Wednesday, August 10, 2011

September 27th!

Me and D ignoring my hip together at the beach after one of his gigs
Hi! Sorry it's been a bit since I last blogged. I guess one may say I have been in hip hell. I started first with ignoring my hip after my last post which in turn meant ignoring my blog for a few. I needed some time away from my hip and since I couldn't do it physically, mentally was the only way to go. I got through a week of ignoring my hip, the pain, and thinking about my hip and during that time did have some moments which I truly enjoyed. Then my hip (just like it's "owner") didn't like being ignored and not be given any attention too, so hipster came back w/ a vengeance (owner of hip is much kinder that that..I am not vengeful like one body part of mine ;)  To make a very long story short I ended up in BI hospital for three days due to an intense amount of pain, because my hip cartilage tore and got stuck in my joint, which caused inflammation, which caused pain, which landed me in a hospital bed; I guess I really can't ignore my hip.
Me at BI
Nurses Discharge Paperwork
It was a loooooong three days of pain and frustration as well as a visit from Dr. A. BI hospital was great in getting me as comfortable as possible w/ pain meds, ice, and bed rest. Dr. A reunion came two weeks early..he looked at me and said, "Hi, you need to get your hip replaced ASAP, and I will do it" (well that's the very abbreviated version of our conversation). He wanted me to stay in the hospital and get the pain under control, and then still keep my appointment with him on August 8th. There was not much more to say about that hospitalization....the nurse note to the right pretty much summed up my situation.

August 8th: My dad, step-mom, D and I met with Dr. A and went over my Total Hip Replacement surgery (still can't believe it is happening after all I have been through in the past 4 years with this hip to save it..hard to process still at the moment, but trying). It was a long visit and I honestly can't remember everything he said, but here are the basics:
*Need my hip replaced no other options for me
I understand the cartoon is just the illustrators representation of a hip patient..and yes I do have a cane and a dog, but if they think I am going to stop coloring my hair and get a bad haircut just so I can look the part..well that just ain't happening!
*My hip will be part ceramic and part polyethylene and a bigger "head" ( he said this is the best plan for someone my age..it could last 30 years, it should have extremely good rotation, less risk of dislocation, and the material won't be an issue if I would like to have children)
*He is also going to lengthen my psoas tendon (this psoas has been a true pain, I am nervous about this part of the surgery since I have heard mixed reviews about this procedure, but he explained the benefits and it seemed to make sense to me)
*He went through the whole surgery procedure and the hospitalization. It's a lot of info! If interested in further detail write me a note at the end of this post and I can give you any info you may be looking for. It looks like I will be in the hospital for 5 days and then sent home with visiting nurses and visiting PT. If all goes according to plan I could be off of crutches after one month
*Due to my past hip surgeries and my chronic pain issue he will use an epidural for the first 24 hours to help with pain post surgery (so I won't freak out ;) )
*He gave me a notebook on everything hips. How to get prepared for surgery, what to expect during surgery, and what will happen post surgery at hospital and home..quite a captivating and relaxing read (ok I will get my sarcasm in check)
*I need to donate blood for myself
*No PT before surgery, but he showed me a few exercises he would like me to do at home. PT post surgery. First in home then outpatient.
*Once I am better he said I will be able to walk, drive, bike, swim...but no running!
*He will be going through the bottom half of my SDD scar (from last year) which is on the side of my upper right leg
*He said my recovery will take longer than the average patient due to my four prior surgeries, but he has confidence that I will be ok when all is said and done, and that I guess is really all that counts!

I am hoping for the best and trying my best to put all the past surgeries in the past, but I am only human so it isn't the easiest thing to do. It is hard coming to terms with getting a hip replacement at 36, can't even explain exactly why, but it just is, but I am working on those "issues". I am just hoping with everything I have that this will be the surgery that is a huge success!  2pm on September 27th I will be saying buh- bye to my hipster for good and hello to a new pain free life (fingers crossed..you can cross yours too for me if you would like ;) )








6 comments:

  1. Sarah just know you (and twinsy!) are my heros! You inspire me through those bad hipster days and give me courage to face what may have to come for me. You will be great after the new hip! You gave hipster every shot you could! Now i guess its time to just get rid of the little bugger! Will your shiny new ceramic hip be pink! :) Luv ya!

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  2. Awwwwww Lisa..thank you! You are amazing yourself..I am always inspired by all my hip sisters and their strength and positivity and support!!! That would be soooooo cool if I could get a pink hip..they should give you a color choice ;) Thank You sooooo much for all your support! You rock! xxooxxoo

    ReplyDelete
  3. fingers firmly crossed for you X

    ReplyDelete
  4. Whoohoooo! So excited to see a post from you, and I am SO SO excited that you are getting your hip replaced!! Try to be excited too! I've told you before about my colleague who had her hip replaced at 29, after going through your surgeries, plus a PAO by Millis. Nothing ever worked. Then she had her hip replaced and hasn't thought about her hip since! I KNOW this is going to work for you! Relax, drink some wine, eat some chips, and before you know it - this will all be behind you! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. HI KATE!! Yea I have been blogger slacking..I currently write 3 blogs..one that is actually "published" so I guess I got blogged out..lol! But of course my hip one is my baby and my most important on many different levels, so I am so glad to see you on here and your comment..it honestly couldn't have come at a better time..I have had a rough day..allergic reaction to medication..just been feeling overwhelmed, depressed and sick..and then I read your post and you inspired me that there (fingers crossed) will be a happy ending soon..I don't think you have shared that story with me before..it's unbelievably inspiring knowing someone that is younger than me and who has had similar surgeries and the replacement fixed it..that was the story I needed to hear today to pick myself back up from my pity party! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! Thank you also for the great advice!! So appreciated..I hope all is well with YOU! xxoo

    ReplyDelete