Surgery Day and the first few weeks

January 13, 2014 I arrived at the hospital to prep for surgery.  I was the last of three hip arthroscopic procedures that day.  The day had signs of good luck, although some might think my examples are more creepy that proof of luck.  My belongings were stored in locker 13, my OR was number 13 and remember the date - January 13th. It is also likely that my surgery began around 1300 hrs as, I was taken down to surgery around 12:30 pm.

I finally arrived home around 8 pm with the assistance of my wonderful husband.  I spent much longer time in recovery than was expected.  Pre-surgery I was told that I would likely be home by 5.  John had called the hospital shortly after five to see if everything was alright.  I was, there were not any complications, It just took longer than expected for the anesthetic  to wear off.  All of the medications made me nauseous and groggy.

The first few days after surgery were uncomfortable and I felt very nauseous. I spent all of my time in bed unless I had to get up and go to the washroom (thankfully we have a high profile toilet, so that was much easier for me).  For a week and a half I had a poor appetite, eating pro-biotic yogourt and soda crackers.  I did however hydrate like crazy!

By the middle of week two I was venturing out of the bedroom and spending more time in the living room (still most comfortable position was lying down).  I began to get pretty stir crazy by week three.  I managed to convince my husband to take me grocery shopping with him.  I made my way around with my crutches while he shopped - by the end of the trip I was pooped!

Week 2 I had my post-op appointment with the surgeon.  The appointment was too fast and didn't give me as much detail as I had hoped.  My surgery included: reshaping of the head of my femer, and a tear to my labrum was repaired with two anchors (think of the anchors you use in the wall to hang something - just like that).  I have no idea how much cartilage loss I have but plan to find out next appointment.

Week 3 I started physio with my physiotherapist I had been working with for several years.  He helped me wean off of crutches - which was very exciting.

Week 4 I started physio with the Hospital - where I started working/focusing on range of motion movements.  Things were limited in the beginning but I did the exercises 3 times per day and by the end of the week I had made significant progress.

Week 5 my range of motion is much better but still limited, I have also started building up my strength ( lost 1 inch on my operated thigh).  I am walking well, but have to focus on walking slowly as it reduces the limp (muscles in front of thigh are still very tight).

End of week 5 & 6 is when things start to get more exciting - stay tuned!

FAI - FA...WHAT????

In 2010 I talked to my Family Dr. about my ongoing pain in my right hip.  I was referred to one hip specialist then referred to orthopedic surgeon. (it was about a year wait to see this surgeon).  Finally in 2011 I had a diagnosis of FAI-cam type (Femoral Acetabular Impingement) of both left and right hip and Labral tear in the right hip.

Ok - now for an explanation what does the above picture mean?  Well in CAM type the femor head (where it makes connection in pelvis it is not shaped properly) therefore it doesn't allow a smooth movement in the hip socket, which often results in a labral tear as it gets caught up in the impingement.

After the diagnosis I was put on a waiting list for Arthoscopic surgery. (a video link to a similar surgery if you are interested http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgU_dOeQLQM.  My surgery would be covered through Health Canada, but it meant that I would wait 2.5 years for surgery.

Symptoms I experienced for years was: (mostly on the right side)

- constant pain both in rest and activity

- numbness all the way down right leg to toes

- limited mobility/movement without additional pain

- my right hip would often lock (get stuck) for a period of time which put pressure on my back as my back was forced to work somewhat like a hip (as my right hip wasn't doing its job in allowing fluid movement as I walked)

My Treatment included:

- biweekly chiropractic care biweekly, sometimes weekly.

- monthly massage therapy 

- regular physio-therapy

- NSAID's (aleeve or naproxen prescription)

- Ice, heat, rest

Despite my pain I remained active up until surgery.  I walked with my dog every day, went to the gym weekly (cardio, strength training and yoga) were all part of my regular routine.  I found that as time went on I did have to make more modifications in fitness classes that I attended.

Finally, after 2.5 years, my surgery was scheduled for Jan 13, 2014