One Year: Grateful!

I made it! One full year since the surgery on my right hip, and just over two years since surgery on my left hip. I am pretty much back to normal ability--my overall endurance and energy level are more limiting than my hips are. I saw the physical therapist and my hip surgeon on the one-year anniversary of surgery. The therapist was pleased with how I am doing, my ability, etc. She said for being one year post-op, I am doing well, for also have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, I am doing very well, for also being several months out from a car accident, I am doing excellent, and told me my surgeon would be pleased. When I saw my surgeon, he was very pleased with how well I am doing! He has no concerns. No need to follow-up. He would like to see me, get new x-rays, just check things, but said anytime in the next 1-3 years is fine. Such an encouragement and relief to hear this, even though it was anticipated. Local physical therapist had been telling me muscle tone was better--more strength, atrophy resolved, less spasm and tension, etc. The evening of the 4th of July, my sister, friend and I had gone over to the nearby lake and climbed to the top of the dam to sit and watch fireworks over the city--amazing view! Anyway, instead of taking the bike path that angled alongside to the top, we just went straight up the side--half running! When it down-poured rain, we ran down the side to the car. Would never have dreamed of being able to do this a year ago! PT said if my hips can handle that, then I am good to go! He was anticipating a good report from surgeon, and I did get a good report! This is a huge answer to prayer! I have been a complex case all along for various reasons and my hip surgeon is actually the surgeon I saw for second opinion. So grateful he could see through the mess my first hip was to what it could be. That he supported me through every part of pre-op, surgery, rehab, evaluating my other hip, figuring out timing on it, repeating surgery and rehab process. He and his team have gone above and beyond! I have also had amazing physical therapists who did the hands on, daily rehab with me. So grateful for them, their expertise, patience, willingness to support me and problem-solve no matter how complicated things were.

The trip itself was a definite test of my ability and endurance. I am so thankful my sister was able and willing to go with me and drive! We covered 1000 miles, five medical appointments, time with friends, etc., in less than 48 hours! Fun, profitable, but exhausting! So grateful for safety traveling, for how well all of the appointments went, for those who showed us hospitality, or helped in other ways, to get to meet others.

My shoulder, and ensuing compensation issues, is the biggest limitation at present. I did also see shoulder surgeon on this trip, and we scheduled surgery. So, although the hip recoveries are going well, it looks as though I will be starting shoulder surgery recovery soon. I am sure hips still have more recovery, but this sort of feels a bit like closing down the aggressive hip recovery phase, moving into hip maintenance and more aggressive shoulder surgery, recovery, rehab phase.

I have far better ability at one year post-op right hip, than I did one year post-op left hip, but that was because right hip was painfully limiting. Now, hips do not limit me. A year ago I could barely walk, but was swimming daily. Now, walking is nearly unlimited, but swimming is severely restricted. Last year, at one year post-op left hip, I already knew I was scheduled for surgery on right hip. This time, at one year post-op right hip, I am already scheduled for surgery on my left shoulder.

So grateful to so many who have supported me on this journey! I know it is not over, but am so thankful for the progress! More hopeful now than prior to both hip surgeries, going into shoulder surgery with hope.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:18, 25-28 (KJV)

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