1 YEAR POST-OP!!!!

WOW - what a difference a year makes!! I am officially one year out from my original PAO surgery. This past year has been full of hope, excitement, sadness, setbacks, and happiness all rolled into one. There were times where I lost all hope of ever being the same person I was before hip dysplasia - but then the good days started to out weigh the bad. I can with out a doubt say that I am a stronger person now, physically and mentally, then I have ever been before! I had a post in the works about how mentally taxing this surgery is, but that is for another day. Today I celebrate that I have made it through the year!!

Let's take a look at then and now...

Then: Pre-op I could not walk or do any activity without falling down
Now: I am increasing my activity level and time every day, still a little pain (but I have had more surgeries then most), but overall feeling pretty good.

Then: Post-op, I could not move my leg at all. And I remember thinking 'Will I ever walk again?' As it was not very convincing to be able to see your leg, so you know it's there, but not be able to feel or move it.
Now: The doctor can not believe how flexible I am. It's a little weird to have him and his residents move my leg and hip around and say things like "Wow!! That is impressive!" I still have an area on my upper front and outer thigh that is still diminished for sensation. But, as far as I'm concerned, that is a small price to pay for where I am now.

Then: I sat in my "sitting room" that my loving husband set up for me. I would work from home, knit, read, and watch tv, and then get so bored!! All I wanted to do was be able to be part of the world again. I felt so left out as my husband and friend left for State College on the weekends to work security at the PSU games.
Now: I never stop running!!! I am either at work, the gym, tennis courts, or a bike trail!!!! I love every minute of it, but there is a little part of me that would love to sit - but I will save that for the Left PAO. I am now heading up to State College with the guys to go to the games or just tailgate.

I'm not 100% done recovering yet, but my latest surgery was in June. It was not as major as the original, but it set me back a little. Reflecting on the last year I feel so blessed to be where I am!! I see the light at the end of this tunnel and that makes me very happy.

I had my 10 week post-op appointment for the surgery in June on August 10th. Dr. Goodspeed was so ecstatic with my progress. He told me that after everything that I have been through with this surgery, the pain that I have endured, and my high tolerance for the pain, I will breeze through childbirth. I asked for that in writing :-). When we were finished with the appointment he said that since I was doing so well, we would consider the appointment my 1 year post-op as well. I don't have to go back unless I need to. He asked me to call or email him periodically to let him know how I am doing. That is the least I can do for the person who changed my life!!

YAY for 1 year!!!!