6 week post op appointment and 1st bill

Today I saw Dr. Ho for my 6 week post op appointment.  He seems to be building a reputation of being notoriously behind schedule and I only ever am able to get afternoon appointments, which seems to make it even worse.  Today's 1:15 appointment finished just before 3pm and then a 2+ hour car ride bike home.

I have come to really like Dr. Ho and firmly support his approach.  Since he did a psoas release on me, it made me a candidate for one of his research studies.  He is examining the recovery period necessary to regain strength after the illiopsoas lengthening.  A physical therapist assessed my strength in a few positions and used some fancy dancy tool in order to acquire numbers for the study.  The therapist was very friendly and he reaffirmed my positive opinion of Dr. Ho.  He mentioned that I am lucky to have had a surgeon with so much scope experience because his recoveries tend to go quicker.  The therapist mentioned that he had other patients who had seen other doctors and the recovery was not good because their scopes "weren't as clean as Dr. Ho's."  That was great to hear.

I didn't really have much to ask Dr. Ho and didn't really expect much out of the appointment.  After refreshing his memory on the specifics of my surgery, he seemed surprised that I had returned to work after 3 weeks.  This was odd to me considering he was the one who encouraged this just 3 weeks earlier!  He mentioned that "with a person like me" he is okay pushing things a little more aggressively and gave me the go ahead to try a yoga class and hinted that I may be able to run before the 12 week mark.  Despite this, he was surprised at what seemed to be my lack of flexibility.  He said he would have expected more flexibility from "someone like me."--that must have been the phrase of the visit.  I have to somewhat disagree with him and contribute this to his (and his fellow's) haphazard quick movement and assessment of my leg.  Coming into the surgery, my flexibility was never a problem and compared to other group fitness junkies, I believe I am fairly flexible.  Now, obviously, post surgery, my movement on the operative side is more limited than in the past, but it seems to be coming along.  I will consult Andy, my therapist, but will add in some yoga and stretching to see what I can do.

I've read a significant amount about hip arthroscopy and recovery and would say that my experience is not unique.  Dr. Ho and I discussed the fine line between working hard to progress and doing too much.  It would be convenient if there was some magical tool that helped patients know when to stop and what worked best, but unfortunately, it is just trial and error.  I'll see him again in another 6 weeks on June 13th and, in the meantime, I intend to straddle the line between too much and not enough.

I also received my first bill related to my treatment from Dr. Ho which charged me the amount of the fluoroscopy from surgery day that my insurance will not cover.  I intend to keep a close eye on this and am willing to share what the total ends up costing me.  To date, with Dr. Ho, I've had 3 appointments with a $50 copay for each visit and now $249.73 for me to pay of the $1,921 billed to insurance.  Without looking back at my records, prior to surgery, I spent around $500 out of pocket on physical therapy and close to that (if not more)for my Xrays, MRI, and MRA.  I am not quite sure how my insurance measures up, but I am just thankful to have it and that I am satisfied with seeing Dr. Ho as my in-network provider.

One Month Post Op

One month ago today, I embarked on a new journey into the hipster world.  I think things are moving in the right direction and I am making considerable progress with my rehabilitation.  Co-workers continue to encourage me, well, most of them (the ones who don't call me gimpy), when they see me crutchless and walking pretty normally.  What they don't see, however, is that I still have significant healing to do.  I have been struggling with hip problems for well over two years, so I've gotten skilled at hiding my pain and just trekking on.  I've had to.  Nobody wants to hear about my hip day in and day out, especially my husband.  Quite frankly, neither do I.

Remaining optimistic and hopeful for my active future has helped me to not dwell on the little aches and nagging sensations that are still present (at times) in the hip/groin area.  My physical therapist reminded me this week that medical professionals recommend giving the bone 12 weeks to properly heal.  So, in the next two months, the priority is on my healing and getting stronger and not worrying about the what-ifs.  Admittedly, it is kind of refreshing to not be on a training schedule and having to plan my weekends around when I'm getting my long run in!

Look at me, squatting down, pain free!

Each day my exercises get a little bit easier, even though my therapist continues to build on my routine.  Currently, I am using a lighter resistance band on my leg lifts in each direction, one of the weight machines for my squats, and the stability ball to practice seated leg raises while focusing on my core.  I am up to biking 20 minutes continuously with some resistance and for the purpose of getting a cardiovascular workout.

My workday usually starts painfree, but by lunch time, I notice some aches and try to sit down more.  I am still limiting my walking throughout the day, but have begun to  monitor the hallway with less fear of jostling the hip.  I really haven't iced much in the last week and have even caught myself joining in on some of the dance parties that periodically occur with my own children.

I think back to the first few days and even week or two after surgery and remember how I couldn't comprehend healing enough to be functional for work.  I'm happy to say that I'm on the road back to my normal self.  Slow and steady has often been my motto in races, so I'll use that to get me through the next few months.

Tired

As the week has gone on, I'm fatigued.  I was especially tired yesterday after work, but was able to sneak in an icing session and a little nap all before 6pm.  I decided to head to the gym to do my exercises because it helps me focus and I feel more like an athlete when I go.  It forces me to put on some workout clothes and at least pretend I'm doing something.

I snagged the cycling room at a time when class wasn't in session.  I cycled for 10 minutes without resistance, did my exercises, and then did an additional 10 minutes on the bike.  It took me close to 50 minutes to do all of this, which seems like longer than it should.

I apologize for this pathetic excuse of a selfie.  I am drastically behind in this department!

I am definitely noticing progress, but was glad I had another therapy session today to check in and get some more exercises.  Andy is now having me try the standing stability exercises on both legs.  When my operative leg is grounded, it is beyond obvious how little muscle I have there.  My legs were shaking like crazy during my session today and I was beyond embarrassed!

I am supposed to progress my bridge work to one leg, sit on the stability ball and lift my leg, do mini squats, and continue my side/front/back leg lifts off of one leg.  I was relieved to hear that Andy was okay with me just doing the exercises once a day instead of twice like I had been doing.  He was very encouraging and assures me that I am doing well.  I warned him of my cheating tendencies because I have discovered that I am really good at looking like I'm doing what I'm supposed to do, but probably am not always doing it completely correctly.

My pain is primarily in my back.  It had been just on the right (operative) side, but now is almost the entire back.  I am hoping it is just culture shock to be back at work and such instead of anything to be worried about.

Back at It

I survived my first day back to work!  Many of my students were happy to see me, concerned about my recovery, eager to hear about the last few weeks, and completely confused by my MobiLegs.  Other students, like L, who pretended to bump into me about 5 minutes into the school day, were less than impressed and could have cared less.

I had a hard time trying to sit 50% of the time and didn't realize how much I typically walk around my building and within my classroom.  I am NOT a teacher that just sits or stands, so it was tricky getting back into the groove and even harder to ask my students to do some of the little things I normally do simultaneously.  I ordered the bad boy below about a week ago in hopes that I would have it today for work.  Unfortunately it arrived on my doorstep after school.

This is the "B-Cool" Hip Wrap from a medical supply store.  Dr. Ho recommended that I ice during the work day and I couldn't find anything that I liked at Walgreens, Wal-Mart, or Target, so I went all out and ordered this $55 deal which included shipping and 2 long ice packs that fit inside the pouches.  I can't wait to use this tomorrow because I needed it by about 10:30am.  

I lasted 8 of my 9 class periods and left early to go to my physical therapy appointment with Andy.  Andy was thrilled with my progress, answered some of my lingering questions, and adequately worked through my session.  He did check some of my exercises, added a few, moved my leg around a bit (which I was really hoping would be added to my sessions), and massaged one of the entry points to work on the scar tissue.  I am supposed to add these two exercises and beginning tomorrow, the 3 week mark, I can do my exercises on both legs.  

I have a feeling this week is going to be long and tiresome with evenings spent strapped to my ice machine.  Thankfully I can get some of my lessons and grading done during that time and I have found myself efficiently completing my therapy exercises during bedtime stories with my kiddos.  

Old Tricks

Tomorrow I'll be back to work.  I think I am ready, but I fully anticipate being tired by the end of the day and in need of my ice machine, which continues to live in our family room on the blow up mattress that has yet to be deflated.  My principal has been prepped with my restrictions per the doctor--50% of the time I am to be sitting and my walking and standing must be limited.  More importantly, I am to be excused from my hall monitoring duties.  Our hallways can get crazy and despite me being close to 5'9", these youngsters are about my height, especially the guys.  

I've been feeling pretty good and I decided to try out some of my old tricks.  Beginning in October of 2013, I had been swimming 3-4 times a week and would do close to a mile most of the time.  I decided to try out a few lengths with the pull buoy.  This meant my legs and hips were stabilized and I only used my upper body...boy did that feel good!  

 I've continued to be regular with my therapy exercises and definitely see improvements as a result.  Bree gave me more feedback and the few that I believed I was cheating at.  I have gotten better, but will consult with Andy tomorrow.

This is truly an awful picture, but I thought I'd get in at least one pic that includes me.

For some other random information, I've caught up on a few movies during my downtime.  One of my struggles has been remembering if I've taken my medication.  I have a horrible memory, so this was tricky for me each day.  Today I counted my aspirin and had to subtract the number of days I've supposed to have taken them.  I still can't figure out if I took it today or not.

I am glad to be returning to work tomorrow and back to some more of my old tricks.  I've missed my students and my colleagues, but golly, it sure was nice lounging around:)  My posts are likely to diminish since I'll resume all of my normal responsibilities, but I'll be sure to check in when I can.

The Silver Lining

I have been fortunate to be able to recover and relax for the last week before going back to work practically by myself.  It is rare, since having our two beautiful children, that I get extensive alone time.  As I mentioned before, when our kiddos went to hang out with my family for a few days, my husband immediately questioned what we did pre-children.  While I wouldn't choose to have surgery, the last three weeks have rejuvenated me and gave me the mental break from work that will help me positively finish out the school year.

Yesterday and today, I did next to nothing and it was heavenly.  My leg feels the best yet and I am hopeful for what the coming weeks/months will bring.  I continue to improve with the exercises and have been walking up and down the stairs without crutches and with one foot on each step like the normal way to use stairs.  I'd like to reiterate that I truly believe that my recovery has been so successful because my tear was only partial.

Today I had another physical therapy appointment with Bree.  I was honest with her about using the pool and she said I probably shouldn't have done that and should still wait at least another week.  I appreciate her honest approach and that we are able to get along well with jokes in between exercises.  She mentioned that she believes I have a little femoral anteversion.  Bree is the first to have mentioned this to me, even though I have read a lot about other people's stories with this.  I will be sure to do even more reading on this because I was intrigued when she said that this would make my body work a little harder to fire some of the muscles I've been having difficulty using.

Physical Therapy location with Bree

She ran me through a few new exercises and we worked hard to activate the glutes.  She and I both got a kick out of my attempts.  I'm sure she gets a chuckle out of some of the things I say because I am brutally honest with her.."I really suck at this!" or "Wow, I really don't have any butt muscles."  or "Ha, I was really wrong about thinking I could do this!"

Bree is excited for me to show Andy what we've been doing and agreed that Andy is the better fit as a therapist for me because of his running  background.  I look forward to working with him starting on Monday when I return to work.

15 Days Out

Today I tested out the therapy pool at our Y.

Champaign YMCA, therapy pool is in the back corner not seen
source

I had asked Bree if it would be okay for me to try this out and she advised me to wait until I had added resistance to my exercises.  Despite her recommendation, I knew I just wanted to test it out and see what would happen.  I had told myself I would get out if there were problems.  My mom pointed out that I am just like my dad who said the same things when he had his hip replaced a few years back.  

So, for 15 minutes, I walked forward and backward in the warm water.  I moved my leg around in circles and, at first, it seemed to be easier, but then I noticed the resistance of the water and my back began to bother me.  At that point, I decided it wasn't worth it for me to stay in.  

While I would consider myself to be a definite rule follower, I must admit that I am pushing it.  I am diligently completing my physical therapy exercises, but I am walking around my house with full weight on both legs.  In my defense, however, let me remind that my surgeon said I would be ahead of schedule since I do not have any anchors in.  He did suggest that I would be off of crutches by week 3 (except to use as a precaution while at work), which is just around the corner.  I have not experienced any pain as a result of walking and it has seemed like a natural progression.

I also tried driving today.  Dr. Ho said I was clear to drive as soon as I felt comfortable.  I believe I would have been okay to drive after 1 week, but I did not have a need to attempt it.  I will drive again on Friday because I have another physical therapy appointment and I'll be back to my regular work schedule starting on Monday.  

I don't intend to get back into the therapy pool until POSSIBLY this weekend.  Tomorrow I will take it very easy.  

2 Weeks Post Op

I can hardly believe that it has been two weeks already.  There are things that have gone by really quickly like time off of work, and then there are others that are dragging by like the whole recovery process.  Each day continues to go well, but I am still far from where I would like to be.

Yesterday I sent an email to the therapist I worked with to ask about using the stationary bike.  She gave me the all clear to use it without resistance, which I intend to do tonight at the Y.  I will couple that with the therapy exercises and some added stretching.

I can get around well and do not use my crutches inside my home.  I definitely favor my left leg and walk with a little bit of a limp.  When I concentrate and force myself, I can walk relatively normally, or at least I think so.  I can not, however, lift my right leg well and the psoas continues to be tender.  I use my arm to lift my right leg when I need to stand, get in the car, or something similar.  What seems to be a considerable amount of scar tissue is forming underneath the incision areas (which are nearly healed by the way) and this concerns me.  I take time to massage the area, but I have no idea what I am doing.  I was reading about how scar tissue build up can drastically hinder your range of motion.  I plan to talk more about this with my therapists.

I did my exercises one time already today and, like I said, will do them again tonight.  All seem to be going well except that I do notice my psoas in at least one of the movements and I don't believe I am correctly doing one of them.  I definitely cheat and use my back to try and move my leg forward, which is fine and dandy, but is not what I am supposed to be doing nor will it strengthen the area that needs to be addressed.

For the abductor and adductor exercises, the therapist recommended using one of my son's toy balls and I thought having a little Mickey Mouse on my side couldn't hurt.