Sunday, January 4, 2015

Left Hip Decline after Revision (months 9-16)



As I increased my physical activity around 8 months post op (April 2014), things kind of hit a downward slope. I was able to get up to 2.5 mi walk but had to push through it. I tried getting back into hot yoga again and it felt great even if I couldn’t do every pose due to restrictions. I did make sure to listen to my body and was very careful. I still continued with my ART and chiropractic sessions about 2 times a month. Since I was so far along he didn’t really feel I should need the adjustments as much just to focus more on the physical therapy aspects. Personally I feel like I cannot survive the muscle issues without constant ART sessions and chiropractic adjustments. I had also started volunteering at a horse rescue barn for about 3-4 hours every Thursday. I was so tired of being “woe is me” and needed to give back to my community. My physical therapist thought it was good for me to go for the mental and physical reasons, too. I agreed it was good for me emotionally but ended up finding myself in more pain and very exhausted after my rounds on Thursdays. I have really struggled to find a balance of what is too much activity. I have since stopped volunteering at the barn and just trying to focus on my health. It was a very hard decision but I hope to find other ways to help the organization.



Overall I have been battling the increased nagging groin, trochanter bursa, TFL, glute medius and glute minimus pain. I’ve since tried to get back into pool therapy combined with land physical therapy. I see some strength and balance benefits but I still feel really unstable again and my left hip constantly pops internally and externally. It sometimes can hurt really bad other times it is just a nuisance. Acupuncture with TENS and cupping were my next attempt alongside PT. This can give me some relief but only lasts maybe a day or two. The constant cycle of pain and limitations affecting my life can be very draining! The thing I cannot understand is I am not on narcotics anymore but push through more of what I wouldn’t have previously. I feel like it is just my new "normal". Maybe this is as good as it gets? Am I asking too much?  I know it is hard for my boyfriend to see me in pain. When I envision us having a family in the future, I want to be able to keep up! I struggle now even holding a baby for awhile or lifting them repeatedly. I definitely would not be able to carry a child for 9 months, give birth or take care of our children. It makes me really sad :( Having a surgeon out of state it is hard to keep flying to see them. Honestly didn't think I would be having complications but that is the reality that I didn't take into account. I realized I needed to find a surgeon in state who is knowledgeable enough AND willing to take over my complex case. Every doctor or specialist I have met over the years has told me I am very complex. This is a very hard and daunting task....

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