Babies
Today I went to a baby shower for my good friend, Sarah. Among other things, we talked about babies, go figure. Baby names, baby gear, baby this and baby that.
My thoughts turned to my hips. My friend Adrienne and I (the only unmarried ladies in the group) spoke of how more and more women were having kids later in life. I admitted that I was scared that my hips might not hold up that long.
Since I've learned of my dysplasia (age 27) I've wondered about carrying and delivering children. Will I be able to do it? Will it affect my PAOs? Will it cause early deterioration?
At my appointment with my surgeon in May, I asked -- and he answered -- that my birthing canal wasn't affected by the surgeries. Good news, of course.
However, I wonder. There's not much data out tying obstetrics and orthopedics, especially PAOs. Each specialty knows an infinite amount about itself, but not much about the other.
I guess only time will tell if I will end up being a mother, and if my hips will hold up during the process. In the meantime, I "ooh" and "ahh" over the adorable baby gifts available to expectant mommies, good hips or not.
My thoughts turned to my hips. My friend Adrienne and I (the only unmarried ladies in the group) spoke of how more and more women were having kids later in life. I admitted that I was scared that my hips might not hold up that long.
Since I've learned of my dysplasia (age 27) I've wondered about carrying and delivering children. Will I be able to do it? Will it affect my PAOs? Will it cause early deterioration?
At my appointment with my surgeon in May, I asked -- and he answered -- that my birthing canal wasn't affected by the surgeries. Good news, of course.
However, I wonder. There's not much data out tying obstetrics and orthopedics, especially PAOs. Each specialty knows an infinite amount about itself, but not much about the other.
I guess only time will tell if I will end up being a mother, and if my hips will hold up during the process. In the meantime, I "ooh" and "ahh" over the adorable baby gifts available to expectant mommies, good hips or not.
Comments
I just wanted to say thanks for your blog... I am going in for my PAO on Tuesday and have found reading about your experiences very helpful, especially tips on what to take with me to hospital!
I also started a blog a couple of weeks ago(hiphoperation.wordpress.com). I am in the UK and haven't seen anything written by people over here. Look forward to reading more from you!
Louise xx
I just found out that my right hip is dysplastic. I cannot tell you how much your blog is helping me. I am 21 and have been in pain for years. Like you, I am a lifelong athlete, so I couldn't figure out why I was hurting. Eventually I went to see my old surgeon (from a previous operation on my left femur) and it was then I found out what the problem is. I have FAI as well and some damage due to that, so that will be fixed during the surgery.
There is so little information out there, but your blog seems to have pretty much everything covered. I am booking my surgery tomorrow, and I hope to have it done in January. I want to thank you for all your advice, anecdotes, and honesty, and I am sure it will help me in my own PAO journey. Thank you.
Becky
I'm glad you're finding my blog helpful. That's what it's here for!
If there's anything else you have questions about, just let me know. I'm happy to share my experiences!
Good luck on Tuesday, Louise! Wishing you lots of luck and strength. You'll be great!
Becky, I hope the planning process is seamless. You'll both be so happy when it's over!
Cassie
I had a PAO in Jan 2007 and to be honest I have not fully recovered. I have muscle weakness and still lift my leg to put socks and shoes on. I was hoping for some advice as far as rehab. I've lost so much mobility from this, I can't even run anymore if I tried. I am feeling pretty bleak right now, plus I am the only male thats every had DDH, from what I've seen online. Any advice would be much appreciated
Cheers,
Steven
Pitsburgh, 26 years old
barbush332@gmail.com
I'm sorry you're having so much trouble.
I know you feel like you're the only male with CHD, but I have found a few others. Here is a link to one guy's blog, who also had a PAO:
http://myhclexperience.blogspot.com/
Have you had physical therapy? That would be my first piece of advice. Have you asked your surgeon for help?
I've been put on Celebrex post-surgery for pain/weakness, and my surgeon also mentioned an injection into my hip flexor might help my pain.
Hoping you find some answers,
Cass
I can't speak to what it's like to have a baby after PAO. But I did have a baby at 35 with an "untreated" dysplastic right hip. For me I don't remember an increase in pain. My theory is that all the hormones that lossen up your joints in preparation for birth helped. Or it could also be that the heartburn and morning sickness distracted me from other complaints. lol. I have enjoyed the blog. Thanks for it.
Annie
I just found out about PAO and am considering my options, your blog helps me know what it's really like. I was diagnosed with CDH (DDH) at 3month, had casts, surgery, etc. I can get around and do what I want (except run), but I've never been pai free. Don't know about having kids post-PAO, obviously, but I had a baby 2 years ago at 30. I've been told that typically DDH makes the last few months tough - when the ligaments relax it stresses the joints even more. But for me, I had one bad month of agony in the middle of my PG (literally 20-24weeks) where the pain was so bad I couldn't sleep. And otherwise I was fine! And I actually had less pain post-PG while I was still nursing than I've ever had. So I think it just depends on the person, but definitely worth a shot if you want kids!