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!).

CRPS Symptoms

Just came across a scratch piece of paper that I wrote down all the symptoms I was having before I saw Dr. Patel for the first time (over a year ago, before I was diagnosed with CRPS).  I literally thought I was just having 'nerve pain' as that is what my surgeon thought, since I got Drop Foot after surgery.  They kept telling me that the nerve pain would be painful.  Little did they know, or myself, I developed CRPS.  It brings back a lot of bad memories as I was in so much pain at the time, and crying nightly.  I feel so fortunate to have been referred to such a wonderful doctor that has taken most of that pain away.

(Note I brought first time I saw Dr. Patel)