Saw Mr Apthorp a couple of weeks ago for my four and a half month check up. He moved my legs around, asked about the physio, and whether I was happy I had had the PAO surgery. I was able to answer unequivocally 'yes'. I still can't believe I now lead a pain-free life. I asked a few questions about activity, and was then asked to have a chat with a 17-year old girl, due to have her PAO in August.
It was strange talking to Catherine. I was pleased to be able to reassure her, and it was funny to hear her questions, as they reminded me of exactly what MY concerns had been before the op. But strangely I couldn't remember an awful lot and I found it really difficult to recall just how I had been in my pre-PAO days. It seems like such a long time ago now! If you read this Catherine - good luck! Let me know how you get on!
I have now had my NHS 'terms referral' to my local gym and have been given some exercises to work on the 'fastwitch' muscle fibres. It is odd how I begin to feel as though I am practically healed, and then get thrown a new set of challenges to make me realise how much I still have to do. Just using the exercise bike and cross trainer, my left quad got really tired really quickly. Clearly I have some work to do here - all of my walking isn't enough evidently!
Friday 13 March 2009
Friday 13 February 2009
Four and a half months later - physio continues
Saw the physio again yesterday and she can't believe the progress in the last month. I am now able to move my left leg to almost the same degree as the right in most areas. The biggest difference is when hugging the knee to my chest from a prone position. Last month I could only get my leg to a right angle with my chest. Now I can go a further forty five degrees or so.
Been referred to a physio at my local gym, which means that I should be able to get evening appointments and a programme of exercises to use in the pool and the gym.
I feel that pilates has been my salvation. Because I do it every week (and walk a lot and swim in between my classes) my mobility is coming along in leaps and bounds. I see Mr Apthorp next week. Looking forward to getting HIS verdict now!
In the meantime I am doing pretty much everything I want, and feeling very comfortable - even when charging round after the kids!
Been referred to a physio at my local gym, which means that I should be able to get evening appointments and a programme of exercises to use in the pool and the gym.
I feel that pilates has been my salvation. Because I do it every week (and walk a lot and swim in between my classes) my mobility is coming along in leaps and bounds. I see Mr Apthorp next week. Looking forward to getting HIS verdict now!
In the meantime I am doing pretty much everything I want, and feeling very comfortable - even when charging round after the kids!
Thursday 22 January 2009
Now January 22nd, so 3 and a half months post-op. I was pretty excited about my progress last time I wrote, but I restarted pilates last Monday, and it shows just how far I still have to go! Ouch!
In my first class I tried to do everything I used to do and pretty much managed to do it all. However, by the next day I was really sore, and this lasted a week or so. Real strong joint pain. I saw a new physio, who told me I really shouldn't try and do everything as before. I mustn't push through the pain or it will sensitise me to it. She gave me some new exercises and corrected my posture from the last batch. They now really feel like they are doing something!
By my second pilates class I had learned my lesson, and told my teacher which exercises were a problem for me. She ascertained that the main muscle causing problems is the hip flexor (which allows you to raise your leg). This explains why lifting my leg to get in the car/bed/put on socks, etc. is tough. I am trying to avoid cutting corners on those areas now, to build up muscle strength.
Positive news though is that the spa break for Mum and me is booked! I cannot wait - 2 days in a gorgeous hotel, with treatments, spa rooms, lovely food. Hoorah! As J doesn't want to miss out, we are also going to book a night away to go shopping, to the cinema, eat out, and indulge ourselves in our favourite hotel in Berkshire. I feel really spoilt!
In my first class I tried to do everything I used to do and pretty much managed to do it all. However, by the next day I was really sore, and this lasted a week or so. Real strong joint pain. I saw a new physio, who told me I really shouldn't try and do everything as before. I mustn't push through the pain or it will sensitise me to it. She gave me some new exercises and corrected my posture from the last batch. They now really feel like they are doing something!
By my second pilates class I had learned my lesson, and told my teacher which exercises were a problem for me. She ascertained that the main muscle causing problems is the hip flexor (which allows you to raise your leg). This explains why lifting my leg to get in the car/bed/put on socks, etc. is tough. I am trying to avoid cutting corners on those areas now, to build up muscle strength.
Positive news though is that the spa break for Mum and me is booked! I cannot wait - 2 days in a gorgeous hotel, with treatments, spa rooms, lovely food. Hoorah! As J doesn't want to miss out, we are also going to book a night away to go shopping, to the cinema, eat out, and indulge ourselves in our favourite hotel in Berkshire. I feel really spoilt!
Sunday 4 January 2009
Twelve weeks post-surgery. Happy 2009!!
I keep forgetting to update this. I can't believe that 6 weeks have passed since my last entry. I am now almost completely back to normal. I'll try and recap on when things started to fall into place.
Walking
From six weeks I tried to walk unaided in the house, but used one crutch for walking outside. I would say that after about 8-9 weeks I was walking without an aid, both indoors and outdoors, but my pace and stride was still a bit slower/smaller. However, by this stage (12 weeks) my stride and pace is completely back to my usual fast pace and I don't even think about my hip restricting me any more. Over the Christmas holidays I went on plenty of walks and had no problems at all. Although it feels a bit stiff I can manage perfectly well and no longer get the sharp pain I used to experience if I tread down strangely or if I put my weight on my bad hip. I also don't lie on the sofa in the evening with a throbbing pain. The worst I get is joint stiffness. It's remarkable really!!
Family Life
I am also able to look after the kids on my own without any trouble. I have been lifting and carrying my two year old for the past few weeks, and my Mum moved out in Week Ten. She hung on an extra week or so, because at that point I was unsure I would be able to cope with restraining or running after my little one if he got cross or into a dangerous situation, but in reality I was able to do most things with him by Week Nine. It is great to have the house back to normal, and the children have their own rooms again. My husband and I are back in our own room and own bed - no more sleeping on the floor for hubby, as he forfeited our bed for Mum. It is sooooo nice to be back together once more. Non matter how grateful we are to Mum (we are treating her to a spa-break as a thank-you) it is lovely to have our own space. The upside of the changes is that the children seem so much closer to each other now, having shared for ten weeks. They keep saying how much they love each other and are always cuddling and playing together. So cute!
Rehab and Exercise
My first physiotherapy session was in Week Ten, which is, in my opinion, too long to wait. The physio observed my gait and tested my mobility. She said that I had a completely aligned gait, and couldn't tell from my walk which side had been operated on. My left side muscles are also very good. I could get down to a squat and back again without assistance, which she said is usually difficult. She gave me some exercises but essentially said that everything is going really well and that I don't need much physio. I see her again in a couple of weeks. I am looking forward to starting back at Pilates after the Christmas break as that will help build up all of the essential muscles and improve the hip's flexibility. I started swimming in Week Nine, and went several times a week. At first I couldn't do my usual breast stroke very well at all. My leg must have kicked out at no more than 30 degrees. By now, however, it is probably kicking out at a normal angle (about 45 degrees I guess).
Restrictions
So what causes a problem now??? Well, I get NO pain, only aches and stiffness. But I can't sit with my legs under me leaning on my left side very easily. When lying on my back, I also can't let my left side flop down completely in a sort of horizontal plie shape. I can't really run - although I haven't particularly tried this. And, when I am being lazy, I still use my hand to lift my left leg into bed or the car. At the moment, those are really my only restrictions.
I see Mr Apthorp in February for a 4-month check up. I'll update this again then. But, the new year looks so hopeful, and I feel very pleased that PAO seems, at this stage, to have been very worthwhile.
Walking
From six weeks I tried to walk unaided in the house, but used one crutch for walking outside. I would say that after about 8-9 weeks I was walking without an aid, both indoors and outdoors, but my pace and stride was still a bit slower/smaller. However, by this stage (12 weeks) my stride and pace is completely back to my usual fast pace and I don't even think about my hip restricting me any more. Over the Christmas holidays I went on plenty of walks and had no problems at all. Although it feels a bit stiff I can manage perfectly well and no longer get the sharp pain I used to experience if I tread down strangely or if I put my weight on my bad hip. I also don't lie on the sofa in the evening with a throbbing pain. The worst I get is joint stiffness. It's remarkable really!!
Family Life
I am also able to look after the kids on my own without any trouble. I have been lifting and carrying my two year old for the past few weeks, and my Mum moved out in Week Ten. She hung on an extra week or so, because at that point I was unsure I would be able to cope with restraining or running after my little one if he got cross or into a dangerous situation, but in reality I was able to do most things with him by Week Nine. It is great to have the house back to normal, and the children have their own rooms again. My husband and I are back in our own room and own bed - no more sleeping on the floor for hubby, as he forfeited our bed for Mum. It is sooooo nice to be back together once more. Non matter how grateful we are to Mum (we are treating her to a spa-break as a thank-you) it is lovely to have our own space. The upside of the changes is that the children seem so much closer to each other now, having shared for ten weeks. They keep saying how much they love each other and are always cuddling and playing together. So cute!
Rehab and Exercise
My first physiotherapy session was in Week Ten, which is, in my opinion, too long to wait. The physio observed my gait and tested my mobility. She said that I had a completely aligned gait, and couldn't tell from my walk which side had been operated on. My left side muscles are also very good. I could get down to a squat and back again without assistance, which she said is usually difficult. She gave me some exercises but essentially said that everything is going really well and that I don't need much physio. I see her again in a couple of weeks. I am looking forward to starting back at Pilates after the Christmas break as that will help build up all of the essential muscles and improve the hip's flexibility. I started swimming in Week Nine, and went several times a week. At first I couldn't do my usual breast stroke very well at all. My leg must have kicked out at no more than 30 degrees. By now, however, it is probably kicking out at a normal angle (about 45 degrees I guess).
Restrictions
So what causes a problem now??? Well, I get NO pain, only aches and stiffness. But I can't sit with my legs under me leaning on my left side very easily. When lying on my back, I also can't let my left side flop down completely in a sort of horizontal plie shape. I can't really run - although I haven't particularly tried this. And, when I am being lazy, I still use my hand to lift my left leg into bed or the car. At the moment, those are really my only restrictions.
I see Mr Apthorp in February for a 4-month check up. I'll update this again then. But, the new year looks so hopeful, and I feel very pleased that PAO seems, at this stage, to have been very worthwhile.
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