7 months +

I just realised today that it has been over 7 months since surgery! Where does the time go? Oh yeah - PT visits and exercising and doctors check-ups! Well, at least my hip has been doing better in the last few weeks. It does feel a bit stronger, perhaps all the pool exercises have made a difference, but it just took longer to show? Anyway I can't complain too much. I've put a lot of stress on my hip these past couple of weeks and it's not been dreadfully angry with me.

I went to the pool yesterday. I couldn't believe the queue! I thought (or rather hoped) less people would be there because it was nice outside. My mistake! After waiting half an hour I begged the instructor who was using a whole lane to teach a guy how to swim if I could use the end he wasn't - as they were only at the top bit. He was nice and said yes, so I was able to save some time and do my legs exercises. Then when I needed to walk he had another student but was kind and let me stay in one corner so I just walked in circles for about 15 minutes. Hardly exciting but the only other choice was to bale - not really an option. I was pretty sore when I got home so I iced for a while. Not too bad after and today feels pretty good.

Still haven't heard back from the insurance company about my appeal. I'm getting a bit worried. Think I will send another email to the PT people to see if they've heard. Such fun.

Insurance companies

On Friday I heard from my PT office that they received a letter denying me future PT for my hip. It was sent to them, it's 5 days later and I still haven't received anything directly. They claim my strength is 4/5 (I'd love to know where they got that one from) and that I've "plateaued" so PT is not something I should do, it's "not medically necessary". I was a bit peeved at my PT's office as they just left a message telling me about the letter, and that I should contact them about fees for the future, and as an afterthought mentioned appealing, as if that was something I shouldn't even consider. Not quite. I'll be appealing any which way I can. I suppose I can understand how some pencil pusher in a building with no medical experience can assume that I've not been progressing because he looks at his list he's been given and doesn't take into consideration the actual person and all of their medical issues. But it's still not right or justified.

My PT said he'd submit an appeal and that I should get a note from the rheumatologist (sent her a fax and am awaiting a reply). I asked Dr. Kelly's office but was told that their letters for this do not apply (???) and they can't do anything "legal". Other ideas were mentioned but I won't even consider them except as a last resort. This is so bloody frustrating!

I've been going to the pool three times a week and since I didn't go to PT yesterday, I went home and did some with my exercise ball and weights. I will have to go to the gym for the bike and leg press. I was meant to go the pool today but was invited to an event at the New York Public Library. Very excited as I love libraries, books, anything like that really.

Other than all this stress, the weather is making me pretty achy, as well as my erratic sleep habits. I have been taking the Mobic since Saturday. One pill (7.5mg) once a day. I haven't felt any difference at all yet, but it's still early. I have an appointment next week to see my internist about the acid-reflux meds. So not happy about that but I don't have a choice, at least for the moment.

Monday - 22 Weeks post op

This weekend was pretty good. Saturday the weather was nice - I love it when the rain doesn't show up. It's the little things in life! I went to the pool and my only pain after was my left hip, and even that wasn't too bad as it was on and off.
I did take it easy most of the weekend and only did minimal walking so I'm sure that helped.

Sunday I was in a bit of pain w/ both hips and my right shoulder. I think the pool irritated the shoulder somehow though I'm not sure how... I iced on rotation for a while and then the hips were feeling better.

This week I have an appointment with my hand surgeon. Bit nervous about that. I am hoping that splinting or PT (not that I really want more PT) can sort it out instead of any other not-to-be-named methods.

I also made an appointment for next week with the rheumatologist that Dr. Kelly recommended. Have I mentioned how sick I am of the medical profession???

21 Weeks post op

This weekend my body felt like it went through the ringer. Friday night I started feeling pretty crappy because of the weather, so just went home and reacquainted myself with my couch. Did not have a good nights sleep which never helps matters and on Saturday I was worse. I had theatre tickets on Saturday to see "Is He Dead?" and didn't want to miss that (good thing too it was quite amusing) so I schlepped to the theatre district. Not sure how I got there without crying, but the stairs to the mezzanine were the worst! Afterwards I had an early dinner with my theater date and then headed home, straight back to the couch! Unfortunately I had another rough night and sleep was not good.

I started to feel a bit better yesterday as the weather was much improved, but last night again sleep eluded me and so I'm still pretty achy today. This does not forebode well for me as I have PT after work and am having major muscle spasms especially in my back.

As for my right hip, yesterday I walked two block and was fine and then all of a sudden the front of my hip tightened up and I was limping again. That's been coming and going now. I haven't been to the pool since Thursday. I believe S will be back at PT tonight so I will have to discuss this with him. Perhaps some sort of stretching will help in that area? We shall see. I will only be going tonight as I have a do to go to on Wednesday. Friday is my appointment with Dr. Kelly - I'm thinking he's not going to be too pleased to see me when I tell him what's been going on.

20 weeks post op

Yesterday I wasn't too gimpy, a v. good sign. But at PT we still took it easy as K checked the hips and feels it's just more inflammation and thinks I should start taking the anti-inflammatories again, even if it's just for a bit. Of course I forgot them today with all the insanity of last night and lack of sleep, but will take some extra Advil and try that for the day.

We limited most of the exercises yesterday. I still did leg raises (side and back) without weights and clam shells with a three pound weight. Also did bridges with the ball and stim (6lbs on right and 2lbs on left - started at 3 but it was hurting my knee too much), and resistance with K and then he stretched me. I am planning on going to the pool after work. I thought that might be causing the pain but A, the other PT, said that just 25 minutes and what I'm doing shouldn't really do that. But then again, I have such a unique body anything is possible. I will try to pay more attention tonight and afterwards to see what happens.

And possibly I will get the courage up to go see a dentist as my jaw is only getting worse.

Pool time continued...

Friday I came out to the island. I had a heavy bag with some laundry, so that didn't help but to irritate the body a bit. I was definitely still achy and in pain in my hips. The weather went off in the evening and my knees especially were feeling it, took me a while to finally fall asleep. I had also put half a lidocaine patch on the back of my right shoulder as it was killing me. It was a little touch and go so didn't get a "good nights sleep" as I was a zombie when I woke up on Saturday.

Yesterday I couldn't decide whether to go to the pool or not, but eventually did in the afternoon. Thanks to my mother driving me, as I had no capacity for driving at that moment! I was in the pool for about 25 minutes, did my leg exercises and walking back and forth and then side to side. I am still cutting out the squats as I think that might have been irritating by hips, but not sure. My right hip was NOT happy in the least when I got out of the pool, and I made sure to ice when I got home, which definitely helped.

In the evening we went to my brothers house for my nephew's birthday. I took it easy and was still just so tired. When we got home last night I went straight to bed and was just watching telly. All of a sudden the groin area on both my left and right sides started a stabbing pain, first on the left, then the right. I was crying from the pain it was so bad. My mother came in and then got me some ice packs and that seemed to calm it down. It was the strangest thing, totally out of nowhere. Eventually I fell asleep and slept relatively well.

I think I am going to pass on the pool today though. I am not sure if that is what triggered that groin pain, so will have to ask my PT guys tomorrow. I am also pretty achy all over. Unfortunately I think he is away so it will just be the new understudy. I don't think she has enough experience with this. I see Dr. Kelly in two weeks and right now I am ready to yell at him. It's been almost 6 months and I don't feel that much better, on my right side. I hope he has some better ideas, and not including surgery, because I know I don't have the strength for that with either leg at the moment.

I am sorry to say it but I'm having a hard time keeping the faith at the moment. Hopefully we'll come up with a resolution or plan of attack soon and it will work. I guess it doesn't help that my right index finger has been barely usable for the last two weeks and my jaw/mouth pain has been non-stop. I would love to hop on a plane and disappear, but as we know, running away from problems or displacing them never helped anyone.

Holding up

Yesterday I made it to the pool. I was definitely sore afterwards but we stopped for some brunch on the way home and I didn't notice it till we started walking afterwards. It was a bit rough going. I had been planning on icing it after I showered and dressed but time was limited as my parents showed up and we all went to the theatre. I was wishing I had thrown a patch on the hip to deal with all that sitting for long a period.

We first stopped off to get tickets for another show. We ended up taking a cab from my place as I had decided my hip would be the better for it, and since there were four of us I didn't feel too environmentally unconscious. We walked from that theatre to the other, which was not too bad.

The AA theatre might be redone but who doesn't put aisles anywhere in the mezzanine except at the ends? We had wonderful centre mezzanine seats, but once you finally got to the seat there was no way to escape (or go to the loo, or stretch and walk, etc). Because of this I was regretting not putting on a lidocaine patch before getting to the seat, though I didn't realise I would need one until I sat down. I did survive though and the good thing about the theatre is they have a lift, so I didn't have to climb a ton of stairs. BTW - I highly recommend "The 39 Steps". It's very amusing and funny.

Afterwards we went to the "only Scottish restaurant/bar" in NYC. At least that's what it says out front. I love this place, and it's been ages since I've been plus it was keeping with the theme of the play, or at least the locale. After spending some time in there, we took the bus up from midtown - I was still trying to avoid the stairs anyway I could. It was a much better result I believe. The rest of the night we stayed local so not a lot of walking which was good. I feel pretty good today, and am hoping (touch wood) it holds up.

Week 20

Wow - it's been about five months since surgery. I wish I was further along, but for me this is the only way to go - slowly. When things get rushed, it all falls apart. Literally. And figuratively.

Last nights PT went well. My guy has a new assistant who seems okay. The only thing is I hate having to go through everything with a new person. I've been there for over a year so would rather work with my guy regularly. It gets boring repeating the long list of things I can and cannot do. I'm sure she'll catch on in no time though, I told her to read my chart, it would keep her busy for a while. :-)

I met my friend afterwards at this great little pub around the corner, the Pig-n-Whistle. It was not too crowded or loud so we were able to catch up, and the food there is quite good. I felt pretty good sitting for a while even though I had only iced for about five minutes, as it was so busy at PT I was running out of time till I had to meet my friend.

Today (touch wood) the hip feels ok, though I'm slightly achy from the weather. Am still planning on going to the pool after work though. My PT was very happy that it went well on Saturday and things this can really help to push up my strength a notch. He said to not do the kick board but rather walk, do leg lifts, back kicks and squats. That's all I remember for now. We'll see how it goes.

PT - week 19

PT went pretty well yesterday. I did the bike for 20 minutes and then some stretches with the stool, turning in and out and then extending all the way back. Also did some clam shells w/ 3lb weights, bridges with the ball, and stim with 6lbs on the right and 3lbs on the left. Also did the turns with the pulley on each side. My pt stretched me out a bit as I've been a bit tight in the front on my right. I went home to ice but then got distracted - bad me!
Today feeling ok, so think we hit it just about right. Yay!

17 weeks post op - and slightly freaking out

Well, it's been a rough weekend to say the least. Here I thought I was doing so well last week that I might have gone too far, too fast. I had been hoping to go to the pool this weekend and try out some exercises that my PT showed me, but alas, my hips had other ideas. I tried icing them but it did not do much. Yesterday my right hip was so bad that I actually used a lidocaine patch on it. I have not done that since before surgery, so you can see why it is so upsetting. I will go over all of this with my PT again, though last week he did say I couldn't damage anything that had been done surgically. Hopefully it is just that I over used it and pushed myself too far.
As for the left, whatever the injection did to help it seems to have stopped doing. I know I should contact Dr. Kelly and tell him, but at the same time I cannot imagine having surgery in the near future for this. My whole body cannot handle that again this soon, and I definitely feel my right hip would not be up to the pressure of supporting me for three months on crutches. So we have yet another catch 22.
To add to it, my lovely hands have been out of control pain-wise for the last week. Anytime they hurt for more than a day or so straight I start to worry.
The weather is not helping either for the moment.

Oh well, as my heroine says,
Tomorrow is another day.

almost 16 week post - op

How I survived my trip to London.
Firstly, I was a very clever girl and contacted the special assistance desk with the airline. That was the smartest thing I did. Other than the joy of jumping queues and having people drive you around the huge airports, I definitely saved myself a lot of pain.
Secondly, I was a very daft girl. I insisted on going to the airport my "usual" way. That is by taking the E train to Jamaica, then to the Airtrain. My work is only a couple of blocks from the E, and then I thought there was not too much walking between the two, oh how memories fade with age.
By the time I reached the airline, I was hurting. Thankfully the nice lady at the end of the queue saw my crutch and had them open a desk for me and get a wheel chair. Then it was straight through security. And did I mention the bulk head seats? Yes, being a gimp does have it's advantages.
Once I was dropped off at the gate, I went straight to the loo to put on my lidocaine patches. Can I say again how much I bloody love these things? They are one of the most important inventions ever, at least to me. I know some people say they don't work for them but I am blessed that they do most of the time for me.
Unfortunately the flight was delayed so my combination of wine and magic pill took effect too soon and I missed that small window of opportunity to pass out. Well, I could've passed out at the gate, but really did want to get on the plane so forced myself to stay awake. After we finally boarded, I had a hard time getting comfortable. I don't know if it's because I had a mild fibro flare up earlier that week or if the pressure on the planes is getting worse for me, but it was not the most enjoyable flight, especially with barely any sleep.
Thankfully when we arrived I had a nice old English man to push me through immigration and get my case, and he even took me up to my friends car in the car park. I definitely could not have done all of that walking after that flight.
So, the trip was brilliant. To sum up, my hips fared fairly well. I didn't do too much walking but definitely more than I have since my surgery (except for my day at Hampton Court - I pretty much saved myself for that day - and was sore the day after, but not as bad as I'd have thought). I wasn't sure how much the injection had helped at first, but it definitely made a difference whilst I was there. Unfortunately I had the worst time sleeping and the weather in London this time is the worst for me, so that kept the flare up going.
The return trip was much the same as the going, and again, so glad I had the assistance. It truly made a huge difference in a positive way.
I was able to get some sleep the last two nights since I've been back, and that definitely helps. Today for some reason though both hips are not happy campers. Not quite sure as I've not done much walking, but I am off to self medicate with my friend so that should help with the pain and getting to sleep later.

14 Week post op

It's been almost two weeks without a crutch in sight! Oh, how I don't miss them. I've been holding up pretty well for the most part. The right hip gets a bit tight at times, I believe it's the psoas, so we've been stretching it more at PT.

I had the injection on my left hip on Friday. I hate the procedure, it's not pleasant at all, but at least it's over. I had a difference in pain from the pre-injection to the post-injection, especially rotating my hip inwards. That was a 10+ before the injection, and went to about a 5 after. It was definitely sore for the following days but seems okay now.

I leave for London tomorrow night. I have taken the precaution of arranging assistance from the gate in Heathrow as the walk to immigration is quite long. I am meant to get a bulk seat as well which will be helpful in the sense no one will be able to smoosh my legs when they put their chair back. Normally I'm not a fan but in this case I'm willing to give it a try.

I've been trying to limit my plans for the trip, so just meeting up with some friends, seeing a Panto, going to the local for New Years and the biggest amount of walking will be at Hampton Court on New Years Day. I pray I can handle it, because being the Henry buff that I am, I have to see the new exhibit, as well as the Tudor Cookery special and holiday decorations they have set up. I must hit the gift shop there as well, they usually have lots of fun things for history geeks such as myself.

I am back next week and will let you now how I fared. Happy New Year and may you and those you love have a blessed 2008!

13 Week update

In honour of my thirteenth week of recovery, I decided to be brave and ditch the last crutch. Unlike most people I've had to use one for a much longer time. The idea was to keep down the inflammation in the surgical hip, and it did work. The main issue was it made my left hip very upset and inflamed.

Today is my third "official" day going sans crutch. It's been going pretty well. The main issues I've found are if I walk for a few blocks my hamstring starts to get tight and sore on the upper part, and the tendon under my right knee gets a bit irritated. My PT guys doesn't seem to concerned and I feel that the stronger I get it will work itself out. At least that's what I'm hoping. My psoas has been feeling a bit tight and we stretched it out at PT on Monday, and hopefully will do that again tonight. It's tricky for me as we don't want to overdue the stretching because of the EDS, but at the same time, it really needs to be done. I am going back to the genetic doctor in January so hopefully will get a better idea of what I should and should not be doing.

As for the left hip, it's not been too bad the last few days. Ironic as I'm getting an injection on Friday. I think it's very happy to be without the crutch and I am definitely more balanced so not putting most of my weight on it. It was pretty sore this am, but I also feel horrid and achy - it's my fibro kicking in. Sleep wasn't good for a few days and though I did fairly well the last two nights, the weather is a bit off where my body is concerned. I will have to make a concerted effort to get some good sleep in before I leave for London next week, as I don't want to start the trip off like this - the flight itself will be a challenge.

I am a bit nervous about the injection. I want it to make the pain go away, but at the same time, if it works, that means I will most likely need surgery. I am in no mental state to be able to handle that again, but at the same time I do want to get it over with so I can get on with my life. Ok, I'm not going to think about that now. As Scarlett says, tomorrow is another day...

12 weeks post op

It's never a dull moment in Tricia's world, that's for sure. I came down with a lovely cold or something last week, and it has decided it is so fond of me it doesn't want to move on. We are now trying antibiotics as a form of eviction. I hope they work.

As for my hips. The right one is good, I haven't been moving around too much since I've not been feeling well so it's hard to tell. The left hip has been touch and go and last week we didn't do any leg lifts with it. I've started to do them the last couple of days at home and so far so good. But again, I've not been walking much so it's hard to suss out exactly what triggers what pain.

The good news is that Dr. Kelly said I can get an injection into my left hip! I am going on the 21st, with the hope (and a prayer) that it will work like last time and keep me pain free for at least 3-4 weeks so I can enjoy my trip to London. I'm not looking forward to the process again as it hurt a lot last time, but I've got to try something.

Fingers crossed it works!!!

11 week post op update

Yes I am late again, but that's because I didn't go to PT on Monday. To be honest, I did not go Wednesday last either. I was letting some semblance to a social life start to creep in again.

So, last week, after PT on Monday, where we did leg lifts with NO weights, I still ended up in agony for a few days after. This is really getting old. And boring.
For the most part when I walk around I am okay on my right side. The right can get a little unhappy if I do much walking, but I am starting to think that is because I am leaning on it more than my left because my left is hurting so much. I try to ice when this occurs.

Yesterday am I woke up with horrible pain in my left hip. I was so uncomfortable that I rang Dr. Kelly's office and left a message. I have been thinking that since PT is so difficult on that side, and my leg is clearly getting weaker (it's weaker than my right now), some sort of evasive action needs to be taken. Other than this inhibiting me from walking more and seeing how I do without the crutches, and making my right side get irritated, it's most importantly going to ruin my trip to London in a few weeks! I can't have that. I discussed with my PT guy all of this last night and he agreed with everything I was saying, and said that (the dreaded) injection may be a good idea. For those of you that do not know me well, I absolutely dread the thought of putting that poisonous rubbish in my body. But...(there's always a but) it did work from 3-4 weeks on my right hip over the summer, and if I can somehow be fortunate enough to have it done and it works whilst I'm in London, I'll be a much happier person. Also it will help me take the pressure on my not-to-be-abused right hip.
I heard back from Dr. Kelly's office today. Arianne went on holiday so it was some person I don't know which meant going through the whole song and dance about what has been going on. (It's been short of a few days from a year since I first saw Dr. Kelly). I filled her in on all of my left legs loveliness (ie my IT band pops constantly and pain is more so on the outside of the hip), and she said that she thinks an injection might be something Dr. Kelly would want to do, even though I've not had an MRI yet on the leg. She was going to speak to him and would ring me back either tonight or tomorrow.

So, there we are. Oh, and to add to the fun, I think I've caught either a very bad cold or the flu. Ain't life grand? Still, off to see Tom Stoppard's "Rock n Roll" tonight, so perhaps that will cure me???

Happy Hanukkah!!!

10 (ish) week Post Op

I spent the long weekend watching my nephew and that did my hip in. Well, my left hip. The right one held up for the most part, but I did have to ice is every now and then. The left one however was completely miserable. I'm sure it had to do with running after Jack and picking him up.

I told my PT guy on Monday and he agreed. I still did the round of leg lifts w/o weights, and then the 3 lb on left side and 6 lb on right side with the stim and bolsters. I was so sore on Tuesday and very stiff on Wednesday. I am not happy about this as when I get like that I feel like I start to actually compensate with my right and then that starts to hurt. As I was meant to go to the theatre last night I hadn't booked my 2nd appointment for the week, so will have to work it out at home until next week. I don't have another appointment until Wednesday as I have company in town.

Last night I received a letter from the genetic doctor. I have already made an appointment with her (January was the earliest) to review and discuss what I should be doing to prevent more injuries. The letter basically summed up the biopsy results and what they meant. I will copy the relevant bits below. None of this was a surprise as she had explained that these tests do not really work for the type of disorder she believes I have, but it's good to rule out the ones it does work for.

"The results of your collagen study revealed no abnormalities. This is good news as this test excludes most forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV. This is a type of EDS that is associated with cardiovascular problems. The test you had also excludes some forms of EDS type VII another type of EDS which does not affect the cardiovascular system.

Unfortunately, the other major genes that affect collagen synthesis cannot be tested by means of this assay. No existing assay can help us better define your situation at this time.

I believe that your clinical situation is fibromyalgia plus hypermobile joints. Hypermobile joint disorder is a type of underlying connective tissue disorder that is in the EDS family.

Unfortunately, I do not have a specific test for this form of EDS at this point in time.

Many investigators are working on the various forms of connective tissue disorders in an effort to better understand them. I have no doubt that within a few years' time better testing will be available. It is also hoped that such testing could be performed on samples of venous blood."

So, nothing new or surprising, but in some ways it feels good to at least have a diagnosis that covers the multitude of issues I have had.

9 week post-op

I cannot believe it's been just over nine weeks since surgery, and six weeks since I've been back at work. Where does the time go?

I am learning that slow and steady does seem to be the key for me, though my patience level is barely existent. On Monday I told the PT dude that after last weeks workout with the (only 1 lb!) weight on my left leg, my left hip hurt for days. I said I thought it was the isometric side and back leg lifts and he agreed. This time I did those leg lifts sans weight and it seemed ok, so I'm thinking it was exactly that. My right side we did 1 lb weight for the leg lifts and it seems ok. For the leg lifts with the stim (on the right side) we are still using the bolster and did 3 lbs on the left and 6 lbs on the right. Slow and shaky at first but eventually it got smoother.

The good news is I was told I can start walking short distances sans crutches. He suggested that I can try to go to the corner store, but if I'm running around to bring it with me in case I get tired or sore. The main thing is to not irritate and cause inflammation in the joint. I was hoping to be off the crutches by yesterday, that was my goal, but I supposed this is a compromise I can (or rather will have to) live with. My new goal is to be completely off them by 28th of December, when I leave for London. I really do not want to have to bring this blasted thing with me. I will try to be better about PT as well, as with all the other insanity going on like my nightmare root canal, I became quite lax about it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

8 Weeks Post op

Sorry, these have become more like weekly updates.

Last Friday I went to see Dr. Kelly for a post op check up. He seemed happy with the way I am progressing, definitely a good thing. He said that I still should not try too much in PT, just focus on strengthening the muscles to help stabilise the joint. He thinks that around 4 or 5 months post op is when I can start pushing it up a notch.

I told him how my left hip has been bothering me a lot more. He still thinks part of it is compensatory, but I did remind him it was bad when I first came to see him about my right hip (just that the right was a hell of a lot worse at the time). He said to tell the PT guys to work on my left and stretch it out, as the IT band is popping a lot and it hurts on the outside of the joint.

Sunday I spent a long time on my feet shopping with my mum. I have not really tried that yet as Dr. Kelly kept saying to keep taking things very slowly. I was sore and achy and my left hip and left wrist (from the crutch) hurt like hell, but my right one held up pretty well. I iced as soon as I returned home and was just a bit stiff that night and yesterday. Not a bad test run at all I'd say. Once I get rid of this last crutch I hope it will be much better for my other body parts.

On the root canal front, I've just returned from the "final" visit with the endodontist. Fingers crossed that once the novocaine wears off I will be okay.

6 week Post Surgery update

Well well my pretties, it's been one heck of a time these last few days! It's times like these that I wish there was a way to become the bionic woman. (The original, this new one is just not working for me).

To summarise the last few days:
Thursday I woke up with one killer of a sore throat. I am only too familiar with sore throats, and can tell what causes each one. This one seems to be from my never ending acid reflux. I have been taking meds for the acid reflux for a long time, and my doctor had wanted me to start reducing the amount this summer. However, when she found out that I was to have hip surgery and take anti-inflammatory meds, she said to keep taking the acid reflux pills. Anti-inflammatory drugs are the devils work in my book and I try to avoid them at all costs, but I didn't seem to have a choice following hip surgery so I just went with it. The tablets are 500mg of Naproxen, taken twice a day. I was getting by for the first month or so, but by last week my insides had had enough and conceded defeat. Which is why I woke up with a burning throat.

My throat continued to get worse as the days went on so that I barely slept on Friday and Saturday nights. I think the last Naproxen I took was on Thursday, and about a week prior I had cut my dosage down to one tablet at day because of the intense pain in my stomach I had been experiencing. I tried taking something to numb my throat but it doesn't seem to make a dent, and I also sound like I've smoked three packs a day for the last twenty years.

To add to all the fun, Saturday I had a dentist appointment. I thought it was just to touch up one of my teeth that he had bonded a few weeks ago because of my tooth sensitivity. But alas, I was wrong. Secretly I held this fear that I was going to be told I was wrong and I needed a root canal. Having had three, you get to know when it's that. But I was in denial. Or at least thought if I denied it enough it wouldn't come true. I guess it was no surprise when the dentist brought it up and asked if I thought it could be that, and he did some poking and feeling and decided that was the most likely cause of my continual pain. I was ready to cry right then and there. The last root canal I had was only a little over a year ago, and it was a complete nightmare. The pain from the treatment and my TMJ was enough to keep me at home with ice packs and pain pills. Thankfully this tooth only had one root, and was towards the front and so the dentist was able to do the first part straight away. I go back in two weeks for the second part. I won't even mention the financial issues, but to give you an glimpse last year I used up all my FSA in the first two months from the root canal and crown. Seriously, I am losing my mind. But wait, it gets better.

Yesterday my mother and I were going out to do my food shopping. My nephew wanted to come and was sitting in the back seat when I got in the front. He did or said something to make me turn and my right hip went POP! I think (and hope it's not my denial but true) it was just my IT band which has done plenty of popping before. Yesterday I had more pain in my hip than I have for a while. I am not sure if it was the popping or the additional moving around with my nephew all weekend and him sitting on my lap, or just a combination of both. I am still a bit sore today and have PT tonight, so will tell the boys about it and see what they have to say.

The words "never a dull moment" could not be truer for me if I tried.

5 Weeks Post-Op

I apologise for my lack of attention to the blog, but life has been mostly dull as of late. Work is tiring and two days a week after work I have PT, so I don't get home till 8ish. Yesterday I left PT w/o icing - I was so hungry I said I'd do it at home, but had to go eat. An apple beforehand didn't cut it obviously.

The good news is they told me I can start putting more weight on my right leg when walking with both crutches, and I can use one crutch whilst I am home, but must use two when I'm out. The bad news is this means nothing to me because I've been very naughty and have been walking around my flat now for a couple of weeks without any crutches at all. I have no patience. I am able to get around from room to room but rest a lot in between. If my hip starts to hurt I just ice it. (Speaking of which, I think I've become an human icicle - all I do is ice all day long at work). I am not sure that I could go out and walk around all day without the crutches yet, I don't feel strong enough. I asked K last week at PT if he thought I'd be off of my crutches in a month, and he said yes. That is my goal because my first theatre tickets are in a month and there is no way I want to deal with crutches in a tiny seating area - so fingers crossed he's right.

I had been wearing my brace to and from work, especially to protect me on public transport because you would not believe how rude and obnoxious some people can be even when you are on crutches! I found that it helped them from not pushing into or leaning on my hip because if they did they'd get a big metal bit in theirs. Today I decided, mostly because I knew I was going to take a taxi both ways, to try it without the brace. It was ok, but I definitely felt a bit more sore. I'll have to see what I will do when taking the bus again.

As for my PT last night - they kicked it up a notch or two. I started doing leg lifts that I haven't done since before my surgery. I am definitely sore from them, but in an achy type of way, which is okay as it shows I am finally working some muscles. Better achy and sore than the old stabbing pain.

I did contact Dr. Kelly's office to see if I was to renew the anti-inflammatory meds. These are very bad for me because of my GERD, so was hoping to be able to stop. Unfortunately they want me to stay on them at least until my next appointment. I also mentioned the my left hip is snapping like crazy (IT band most likely) when I walk and they said they'd discuss that at the next visit. I seriously do not think I can go through this again, so I am praying that my left hip steps up and behaves itself and stops wanting the attention!

My biggest issue is still not being able to sleep. It's definitely been worse sine the surgery, and it's either the discomfort (the rest of me is in agony from the crutches and compensation) or the fear that I will sleep in a position that will be bad for my hip. Trust me, I wake up in pretzel positions on a regular basis so and I've already woken up at least once with my right hip in a very bad position. I've been needing to take my "magic" pills on a more regular basis, which is not good because even if I take them early evening, I am wiped out the next day. I am hoping this will all work itself out as I improve.

The one thing I am looking forward to this week is my appointment with my chiropractor. He has these wonderful masseuses that do Active Release Therapy and my back and neck are in desperate need of this. Thursday can't come fast enough!