tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274785082012-02-16T13:44:35.021-05:00A Public Account of Adult Hip Dysplasia and Peri-Acetabular Osteotomy. ________________________________ Surgery Details<br> What: PAO - Right Hip<br> Who: Drs. Hartsock and Mooney Where: MUSC - Charleston, SC When: 6/1/06Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.comBlogger541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-20761693000277139492010-03-09T16:05:00.004-05:002010-03-09T16:14:35.373-05:00

Holy Crap - I'm Hyper Mobile!So, I have had increasing joint pain and joint stiffness in the last few years, as many of you hip folks know. What's been odd is that its not just in my hips anymore. Its my knees, my shoulders and elbows, even my fingers. Its also been coupled with fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headaches and muscle pain. So I was finally sent to a rheumotologist. She took one

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-24820889066441486132009-06-30T08:54:00.003-04:002009-06-30T09:05:48.928-04:00

So its been a while since my last post. I thought I'd share what's been going on.I finished culinary school. I worked for about a year as a part time pastry cook (full time was too hard on the hips). After a year I realized that my hips were going to break and crumble into dust, or so it felt, if I continued with the pastry work. And after some swallowing of pride and bitter pills (

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-55015714564008270462007-06-29T15:34:00.000-04:002007-06-29T15:57:03.355-04:00

So, my left hip....she's tricky.Doc said that while my right hip needed to be corrected by about 20 degrees, old lefty only needs, at best, a 10 degree correction. Doc said that he'd rather not do a 10 degree PAO unless it's absolutely necessary. But he did say I was welcome to have an Arthrogram/MRI - gee, really? Thanks! Basically, I am back to the beginning. Doc says I should wait it out

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-86083595400357255272007-05-23T09:17:00.000-04:002007-05-23T09:19:14.774-04:00

Let's just say the other hip's gone sour and leave it at that.Seeing the OS on 6/5/07. I'll know more then.Looks like I might be doing this all over again.Argh!

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1167577353785150262006-12-31T09:54:00.000-05:002006-12-31T10:03:34.050-05:00

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been reading all along. I know what you're going through is hard, but hang in there! The surgery was totally worth it. I just had my official 6 month, post-op check up a few weeks ago and my surgeon said I could finally start my professional wrestling career! In other words, I am totally, rock solidly healed. The pesky soreness on the op

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1165171142832951842006-12-03T13:29:00.000-05:002006-12-03T13:39:02.846-05:00

Well, it's been 6 months since my RPAO. Here's the update:I can now walk MILES at a time.My right side is still sore and feels kind of bruised.I have partial numbness over the entire front and side of my right hip, but this is way better than immediately post-op when I had total numbness in a large percentage of the area.My left side is still giving me trouble, but only very sporadically.In

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1161114935388947592006-10-17T15:41:00.000-04:002006-10-17T15:55:35.403-04:00

Wow. I hate Health Insurance. I mean really hate the whole system. Our current plan was being raised to ungodly numbers (more than our current mortgage) so we have been trying to shop around for other plans. During the initial quote process, I was being quoted a little over $300 and Josh is being quoted about $200. Why is an older man with back problems less of a risk than little old me?

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1161104970034214932006-10-17T13:05:00.000-04:002006-10-17T13:09:30.053-04:00

I am registered and ready. I start in January. Its about time! I think my hips will be up to it. The big test was about a week and a half ago. We had family in town and thought the local corn maze would be a fun Saturday activity. Well, the maze was over a mile long and as we got lost, we must've lapped that baby at least twice. My hip was trouble free the whole time. We were exhausted

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1158846198789595262006-09-21T09:33:00.000-04:002006-09-21T09:43:18.923-04:00

Things are good. My operated side feels really good. I STILL can't lie comfortably on that side for any length of time and I have no idea why, but that's ok. I front half of the operated thigh and most of the hip is still numb but that, too, is ok. My other side, the "new bad hip" is holding steady. I decided to cook us a full fledged dinner last night, with heavy cast iron pots and by the

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1157551778356499752006-09-06T10:03:00.000-04:002006-09-06T10:15:49.226-04:00

Yesterday, day 97, I was FINALLY given the go ahead to lose the crutches. No cane, no crutches, just my own two legs with the following restrictions:1. No running/jogging - this is soooo not a problem2. No contact sports - you mean i can't continue my career as a NFL pro? OK.3. No breast stroke in the pool - still no whip kicks, which is my favorite kick, but I can deal with that.4. No "

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1156854985507790562006-08-29T08:27:00.000-04:002006-08-29T08:36:26.496-04:00

For the last 3 days, the old, familiar, grinding, limp-inducing pain has returned...BUT IN MY NON-OP HIP! That's right, in the hip everyone said would last me another 20 years before becoming symptomatic. It's the same pain. I haven't even been able to experience the pleasure of walking through the grocery store without crutches yet and it's the same bloody pain. Josh says I should not freak

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1156105781789194272006-08-20T16:21:00.000-04:002006-08-20T16:29:41.790-04:00

Updated Scar picture for you. I don't really see a difference. I have been applying Palmer's Scar Serum. It has Vitamin E, Cocoa Butter and the same active ingredient as Mederma.

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1156104897156868382006-08-20T16:09:00.000-04:002006-08-20T16:14:57.173-04:00

Sure, I almost gave myself heat stroke, but I am glad to report that my hip didn't hurt a bit. I just hope they all take. I'd hate to have to replant 30 mums.

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1155780653107526422006-08-16T21:55:00.000-04:002006-08-16T22:10:53.170-04:00

Things are going well. I go to PT twice a week. Though I am still tired all the time, (more of a general malaise, really) my stamina is improving dramatically. I can cook dinner, do the dishes and bake bread in the same afternoon without breaking into a cold sweat and passing out from exhaustion, so that's nice. I'm getting back to normal. I can also sit at my desk, hunched over my computer

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1155213353353084842006-08-10T08:28:00.000-04:002006-08-10T08:35:53.366-04:00

I am cool. BCBS finally came to their senses and paid my bills. For those of you who need to know, my insurance company was charged about 26,000$ for the hospital stay (4 days), $2400 for the anesthesia and $6,000 for the actual surgery. There were other numerous incedentals which probably added another $2000 to the total. I know cost is a BIG concern for the partially or uninsured. I am

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1155052842147852262006-08-08T11:51:00.000-04:002006-08-08T12:00:42.200-04:00

That at 68 days out from surgery I can finally shave my legs in the shower. And I mean, the whole leg, from the ankle up! No more sitting near the bathtub with my legs cast over the side trying frantically to reach my ankle with a razor without slicing off any skin. Thank God!Also, I started my PT on Friday last. It's fine. My first appointment was pretty lo-fi, more interview and stretching

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1154695881503851872006-08-04T08:38:00.000-04:002006-08-04T08:51:21.546-04:00

So, my brother is in town and we're having a grand old time. Yesterday, we decided to try the new Vietnamese place in town, Pho Bac. We get in there and the poor owner is trying to service about 10 tables himself. He brings our menus and explains to us that his new waitress called in sick and he's THE ONLY ONE IN THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT. He is both Cook and Waiter. The poor guy! We decided to

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1154179837956660182006-07-29T09:23:00.000-04:002006-07-29T09:30:37.976-04:00

To answer a few questions about my incomplete rant over continued crutches:The doctor didn't really give me a reason for the continued crutches. He said I was healing really well and quickly, at that. When I mentioned to him that others, at this point, were moved down to one crutch with the status of "50% weight bearing," he told me "partial weight bearing" was impossible on one crutch. He

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1153879046516838132006-07-25T21:46:00.000-04:002006-07-25T21:59:38.816-04:00

Holy Crap Weasels - I am still on crutches! I get to stay on crutches with partial weight bearing for ANOTHER 6 WEEKS. This means that I can walk using both legs, but with every step on my op side, I have to put about 2/3 of my weight on the crutches. The good doctor only wants 50-60 lbs. on my op leg at a time.Yeah. I am freakin' thrilled.I finally got to see my doctor after a 2.5 hour wait

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1153666773974517962006-07-23T10:47:00.000-04:002006-07-23T10:59:33.986-04:00

So I am only a few days away from the 8 week post-op mark and my "6 week post-op" check up. It's funny, my doctor wanted to see me at 6 weeks for a post-op follow up but his office couldn't schedule me until week 8. Now, for some people, this may not seem like a big deal. But for my fellow Dysplastics out there, we know that the 6-8 week mark means the beginnings of mobility! It means the

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1153443486168388112006-07-20T20:46:00.000-04:002006-07-20T22:09:13.106-04:00

For the last 2 weeks I have been dreaming of walking.In the beginning, I would dream that I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. I would then realize that I didn't have my walker and that I wasn't supposed to walk without it. Walking there would be no problem, but after my realization, I would be petrified of screwing my hip up on the walk back.Then, last week the dreams changed. I would

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1153339750797675822006-07-19T16:07:00.000-04:002006-07-19T16:09:10.810-04:00

Is there any alternative to this stuff? I'm using Mederma Scar Gel. After I rub it in and it dries, it peels off, like sunburnt skin - only rose-scented. Very strange. Is Mederma the best option? Are there others? Anyone?

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1153057543939823412006-07-16T09:35:00.000-04:002006-07-16T09:45:43.950-04:00

It took me 6 weeks, but I can now do a few new things.1. When getting into a car, I can now lift my op leg in without using my hands. The leg finally moves on its own!2. When lying flat on my back, I can do leg lifts with my op leg.3. I can finally sleep on my side, just not the regular way. I don't put the pillow between my legs, as suggested. When laying on my back, I put the pillow on the

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1152906993197103102006-07-14T15:50:00.000-04:002006-07-14T15:57:29.356-04:00

Check it out!I just ordered this from Ebay and am I excited. I have to thank Jennifer for pointing this out to me. It looks like this cane works like the Millenial Crutches. And we all looooove the Millenial Crutches, don't we girls?Oh, and it doubles as a "mountain climbing stick" or so it claims.That way it helps with both my recovery and encouraging my lofty goals of extreme mobility!Bad

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1152820083847950052006-07-13T15:46:00.000-04:002006-07-13T18:08:48.093-04:00

I think this picture is a little more honest. This what my scar really looks like. That last picture was just too much of a glamour shot for me.So there, I am nothing if not honest.This is what the scary scar looks like after being seated in a khaki skirt for an hour or two. That's right folks, city clothes. Not loungy, silky, soft PJs but rough, rugged, blue collar cotton.Take that, scar!

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1152735249078466362006-07-12T16:05:00.000-04:002006-07-12T16:14:09.090-04:00

Today I went to a store and shopped without a wheelchair. It was Office Depot, so a wheelchair wasn't an option but the home office needed a few things. I managed OK but my arms are sore and my palms are peeling. Very attractive. My hip has been really pinchy lately. I tried to get on a pair of jeans but they made my hip even pinchier. The pinchy feeling isn't inside the hip joint either,

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1152553634484691202006-07-10T13:43:00.000-04:002006-07-10T13:51:28.160-04:00

Here is my scar now at 40 days after surgery. Sorry it took me so long to get it up there. The scar looks pretty good here. It tends to be a bit darker pink than how it photographed and it's a dark pink/purple after a shower or whenever I have to stand or move around a lot. Otherwise, I haven't had any problems with it.I think its safe to start on the Mederma now. I have to apply that 3-4

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1152537817942751152006-07-10T09:19:00.000-04:002006-07-10T09:24:23.463-04:00

This weekend was fairly productive. I went grocery shopping and we even went to a party! I did notice something a bit odd though. When I push myself too far, it is not my hip that hurts. It's my butt and lower back.So, in addition to being a pain in the ass, I now have a pain in the ass.

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1152318696141541562006-07-07T20:13:00.000-04:002006-07-07T20:31:36.153-04:00

So, I never really gave our mattress much thought. It was bought 3 years ago at IKEA when I bought our king size platform bed. It was really cheap for a king size mattress. I mean cheap. Less than 300 bucks kind of cheap, but it worked. It has always been extremely comfortable. I use to love my bed. I use to look forward to slipping into it each and every night. Immediately after the

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1152017283011747262006-07-04T08:35:00.000-04:002006-07-04T08:48:03.346-04:00

And now I am SORE! Yesterday was very exciting. I decided, enough was enough. If I spent one more days inside, in my chair, someone would die. So, I took a shower, got dressed and we went OUT!!! First to Bed, Bath and Beyond for new curtains, then off to lunch at The Bookstore Cafe (if you're in or near Charleston - stop by - the food is sooo freakin' good), finally to Publix for a bit of

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1151791544073407142006-07-01T17:52:00.000-04:002006-07-01T18:07:36.163-04:00

Well, I am doing well. My pain level is practically nil and I can do all of my exercises with relative ease. Here is the issue - BOREDOM. My god, I am bored. A word of warning - be prepared my pre-op readers. Week 4 is one of the hardest weeks. Your energy is coming back, your pain level is diminishing, but you still can't walk.On a considerably happier note, here are things that week 4

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1150727531788558712006-06-19T10:19:00.000-04:002006-06-19T10:32:11.803-04:00

So, on Friday I left my doctor's office with a prescription for Hydrocodone (Vicodin) and that got me thinking. I have no concept of what my "baseline" pain really is. I have been in various states of medication since surgery, so how do I even know if I need the pain killers anymore? With this in mind, I decided to discontinue all pain medication. Its been a few days and my pain level is

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1150565854550390882006-06-17T13:23:00.000-04:002006-06-17T13:40:23.910-04:00

Okay! I had my two week post-op check up. It wasn't much of a check up. He poked my hip about 3 times and asked me if I had any questions (I had 14, I like to get my money's worth). So, I am officially off of Oxy-Contin, Oxy-Codon, iron pills, Senakot, Colace and the Lovenox injections (twice a day-I will not miss it!). He left me with a scant prescription for as needed Hydrocodone (aka

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1150298420469697382006-06-14T11:16:00.000-04:002006-06-14T11:20:20.476-04:00

Thank You Bea and Aunt Joan for the lovely bouquet on the left. Thank You Amanda and Sunni For the really sweet bouquet in the middle! Thank You Silversteins for the beautiful orchids on the right! Thank You All Again!

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1150298854882558742006-06-14T09:21:00.000-04:002006-06-14T11:27:34.883-04:00

So I've had some swelling. Monday I had a substitute PT person b/c my regular PT guy was out sick. We think she pushed me a bit too hard b/c by Monday evening the top half of my incision site was swollen. I wasn't in real pain over it, it was just a bit disconcerting. All day yesterday I took it easy and we kept icing it down but it just wouldn't go away. Today it is still a bit swollen, but

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1150135172443102412006-06-12T13:41:00.000-04:002006-06-12T13:59:32.486-04:00

Well, here I am, 12 days out from surgery. I am doing well and I thought I would share with you things of note thus far:Last night I slept all the way through the night without waking up from pain/soreness/having to use pottychair/etc. It felt goooooood.I am starting to (slowly) use my crutches. I hope to be off of the walker and fully on to the crutches in 2 weeks.It took me 6 days after

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1150135680269901782006-06-11T12:36:00.000-04:002006-06-12T14:08:00.280-04:00

I have decided that for my recovery from surgery I will be sporting the latest in draw-string, capri length, workout bottoms - extra baggy for both extra style and extra scar comfort. However, there is an added bonus with this fashion "do".When you are using the ladies room, one can tie the drawstring loosely around the bars of the walker and then presto! When finished and standing, the pants

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1149873757614729302006-06-09T13:13:00.000-04:002006-06-09T17:48:18.333-04:00

As I have mentioned before, my pain is very well controlled. The only real trouble I have been having is with nausea, indigestion and sour stomach - nausea being the biggie. For whatever reason, I seem to have a fairly high pain tolerance but an EXTREMELY SENSITIVE STOMACH.I was sent home from the hospital with 2 types of pain medication. One is an extended release pill which I take every 12

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1149643745312199712006-06-06T21:19:00.000-04:002006-06-06T21:35:07.776-04:00

Hi Everyone. I know, you were saying to yourself.....Gee, I want to look at a 6 inch, 22 stitch gash in some strange chick's hip. Well! Today is your lucky day! These were taken today, which is 5 days post-op. Enjoy!BTW I am doing great. Everyone seems a bit bewildered by both my ability to joke about stuff as well as how awake and aware I am. So, Keep a really positive attitude and it

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1149546945081415182006-06-05T18:01:00.000-04:002006-06-05T18:38:16.423-04:00

Okay. I am back. I just got home a couple of hours ago and am really tired but I will try to post a scar picture tomorrow.So far, here's the deal: I remember nothing about the operation. I had an epidural and a general but woke up from the anesthesia about 30 minutes after I was wheeled into recovery. When I woke up, I did hurt. But not as much as I thought I would. I just felt cruched

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1149471403088213622006-06-04T21:36:00.000-04:002006-06-04T21:36:43.146-04:00

So here's what's up. Heathers surgery went well and she was actuallyonly in the operating room for 3 hours instead of the 4 they told us.Her doctor said they got really good placement and there weren't anyproblems. Fortunately she came out of the anaesthesia fine and when Iwas finally let in to see her in the recovery room she was chatty andawake. Unfortunately we had to wait 8 hours in the

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1149120452373349412006-05-31T20:07:00.000-04:002006-05-31T20:07:32.430-04:00

OK. I have to be at the hospital at 6am. Surgery is from 7:30 - 11:30 am. That's right people, 4 hours and they're only doing one hip! I'm in the hospital until Sunday so I won't be posting for awhile. I've asked Josh to update here, but he's a lot less concerned with this blog than I am. So, he might be a bit preoccupied. Thanks for everyones support and good thoughts!

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1149101800635743722006-05-31T14:52:00.000-04:002006-05-31T14:56:40.643-04:00

So, I forgot to tell you about my crutches! I'll be sporting the Millenial Medical Crutches available from Triad Healthcare. I have no grace or balance, so I feel I can give you a true review of this product! I'll let you know how they go!Still waiting for the phone call from the hospital telling me minor things like when my surgery is, where I have to go and what I have to do. Ah, the waiting

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1149090870017541262006-05-31T11:51:00.000-04:002006-05-31T11:54:30.023-04:00

...and I just got a call from financial services at the hospital reminding me that IN ADDITION to the 250$ they already told me to bring, that I also need to bring an extra 300$ dollars. Why, you may ask? Well, apparently, the first 250$ is for my surgeon and the 300$ is for the hospital.FUN!At least this all goes toward my insurances yearly out of pocket maximum. So that's some consolation.

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1149002657779333272006-05-30T11:24:00.000-04:002006-05-30T11:24:17.783-04:00

Hi. This is a test to see if Josh can post to my blog via e-mail while I am under the knife.Hope this works.

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1149002501841720672006-05-30T11:13:00.000-04:002006-05-30T11:22:28.726-04:00

Well Surgery is in 2 days and I am strangely calm. I started listening to Health Journeys, "A Meditation To Promote Successful Surgery" and I have found it quite calming. I've only listened to it twice but I do feel calmer and more ready. Its a bit new agey, but hey, I'm getting my hip chopped open, I'll take what I can get. Try it. This is what the cover looks like. I think I'm

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1148569757861797612006-05-25T11:01:00.000-04:002006-05-25T11:09:17.870-04:00

Okay, we're down to the last week. It was suggested to me last night that I might want to consider renting a recliner to recover in for the first week or two. You see, my living room is curiously devoid of chairs. We own a sofa. It's a rather large sofa. As there are only two of us, it seems to do the trick. However, I must agree that recovery on the sofa would not be pleasant. It is

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1147988833204709072006-05-18T17:24:00.000-04:002006-05-18T17:47:13.213-04:00

2 WEEKS AND COUNTING!! Holy Crap people! OK, freak out over. On to more useful topics. I just received a call from the hospital reminding me to bring 250$ with me as my hospital co-pay. That's it though. There's been no talk of pre-surgical testing. I asked about pre-surgical testing and was informed that we did all of that already at my last appointment with the good doctor. Now, I always

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1147804181614537022006-05-16T14:23:00.000-04:002006-05-16T14:30:53.346-04:00

Well, when there was that whole pre-authorization snafu last week I asked if my doctors office could send me some sort of verification that everything was all worked out. Thank you MUSC Bone and Joint Center! I just received a confirmation fax proving that I am pre-authorized for both hospitalization and surgery on the same date - 6/1/06! I have to say, that aside from that one error which I

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1147613248097137862006-05-14T15:07:00.000-04:002006-05-14T09:27:28.103-04:00

This is just something to consider for your upcoming surgery. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. My insurance requires "pre-authorization" or "pre-certification" (I've heard it called both) before hospitalization or surgery. My advice for you is to DOUBLE CHECK with both your insurance company and your doctor's office for this pre-authorization and get a confirmation number. Your doctor's office

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1147612006967088742006-05-14T09:02:00.000-04:002006-05-14T09:06:46.973-04:00

Holy crap, its only 17 days away. It's really starting to sink in now. Friends were marveling at how well I was taking this up-coming surgery. I was a real trooper. Now, my mind is racing and I am starting to get scared. A wise woman once gave me a very important phrase/mantra which applies in this situation. It is to be repeated as often as necessary. "In _________, this will all be over."

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1147212655263738982006-05-09T17:37:00.001-04:002009-12-15T17:01:11.705-05:00

So, you're been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and they send you off to get a "Hip Arthrogram MRI". This recently happened to me. No one told me what to expect. Here's the deal.I was sent to a hospital for this procedure. The arthrogram comes first, the MRI second. If you're claustrophobic, you might want to consider a sedative for the MRI portion of this event.First, the arthrogram.Basically,

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1147446806628305402006-05-05T10:42:00.000-04:002006-05-28T13:30:18.660-04:00

It took me 10 months and 3 doctors to get the proper diagnosis. In 2002 I was living and working in Philadelphia, PA. I walked 2 miles to work every morning. I didn't own a car so I walked or biked everywhere. I thought SEPTA (the transit system in Philly) was a total rip off. I was taking Vinyasa Power Yoga for about 3-5 hours/week. I felt good. I was never slim. Even as a child I was

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27478508.post-1146674508547862322006-05-03T12:38:00.000-04:002006-05-03T12:42:22.380-04:00

I am starting this blog as a reference and resource for people like me. I was diagnosed with Bi-lateral Congenital Hip Dysplasia when I was 26 years old. I wanted to use this blog to post all of the resources I have found over the years and to track my progress as I undergo and recover from a Peri-Acetabular Osteotomy to treat my right hip.My surgery is scheduled for 6/1/06. I will post full

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07334570460653840957noreply@blogger.com0