Monday, March 8, 2010

7 Week Update

Well, I am overdue for an update. I went to see Dr. Peters for my 6 week checkup a little over a week ago. I was frustrated when I was told he was out of town and that I was meeting with his head resident. I hadn't realized that was the case and I had a bunch of questions for Dr. Peters himself. It's just not the same talking to the residents; they don't have the experience and expertise. But still, I saw my xrays and Peters was able to get a really good "fit". The bone is healing well but I was surprised at how big the gap still is. I told the doctor I couldn't believe I was getting around as well as I am. Looking at the xray it looks like I should be in a ton of pain still. He laughed and said he is always amazed at that same thing with the post PAO patients. The main questions that he couldn't answer that I wanted to ask Dr. Peters are regarding my left hip. I want to know if the twinges of pain and some bad days here and there justify having surgery right away or if he would recommend waiting until it gets worse. The real kicker is what if we decide we want another baby. I don't want my left hip to act up right when we are ready for another which I don't think will be for another couple years. I'm afraid that in that amount of time lefty will act up and I don't want my hip preventing us from having a baby. On the other hand, if we are happy with the family we have, I could just give lefty a little time and the kids will get a little older, making the whole recovery a little less crazy when (if?) the time comes. It is a tough call and one that I really wanted to hear Dr. Peters' take on. Oh well, maybe we will both feel more informed when I see him in 5 months. That will allow me to get recovered and more active and see how lefty is holding up. It's hard to be patient. I want to just have a plan. I am feeling like I want to just have the surgery this fall and get it over with. I really feel like I want one more baby and I don't want my hip to get in the way. I guess time will tell. In the meantime I will try to be patient and trust in the Lord.
As far as recovery goes, here are the latest achievements I have been making:
-I can drive!!! Hallelujah. I drove for the first time to my first PT appointment at 6 1/2 weeks post op.
-I can finally sleep on my side. That happened at about 5 1/2 weeks.
-Still can't sleep on my right (op) side. I rolled over in my sleep the other night and woke up right away in pain.
-I am totally off narcotics as of about 51/2 weeks. I made the 6 week deadline! For awhile there I didn't think I was going to but I did. I was given the okay to take Ibuprofin so I've been taking that as needed for pain.
-I am down to 1 crutch. I hobble around the house without it but can't last for long. It's frustrating because I have the okay to get rid of it but my body isn't cooperating yet.
-I love pool therapy. It is heavenly to be able to move freely.

That's about it for now. I'm hoping to keep getting better each day and someday soon be able to drop the crutch. I'm thinking I want to get to the pool more often too. So far I have only been going twice a week.

1 comment:

  1. What Wonderful news! I know that dilemna with having a baby. I just for me my left is worse but gives me little trouble and my right is the one that is the baby but isn't as bad. So for me I know that I will do both and then worry about babies. Plus having another baby now would only stress the grandparents out. They say can't watch the 5 we have all at one time. But if they gave it a try they would be shocked that it is probably easier than watching 2 little kids. I mean our oldest is 10 and helps me and the 5 year old plays with the babies. So in a way the older kids help the younger kids. But I guess they don't see it like that. Yes there are days that Ihave to vent but we all have bad days. I just more want to get better so I can run after the little ones and for those we have in the future. Now I am just waiting to hear back with some dates for surgery. And I am like you I am just leaving it in the Lord's hands. He has a plan and knows what is best. But to me you have accomplished so very much for such major hip surgery. You should be proud of yourself. I know I am.

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