It is now 2 years and 9 months since the operation. I haven't updated my blog for ages because I forgot my password - so sorry to everyone who posted questions and comments. It has been great to hear what people think about 'my story' and of course to read about your own experiences and worries. I know it is easy for me to say now that the op is a distant memory, but I really would recommend that you go for it, if you are thinking about the surgery and are undecided.
For me, having the surgery has completely changed my life and I am so glad I did it sooner rather than later. My hip disorder was congenital, so one of my cousins (now aged 42) has a similar condition. She discussed the option of having PAO, when living in Holland, and was really put off it, as it was described to her in such a brutal way. But her life now - still a relatively young woman - is often severely limited. On some days she cannot even get out of bed because of the pain, and she hobbles when she walks. It is such a shame that the condition has been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent, because she can't now have the procedure (due to the arthritis that has damaged her hip joint from the unnatural slant of weight beraing in her socket) and is faced only with the prospect of a hip replacement. I hope she chooses to take this up soon.
For me, however, I barely even think about my hip. The points I made in my last blog are still the same. My left hip is not as flexible as it once was, and generally my thigh and buttock on the left side are slightly smaller. I still tend to compensate for my 'bad side' by using my right side more to balance and weight bear, even though this is now completely unnecessary. Old habits die hard I guess. I have, however, begun cycling again. I thought this would be painful, but was amazed at the effect. I have to use my left leg as hard as my right leg to cycle, and so find that I am finally beginning to bulk up my left thigh and bum region. My body is far more balanced as a result. I have NO pain at all from cycling and feel it is really doing me good.
I'm not sure what else I can add. Post-op I am fine, fit and free of pain. If you are soon to have your op - I wish you all the best and the speediest of recoveries!
Friday, 8 July 2011
Friday, 12 March 2010
A Year since my last entry
I can't believe how time flies. I wanted to give an update for anyone considering the PAO surgery. I had my surgery October 08 and it is about eighteen months on from then. I can safely say now that I live a pain free life. The only lasting implications for me have been:
1. Flexibility in my left hip is less than before and less than my right hip (but it is still within the normal range.
2. My left hip feels slightly tighter sometimes.
And that is it!! I swim, walk loads, run after the children, still do pilates,and have even been known to wear high heels occasionally.
It is true that I will have to look after my left hip well, by ensuring I exerciseand stretch it, and I am still determined to get more flexibility back. But... I am soooooo chuffed that I had the op. All of the teething problems and aches and pains have now pretty much been remedied by a combination of time and exercise. Hooray!
1. Flexibility in my left hip is less than before and less than my right hip (but it is still within the normal range.
2. My left hip feels slightly tighter sometimes.
And that is it!! I swim, walk loads, run after the children, still do pilates,and have even been known to wear high heels occasionally.
It is true that I will have to look after my left hip well, by ensuring I exerciseand stretch it, and I am still determined to get more flexibility back. But... I am soooooo chuffed that I had the op. All of the teething problems and aches and pains have now pretty much been remedied by a combination of time and exercise. Hooray!
Friday, 13 March 2009
Check-Up with Mr Apthorp - Short but Sweet
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!
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 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.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Six Week Check-Up Goes Well!
Well, I saw Mr Apthorp on Friday for my Six Week Check-Up. Had an x-ray and then went through. He wiggled my leg about a bit and then asked me to stand on my good leg and lift the left leg up. I did this. I knew what was coming next though as I had read Laura's blog (she had her PAOs with Mr Apthorp too - see my recommended list). And, as predicted, Mr Apthorp then asked me to stand on the left leg and lift my right leg. It felt so weird and scary, but I did it. It was completely solid! And it felt brilliant to know it had healed so well.
Next, I was asked to try and walk the length of the room with just one crutch. I did this quite easily. Mr Apthorp then asked me to hold his hand and walk with no crutch. I did so tentatively! He then asked me to do it again, without holding his hand at all. I couldn't believe it, but I actually managed to walk, unaided up and down the consulting room several times. It was stiff and strange but I was perfectly strong.
When we sat down for the consultation we saw the X-rays of my new hip and it was amazing. Not only do I have a proper socket now, with a good horizontal coverage, but I could also see the screws, which are HUGE!. The hip is totally fused now, although it will apparently take up to a year to be fully 'finished'. I could also see the part of the pelvis that was cut to perform the rotation, and it is still cut. This will again take about a year or so to reconnect, but it is in a non-weight bearing place and will cause me no problems.
So, I was told that I am no longer 'precious'! I can try and do whatever I want, my hip is completely solid and can bear my weight. It can even bear Mr Apthorp's weight as he leaned on me with all of his strength and nothing moved. I can let my kids climb on me, and can practise walking without aids as much as possible (although it is recommended I use a crutch outside for stability). It was stressed that I need to ensure good posture, not to run before I can walk, or I will be teaching my muscles to heal in the wrong way if I am wobbling about. I will be getting physio and possibly hydrotherapy, presumably in the next couple of weeks, now that I am 'healed'. It is a huge relief to know that my hip is now strong enough not to worry about it. I don't mind if I get some muscle pain, the main thing is that anything I do can't harm the new joint now.
Mr Apthorp seemed very pleased with how the joint had healed and was very positive about me never needing a hip replacement now because of my condition. It's pretty hard to take that in. Having a dodgy hip has been part of me since I was born. It seems so odd to think that I am no longer that person, restricted by her body. It seems that in its new position my hip is quite 'cup shaped' as I had a natural curve in the pelvis which means my surgery has been even more successful than some, who even after PAO have a more 'saucer' shaped anatomy. Apparently anatomy does differ significantly between people. I didn't know that. For example, my nerve that feeds my quad muscle was nowhere to be seen when Mr Apthorp opened me up, which must be why I still have full feeling there! Mr Apthorp also goes in to operate through the pelvis to avoid cutting into major nerves and muscles as much as possible. As such, my quad muscle is also in tact. I guess this is why I feel so much better after my surgery, especially when I compare this experience with that of some patients, whose blogs I have read, in USA and Australia. I feel very, very lucky and grateful to have been referred to Mr Apthorp.
Anyway, after our appointment I spent the next day out with the family, walking round a National Trust, mainly with one crutch. I must have done about 2K walking. I couldn't believe it! My muscles ached the next day - but - MY JOINT DIDN'T. I've got the feeling, this is really going to be lifechanging. I'll keep you posted!
Next, I was asked to try and walk the length of the room with just one crutch. I did this quite easily. Mr Apthorp then asked me to hold his hand and walk with no crutch. I did so tentatively! He then asked me to do it again, without holding his hand at all. I couldn't believe it, but I actually managed to walk, unaided up and down the consulting room several times. It was stiff and strange but I was perfectly strong.
When we sat down for the consultation we saw the X-rays of my new hip and it was amazing. Not only do I have a proper socket now, with a good horizontal coverage, but I could also see the screws, which are HUGE!. The hip is totally fused now, although it will apparently take up to a year to be fully 'finished'. I could also see the part of the pelvis that was cut to perform the rotation, and it is still cut. This will again take about a year or so to reconnect, but it is in a non-weight bearing place and will cause me no problems.
So, I was told that I am no longer 'precious'! I can try and do whatever I want, my hip is completely solid and can bear my weight. It can even bear Mr Apthorp's weight as he leaned on me with all of his strength and nothing moved. I can let my kids climb on me, and can practise walking without aids as much as possible (although it is recommended I use a crutch outside for stability). It was stressed that I need to ensure good posture, not to run before I can walk, or I will be teaching my muscles to heal in the wrong way if I am wobbling about. I will be getting physio and possibly hydrotherapy, presumably in the next couple of weeks, now that I am 'healed'. It is a huge relief to know that my hip is now strong enough not to worry about it. I don't mind if I get some muscle pain, the main thing is that anything I do can't harm the new joint now.
Mr Apthorp seemed very pleased with how the joint had healed and was very positive about me never needing a hip replacement now because of my condition. It's pretty hard to take that in. Having a dodgy hip has been part of me since I was born. It seems so odd to think that I am no longer that person, restricted by her body. It seems that in its new position my hip is quite 'cup shaped' as I had a natural curve in the pelvis which means my surgery has been even more successful than some, who even after PAO have a more 'saucer' shaped anatomy. Apparently anatomy does differ significantly between people. I didn't know that. For example, my nerve that feeds my quad muscle was nowhere to be seen when Mr Apthorp opened me up, which must be why I still have full feeling there! Mr Apthorp also goes in to operate through the pelvis to avoid cutting into major nerves and muscles as much as possible. As such, my quad muscle is also in tact. I guess this is why I feel so much better after my surgery, especially when I compare this experience with that of some patients, whose blogs I have read, in USA and Australia. I feel very, very lucky and grateful to have been referred to Mr Apthorp.
Anyway, after our appointment I spent the next day out with the family, walking round a National Trust, mainly with one crutch. I must have done about 2K walking. I couldn't believe it! My muscles ached the next day - but - MY JOINT DIDN'T. I've got the feeling, this is really going to be lifechanging. I'll keep you posted!
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