I am 11 months post op from surgery on my left hip and just recently saw my surgeon again, but for the non-op right hip this time. Of course he checked left hip as well and it is doing well, no concerns. Although left hip is doing well overall, it is a bit sore/flared from compensating for a very painful, limiting right hip We are not making much detectable forward progress as just trying to retain what strength and ability I have in spite of right hip not handling sitting, standing, walking, etc. The right hip is essentially similar set of issues as left was pre-op. Thus, we are now planning on surgery for my right hip. This is not a surprise, but rather has been more or less suspected since around two months post op, but we were uncertain how I'd rehab from first surgery, if second hip would calm down, etc.
Thoughts on second hip surgery. I am not sure what to expect as I was told this time may be similar, or may be either easier or harder than last time. A year ago, left hip was horrible--injection had worn off, but surgery not until July 1. Right hip was starting to catch and was more painful than simple compensation seemed to explain. But, I was afraid of hip surgery, hoping left hip scope was last surgery--at least for a while, and determined right hip was going to get through OK without surgery--refused to even consider it might need surgery. Although, gut instinct was it felt too similar to left.
Fast forward a year. Left hip is doing great, surgery recovery has not been easy, but much easier than anticipated. Left hip was pretty much back to normal ability a few months ago! Then, injection for right hip wore off and it was back to misery. I lost optimism of avoiding surgery on it, asked if MRI worth it in February--yes, but it took until April to be able to get it done. By then, limping again, even on crutches one evening. MRI confirmed the suspected labral tear, but also found a few surprises. My initial reaction to thinking of another surgery was frustration to be facing such a major surgery again as we had just gotten me back to pretty much normal ability with left hip. It was so nice to be able to walk, sit, do things. Another surgery would knock me down again for months. I knew pre-op last time that it was going to take time recovery and regain ability. It did. But, as I thought more about it, I then chose to look at things differently. We had me back to full ability--my body had proved it is capable of healing from major surgery in spite of various complicating factors. If it could recover well once, it can do so again. Then, as my right hip continued to worsen, I became more limited again, then left hip flared up, and I was losing ability again. Surgery became something I was hoping for and as soon as possible to try to help get things dealt with and allow me to regain progress again even if slowly. I am no longer afraid of surgery as I have been through it, it was not as bad as anticipated, and has helped beyond what I had expected. I went from fearing and trying to avoid surgery, to hoping surgeon would recommend it and wanting to proceed ASAP.
There will be a few changes in how we handle things this time. Even though my body is still the same, having confirmed the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and still strongly suspecting Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, more precautions will be taken. This includes greater support during the surgery itself, as well as more precautions afterward. I am grateful for a medical team who knows how to handle these issues to support me for optimal outcomes! Now, to figure out how to survive the next several weeks until surgery. Prayer is greatly appreciated!
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