4 years ago I experienced drastic change of range of motion with my left leg. Soon after I experienced this burning feeling in my left knee, then it switched to numbness. After dragging myself to the ortho, I had a quick surgery that didn't resolve anything-then SEVERE pain in my hip. But no worries, a couple months later I tore my ACL in my right leg so that took precedence. I distinctly remember meeting with my surgeon the day before my ACL surgery and I was HYPERFOCUSED on my left hip, and he basically told me that our focus was my right ACL.
Fast forward 4 years....and my left hip had noticeably been more of a pain! Last October I had gone to a yoga class for deep hip opening and I never recovered. I started limping and I couldn't take it. I finally made an appointment to talk with an ortho specifically about my hip. I had to get xrays and an MRI with contrast before the appointment. When I went to the doc I was definitely concerned that they would say that nothing was "that wrong" or recommend a "surgery before we could even think about a hip replacement." Instead....I was amazed. My hip was bone on bone in the front, and there was nothing else to do other than get a new hip. I legit couldn't believe it. I had suffered for awhile, and there was a LEGIT reason. I found out that I suffer from hip dysplasia, which is most likely what every Hoffman that had/needed a new hip has!
I ended up going to a new doc because I wanted to doc that would do the anterior method of getting my titanium new hip put in. I went with Dr. Peace, a doc that came highly recommended by my lovely friend who also received a new left hip years ago. I met with him and within 5 minutes we were on the same page. A week later, I was scheduled for Valentines Day.
The whole process leading up to the hip was stressful. My hip pain was progressing, I was limping constantly and MAN do people like to point that out to you. "YUP, it sure does hurt." "No, this isn't normal walking." "Yes, I'm going to have surgery." "I know-I'm young, but yup need a new hip." As we got closer I had an intense fear of getting sick as every kid that entered my office told me how sick they were! I NEEDED THIS SURGERY. So I wore a mask, and hated life for a week because counseling with a mask on is the absolute worst. I also had some pretty intense fears that surfaced a week before that caused many tears.
Fast forward, a week later, I'm in the hospital room by 6am. EVERY SINGLE person I came into contact with was so nice! Super impressed with the whole staff. Russ helped me get prepped for surgery. I was definitely freaked out about getting an spinal-as I hate needles, and LONG needles in your back...nothank you! BUT I got through, and by 9am I was out and awake! Everything is a bit fuzzy, but I do remember getting an xray and asking the nice nurse to send it to my husband so that I could print it off and put it in my workout room:) #badass as always. lol.
I was wheeled up into the room and spent a couple hours there-the majority of the time willing myself to pee. TMI. But I got up and walked, did steps...the PT called me a "pleasant and motivated patient". Sums me up quite nice! As soon as I finally peed we were out of there! We went and got me some food because I was so dang hungry! And I was then home by 4ish. Russ did a great job dealing with my meds and was my night nurse. My friend Sarah came and joined me for 4 days after surgery and LEGIT watched hours of tennis and helped me with so many things-most of all my mental health. My parents helped with the kids, meals, and driving places! Mandy came and checked on me. So many friends texted. One friend sent flowers. My MIL brought down food. One friend sent the "I got a JOINT.....replacement" mug (thank goodness because I secretly wanted this phrase on something of mine). AND my kids...they were so helpful-grabbing ice, helping me lift my leg, hugs, watching shows with me.
Overall I was insanely pleased with the whole thing! The first 2 weeks were a bit rough. Pain was pretty minimal actually...except for my thigh. OHEMGEE my thigh hurt. And then my incisions --that was a bit rough for awhile too. Now my issue is making sure I don't overdo it. BUT I'm telling you I can't even remember when I had pain in my hip?! SO CRAZY! I manage to avoid any significant depression, and there were days I went with tears just because I was pretty darn exhausted. I'm still trying to get my sleep figured out. I have gone months with bad sleep- due to significant hip pain! So hopefully that will shake out real soon!
This weekend I was able to drive myself to my favorite spot in Longmont. I took a chair and journaled, watched a lovely pair of ducks, listened to the water and the trees, and appreciated being present. It was a small hike in and I was carrying things...but I could do it! I have been wanting to do this for such a long time...before surgery I didn't feel like it was worth the pain to walk to the spot! SO YAY. Today--I biked for 15 minutes with NO ISSUES. When I did this before I had this weird catching in my life. Also, today I tied shoes and put on socks-it isn't super fluid yet...but I'm getting close!
I will most likely have a pretty, yet decent scar. Dempsey made the comment that scars are bad. I told her I don't think they are bad...in fact I think they are awesome signs of resilience. BOY do I believe that. So here we go...I met with my trainer and we will slowly get back to things in the next month...and then after that it is GO TIME. I lost out on leg things for awhile because of the pain...but not anymore. I am prepared for some bumps, but I know that they will be just bumps. AND what do we do with bumps....WE JUMPED OVER THEM:)
Much love,
Mom
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