Week 25 - 30

Wow it’s been a while! Very sorry I’ve neglected my blog for the last few weeks but my life has been very eventful and this is the first moment I’ve had some spare time!!

Firstly, let me give you the hip update. Last time I mentioned that I had Debs’ permission to attempt small bouts of run/walk intervals, and despite still having issues with my hamstring, I thought I’d give it a go. I did my usual cross-trainer and weights session to ensure I was fully warmed-up before approaching the treadmill. As I stepped on it felt like everyone was watching me, as this was the first time I’d gone near it let alone try to use it in the seven-weeks I’d been going. After pressing ‘Go’ I walked for 3 minutes before raising the speed. Although Debs had said no more than 60 seconds, I decided to err on the side of caution and stick to 30 seconds. Having worked as a running technique specialist for the last year, I am fully aware of how to run with reduced risk to my hip so with that in mind, I began increasing the pace. Once I reached 9.5km/hour I was successfully jogging at a gentle speed and my hip wasn’t feeling too bad. A couple of twinges here and there: especially after the 30 seconds when I reduced the speed to a walk again. I decided to walk for 60 seconds before my second attempt. Once again I managed the 30 seconds but I could feel my hip a little more than the first time. It was still hurting slightly during my 60 second recovery walk but I thought I would give it one last try to see if it was something I could “jog off!” It definitely wasn’t getting any easier so I had to stop. The pain wasn’t horrendous but I knew it would worsen if I continued. So I hopped onto the recumbent bike to cool-down before heading home feeling very deflated. I resigned myself to the fact that I probably wouldn’t be running or wearing heels until 2014 now and I’m not sure which upsets me most.

Some good news is that in the last week or so my hamstring strain has finally cleared up. I decided to save my money and not see Debs for treatment and thankfully Andy’s Step-Mum, Eli (who is an amazing massage therapist) offered to treat me. After seven-weeks of intermittent pain, two deep tissue massages and tonnes of stretching, my hamstring is virtually 100% again and ready just in time for my op next Monday! Speaking of which, I went to see Banksey two-weeks ago and the plan of action has changed once again but luckily we were on the same wave-length…

In the lead up to my appointment I was super organised and enquired about the NHS treatment and aftercare for PAO patients in Reading. I was extremely happy to hear that the Royal Berkshire Hospital (where I happened to be born, along with the Duchess of Cambridge might I add), have some experience. After a lovely chat with the head physiotherapist, I was satisfied that she knew what she was talking about and I requested that my doctor refer me now so I can be seen soon after surgery. She did however express her concerns about having left PAO surgery and right hip arthroscopy on the same day. We agreed that the only way it may work is if I had immediate access to hydrotherapy and get in the pool twice a day until I could fully weight-bear on my right side. Which, if I had private healthcare it wouldn’t be an issue.

This got me thinking and I decided to call Debs for her opinion before seeing Banksey. She echoed the other physio’s concerns and it was at that point I began questioning my initial decision. On one hand it is safer to have the ops separately as I’ll have a greater chance of a speedy recovery, but on the other, it means I will require a further two operations (left PAO and then to have screws removed), complete with two more general anaesthetics, and therefore it will prolong the overall road to recovery. One final thing that swayed my mind was that I currently have a choice regarding my left PAO. Up until last November I couldn’t walk easily so it was surgery or a wheelchair. Now, I am able to walk around relatively pain-free as my left hip is nowhere near as bad as my right was, so I would hate to agree to have surgery until I absolutely needed it, just in case something went wrong and I would forever blame myself.

So a few Fridays ago, there I was ready to explain my decision to Banksey, but when I arrived I was soon informed that he was on holiday (again!) and I had to see one of his minions. At first I was a little annoyed because I had so much to talk to the big cheese himself about, but very quickly my mind was put at ease. This new guy started by explaining that Banksey had discussed my case with him in great detail and that he had a change in opinion, to which I replied that I had too. We both felt that on the 1^st July he should only operate on the most painful hip; the right. In comparison to PAO surgery, the keyhole procedure to repair the torn labrum and remove the screws is a doddle, so only one night in hospital is required and usually no more than four weeks on crutches. We also discussed when I would realistically have my left PAO and the Doc asked how much pain I’m in currently and what restrictions I have. On hearing my response but without hearing my opinion, he stated I should probably wait until it was interfering with daily life (i.e. waking) and recommended that they keep me under observation until the time comes to put me on the waiting list. Obviously this will prolong everything further but in many ways this may be the best option. I struggled with walking for 18-months prior to the November surgery so I estimate that my left hip has at least that long before the wear and tear gets too much. It may even be three, four, five years until it’s unbearable, so why should I delay my life any further and run the risk of premature, nonessential surgery.

The last bit of hip-related news is that I attempted running again this week on the treadmill and it was a very different experience to last time. My hip has been feeling really good, with the only time I really feel it being first thing in the morning and when I’ve sat down for too long. Once again I completed my usual gym session before confidently approaching the treadmill and commenced my first walk interval. After 60 seconds I upped the speed to 9.5km/hour and began jogging. It was feeling absolutely fine so I stayed on for the whole 60 seconds before reducing the speed to a walk again. It felt amazing but until I’d successfully achieved more than one rep, I wasn’t going to get too excited. Second and third attempts were equally fine so I left it there for the day to finish on an absolute high! It was an indescribable feeling and I had to call Andy immediately to announce the good news. He was very proud and equally happy, and although a total of 3 minutes doesn’t sound like a big deal, let me tell you, it is! Four or five weeks ago I thought I wouldn’t be running until 2014, then I managed this a week before my next op. I even tried my running intervals again this morning at the gym and managed four 60 second runs. Chuffed to bits! I know it might sound strange that I’m six days away from more hip surgery and I’m running, but my hip couldn’t manage a lot more than what I’m doing, and let’s face it, it’s not very much. It’s all part of the rehab.

In six days’ time, these bad boy screws are coming out! I’ve heard Banksey asks whether you’d like to keep them afterwards and I’m not sure what I’ll say to be honest. I’ve also heard that sometimes the screws can snap off and you’re left with the bottom end of a screw in your pelvis. I’m definitely not going to take half a screw away with me.

Scar isn't looking too bad, even if it is wide

So that’s all the boring hip stuff. The exciting news is that 2013 has turned into a more exciting year than expected. I’ve said a few times that this year was a ‘write off’ and my life plans were on hold due to all the surgery and a severe lack of money after being off work for so long – which by the way, I am now officially unemployed. My boss and I discussed it a few times and we mutually decided it was time to part ways as I was unable to return to my usual duties, and it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to for a long while. Therefore, after the op next Monday, I will split my time between job hunting (I’m thinking desk-based work is more ‘hip-appropriate’) and wedding planning! That’s right, Andy proposed and we thought why wait when I’ve got all this free time, so we made a few enquiries and booked it for September this year! This was all decided before seeing Banksey so initially we thought I wouldn’t be walking down the aisle, but it’s almost certain that I will now. Obviously I wanted to get as much wedding prep sorted before surgery, hence why I’ve been so busy. I can confirm that we’ve bought or secured all the essentials so there are only little bits and bobs to finalise leading up to the big day.

We’d spoken about getting married over the last few years and always envisioned May 2014 would be our time. Despite knowing a proposal may be imminent, Andy still managed to completely surprise me when he took me to dinner at the OXO Tower for my Birthday. I burst into tears as he popped the question holding a little blue box, before sliding this absolute beauty onto my finger once I’d cried “Yes!”

Andy always maintained he wouldn’t propose in public OR on a day such as Christmas, Valentine’s or my Birthday, so never in a million years would I have predicted it. We were in our own private area on the terrace which was just perfect, and then our waiter insisted on taking a photo. Having just cried my eyes out I was quite reluctant, but when we returned to our seats we realised why. They presented us with a lovely OXO Tower card with a congratulatory message and our photo inside.

It’s literally been non-stop since then, but we did manage to squeeze in a last minute holiday to Abu Dhabi again for a little R&R. We got some cheap flights through Andy’s mum and stayed with Andy’s cousin so it wasn’t too costly and we had the most amazing time! Not that I didn’t have a great time before, but I had no issues with my hip whatsoever so I could completely enjoy myself.

It was so nice to spend a whole eight days with Andrew too as we’ve been living separately for almost three months now. It still seems like yesterday that we were saying “Goodbye” to our beautiful flat and it felt like I was taking a million steps backwards. Now, if everything goes to plan with the keyhole next week, we should be living together by September (as a married couple!!), and fingers crossed I will have a new job and one fully functioning hip. 2013 is definitely turned into a winner for me!

Week 22 - 24

I can feel that I’m nearing the home straight of my recovery, but I’m not quite there yet. In the last two weeks I have experienced a couple of self-inflicted set-backs. My dad has that “told you so” attitude about one in particular, but from here on out, my recovery is very experimental and I have to trial and error new things. It’s just unfortunate that almost everything I attempt results in increased pain for a while.

Since the op I’ve lost most of the flexibility and strength in my hamstrings and I’ve somehow managed to strain one at the gym. I can’t remember what I was doing exactly but it gradually worsened throughout the gym session. I believe it’s my semitendinosus muscle that’s damaged and it’s very high up; near where it attaches to the bottom of the pelvis. It could even be the tendon as it feels worse than a standard muscle strain. Either way, I’ve stretched it, rested it, massaged it over the last two weeks and it’s still pretty painful, especially on standing and ascending stairs. Either way, two weeks of consistent pain warrants another physio session. I briefly mentioned it in an email to Debs but as I wasn’t too concerned, the main focus was establishing when I could run again. She explained that I needed to be very careful and only attempt it if I could master multiple repetitions of single leg squats with good control. So naturally, I’ve been working on these and it hasn’t been too difficult. - Although I could feel my hamstring niggling at times. Debs is now on holiday until next week so I’ll have to wait for some “hammy” treatment but I have tried running a few steps around the house and in the garden and it felt ok. I will attempt the treadmill at the gym this week and following Debs advice, I will walk and run for a minute each, for no more than five minutes.

Despite the new persistent pain, I’m still managing to get out-and-about and you would be none the wiser that I’m facing surgery in 7-weeks. My quality of life has definitely improved in recent weeks as I’m now able to walk further and faster than I have been able to in the last two years. Andy took me to Stamford Bridge to watch his beloved Chelsea play last Wednesday and I managed to do a significant amount of walking without any problems. When I think back to how much pain I was in at the Harry Potter studio tour or at the Olympics last summer, last Wednesday definitely highlighted not only how much I needed the surgery and how successful it was, but how far I’ve come on this huge journey.

There are things that I still can’t do such as hug my knees or wear heels (as I recently found out), and there are many things that I can do but hurt, such as putting shoes and socks on or performing most lower body exercises. It feels as though I’ve exchanged all these things for walking and although I’m in slightly more pain now than before PAO-surgery, overall I’m happier.

Last Saturday was Andrew and I’s five year anniversary and he’d organised a nice surprise in London. He told me I had to wear something nice and approved the dress I selected. In the January sales I’d bought a pair of French Connection nude heels whilst in my wheelchair (it was a very unique ‘disabled Cinderella’ experience for me) and they complimented the dress perfectly. I wore them around the house in preparation and my hip was fine. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to walk long distances in them so I wore flats on the tube and discreetly changed when we were in view of our destination. Andrew had booked a table at Gordon Ramsey’s Claridges restaurant and explained it was an evening with no expenses spared. He didn’t need to tell me twice! We devoured the most delicious seven courses before the maître d’ presented this:

 

Everything was perfect and we had the most amazing evening… until my hip ruined it. After dinner we were offered a tour of the kitchen and within ten steps my hip gave way. It was identical to what happened in the Dubai mall and very reminiscent of the ‘going, going, gone’ feeling I used to get prior to surgery, only much worse. Once my hip ‘goes’ there’s no turning back and just moving my leg, let alone weight-bearing, is excruciating. The pain brought tears to my eyes and to say it put a dampener on the evening is a major understatement. I immediately reverted to flats and after a cheeky cocktail (to numb the pain) we were forced to get a cab home. I could hardly walk the following day and the pain didn’t fully disappear until the third day. When it first occurred I thought I was back to square one, but as it improved and after my hip twin recounted a similar story after trialling heels, I was reassured that it wasn’t too serious. Apparently I need to allow more time for my muscles and tendons to become accustomed to their new position. Clearly five months isn’t long enough and I doubt my hips will be ready before the next op; therefore I won’t be in heels until at least 2014. My dad thinks I was an idiot for wearing them and believes I should avoid heels for three years! Sorry dad but that’s not going to happen!

 

 

It's almost been a year since I found out the bad news about my hips and I can't believe how quickly time flies. Even the last five and a bit months have gone extremely fast and my life practically came to a standstill. With only 7-weeks left until my next set of ops, I am starting to get a little apprehensive. Obviously I know what to expect this time around so I'm not as nervous, but I know how hard the recovery is so that's massively daunting. So, as I said at the end of my last post, I'm trying to make the most of every day and I've got a jam-packed schedule between now and the 1st July.

 ~

It’s my Birthday in a couple of weeks’ time and I’m planning a big night out. Not only am I turning 26, but it’ll be my first night out since the op and it’s likely to be my last before the next op so I’ll be hitting it hard. Watch out Reading!

 

It was Jacob’s first Birthday party yesterday and we all went to a petting zoo.  These are some of yesterday's snaps of the Birthday boy.

 

Week 19 - 21. ~ Five Month Mark ~

No news is good news people. I haven’t been M.I.A. the last three weeks due to wallowing in self-pity. I’ve actually had a taste of my old life! It sounds crazy but I’ve finally had some good luck come my way…

When I saw Debs a few weeks back, I was still experiencing the deep pain in my groin. When I gave her Banksey’s verdict she seemed more devastated than me. Debs explained that in her 15-years of physiotherapy she had never known or heard of someone having to have labral surgery after a PAO procedure. Banksey himself admitted it was rare, but it can happen to those real unfortunate souls, (*sob sob*). She was even more surprised when I told her that Banksey wanted to operate on both hips on the 1^st July. Her opinion is that after labral surgery I should only be partial weight-bearing and therefore it’s not really possible to do both at once. However, if the “boss” was confident it could be done then she wouldn’t argue.

I returned the pelvic brace to Debs, while explaining I wasn’t a fan, and she agreed that it doesn’t agree with everyone. The remainder of the session involved more soft tissue work around my hip, during which Debs stated that she didn’t believe she could do much more for me and that I should save my money. Debs believed that I was capable of doing my own exercises and self-massage from there on out and that she would be at the end of an email if I needed her. She also gave me permission to return to the gym and we discussed which exercises I could and couldn’t attempt. Then, we said our “Goodbyes” (for two and a half months) and I’ve been left to my own devices since. On my way out I asked the receptionist what my total cost was for rehab so far… £660! Crazy aye. I’m not going to go down the route of complaining about the NHS again, but if they’d pulled their finger out, I could’ve at least halved my costs. And I have another round of rehab to pay for. These damn hips of mine will be my most expensive possession.  

 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday came and went, and I had the usual intense pain, then Monday brought a delightful change. I awkwardly walked into the gym with the pain, and hobbled out with quite a few aching muscles but minus the pain! Since that amazing Monday morning, the intense pain hasn’t returned either! I mean, I’ve always liked going to the gym but I didn’t realise it could perform miracles! I honestly can’t believe the difference and I am so relieved that I won’t have to live with that horrible pain until the 1^st July. (Touch wood).

I still had some pain in my groin but it was minimal and bearable, and proportionately improved with gym visits. I’ve been going four times a week and it has virtually cleared up now. Certain movements will aggravate my hip and I still get daily pains, but they’re very different to the constant ache I had, and I’m sure these are much more in line with usual recovery pains. Three months later than initially expected but my goodness am I glad I’m out of the dark tunnel!

Debs instructed that I take it easy at the gym but after five months of being cooped up, I did not and have not been holding back. Obviously I haven’t made my hip do anything that it really didn’t want to do, but there was a fair bit of trial and error during the first week to identify my limits. The treadmill and rowing machine have been out of bounds, as well as squats, lunges and certain abdominal exercises. Nevertheless I can almost do everything else and my hip is getting stronger and stronger. So much so that I’ve managed a shopping trip, my social life has returned, and I spent a weekend decorating a friend’s house. If you saw me in the street, you wouldn’t know that I’ve had a relatively recent hip reconstruction. I actually have to stop myself from running at times: for instance, when I’ve been crossing a road and car is fast approaching; or when it starts to rain and I want to find shelter quickly; or while ascending stairs – something that I always used to do. If things remain this good, I hope to be able to run in June before the second PAO. The professionals say you can’t run until 6-months post-PAO but I need to find out if that applies to me or whether I have to wait for an extended period due to my prolonged recovery. I’ll email Debs to check.

For those who are interested, I’ve devised my own gym programme. All of my cardio is on the bike and cross-trainer and it’s mostly interval training. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how quickly my fitness has improved and how well my hip has coped with the increasing resistance. I can use all of the resistance machines except for the leg press. – Debs and I thought I would be able to manage it but during my trial and error period it aggravated my hip too much for the time being. I mainly use the machines for leg abductors and adductors, chest, back, bi’s and tri’s, and continue to do my glute and hamstring rehab exercises.  

Since this miraculous improvement I’ve been debating with myself whether I still require the double hip op. I would hate to say no to the keyhole, and then be struggling down the line if the intense pain returns. On the other hand, if you don’t need surgery then you should avoid it. I’ve drawn three different conclusions: 1; it’s still too early to definitively say. 2; Banksey will have an opinion on it so mine may not matter. And 3; I need the screws out anyway so even if I have the keyhole and he feels there’s no immediate cause for concern, he can take the screws out and the right hip is done and dusted. I’m seeing Banksey on the 7^th June so I’ll debate it with him then.

You will recall that I was really inconvenienced by my 1^st July date. Now that I’m relatively pain-free I see the silver lining; I have two months to live my life to the max!

Week 18

Either I am psychic, I jinxed it, or I know my body extremely well. In my last post I wrote:

“When the pain didn’t go away and got increasingly worse, I was worried that something was seriously wrong and I would require further surgery.”

I think you can guess what happened when I met with Banksey on Friday… Yes, I need more surgery on my right hip. Banksey’s opinion is that there is more to my new hip pain than a pelvic stress reaction. It’s not that he disagrees with Debs, as the bone is sore, but after a painful examination, he decided that he needs to “open me up.” I had another X-ray on Friday and the bone has completed healed (sorry, no piccy to show you), so it’s safe to say that the PAO surgery was a success. I’m aware that must sound strange as I’m still in a lot of pain, however, the aim of the op was to deepen the hip socket to prevent an arthritic ball and socket joint. Banksey did his job, and other than having to live with a numb outer thigh for the rest of my life, there are no major, long-term post-surgery complications (so far).

Banksey believes a torn labrum is triggering the pain; therefore he wants to inspect and repair it as soon as possible. I explained that my entire life is on hold because of these two PAO ops and recoveries, and if you throw another op into the equation, then that’s going to prolong everything further. Not only will it continue to impact me psychologically, but financially it just isn’t an option. I want to return to work and normality as quick as I can. Before this recovery period began, I was prepared for a 6 month stint off work, not a whole year! We discussed my options for a lengthy period of time and I was very grateful with his approach and demeanour. Understandably, he is a very busy bee. So when his patients are recovering swimmingly, it’s bish, bosh, bash and out the door. Banksey was very compassionate and apologetic, and although I don’t hold him accountable for this bumpy recovery, it was comforting to hear.

I mentioned that I’d received my date for the next PAO surgery and Banksey initially suggested that we do the hip arthroscopy (labrum repair) on the 1^st July. Though, after hearing my sob story, he agreed that we should try and keep the general anaesthetics and recovery periods to a minimum. It was here that Banksey hatched his grand plan. He admitted that he’d never performed this before, but with the diverse nature of each op, there was no reason why he couldn’t operate on both hips on the 1^st July. Obviously I questioned the practicalities of it all, namely, the rehabilitation demands. He reassured me that it’s more than possible, but it’ll require a longer stay in hospital. After the blast I had, I actually don’t see it as a negative thing. Although, it will all depend on who I’m sharing the ward with. The big risk is if the right hip procedure is not successful, but that's a risk I'm willing to take!

So, I don’t feel any more or less upset after last Friday’s news. In the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t change much. I still have three months to wait for surgery and between now and the 1^st July the only hurdle is coping with this chronic pain. It aches constantly throughout the day and flares up with certain movements and generally over-doing it. After seeing Debs last week, I wore the pelvic brace for a few days but it aggravated both hips so I’ve discontinued its use. I’m still taking ibuprofen but the crutches have also been shelved since Friday. Debs requested non-weight bearing for over a week but it just wasn’t possible on Friday. It actually hurt a lot more to use both crutches to get to Guy’s Hospital than walking unaided. Even though I wasn’t putting any weight through my right leg, every time I flexed at the hip (to bring my leg forward) I could feel the intense pain in my groin. The two ways I couldn’t feel as much pain were: immobilising my right hip/leg and not moving at all (like when you have your foot in plaster and you either keep your leg in front or bent at the knee with the cast behind you), whilst relying solely on my left side and crutches; or walking crutch-less. You can imagine what my experimenting looked like. I was offered a few seats on the train and tube thanks to the crutches though.

My next physio appointment with Debs is Thursday so I will update her on my findings regarding non-weight bearing and the pelvic brace, as well as Banksey’s verdict. Hopefully she can suggest a few things to limit the pain until the op.

Moving forward, my plan of action involves mostly rest, and spending as much time as possible with my gorgeous little nephew, Jacob.

Week 15 - 17

Apologies if you’ve been eagerly anticipating this blog post. I returned from my wonderful holiday just under two weeks ago and I’ve been too busy to write until now.

I left you a few days after my steroid injection and I’m pleased to say that 97% of the bursitis pain has disappeared. Just as Banksey predicted, it vanished after a week so for the entire holiday, it was fine. It’s returned mildly in recent days but it may have been aggravated with the house move...

From the moment we landed, it’s been go go go on moving all of our possessions back to Reading and into my dad’s house. Four car trips and a van load later, and I’ve officially moved home. - Something that I never thought would happen. I know that unforeseeable circumstances have resulted in this, but the reality of it all is pretty demoralising. At the age of 25: I’m half way through my double hip surgery so I can’t return to my practical-based job; therefore I’m on benefits; which means my partner and I can’t afford to live together; so I’ve had to move back to my childhood home and he’s living with his brother and sister-in-law in Clapham. Not an ideal scenario but there’s no logical alternative.

Initially, we thought this would be a temporary arrangement until after I’ve recovered from my next op in May, but I called the hospital on return from Abu Dhabi and the date for my left hip PAO is now 1^st July! Therefore the earliest I can resume work is the middle of August. That’s almost five months living away from Andy and almost nine months off work. The surgery has to be performed on a Monday for inpatient care, there are a few bank holiday Mondays between now and then, and Banksey has booked leave, so unfortunately the date isn’t going to change. These buggered hips of mine have really screwed up a lot of things and continue to interfere with my dad’s life too. Everything has been put on hold and I’m really annoyed that there’s nothing I can do about it. I do feel like Banksey lured me in under false pretences and then continued to give me false hope. When I first met him, he explained that I’d have had both ops by February/March, and ok, I wouldn’t have been ready due to the complications I’ve had after the first op, but then I was told it would be April, then May, and now damn July. Oh well, moan over. This is the hand that life dealt me so if I keep playing and fighting, eventually I should come out on top. If it wasn’t for the amazing holiday we just had, my mood may be very different.

Andy and I thought we were going to have a really chilled out holiday by the pool for seven days, but Andy’s family had other ideas…

Andy’s uncle, Trevor, surprised us at Heathrow and announced that he was “hijacking our holiday.” He and Rachel (Trevor’s daughter and Andy’s cousin who we were staying with) had pre-planned our holiday itinerary and there was a lot of sight-seeing on the list.

We got an upgrade on the way out!

It was a pretty good surprise as we had the best time and couldn’t have done a lot of it without Trev. He took us to Dubai for the day and we drove down the palm, had a coffee near the Burj, went in the Dubai mall and saw the Burj Khalifa. He also took us to the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Formula 1 track and we cycled around the course. - This is up there with one of my best experiences and not just because my hip could hack it. He was our tour guide around the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Emirates Palace, and took us to the beach. Everyone needs a ‘Trev’ when they visit Abu Dhabi or Dubai!

 We all went to brunch one day and had all you can eat and drink. It was here that I discovered I need to rebuild my alcohol tolerance up… Rachel force ‘fed’ me too many mojitos ;) We all went to a pub quiz, went to the Westin Hotel to watch the rugby, watched Rachel play netball, went to a driving range, went to loads of nice hotels and generally ate our body weight in nice food.

Unfortunately though, it wasn’t all fun and games as a few days into the trip, I developed an intense pain deep in my groin. It was completely separate to the bursitis pain and felt more like the old pain that I used to experience before surgery: only much worse! Every day the pain got more and more intense so I had to resort to using a crutch. Then, during our day trip to Dubai, I was forced to rent a wheelchair in the mall as I literally couldn’t take another step. After a few days, I worked out that getting in and out of the car aggravated the pain and holding or carrying things also made it worse. Despite the immense pain and negative emotions associated with it, I didn’t let it ruin our holiday!

I had a feeling that I’d overdone it and my hip was in desperate need of complete rest. However, I couldn’t rest until we’d packed up and cleaned the flat. It hurts constantly and certain movements make it worse, so I was dying to see Debs for some physio and a diagnosis. She was fully booked until today so my dad drove me from Reading.

Debs couldn’t believe that I’d had more bad luck and after a thorough assessment she concluded that I had a pelvic stress reaction caused from repetitive overloading. A stress reaction is similar to a stress fracture, with the only difference being the severity of the bone disruption. The treatment is pretty much the same; rest and non-weight bearing. So it’s back on the crutches and ibuprofen for me. Debs performed some soft tissue work on my inner thigh and strapped on a pelvic brace which I have to wear at all times except when seated.

It is pretty upsetting to have another hiccup in this lengthy recovery, but the main thing I’m feeling after today is relief. When the pain didn’t go away and got increasingly worse, I was worried that something was seriously wrong and I would require further surgery. The pain that I’ve experienced in the last two weeks outweighs all the pain that I’ve been through thus far. Usually I can just sit or lie down when I’ve been in pain, but with this time around, once it’s at its worst, that’s it and nothing relieves it. I’ve literally felt sick with this pain. Now that the move is done and dusted, I’m ready to put my feet up and do nothing for a while. – Except for Friday when I have another check-up with Banksey. Then I’m putting my feet up for a few months!

Week 14

The big day was a success, and in more ways than one!

For the first time in over three months I took public transport, and not only that, but I managed the journey to the hospital alone. I’m aware this doesn’t sound like a big deal but I feel vulnerable when I’m using crutches, so it's reassuring to have some company. There was a significant amount of walking and standing involved too, so for me, just making it to the hospital was a huge accomplishment; especially as I had regrettably decided to take one crutch.

My appointment with Banskey was at 2.30pm and I had to have my pre-operative assessment (for the next surgery) and an X-ray before I saw him. When I arrived at the hospital at 11am, I began queuing in the waiting room for pre-op and all the hospital staff were understandably confused as to why I was having a check-up and a pre-op on the same day. I lost count of the number of times I had to explain that I’d been through one PAO surgery and required another for my other hip. Once the paperwork, MRSA swabs, blood tests and measurements were taken, I made my way to the X-ray department. I was eager to see my X-ray to check if the bone had reconnected this time…



This X-ray alone doesn't show a lot, but spot the difference below:



It may not be glaringly obvious what the difference is, but hopefully the blue circles will aid you. The area between and around the screws is more filled in on the left X-ray, compared to the slightly darker right X-ray. This signifies that my bone has successfully grown and my pelvis is officially connected again! Whoop whoop. The bottom (south-east of the blue circle) part hasn’t re-joined yet, and it may never. Either way it’s not an issue as doesn’t affect anything.

The Orthopaedic lounge was brimming when I arrived at 2.10pm. I just hoped that they weren’t all waiting for Banksey.  At every appointment, you’re handed a colour-coded form which monitors your progress: yellow for hips; purple for shoulders; and blue for ankles. I believe I have four yellows forms in my file now and the monotonousness of completing it doesn’t wear off. However, it does allow you to identify and make conversation with fellow ‘yellow form holders’ in the waiting room. On this occasion, I met a nice 23-year-old awaiting arthroscopy for a labrum injury and we had a good chin-wag until we were the last two remaining in the waiting room. My name was finally called at 4.20pm and I went through to the patient room. I’d also been messaging my Hip Twin, Natalia, all day and she gave me the pep-talk I needed to ensure I didn’t back out of telling Banksey how I felt about my non-existent NHS aftercare. When he walked in, he expressed his delight with the new X-ray and asked how I was getting on. I handed Banksey the letter from Debs and explained the constant pain and ‘popping’ I’ve experienced. I made him put his hand on the side of my hip so I could demonstrate the ‘popping’ and he confidently told me it wasn’t subluxing. The ‘popping’ was more of a ‘snapping’ motion as my IT band rubbed over the outside of the greater trochanter (see diagram below), and it was occurring due to my leg length discrepancy. He asked me to walk a few unaided steps, before I hopped onto the couch for an examination. After a few painful prods and pokes, Banksey attributed the extreme pain to inflammation around my greater trochanter; namely the bursa, and would require a steroid injection immediately. **

I believed that the ‘popping/snapping’ and the pain was unrelated but it appears that they are completely associated. I’m in a bit of a vicious circle at the moment because every time I walk (with or without crutches), my IT band snaps over the greater trochanter; aggravating the bursa and causing extreme pain. This will continue until I have surgery on my left hip and my legs are the same length again. However, I can’t get my left hip operated on until the pain stops and my right hip can support all the rehab. The temporary solution is either: walking without fully straightening my right leg; or wearing an insole in my left shoe only. Banksey did say that if the ‘snapping’ hasn’t stopped by the time the keyhole surgery (to remove the screws and fix the labrum) comes around then he can give the IT band a little snip to relieve some tension. All of which I can live with, and I’m very relieved that I don’t require any additional surgery to the two lots that I’m already facing.

** Debs and I had concluded it was probably bursitis pain, so I knew an injection was necessary but I wasn’t aware that Banksey could and would do it there and then. In hindsight, this was actually a good thing as I had limited time to work myself up. - The entire morning I was dreading having my bloods taken in the pre-op. You’d think after self-injecting for a month after surgery I’d have left behind my fear of needles, but apparently not. Banksey returned to the room armed with a big needle and a nurse to hold my hand. I predicted it would hurt, but felt the need to double-check. Banksey’s reply was: “Unfortunately yes, but you’ve been through PAO surgery so you can go through anything.” Every time I hear someone say this to me, I feel somewhat invincible, but I also feel a sense of pressure to kerb any pain-inflicted reaction. As soon as Banksey pierced my skin, it was as traumatic as anticipated and I couldn’t help blurting out a few expletives. Luckily, the fluid contained local anaesthetic too so it went numb pretty quickly.

If I hadn’t have taken deep breaths, I’m sure I would’ve fainted, so after carefully getting to my feet, I was thrilled to be able to walk with no pain at all. Banksey explained that it would be enough to get me home and then I would be in a bit of pain for three days. He’s said I’m fine to enjoy a holiday and that he’d like to check my progress in four weeks’ time. If I’m still in some pain, then I may require another injection but that’s nothing compared to PAO surgery!  :P  

Before I left, I did explain that I felt let down by the NHS aftercare and that I was disappointed his nurse hadn’t called me back the other week. He apologised on both accounts, and stated that he’s been trying to increase awareness of PAO surgery and rehab with GPs and physios but the general consensus is a reluctance to learn. I asked him what he expects others to do rehab-wise, who truly can’t afford the private aftercare, and he was sorry to say that it’s a regional lottery whether the local NHS physios know what they’re doing. The news isn’t at all comforting and I regret not investigating the NHS services prior to my surgery. Thankfully, I have found a really good physio (even if she’s pricey), and I have every faith that my right hip will recover fully now.

I can report that last week’s taping was successful for about 24-hours and then my bursa got too aggravated and inflamed. Since Thursday’s monstrous injection, I have been able to walk around indoors without crutches and limping, but I’ve had to adapt my stride length to avoid the ‘snapping’. It’s still mildly painful when I walk so I’m anticipating another injection in a few weeks. However, on a scale of 1 to 10 of pain, I’m currently at a 4.5 compared with the 10 I was at this time last week. I can’t complain and I’m over the moon with Thursday’s developments… Now I’m really looking forward to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday!! 

Week 13

It’s been eleven days since I saw Debs and up until four days ago, I hadn’t been able to replicate the crutch-less walking. I couldn’t believe that it took an entire week for the intense hip pain to subside enough for me to take more than ten consecutive steps without limping. Despite the walking pain, I religiously completed all of my physio exercises two-three times a day and I’m pleased to say there was progress.

In the last four days, I’ve managed to walk around the flat without using crutches but most of the time, I’m either limping or I’m in a lot of discomfort. I still have to grit my teeth and concentrate really hard to walk properly, or, as I discovered on Friday, I just need enough wine in me! Who would have thought aye?

After the turning point four days ago, not only did walking improve slightly, but so did the apple and pears; if anything, I find walking up and down stairs easier so I’m happy about that. I’m also off all medication again as I’m really not a ‘pill fan,’ and I like to gauge my pain and progress on a day-to-day, level playing field. It occurred to me the other day that my current position is not too dissimilar to before I went under the knife. Obviously, I’m a lot less mobile now, but the common denominator is that I still can’t walk easily.

These past eleven days gave me adequate time to truly analyse the ups and downs of my hip, so I was half looking forward to passing this info onto Debs today. I say “half,” as I concluded that something is still wrong with my hip. I’ve just returned home from physio and my suspicions have turned out to be correct. The good news is that I didn’t have to convince Debs that there is an issue; she came to the exact same conclusion herself after some assessments. The bad news is that the pain is hindering my rehab and it needs investigating. Debs believes it could be either bursitis or a tendon issue, and that it’s completely separate to the ‘popping’/subluxation. She has requested that Banksey examines both matters on Thursday and reports back so she can tailor the rehab accordingly.

In a way, I’m glad the NHS failed to provide me aftercare, as I have the utmost faith in Debs and see logic in everything she says. This is very complicated but I’m going to try and explain her opinion and thoughts:

In the last two and a half weeks, Debs has prescribed me exercises to improve my strength and motor patterns, which in turn should decrease the pain. Sometimes, especially after surgery, certain muscles don’t function optimally, so rehab is all about retraining and reprogramming muscle stimulation. Due to a lifetime of sport, I’ve always been relatively strong and therefore had a good base prior to surgery; however, my glutes have never functioned efficiently because of the dysplasia, so I’ve been attempting to re-educate my stupid bottom muscles during these past thirteen weeks. The body tends to adapt the movement when you’re in pain though, and therefore the correct muscles don’t function. So in my case, it’s literally been a right battle to get my arse in gear.

After assessing my movement patterns today, Debs concluded that there’s been a big improvement in my gluteal strength, and they finally engage when I walk. It is because of this progress that she has eliminated underactive glutes as a contributor of the pain. Apparently, it’s common for PAO patients to experience pain during the transition from crutches to walking, but this is the first time that Debs hasn’t seen the pain dissipate after successfully rehabbing the glutes.

Although it’s not ideal that something else appears wrong with my hip, I haven’t been upset with the bad news for once. Possibly because I’ve cried enough tears recently; or because I was a little preoccupied staring at Sir David Attenborough in the physio waiting room; or, most likely, it’s due to the preparation and anticipation of bad news. Everyone knows their own body, and just like I knew there was something initially wrong with my hip last year, I had strong reason to believe that something else was up. I didn’t have to persuade someone there was an issue this time around and I’m so grateful for that. Hopefully, the next stages will be relatively hassle-free and Banksey will locate and rectify the issue quickly. I’ve been through the most painful hip-related procedure there is, so even if I require more treatment to get this right hip fixed, it will be a doddle in comparison.

At the end of the physio session, Debs wanted to do one last experiment so I could supply Banksey with more information on Thursday. She carefully taped a big triangle on my hip/bum to see if it alleviates some of the pain and told me to monitor it for 48-hours. Taping is a common physio technique that is designed to facilitate the healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints. It’s frequently used with professional athletes or footballers and typically bright blue in colour so if you haven’t seen it already, keep an eye out. Mine isn’t quite as lairy, but it seems to be doing the job so far. So much so, that I managed to walk back to the waiting room unaided before realising I’d forgotten my crutch. That made me chuckle. Debs did say if I think it's helping then she'll tape me up every week. I think I might wait until after Abu Dhabi though...

So, the big day is fast approaching, and I have a lot to get off my chest with Banksey. Let’s hope he takes me seriously. In the meantime, I need to get things washed and packed for our holiday next week, and we need to continue packing for the big move. We’ve received confirmation that we have to vacate our beloved flat so for the first time in almost eight years, I’m moving back home. The vast amount of belongings that have accumulated during this time is crazy, so I’m biding my time with the World’s biggest declutter-thon.

The Bio-oil is working it's magic as the scar is looking a little better i think: