If you look back to my very first post, you'll see what a year this has been. Today marks my one year anniversary of my RPAO and a transformation of my body. It has been one of the longest (mentally), but quickest (physically) years of my life. The ups, the downs, and the real down downs...I wouldn't change a single thing that has happened. I'm not 100% on either hip and I have come to the realization that I probably will never be. My left is giving me some pain where the stress fracture is and my right (which has been good to me) is not giving me some aches and pains - and is 1/2" longer than my left. Flexibility is so-so...but that's what happens when I from not having a socket, to actually having one to keep my bones in the proper position.
About 2 weeks ago I started exercising again because I need to get back into shape and get muscle back into my hip joints. I'm starting with the Brazil Butt Lift that I saw on TV and decided it would be a good starting point. Trying to tone my butt in turn works on my legs/hips as well. I can say that my hips are SUPER weak. But the most troubling thing of all, is the lack of muscle in my left leg - my inner thigh. I'm not sure where that muscle went, but it's not where it's supposed to be and I have zero strength - like, when I lay on my left side and lift my left leg towards the sky, it doesn't budge, not even 1 inch. That is extremely frustrating. I try to stay positive and say that the muscle is just very weak....but at 6 months post, I should most certainly be able to lift my leg. I don't have another appointment with Dr M scheduled, but I have to get my final MRI done and get another check-up I'm sure. So that will be in the coming months.
Other than that, I can say that this was the best decision I have every made. Besides the aches and pains that come and go, I'm not in the excrutiating pain I was in a year ago. I can carry groceries, I can walk, run downstairs and stand (not for a crazy amount of time yet) without any, or very minimal discomfort. I hope to hike, jog, and experience life much more this summer than I ever have. I have not tried to jog or run as I want to make sure my fracture is healed before doing any of that...but it will happen soon enough. February 1, I am going to start exercising with Insanity (similar to P90X)...so we'll see how that goes.
My posts will get less and less now as things start to get back into shape and my issues will get less and less (hopefully). But, for anyone reading this and deciding whether or not the surgery is worth it, it is, 100%. It's not fun, and it's not easy, and it's emotionally draining, but in the end it is completely worth it. I thought I was going to have to put my life on hold, but in 1 year I've had 2 PAO's and both screw removals. To celebrate, I am in one of my friends weddings this weekend and my goal was to be able to dance the night away. I've made it!
Pictures coming soon.
Damn. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying.
Delete