The hip bone's connected to the ...

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In an attempt to fix my lingering tailbone and pelvic pain from my LPAO, I had an appointment with a new doctor today.

She kneaded and touched, poked and prodded. I leaned and twisted, pushed and pulled against her. She told me my case was a puzzle, "refreshing," she said. Then she confirmed what my physical therapist had already concluded: my uneven joints are throwing everything off, from my leg length to my posture to the way I sit.

After all, the hip bone's connected to the ... shoot, according to my doctor, it's connected to the sacrum, tailbone, pubic bone, a bunch of muscles, tendons and ligaments, and last but not least, the leg bone.

Dr. Connally couldn't tell me if the problems were due to the dysplasia, the surgery or the recovery. She did tell me she was hopeful we could straighten things out and make my pain go away. She wants to put me on Celebrex short-term to lessen the inflammation in the ligaments, but I don't know how long I have steer clear of anti-inflammatories (which inhibit bone growth, and therefore aren't a good idea for patients whose bones were sawed apart). I will e-mail Dr. Mayo tomorrow.

This is a post-op complication I worried about. I mean, my body's alignment was messed up for almost 30 years and then it was radically changed. Twice. I know it will take time to adjust, and I hope I'm doing the right thing by getting help now.

Comments

LH said…
I've read about a number of us who have had tailbone pain. I think our OS's need to work on this...
January 15, 2009
sare said…
Hi There,
Any update on the tailbone saga? I have not long found your blog which is awesome by the way! I am facing a PAO in July and in the lead up have had excessive tailbone pain. I am keen to sort it out before the op as I don't want pain from sitting post-op. I am going to the doctor tomorrow and will hopefully get some scans to figure it out. Thought you might have some further info, ideas or suggestions.
Thank you!
May 20, 2009
Cassie said…
I was going to post soon about my tailbone but haven't gotten around to it. Updates: the pain has gotten really bad and I'm seeing a new pain management doctor in two weeks. My surgeon has recommended a steroid injection into the bone. Sounds painful, but I'm willing to try it at this point.
I'm sorry you're having similar problems. Because I was on so many painkillers following my PAOs, my tailbone didn't bother me until about four or five weeks post-op; I hope your situation is the same. Please keep in touch and let me know how things are going. Maybe we can help each other!
Take care,
Cassie
June 03, 2009
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