4 months post-op/scar pic

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If there's one blanket statement I could make about having a periacetabular osteotomy, I would say this:

It's a long recovery.

When friends, family, co-workers and strangers have comments or questions about the surgery, it's usually something like: "That sounds awful!" or "Was it really painful?" or "Scary."

Truth is, while it was awful, painful and scary at times, this whole time, it simply has been long. At four months post-op, I still feel remnants of surgery in my hip. I still can't lie on my op side for longer than an hour or two without discomfort, and I still have to help my leg in and out of the car on occasion. My hip is still tender to the touch, and of course, that tailbone ...

Don't get me wrong. I have SO much to celebrate, and I can't imagine myself happier with my left hip. I have recovered smoothly and quickly. I'm not asking for anything more. That being said, I have made the following progress in the past two weeks:
  • Graduated from physical therapy! (a post on that tomorrow)
  • Go full-out when walking
  • Go 90 percent in Body Jam, while playing basketball or on the elliptical
  • Go 30 percent when weight lifting on op leg (this is hard not to push, but my body just won't let me)
  • Get in and out of the car/lift my leg mostly without the use of my hands
  • Feel more sensation on my thigh
  • See a slight difference in the coloring of my scar. It's starting to become less pink on the edges. (Below are pics from 2 months, left, and today.)

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hey, I just came across your blog. I'm so happy that you have taken the time to post your progess and your pics. However, the pics at 6 days made me almost reconsider. Wow!
I'm an active 41 year old. I'm in good physical condition. I've worked out on a consistent basis all my life since high school.
It appears that if i want to continue my life style that PAO is my only option. However, I'm scared to death to have it done. Straight up, will i be in alot of pain in the 3days following the procedure, and how long will that type of pain last? I would appreciate any advice you could give me. I'm going to continue following your progess. Way to go, girl..
August 14, 2008
Manda K said…
Your scar looks amazing and so do your drain scars! I'm so proud of you, honey! This is something that takes great and total confidence, strength and focus and you possess all of those qualities and many more.

We are gonna try to do another Club 1300 next weekend. You game? I still owe you a beer!
August 15, 2008
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