5 years post-op LPAO

Hip surgery remains − five years later − the smartest, bravest and most significant event of my life. Nothing can top the rewarding feeling of taking my health into my own hands, fighting tremendous fears and physical challenges, and coming through the other side a changed person.

That's not to say it's all roses now.

Hiking in the Medicine Bow National Forest
In dog years, my left hip is 35. It is starting to act its age, which I don't much like. Despite the increasing pain, I can't get mad at it. It has given me too much. I'm instead resigned, disheartened and even a little scared.

The pain I have now is totally different than pre-surgery's. Not in my hip at all, but rather in my back− sciatic pain on the left side. Luckily, it only hurts after a full day's activity, but when it hurts, it's nearly debilitating. I often can't even take a step until I've sat it out for a half hour or so. My right hip gets a little achy sometimes, but it's behaving much better. I'm still super active: kickboxing, volleyball, weight lifting, hiking, etc., though I am learning to not push myself so hard.

Other post-surgery effects linger. My range of motion is about 90%; I occasionally get itchy spasms on the still-numb patches on my hip; and my tailbone pain comes and goes ... and comes again. My scars look about the same as they did a couple of years ago, but I don't notice them anymore.

It's such a small price to pay. I would do it again without a second thought.

I haven't seen a hip doc since a quick follow-up visit with my surgeon, Dr. Mayo, in 2009. I know I eventually will need to go back, but not today. Today's my anniversary!

Comments

Unknown said…
I just had this surgery on January 11 this year and I cant even imagine 5 years down the road hip-wise. Im 18 so hopefully the problems that your having wont come for awhile :( It's so inspiring though how far you've come and your fearlessness.

Thanks for being so amazing! X
Hi Cassie! My first RPOA surgery is May 24. I have to say I am quite terrified. I'm just so scared to not be able to rely on my body like I do right now. I've stayed up the last two nights reading your entire blog. You've been so inspirational - i don't know how you did it all! Thanks for putting all this out there - I know it wasn't easy.
Cassie said…
Hi Rebecca and Lauren,

I hope you both are recovering well. I'm sorry it took me so long to write back to you. I'm so grateful my blog has helped you! What's funny is that each one of us is inspirational, whether you have your story written out for others or not! I'm inspired by each person who goes through these surgeries.

Let me know how you're doing!
-Cassie
Hey Cassie!

I really appreciate you documenting your process, I know it can be a great thing to look back on to see what you went through!! I am 23 and am going to be going through the pao this December. I'm obviously really nervous for the surgery itself, but I'm also more nervous for the long term effects. I was wondering if you would mind giving me feedback on your surgery? I used to be a bodybuilder and a personal trainer 2 years ago and have had to switch to a pretty sedentary lifestyle due to my hip dysplasia. It's been a year and a half since I started the process of trying to figure out what's wrong with me so I'm frustrated and ready to be pain free! Id really appreciate it if you could email me!! Bdubya08@gmail.com

Thanks again for documenting your journey :)

Popular posts from this blog

Dreams

4 years post-op LPAO

11 years post op