As I sit here writing this, I am watching my 15y.o. daughter and her first boyfriend swim in the pool. It makes me think about where she was at in her life when my hip journey started. She was 12, wore headphones all the time, and obsessed over One Direction. Boys were friends and nothing really more then that. She has grown over these years into a nice young lady. It makes me realize that, even though I have been battling the hip pain, surgeries, physical therapy, and second opinion, life goes on. I get older, my kids get older, and I get closer and closer to this journey being over, at least I hope. I also know that when my children reflect back on their lives as teenagers, they will remember their mom on crutches, recovering from a few surgeries, and fighting for Hip Dysplasia awareness. I know it will make them stronger individuals and more sensitive to people in chronic pain. Besides all that, i know they will remember me trying to make sure they have as normal a life as possible despite all my speed bumps. They are supportive and sensitive to my needs just as I am to theirs. I thank God everyday for them.
At 9 weeks, I have progressed to using a cane to walk. Most of the pain I feel is in my glute muscle and my adductor. Sometimes when the therapist massages my thigh, my IT band is sore. But I am working on my walking and trying to keep up with ab and core work on my own. I can already tell that I have better range of motion in my left hip and that my right one has less! Funny, I didn't think that would happen. My right groin is tight and my left one feels a lot looser. And I am not having that type of pain that I was having pre surgery. So far, I feel that having the FO was the right decision. It is a slow process and I only had 1 minor setback, but everything is going forward.
Next week I return to work. I hope to be off the cane by then, but if not, I will at least be closer to it.
Follow my instagram @happyhealthyhips to see my progress!
