4th Hip/Pelvic Surgery

I had a 4th hip/pelvic surgery on April 11th, 2018 to replace the lower pelvic screws, as they were causing me a lot of pain in my pelvic area. The x-ray on the right was pre-surgery, and the photo on the left was the day of surgery. The screws are significantly shorter now, and I can't feel them anymore (thank goodness). The surgery was successful, and I had a minimal recovery time. They did another c-section-like cut (just like in the surgery in October 2017), this cut was only about 2 inches long. I have very minimal pain, and I was back to my normal activities almost immediately. I had my 6-week post-op appointment back on May 24th, and all was looking well. Dr. JS also noticed more signs of healing where they did my left hip bone graft back in October, so great news!

I am still walking with somewhat of a limp, and still have some discomfort on my left side. Dr. JS said that he'd be surprised if I didn't have pain due to everything that has been done to my hips/pelvic. It'll just be something that I'll need to live with, but at least it's less pain now than when I started this whole process 6 years ago!

Pelvic/Hip Post-op

(X-RAY TAKEN 12/06/2017)

I had my Pelvic/Hip Surgery on October 27th, 2017 - conducted by two surgeons (Dr. JS & Dr. CB).  If I remember right - the surgery took about 4-5 hours to complete. This surgery was to correct a few non-unions due to my right and left hip PAO surgeries & stress/fall. They did a bone graft to fill two larger non-unions, then put plates going across on the right and the left. Then, a screw into the non-unions on my lower pelvic bone. I am not a doctor, obviously, so I am unsure of bone names.

I woke up feeling great! And, had almost zero pain - however; I was on an epidural which was administering pain medication right into my IV. My blood pressure was super low while I was on the epidural, and the nurses were worried. Once removed from the epidural, my blood pressure returned to normal.

My surgery was on Friday the 27th, and I was able to go home on Monday the 30th. I was instructed to use a walker. And, was able to get around quite easily, especially since I was full-weight bearing! What a difference from the other surgeries!

I met with Dr. JS again yesterday. The x-ray indicated that that the bone graft on my left side isn't healing as expected. On a positive note, the right one is! I am also still feeling screws in my pelvic bone, and they are causing me quite a bit of discomfort! Dr. JS conducted a Pelvic Exam, with a nurse present, so he could better understand what I was feeling & where. Dr. JS is going to consult with the pelvic doctor (Dr. CB). He stated that they are going to discuss the next steps, and contact me by the end of the week.

Here is a FB post that I made after my 6 week post-op appointment:

Sarah Viglione

December 6, 2017 · 

Everything is healing great! Thankful for such an easy recovery this time around! ❤
May still need one more minor surgery to remove a couple of the screws. — at Froedtert Hospital.

Hip/Pelvic Surgery Scheduled

I received a call today to schedule the Hip/Pelvic Surgery to fix the non-unions (breaks due to left & right PAO surgeries & stress fractures). Will be getting the surgery in October! 😁 Anxious to get this surgery done to hopefully be in less discomfort!

1 Year Left Hip PAO Post-Op

I met with Dr. JS & Dr. B today. They just got the 3-D Print Model of my Pelvic/Hip Bone this morning. GE thought it was so fascinating that they printed it for free for Froedtert! Most likely will be getting 2 plates, bone graft & a screw or two to fix the non-unions. They are waiting on one more Print Model to verify their plan, but the estimated surgery date will be this coming Fall. The recovery shouldn't be too long and they said that I could be weight bearing as tolerated with assisted devices (walking or crutches). Anxious to get this surgery done, so I can live with less pain and hopefully walk a little better (without a limp).

Here are some pictures of the 3-D Model:

7 Months L-Hip PAO Post-Op

Sorry for the lack of posts again, but for the most part my recovery has been extremely good! I did Physical Therapy once a week, then down to once every other week until the end of November 2016.  I felt like I was able to do most of his requests at home, so I discontinued my visits.  We also put in an offer on a home at that time, so life was busy with packing and moving.

I met with Dr. JS mid-January for 6-month post-op & x-rays. It showed 3 non-unions, with a possible 4th non-union (stress-fracture).  He ordered a CT scan, and then scheduled a follow-up visit with him and another Ortho Doctor on February 23rd to discuss the results.  I met with them and they suggested that I get a bone graft surgery along with a couple screws and a plate across my pelvic bone. They are converting my CT scan into a 3D Model, so they can practice the surgery first, as my anatomy isn't "normal" ... so, they want to make sure that it'll work first.

That's it for now ... keep y'all posted! :-)

X-Ray from October 27, 2016 Visit (3-Months Post-Op)

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.
 

2.5 years Post-Right Hip PAO Reconstructive Surgery

POST RIGHT HIP PAO:
It's been just over 2.5 years since my right hip reconstruction (PAO).  My right hip has little to no pain, and doing really well.  I am very happy with the outcome of the surgery (in regards to the hip, not so much for the complications that I had).

CRPS:
Just about 2 years ago, I was getting more Nerve Blocks for the CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) in my right foot, to prep it for the cold of the winter.  I now haven't gotten any nerve blocks in at least 1.5 years (if I can remember correctly).  I do still get the occasional spark, and I need to keep it warm to avoid discomfort, but doing really well with it!

FOOT DROP:
My Foot Drop hasn't made any improvement since my last blog in Spring.  I can raise it almost as much as my left foot, but not quite.  Also, the top of my foot and big toe are still numb(ish), feels like it's asleep especially when I rub my hand or something across my foot.  However, I was able to wear flip flops this passed Summer!  So, I was super excited about that!  Just needed to focus on my walking more when wearing them to avoid tripping.

WEIGHT LOSS:
I still need to lose about 40lbs until Dr. JS will do my left hip PAO (as he wants to reduce the risk of complications as much as possible).  Slow process, but hopefully I will be able to get my left hip done ASAP as it has been bothering me more and more .... I even have been seeing a Chiropractor since Summer to help with my hip pain.  Which honestly, seems to help for a day or so .... then the pain comes back. Need the surgery soon!

Two-Years Post PAO Surgery

It's been 2 years since my right hip reconstruction (PAO surgery). I've been struggling with my walking still, mainly because my left hip needs to be reconstructed yet and my right foot is still dropped.  I've come to terms with the fact that my right foot may never totally recover.  It is not dropped as much as 2 years ago (when I could barely lift my foot off the ground), but still does not lift as much as my left foot.

I haven't shared this yet (in my blog), but the reason I need to wait to have my left hip reconstruction is because I was told that I needed to lose 90lbs before Dr. JS will consider doing my left hip (as he wants to reduce the risk of complications as much as possible).  I've lost 25lbs so far, but have 65lbs to go.  Hoping to try and lose the weight during the next year to get my left hip done as soon as possible.

CRPS update:  I've been getting the occasional spark in my right foot, but it has been manageable.  Also, when my foot gets cold it bothers me, but as soon as I warm it up, it starts to feel better.  Heat blankets/mattress pads are my best friend!  Even though I've had some discomfort in my right foot, I haven't needed any Nerve Blocks in over a year, which is great news!  :-)

 

Happy New Year!

It's a new year and I have a new goal for total recovery of my Foot Drop.  I feel like I am still making progress, it's just so slow! The feeling of my right (dropped) foot feels almost as though I have a 'numbing cream' on it, which I don't.  My foot seems to be raising slightly more than in August (when I last posted).  But, it's still a struggle to pull back my toes.  I have to think about it really hard, and even then, I can only pull them back about half the distance of my left foot.  Overall, I still have hope and am just patiently waiting for a total recovery - estimating April 2015 (2 years post-PAO).

As for the CRPS in my right foot - I am doing wonderful!  I have not needed any "Sympathetic Nerve Block Injections" this winter (so far).  I still have moments when I get a sparking or knife stabbing feeling, but once I warm my foot up it usually goes away. 

Ankle Swollen & Pain

Lately, I've been experiencing some slight swelling in my right ankle (of the dropped foot) which in turn, I think, has been causing me some ankle pain.  I have noticed it mainly when I am on my feet more, which makes it hard to walk.  Not only am I thinking about raising my foot, I am now thinking about the pain I am going to experiencing every step I take.  Even though I am longer in physical therapy, I still feel as though my foot is still making progress.  I just don't see the numbers anymore.  I wish someone could measure it for me! I'm wondering if I am experiencing the swelling and pain since I am so close to a "possible total foot drop recovery?"   I'm going to estimate that my foot drop will be completely recovered by December 2014.  The month that the EMG doctor estimated total recovery to me one year ago (but he told me December 2013!).