For those of you gracious enough to read my blog, I’d like to take the time to share with you my biggest vice in life and in this endeavor – procrastination. Over the years, I’ve learned to accept this aspect of my personality. Rather than trying to overcome it or address it directly, I’ve developed a habit of making lists, replying to voicemail and emails immediately and completing assignments as soon as they hit my desk. At work, this has helped establish my work ethic, as well as a reputation for being responsive and proactive – which I find kind of funny, considering. In life and in general, I’m not always so successful (see unfinished walls in paneled basement I swore to my husband I’d finish so my little girl could play there all winter).
I really wanted to start my story from the beginning – at the beginning. I wanted to share the trials and tribulations that come with living with an injury that strangely hurts more when you sit than when you run, that limits your ability to set physical goals and an injury that I have had to live with for a year simply because my preferred surgeon didn’t take my insurance and I was too jaded to seek out medical care that did fall under my plan. But I didn’t. I procrastinated. And I am sorry for it. However, I appreciate the opportunity to redeem myself.
What kept me coming back to doing this blog was remembering the frustration I felt when I was injured, seeing doctor after doctor and numerous physical therapists, with no improvement and no real answers. I was discouraged from getting an MRI and other tests (told I was too young or it was probably a nerve issue). I was told I had a weak hip flexor and administered a cortizone shot that left a hideous dimple in my leg that did nothing to help my discomfort. I saw a PT for almost two years, twice a week, for $45 a pop – in the end, resulting in unnecessary damage to my injury. When I looked up my symptoms online, I found nothing. Asked other runners, coaches, etc. – nothing. One day in PT, I asked for a bit of extra but-kicking. She had me doing single leg squats with a ball on the wall. My right leg – perfect. My left leg – zero stability. How could I work so hard and yet my leg was so off? This was when I decided to go for the MRI with or without a doctor’s advice. It was the right choice at the time and helped me to be more decisive and proactive in my own care years later when I became injured again. While I had some less than stellar experiences, I also had some very good ones – all of which I think can be valuable information for anyone who may also be at the mercy of an injury.
On January 9, 2013, I had my second hip labaral tear surgery, this time on my (no longer perfect) right leg. Good bye mobility, good bye driving, good bye control. Did I mention that I have an off the wall toddler and a three story home? It was a surprisingly tough decision, deciding to do this again, especially now. But I did it and so here I am, with tons of time on my hands and nowhere to go. Yesterday was a beautiful day here in NYC – 50 degrees and sunny. Sigh. Today, one of my besties (and running buddies) chatted with me about her race plans for the next few months (please note, while we have “race plans”, we are very much middle of the pack-ers and don’t take it all too seriously). It felt good thinking about what can be again, once I’m better. Although I procrastinate about most things in life, running is not one of them. I told my friend that I’ll be seeing her at the start line of the Brooklyn 1/2 in May. Now we just have to figure out how to manage child care for that day. I can’t wait!!!
Here are some specifics regarding my D-Day:
Recovery for hip laproscopy surgery varies based on the patient (e.g. age, physical condition, etc.), severity of the injury and other factors (e.g. bone abnormalities, cysts, arthritis, etc.). For me, the surgery was ambulatory/out patient. I was in at 10am, allowing an hour and a half for check in and prep (lots of paperwork, scrubbing yourself down with sterile wipes, putting on scrubs and nifty hospital socks, etc.). Surgery was from 11:30-1pm, which included time for positioning me and the cameras, as well as stitches, then dismantling the positioning. Regarding anesthesia, I opted for a spinal. Other options include an epidural (same results, but different risks than a spinal) and general anesthesia. I was able to leave the hospital at 8pm when I finally got feeling back in my legs and feet. Those who go for general anesthesia can expect to leave within 3 hours of the surgery (with no complications). My post-op appointment with my doctor is in two weeks. The appointment will include taking out my stitches (3 tiny incisions on the front of my quad), checking my mobility and writing a prescription for physical therapy. I am expected to be out of work for 4-6 weeks and am currently using crutches, but am allowed to be partial weight bearing. I have no pain and did not fill my prescription for meds and don’t plan to. I have very limited rotation in my hip, making simple tasks very difficult (i.e. getting into and out of bed, putting on socks, pants, etc.). In the days since my surgery (now 6), I am gradually getting back some mobility. In the meantime, it’s nice to know I’m not alone:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/a-rod-hip-surgery-article-1.1212261