Email Update

I've been emailing back-and-forth with Dr. JS and his nurse for a couple weeks, with the intention of trying to get my left hip PAO done sooner than later.  At this time, Dr. JS felt it would be in my best interest to hold off for a little while until the timing was right.  There are still a few things that he would like me to accomplish before undergoing a PAO on my left hip.  

His response was honestly not what I wanted to hear, but honestly what is best for me.  So, I will work on what he needs me to accomplish and go from there.

Flip Flops or Sandals?

Last summer, I wasn't able to put on flip flops without pulling my big toe through, as my big toe was "dead" from the Drop Foot.  I also wasn't able to keep the flip flops on my feet once they were on.  You don't realize how much you use you toe muscles and such to keep your shoes on, until you can't! So, I purchased sandals with straps around the back of my heel to keep them on.  

This summer, I attempted to put flip flops on again.  I can do it easier and pretty much don't need to pull my big toe through.  I have to think about it, and it takes me longer than my left foot, but I can do it! I can also keep the flip flop on easier than I could last year.  However, it's still not an easy task, as I need to focus on my walking even more so I don't trip.  So, I still use my sandals with the straps around the back.  I'm hoping by next summer, I will be able to wear flip flops again! 

Left Hip Pain

My left hip has been becoming increasingly more painful.  Every night I've been having to use my "Elasto-Gel" Cooling Wrap (btw, best thing ever) around my hip to calm the pain.  I can't lay on my back or my sides to fall asleep, I have to be on my stomach.  It's just weird how much it is hurting me "at rest" now, and not just when I am active.  On a positive note . . . I can't measure my foot, but from the looks of it - I think I'm raising it a few more degrees!

I wrote Dr. JS's nurse an email over 1.5 weeks ago .... pleading that I need this surgery soon than later!  Last week (Wednesday), she responded that she would talk with Dr. JS and get back to me.  I haven't heard anything yet, but I'm hoping for a good response.  I can't keep living like this.  I limp in pain while at the grocery store, the park, etc. I can't even chase my kids.  I can barely lift my leg to put on my pants, socks or shoes.  I literally have to lift my leg with my hands to do these tasks.

My right hip - PAO - was a success! I have little-to-NO pain! It's unbelievable.  All the years that I grew up thinking that a little pain here and there was just normal pain.  It wasn't.  And, now that the pain is just unbearable on my left side, and now that I know that there is a surgery that can take all that pain away - that's all I want! Yes, my first PAO had a few complications - that's with any surgery! But, I got through them and am now living with a newly reconstructed hip.  One that has no limitations, like if I got a "hip replacement."  Which I am so happy that technology has come so far that, they were able to preserve my own hip, and have only a few artificial screws to hold it place.  Which, by the way, could potential be removed.  I am still blown away by the surgery that I got, and love explaining it to others. 

Crystal Healing and Massage

Two weeks ago I got a massage at Amoterra in Townsend, WI.  I haven't seen Phil (from Amoterra) all winter as we didn't go up north since fall (until Memorial Day weekend).  I missed getting a massage!  I forgot how much it helped my foot when I saw him.

We went up north again this past weekend and I tried something new! Phil suggested I see Joe for Crystal Healing.  I never heard of Crystal Healing before, or if I did, I don't recall.  But, he basically had me lay on the table, put a few stones in various spots, and explained the process.  The ultimate goal was to reduce the pain in my left hip (that still needs surgery) and heal my drop foot.  He placed a few crystals in his hands and did a knitting-like wave in the air above my body, and would explain my problem areas.  At times, I felt a spark-like feeling, especially in my right "dropped" foot. At the end, he explained that it may take up to 24 hours for the healing process to complete.  

Afterwards, Phil gave me a massage and focused on my left hip and drop foot, but also gave me a bit of a relaxing massage too!  He kiddingly said, "someday I'll be able to just give you a relaxing massage instead of deep tissue/muscle" - aka: ouch! - but, I know it'll make me feel better later, and it does! ;-)

http://www.amoterra.net