hipwomen on the yahoo group - maybe I will get some answers from them! I won't worry too much now - as the popping is not too painful - just more uncomfortable.

Oh yeah - I forgot I had hip surgery!

Well - I am getting back to my "old self" and not sitting still for more than 3 minutes! (except for when Biggest Loser is on and I am eating DQ ice cream!) I lost lots of weight after having Reilly and was worried that I would put some back on after surgery. As of a few weeks ago -I had not gained any weight, but have definately gotten less toned. I am now back to walking everyday - increasing the distance little by little. Yesterday I walked to Brady's soccer game then walked to my parents house (about 2 miles away) to go swimming. Today we went to the Naples Zoo and then I went for another walk and then back in the pool. I finally feel like I am getting back to normal! I can't believe that I had major hip surgery 9 weeks ago. I don't feel like it at all!

I heard from Millis today and he has "approved" my use of the cane. He will give me the OK to use the elliptical once he reviews my latest x-rays.

I will add my before and after weight loss pics in this post. (Keep in mind my before pic was 2 months after having my second child) I would like to do a before and after pic of my right hip - but my doc down here only does film x-rays and am waiting to see if NEBH can send me a CD of my x-rays taken during surgery.

Before RPAO x-ray (right hip is on left)

9 week check-up

I went today (at almost 9 weeks post RPAO) for a check-up and x-rays with my local doc. X-rays looked good - the bone is filling in and healing nicely. Hopefully Dr Millis will be pleased once he gets these! I have to admit that I was concerned that I may have ,essed something up or moved some of the screws! My doc had me walk down the hall (using my cane) and said everything looked good. He did tell me I should use the cane UNTIL Millis TELLS me I can stop. I am still feeling great. I am going for longer walks now - still using the stroller to "help" me. I think I have been doing about 2 miles - but not as fast as I used to go! Hopefully in the coming weeks I will be able to walk farther and faster - and then before I know it I will be running again!!
Beth

8 Weeks post RPAO!

Today marks 8 weeks since I had the RPAO! I am feeling great! I am walking using the stroller to help me - and using a cane around the house and out. I will admit that there are times during the day when I don't use the cane and just limp around. I am trying to figure out how to walk again - without limping! I don't know when that will come - hopefully soon!! I remember after my hip scope I went for a LONG walk and was limping pretty bad near the end. Someone actually pulled over and asked me if I was OK! I am not going for "long" walks now - and am staying in my neighborhood. I am ANXIOUS to get back to exercising - as I feel like my legs have turned to jello and mush! The left hip has been "acting up" - but was prepared for this knowing it is getting most of my weight. I am assuming I will need LPAO sometime in my future. I will not be looking forward to it - but will know what to expect.
I have started to get more comfortable in bed - and am rolling onto my stomach (I just try not to think about the screws!). I still have not yet been able to sleep on my operated side - not because of pain - just because I am afraid I will feel pain or mess something up! I go next week to Kagan for more x-rays - and will send them to Millis. Hopefully all is well with the healing of the bone.

Millis

Heard back from Millis today -and he told me it was OK to use one crutch - (little does he know I have already done that AND switched to the cane!). I am to email him in one week with a report - and that is when I will tell him that I have switched to a cane! My mom bought 2 canes for me - a pretty pink one with roses and a leopard print one. I couldn't decide between the 2 - so I am keeping both!!
Beth

Tired of waiting...

So, I am tired out waiting to hear from Millis for the "official" ok to use one crutch. I have been doing it for a week or so now anyway! I have decided that it was time to GIVE UP the ugly grey crutches - and move on to a cane!! I am walking much better with the cane than with one crutch. I looked lop-sided walking with a crutch - and feel more "even" now with a cane! I am trying to find a "pretty" cane (maybe pink or flowers?) so I can be more stylish! I did see some nice "pimp" canes online! HA! I feel as though I may need the cane for a few weeks at least. I definatley feel more comfortable walking with the cane - but feel as though I get more looks now than with the crutches (or wheelchair or scooter!). I guess there aren't too many 33 year olds walking around with a cane!
Well today I was feeling brave. I walked to Brady's soccer game pushing the double stroller! I walked at a normal speed going there - but was a little slow and limpy on the way home. I was a little tired once I got home - but that didn't stop me from vaccuming and mopping the floors! I have had a cleaning lady come in every week - but now feel as though I can start doing some of the cleaning, so she will come very 2 weeks until I feel as though I don't need her anymore. (although it would be nice to keep her on for awhile!)
Beth

HMMM?

As I read about my fellow "hipwomen" and "PAO'ers" - I notice a similarity. Many of us were diagnosed right around age 28. I am wondering if it is more than a coincidence!?!?! HMMM??Lucky for them - they have had or are having their surgery shortly after being diagnosed - and before having kids. When I was diagnosed - the only things that were mentioned to me were the hip scope (which I had done 2 weeks before I got pregnant with Brady) and hip replacement. It wasn't until AFTER having 2 children that my ortho down here (which I NO longer go to) briefly mentioned PAO - but told me I would be on crutches for 1 year. He basically told me to live with my pain until I couldn't take it anymore - then do a replacement. That was not the solution I was looking for! I did my own research on PAO - and LOTS OF IT!! I wish I had been told about this surgery back at age 28! Recovery has been better than expected - but difficult with 2 little ones. As a stay at home mom - I can't do the things I normally did before the surgery, and need to rely on my husband, parents and in-laws. They have been AWESOME at helping out - but I do have some guilt about not being able to care for my children. I will hopefully be crutch free soon and will be able to return to my "mommy" duties!!
Beth

SCAR!

It is about 6 weeks since my PAO and the incision has healed nicely. It did not look so pretty the first few weeks!! I do have numbness around the scar - but have been told it is normal. Hopefully I will get feeling back as time goes on. There are a few small scars above the incision from where the drain was.