I got my stitches out yesterday, and in the process decided I needed a new internist. Since Dr. Kelly was away yesterday, my first post-op appointment is for next week, at 16 days post-op, but my stitches really had to come out already. So after speaking to his assistant, we decided that it wasn't worth going into the city for her to do it (see previous post) and that my regular doctor could just take them out. Just to add to my frustration from yesterday, when I made my post-op appointment, the receptionist said that if the stitches became a problem, "any nurse could take them out".
So I made an appointment and the doctor says that she doesn't feel comfortable touching another surgeon's work. Seriously. They are 3 tiny incisions, with 3 stitches in each, and it is not like it is plastic surgery or anything, no one sees them....but I digress! I explained that the surgeon is out of town and said anyone can remove them "well they should have called me as a courtesy, this is really unconventional", I was ready to leave, but she decided to go against her better judgement and remove them. I could tell that she doesn't do that too often as she had a hard time with the middle stitch each time, one of the incisions was still open, but it didn't hurt. I left pissed off and feeling queasy for the rest of the day! (surprise)
I am now down to using one crutch in my apartment most of the time, I can even walk a little without the crutches, but it is not pretty! Even one crutch is not so pretty, I have a little trendelemberg, not too bad, but it is there, so I am not ready to come down to one crutch permanently, and there are times I need the second crutch to come rescue me.
I walked about 1/2 mile today to a friend's house and back, I did well, on the operated side. 1st hip still sucks, I am trying not to think about it, I will give it 4 more weeks until I pass full judgement, that gives me 2-3 weeks off of crutches (assuming I get off of them in the next week or 2). I hope I make it 4 weeks without losing it though, I haven't decided if I will bring it up at my appointment this week, I know he will piss me off but just saying it is compensation....I know it may be, but what if it is not????? Ahhhhhhhh
4 comments:
Hi Susie --
I came across your blog on the Yahoo groups and have enjoyed reading of your experiences with HSS and Dr. Kelly. I had surgery with Dr. Kelly the same day as you -- July 2nd. My surgery was at 10:30 AM -- though I did not get into the operating room until 1:30 PM, so our paths probably never crossed. I was discharged from recovery around 7:30 PM. Like you, I can not say enough good things about Kelly and HSS. They made a scary event as pleasant as it could possibly be. I think we also had the same anesthesiologist. She was great, too.
My sugery corrected both CAM and Pincer FAI, as well as labral debridement for a large tear that was beyhond repair. A few other things were performed as well, though I am not sure what exactly, though it is detailed in my post-op report/PT protocol.
My recovery has been very similiar to yours. Good days and bad days, though I am now in more pain than I was pre-op, so I am concerned, particulary as all pre-op pain was 100% gone the first week and a half after surgery. I can now no longer sit without severe discomfort (my number one symptom prior), and in all honesty, it feels as if I never had the surgery at all. I see Kelly on 7/18 for my follow up and suture removal, so will address this with him then. (I too did not wish to travel to NYC when he was not available, so I am living with the stitches in place longer than normal.)
I have been following his protocol to the letter, and am now on 1 crutch, but still using the CPM and GR icing regimine -- mostly for pain relief. I may be doing more than I should, but like yourself, I can not just sit home and rest all day without going crazy.
I am 43 years old, and this was my first hip scope after a 3 year search for a diagnosis for my hip/groin and back pain. I was finally dx with CAM FAI and a torn labrum in April of this year after finally demanding an MRA from my OA docs and a referral to a local (CT) hip specialist.
I hope your recovery continues and wish you well! Thanks for sharing your story.
Jonathan
Jonathan-
Thanks for writing! I also see Dr. Kelly on 7/18. my appt is 10:10, what time is yours? Sorry you were delayed for surgery, I think it was partly my fault as my surgery took longer than planned! My sincerest apologies! That is part of the reason I beg and plead for the first case of the day!!
My first scope sounds the way you are describing yours now, I had greater pain post-op probably for 6 weeks, and I did make a slow and steady recovery, this time I am doing a lot better, I used one crutch all day today, and none in the house, I occassionally get tired and need the second one when I am out.
I take it you are not doing your PT at Star, since you don't like going into the city!!
I hope your pain begins to get better soon, but there is definetely a light at the end of the tunnel! Best of luck and keep me posted on your recovery!
Susie
Hi Susie,
My appointment is at 2:30 PM on Weds., so we will not run into each other.
I am glad that you had such a good day, and are down to a single crutch. That must make life so much easier. Also sounds like this time your recovery is much faster.
I am using STAR for the first month PT (in conjunction with my local PT center.) Benjamin was terrific, and I wanted to stay connected with him for the first 30 days. He has also been speaking with my local therapist regarding the protocol, so I am comfortable that I am in good hands. I will see Ben Weds. before I see Kelly.
I went to my office for the first time today -- a LONG day, and I am exhausted, and in pain, but it felt good to be back at work and interacting with people again. I will work from home the next couple of weeks, as the commute of 2.5 hours round trip was too much sitting at this point in my recovery.
Stay in touch, and I will keep an eye on your blog for regular progress reports. Keep pushing through!! :)
Thanks! -- Jonathan
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