Incision Pictures - Right & Left Hip PAO

Four Weeks POST - Left Hip PAO

I had my four week post-op appointment this morning with Dr.JS. They took x-rays to review my progress. So far, everything is healing great! Dr. JS stated that I will start Physical Therapy in 2 weeks (6 weeks post-op).  At that time, I can start putting weight on my left leg ... 25% weight-bearing at 6-7 weeks, 50% weight-bearing at 7-8, 75% weight-bearing 8-9 weeks, 100% after that as long as I'm doing well. I'm so happy that everything is healing well and that I didn't have to go the full estimated 8 weeks non-weight-bearing (like I had to go for my right-hip PAO). 

My pain is very limited and minimal.  I've been experiencing some pain on my right rear-side of my hip.  I discussed this with Dr. JS, he wasn't too concerned at this time.  He's stated that it's probably irritated since it's working extra hard.

I haven't been sleeping the best, up several times a night.  I contacted my PCP yesterday and they prescribed me a sleep aid (since melatonin hasn't been working). Hoping that starts helping me get a little extra sleep at night.  

Two Weeks Post-PAO

A couple days ago I tried to removed my bandage to take an evening shower, but it was sticking to my incision. I was able to remove it slowly with the help of warm water while showering. However, since it was still pretty sticky, I didn't re-bandage it that night. I kept the bandage off to air it out while I slept. Since I've only been able to sleep on my back, I knew that I wouldn't rip open the incision by rolling over or moving. Since then, I've been airing it out every night. The incision has been pretty itchy on and off - but since airing it out the past 3 nights, the itchyness has decrease.

I took my last Morphine pill on Sunday. Since then, my pain level has been about the same.  However, now I've been taking one Oxycodone in the morning and one in the afternoon.  Dr. JS expected that I would probably need to increase the Oxycodone once the Morphine ended. I'm happy that I've only had to add one dose.

Essential Oils

As most of you know, I LOVE my essential oils! I'm using this blend Post-PAO on my incision. I will continue to take pictures of my incision to show the healing progress.

Picture taken: 07/28/2016
The Oily Network

10-Days Post-PAO Appointment

Today, I met with Dr. JS for my 10-day Post-Op Appointment. He removed my bandage and looked over my incision.  They closed me up with glue (rather than staples, stitches, etc), so nothing needed to be removed.  The incision looked good, so he re-bandaged my incision with a gauze bandage.  Picture of incision below.

I am still constipated, and shared that with Dr. JS.  He stated that since I am on narcotics for pain control after surgery - those are most likely causing it. I am currently down to 1 tablet of Morphine in the morning and 1 tablet of Oxycodone in the late afternoon.  My pain hasn't been too bad. The only complaint is that I get a 'sparking' feeling behind my knee when I stand at times.  Dr. JS told me that I could stop wearing the compression stockings at this time, to see if that helps with the sparking pain that I am experiencing.  However, if my legs start to swell, then I need to re-continue the stockings.

It seems like everyday gets easier and I am able to get around better.  I have been pretty energetic during the day, and have been able to complete some tasks around the house and make meals for myself and the kids.  However, by 8pm, I am ready to go to sleep - as I haven't been napping during the day.  Since stopping the night dose of Morphine, I've been sleeping much better. Which is the opposite of what I would have guessed, but that's ok!

Post-PAO (2-6 days)

07.21.16:

Woke up on Thursday feeling great.  Dr. JS checked up on me in the morning.  He said that everything look great and that I could go home if the Physical Therapist 'passed' me.  At my 8:30am PT session - I walked with the walker to the stairs, went up and down them (while sitting and scooting myself up and down them). I did experience some pain in my inner hip while standing.  So, the Physical Therapist stated that I should rest and she would contact Dr. JS for peace of mind.  At my 1:30pm PT session, the Physical Therapist stated that the pain I was experiencing was normal and that I needed to keep moving it and it would eventually subside. During the afternoon PT session, we stimulated getting into a vehicle and getting out. I passed everything, so I was given the OK to be released.

I was released at about 5:30pm.  My husband and kids came to pick me up. I was able to scoot myself into the van and we were on our way.  Since it was rush hour, my husband took the side roads home. I felt a bit nauseous and dosed off a few times before getting home.  Once we got home, I had tackle the stairs to get into our apartment.  My husband was a huge help and we made it in! I was very tired at this point, but also felt really gross and wanted to take a shower.  So, my stubborn self took a shower.  I washed my hair and blow-dried it. I felt so much better!!! Went to sleep after and woke up almost every 2-3 hours.  

7.22.16:

Woke up feeling pretty good.  Got up and ready right away in the morning as my kids started their in-home therapy at 8:30am.  My husband brought up a swivel computer chair to assist, in case I couldn't stand for long periods of time. I tried to balance walking, sitting and laying down throughout the day.  I took about two naps as well. I started weening myself off the pain pills today by cutting the dose in half.  I haven't felt too much more discomfort by doing so. I've been struggling trying to get into our bathroom.  It's pretty small, so I don't have much room to maneuver and have to swivel my right foot to get me over to the toilet.  Talking about the itoilet (another possible TMI) - I've been quite constipated.  Haven't been able to "go" since last Sunday (7.17.16).  Have been taking Senna since 7.20.16, Miralax once on 7.20.16, then 2 pills of Duralax today - and still nothing.
Been able to do my Physical Therapy at home! Everything is going great so far with that!

7.23.16:

Still balancing walking, laying down and sitting. Having some pain, but it's manageable. Also, still very constipated - my husband picked up an Enema for me to take.  Totally TMI, so google it if you want more info. It helped me a bit, but still have stomach pain and still very much constipated.  Took another Duralax before going to bed. I am going to give it another day or two and may need to contact the doctor to see if there is anything else I can do. 

7.24.16:

Did not sleep well last night, was up every hour (if not more).  Still constipated at this point, but enough about that at this point. 

Having more pain in my hip, thinking it may have to do with me moving more.  I've been icing it every few hours to reduce the pain and swelling - and that has been helping.  I have a bandage over my incision, so I can't actually see the incision, but it's starting to itch! Good sign, I guess, it's healing!

Post-op - 2 days

Today, I'm feeling great. So far, no nausea! I am completely disconnected from all tubes, and have my own clothes on. I have PT at 8:30am - and was able to walk down the hall! Then, at the 1:15pm session - I walked down the hall and went up and down a few steps! I can't believe how much better the recovery has been compared to my R-Hip PAO Reconstruction Surgery. Crossing my fingers that the recovery continues to be easy!

Surgery - Left Hip PAO Reconstruction

On, Monday, July 18th, I had to go to Advanced Pain Management at 6:45 (7:30am - Procedure time) to get a Sympathetic Nerve Block Injection. In hopes that CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) and Foot Drop could be prevented this time around. Afterwards, I picked up my Husband and gave my little boys lots of kisses and was off to the Hospital. We arrived at about 9:20am - with a scheduled surgery time of 11am. Got checked in, then was told that I would need to get an Epideral as well for  precautionary measure to help prevent complications. Everyone was running a bit behind, so the left hip PAO reconstruction surgery didn't start until 12:35pm. Then, before I knew it (TMI ALERT), I was waking up from surgery and immediately started throwing up. In the recovery room - I probably threw up a good 3 times (that I can remember), and a few times when I got to my assigned room.

When I got to my assigned room (about 6pm), they put my left leg in a CPM Machine (moves my leg).  I had that going the entire night. Felt nauseous most of the night until 3am. Both of my legs were numb from my butt down due to the Epidural.  They kept the Epidural connected until 9:45am on 7.19.2016. After they removed it - it took another couple hours until I started getting any feeling back in both my legs (around 12pm). I was able to eat a light Breakfast - some Yogurt, a couple Peach slices, and a couple bites of egg. Lunch I ate about and half a salad. And dinner, I had Beef Stroganoff. I felt nauseous again after dinner - so they gave me more nausea medication. They also started me on oral medication for pain management, once they disconnecedt the epidural,

Physical Therapy Update: I was scheduled for PT on 7.19.16 at 9:30am and 2:30pm. However, because my legs were still numb from the Epidural - I couldn't do my 9:30am session. At the 2:30pm session, I was able to sit on the side of the bed and then stand. After a few moments, I felt very light headed and my Blood Pressure dropped, so they had my lie back down. I sat about 5 more minutes after dinner - and again got queasy.  Around 8:00pm they took out my catheter. So, I needed to get up to use the commode. I got up about four times in the night and every time was easier and easier.

So far, so good in my recovery this time around!

Left Hip - PAO Surgery

I had my Consent Signing Appointment and Pre-Op Testing on June 23, 2016. I obviously signed the consent to get my left hip PAO surgery done. Then, went to the Pre-Op testing appointment. They did a physical test, blood work, MRSA test, etc.  I passed everything - so surgery is a GO for July 18th.

Left Hip - PAO Reconstructive Surgery Scheduled

On Thursday, May 26th, I had an appointment with Dr. JS to review X-Rays and hopefully get the approval for the PAO Reconstructive Surgery on my Left Hip (Right Hip was done just over 3 years ago). I wanted to get my left hip done about 2 years ago (would have been one year Post-R-PAO). However, because of all the complications from my Right Hip PAO (Foot Drop & Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), I was ordered to lose weight to reduce the risk of complications with my Left Hip PAO. I have successfully lost almost 70 pounds!!! So with great joy on my part . . . Dr. JS approved my left hip PAO surgery, and it's scheduled for July 18th.  I am very anxious and nervous to get my left hip done, but happy knowing that it'll improve my quality of life and help me move around better.

While reviewing my X-Rays, Dr. JS noticed that one of the areas on my right hip never merged together - thus, making a non-union of bones.  Also, about 6 weeks Post-R-PAO - I slipped and broke my lower Pelvic Bone.  One year post-op, it appeared healed.  However, in the past 2 years, it re-broke and is currently a non-union as well. Following my Left-Hip PAO, if the 2 non-union areas are causing me pain, I will possibly need to get a Bone Graft surgery.

Follow me while I blog my 2nd Peri-Acetabuler Osteotomy (PAO) Reconstructive Surgery

3 Years Post PAO Surgery

RIGHT HIP:
It's been just over 3 years since my Right Hip Reconstruction (PAO) Surgery.  My R-Hip continues to feel great with the occasional discomfort, but overall it's been a great recovery in regards to the hip portion.

FOOT DROP:
My Right Foot is still "dropped," however it is manageable - I can raise it about 90/95% of the way up (when I compare it to my Left Foot). I subconsciously make an extra effort to raise it while I walk. Hoping that at some point my R-Foot will make a Full Recovery, but not expecting it at this point.

CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome):
Gosh, I have been doing so well in this area.  I'm trying to remember the last time that I saw Dr. Patel for a "Sympathetic Nerve Block Injection".  I believe that it's been about 2 years.  I am so happy that I made it another winter without any issues for the most part.  I still need to keep my foot warm to keep it comfortable.  Therefore, my Heated Mattress Pad is my best friend in winter (and summer on the cold nights).  I wear socks most of the time, especially when my foot is bothering me a bit. I've really been able to adjust to the change these past few years, and it's becoming part of my daily routine.

LEFT HIP:
I am crossing my fingers that I will be able to get my Left Hip Reconstruction (PAO) Surgery this Summer 2016!  I have lost almost 60 pounds in the last year ... about 20 pounds to go!  Once I get that last 20lbs off, then I can meet with Dr. JS to discuss my surgery options!  I am very anxious to get the reconstruction, as the pain is bothersome. I was hoping that with weight-loss, the pain would become more manageable, but it has not.