SARTORIUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I waltzed into PT yesterday 40 minutes late and begged P to take me! He did luckily bc the tightness is making me insane. I aksed him to figure out something new, tear some tissue, break scar tissue, jump on my leg, surgically release it.......I was desperate and annoyed! After he calmed me down, he got to work. He palpated sartorius on each side and found it was more prominent on the right, more tight and more tender. Aha! So off he went to ART it and do his magic. He also continued with the PA mobs in prone with some ER followed by a serious hip flexor stretch with a dose of contract-relax. I felt amamzing when I finally had to get up and see patients. Best I have felt in a while!
Unfortunately, I worked a REALLY long day yesterday to cover someones vacation, and I am working today to cover as well, so after 8 hours straight on my feet, I was in pain and (gasp) limping a little. I am better this morning and getting ready for another long day in the office.
Interestingly, as P was working, he was feeling around my scope sites on my 'tender' area and it has become a little bit numb. Par for the course I guess. It still burns at times as well, and I keep forgetting to try the Lidocaine patches. Lets see if today I can remember!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thank You To the Wonderful People in My Billing Department
I just received this letter in the mail:
Informational copy only. Original letter addressed to MSPT (my office)
Dear Billing Department:
We're responding to your 011708 inquiry about our processing Susie on 12/26/07.
We determined that we processed this claim accurately and no further payment is due. The reason (s) is listed at the bottom of this letter.
Network physicians/ other health care professionals/ facilities: Please refer to your administrative guide for further review options.
Non network physicians: Please refer to the PRA for any review rights that may be available to you.
If you have questions about this letter please call customer care.
Under the plan, notification was required but not received. Therefore, we have declined payment for the service because requirements of the plan were not met.
Let me explain the absurdity of this. First of all, I have been in PT for 10 months now (and counting). My plan only allows for 30 PT visits/ year, in or out of network. My office is in network, but my therapist is out of network (it is a big game we play with the insurance companies). To access my in-network benefits, authorization is needed by an outsourced PT company who will read P's notes and 'approve' x number of visits. Then he requests more, and it becomes a pile up of paperwork and a losing battle with the insurance company. I have out of network benefits too. These do not require authorization (i.e prior notification), and get billed at a higher rate and paid at a higher rate. So the billing department has been billing out of network. It is great for everyone. I get my deductible taken care of (they obviously don't charge me), P has no paperwork, and the office gets paid more. These out of network visits are also capped at 30, but no one seemed to notice, or someone in the billing department appealed them...who knows. All I know is that PT has been paid for, very well I might add, for the last 10 months. And I have definitely exceeded 30 visits (I think I exceeded 30 visits with one surgery alone! Dr.Kelly's PT protocol is for 1x/week x 1st month, 2x/week 2nd month, 3x/week 3rd month) At some point in time, it became more difficult to bill out of network so the billing people started billing in network. They have done so for a while, and now, United Healthcare realized there was no authorization. Oops!
I keep forgetting to count the total # of visits I have had, it is scary though! I have an appintment tomorrow that I am keeping!
I am finally feeling less tight in the capsule. Ironically, I have not been on my bike since Thursday bc of all the family outings. Tonight I am finally in bed, alone, and ready to sleep ALOT!
Informational copy only. Original letter addressed to MSPT (my office)
Dear Billing Department:
We're responding to your 011708 inquiry about our processing Susie on 12/26/07.
We determined that we processed this claim accurately and no further payment is due. The reason (s) is listed at the bottom of this letter.
Network physicians/ other health care professionals/ facilities: Please refer to your administrative guide for further review options.
Non network physicians: Please refer to the PRA for any review rights that may be available to you.
If you have questions about this letter please call customer care.
Under the plan, notification was required but not received. Therefore, we have declined payment for the service because requirements of the plan were not met.
Let me explain the absurdity of this. First of all, I have been in PT for 10 months now (and counting). My plan only allows for 30 PT visits/ year, in or out of network. My office is in network, but my therapist is out of network (it is a big game we play with the insurance companies). To access my in-network benefits, authorization is needed by an outsourced PT company who will read P's notes and 'approve' x number of visits. Then he requests more, and it becomes a pile up of paperwork and a losing battle with the insurance company. I have out of network benefits too. These do not require authorization (i.e prior notification), and get billed at a higher rate and paid at a higher rate. So the billing department has been billing out of network. It is great for everyone. I get my deductible taken care of (they obviously don't charge me), P has no paperwork, and the office gets paid more. These out of network visits are also capped at 30, but no one seemed to notice, or someone in the billing department appealed them...who knows. All I know is that PT has been paid for, very well I might add, for the last 10 months. And I have definitely exceeded 30 visits (I think I exceeded 30 visits with one surgery alone! Dr.Kelly's PT protocol is for 1x/week x 1st month, 2x/week 2nd month, 3x/week 3rd month) At some point in time, it became more difficult to bill out of network so the billing people started billing in network. They have done so for a while, and now, United Healthcare realized there was no authorization. Oops!
I keep forgetting to count the total # of visits I have had, it is scary though! I have an appintment tomorrow that I am keeping!
I am finally feeling less tight in the capsule. Ironically, I have not been on my bike since Thursday bc of all the family outings. Tonight I am finally in bed, alone, and ready to sleep ALOT!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thank Goodness Tomorrow is Monday
I think this has been the longest weekend of my life. Let me explain.....My parents have had a trip planned to NY for a while, they were going to stay with us and my aunt and uncle decided to tag along too to see the kiddies. As luck would have it, my sister in law gave birth to twins this week, which has turned things completely upside down. See, Jewish people don't just have babies, they have babies then have parties and celebrations galore. So to join in the celebration, J's older sister plus hubby and 3 kids came to NY....and stayed with us. My parents ended up at a hotel. I hosted Friday night dinner and Saturday lunch here for 11. Plus a Tupperware party tonight (planned ages ago). So.....after cooking, serving, cleaning, dealing with family 'politics' and wearing heels ALOT, I think I am ready to cut off my right leg. We are having a huge issue bc it does not like when I wear heels, and, well, at this point, I am soooooo wearing heels. We are 2 1/2 months out from my revision scope, this is ridiculous. Even my ITB is screaming at me today, pleading with me to retire my high heeled boots (they are so cute, with a little flower on the side!)
Friday night, I wore wedges to the baby party. I had so much pain, I wanted to cry. I left the party early, using the excuse that Jk had to go to bed, and was fine in the AM. But I really had groin pain, I don't think it was like pre-op pain, more adductors, psoas pain and of course capsule pain too. Saturday, I wore those shoes again, hell is all I can think to describe the state of my hip. Today I donned the cute boots, hell, changed into Uggs for an outing to the zoo, better, but not great, and then high heeled boots again for my party! I am in bed with so much soreness now, not so much pain anymore, but soreness. Adductors, ITB, TFL, all a mess.
To add to the fun and excitement, my numb/tender areas are burning again. If I can get it together enough, I will try a lidocaine patch tomorrow for work. But I am so tired, I dont know if I will remember! As I type, my eyes are closing....so, you get the picture, I overdid it this weekend in a housewife type of way!
Friday night, I wore wedges to the baby party. I had so much pain, I wanted to cry. I left the party early, using the excuse that Jk had to go to bed, and was fine in the AM. But I really had groin pain, I don't think it was like pre-op pain, more adductors, psoas pain and of course capsule pain too. Saturday, I wore those shoes again, hell is all I can think to describe the state of my hip. Today I donned the cute boots, hell, changed into Uggs for an outing to the zoo, better, but not great, and then high heeled boots again for my party! I am in bed with so much soreness now, not so much pain anymore, but soreness. Adductors, ITB, TFL, all a mess.
To add to the fun and excitement, my numb/tender areas are burning again. If I can get it together enough, I will try a lidocaine patch tomorrow for work. But I am so tired, I dont know if I will remember! As I type, my eyes are closing....so, you get the picture, I overdid it this weekend in a housewife type of way!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Iceskating, Cold weather and the Expected Aftermath
We all ice skated yesterday. Amy gave L a 'lesson', although L was more interested in seeing the ice on her mitten after each fall, and Jk dragged me around the ice on his miniature ice skates! A good time was had my all (except Amy's ankle and my IT band).
Truth be told, my hip held up amazingly well, I had the tender spot issues last night and of course the capsule tightened up again. It also clicks, did I ever mention that? Not snapping or popping, but clicking, but not like the labral tear clicking. Scar tissue maybe? Who knows?
Very interesting (and quite painful actually)- I went out this afternoon to pick up L from school and right as I got into the cold, my joint tightened up and became painful. It did loosen as I continued to walk, but it was so weird that it just tightened like that.
At this point, my only issues seem to be the joint capsule tightening issue and the nerve damage/ tender area issue. It is a fair trade-off for being able to have my life back!
Truth be told, my hip held up amazingly well, I had the tender spot issues last night and of course the capsule tightened up again. It also clicks, did I ever mention that? Not snapping or popping, but clicking, but not like the labral tear clicking. Scar tissue maybe? Who knows?
Very interesting (and quite painful actually)- I went out this afternoon to pick up L from school and right as I got into the cold, my joint tightened up and became painful. It did loosen as I continued to walk, but it was so weird that it just tightened like that.
At this point, my only issues seem to be the joint capsule tightening issue and the nerve damage/ tender area issue. It is a fair trade-off for being able to have my life back!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
As Tight as a.....
I can't think of a simile, but my hip is TIGHT. As I was riding tonight, I got into some standing sprints for the first time, but it felt as if there was a cord wrapping tighter and tighter around around my hip with each revolution, until I couldn't take it anymore. I kept saying to myself, 'it is not your problem, P will deal with it tomorrow...' but hell no, it is my problem now! Especially since Jk is asleep and I have no one to sit on my leg and stretch me!
Interestingly, I had a pretty shitty day on Sunday and Monday. Ironically, those 2 days were really really cold, the kind of days where you don't want to go outside unless absolutely necessary, the days where you drive down a street in Manhattan and there are no people on the sidewalk. Why is the cold bothering me so much???? I was between Tylenol and Darvocet, I was going to start with Tylenol and then take a Darvocet if it didn't help but it must have bc I never went for the stronger stuff!
I am going ice skating again tomorrow with hipster Amy, who has been banned from the ice by Dr. Kelly, but L really wants to learn how to skate! I am more nervous about freezing my ass off than breaking something since we are going to the Wollman Rink in Central Park, the indoor rinks are closed tomorrow or don't have public hours, I already started packing a bag with extra socks and sweaters! You can take the girl out of Miami, but you can't take Miami out the girl (did I ever mention I was from Miami, and have been 'stuck' in NY since college???)
On a positive note, I think I had the best ride tonight since my revision scope! YAY!!!
Just curious....should I still call scope#1 a 'failed hip arthroscopy' or 'part 1 of the job for my right hip'!
Also, I think I have to change my profile since I mention the 'twisting/popping' incident and really, it has nothing to do with anything, other than sending everyone down the wrong path on the ever so fun investigation of 'why does my hip hurt AFTER my arthroscopy?"
(I have to stop exercising at night, I have way too much energy)
Interestingly, I had a pretty shitty day on Sunday and Monday. Ironically, those 2 days were really really cold, the kind of days where you don't want to go outside unless absolutely necessary, the days where you drive down a street in Manhattan and there are no people on the sidewalk. Why is the cold bothering me so much???? I was between Tylenol and Darvocet, I was going to start with Tylenol and then take a Darvocet if it didn't help but it must have bc I never went for the stronger stuff!
I am going ice skating again tomorrow with hipster Amy, who has been banned from the ice by Dr. Kelly, but L really wants to learn how to skate! I am more nervous about freezing my ass off than breaking something since we are going to the Wollman Rink in Central Park, the indoor rinks are closed tomorrow or don't have public hours, I already started packing a bag with extra socks and sweaters! You can take the girl out of Miami, but you can't take Miami out the girl (did I ever mention I was from Miami, and have been 'stuck' in NY since college???)
On a positive note, I think I had the best ride tonight since my revision scope! YAY!!!
Just curious....should I still call scope#1 a 'failed hip arthroscopy' or 'part 1 of the job for my right hip'!
Also, I think I have to change my profile since I mention the 'twisting/popping' incident and really, it has nothing to do with anything, other than sending everyone down the wrong path on the ever so fun investigation of 'why does my hip hurt AFTER my arthroscopy?"
(I have to stop exercising at night, I have way too much energy)
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Importance of PT (blah blah blah)
I returned to PT, again. I am going to stop being such a hotshot and STOP dropping out. I even made another appointment for Wednesday. See, I am having some joint capsule issues, yes, after hip arthroscopy, even 9 weeks later (or am I at 10....I have lost track) you can still have these ridiculous issues. It is a joke at this point, I am fixed, yet still having issues.
My capsule is so tight, P did work hard (thanks P) and is surprised at how tight I get. The mobility within the joint is poor (not my ROM, but the joint accessory motion), I am stiff. Since we are having so much fun already, m gait becomes stiff and I begin to lose extension, again. So I walk slightly 'off', and now my back hurts AHHHHHHHHH.
Luckily, it is stiffness in my back, and luckily, the people I work with are amazing and can quickly help me. Interestingly, the pain travels along my vertebrae. Yesterday, I pointed to where it hurt and P said it was L3-4. He did a manipulation on it, and it was better. Then my thoracic spine hurt, so I recruited another PT (I was too embarrassed to tell P something else hurt) so he manipulated my T-spine. I think every vertebrae 'popped' with one quick manip! When I got home, my lumbar spine hurt again and I really needed to 'crack it'. Clearly, J is not skilled or trained in this, so I have been doing this twisty rotation thing hoping to elicit a pop, I have not been all that successful.I did go on my foam roller for a while and it helped, but I need some PT too!
Back pain is worse than hip pain bc I can find few positions that alleviate it, other than lying on my stomach with a pillow under me.
And the fun continues! When will this end?
I do plan on ice skating this week though, back pain or no back pain.I had grand plans to go rock climbing this weekend but the gym I chose is closed for a competition, so it will have to wait! But I am so excited to do it again!!
My capsule is so tight, P did work hard (thanks P) and is surprised at how tight I get. The mobility within the joint is poor (not my ROM, but the joint accessory motion), I am stiff. Since we are having so much fun already, m gait becomes stiff and I begin to lose extension, again. So I walk slightly 'off', and now my back hurts AHHHHHHHHH.
Luckily, it is stiffness in my back, and luckily, the people I work with are amazing and can quickly help me. Interestingly, the pain travels along my vertebrae. Yesterday, I pointed to where it hurt and P said it was L3-4. He did a manipulation on it, and it was better. Then my thoracic spine hurt, so I recruited another PT (I was too embarrassed to tell P something else hurt) so he manipulated my T-spine. I think every vertebrae 'popped' with one quick manip! When I got home, my lumbar spine hurt again and I really needed to 'crack it'. Clearly, J is not skilled or trained in this, so I have been doing this twisty rotation thing hoping to elicit a pop, I have not been all that successful.I did go on my foam roller for a while and it helped, but I need some PT too!
Back pain is worse than hip pain bc I can find few positions that alleviate it, other than lying on my stomach with a pillow under me.
And the fun continues! When will this end?
I do plan on ice skating this week though, back pain or no back pain.I had grand plans to go rock climbing this weekend but the gym I chose is closed for a competition, so it will have to wait! But I am so excited to do it again!!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
I am in Adductor Hell
Poor P, he just doesn't get it. He is going to be shocked tomorrow at how things have deteriorated in the 'PT addressable area' tomorrow (as opposed to the 'surgeon addressable area'). My muscles and joint capsule are so tight, it hurts so much. I contemplated taking a Darvocet today the adductor was so bad. I ended up lying on the floor in a FABER position and having Jk sit on my knee to stretch it out. I want it to 'pop', or something, I think I am developing scar tissue in there and it is contributing to my problem. So it has been a rough day!
To top things off, I took the kids to CVS, which for some reason unbeknown to me, makes them wild. So we finally got out of there in one piece and Jk needed a diaper change. It was snowing and cold, but we had no choice. So I started doing it in the passenger seat of my car, but then realized I ran out of wipes. "Shit', I said. To which L replied 'Mommy, that is not a nice word.'
Someone actually asked me today if I can 'feel the cold' in my hips. I am not sure if any of this is weather related. I like to think it is not, since I reserve thatfor 90 year old little old ladies with arthritic hips (so I fit 50% of that description). Hmmmmmm, maybe I can!
Everyone is in bed, I am also getting ready to get in bed soon and watch Gossip Girl on Tivo.
To top things off, I took the kids to CVS, which for some reason unbeknown to me, makes them wild. So we finally got out of there in one piece and Jk needed a diaper change. It was snowing and cold, but we had no choice. So I started doing it in the passenger seat of my car, but then realized I ran out of wipes. "Shit', I said. To which L replied 'Mommy, that is not a nice word.'
Someone actually asked me today if I can 'feel the cold' in my hips. I am not sure if any of this is weather related. I like to think it is not, since I reserve thatfor 90 year old little old ladies with arthritic hips (so I fit 50% of that description). Hmmmmmm, maybe I can!
Everyone is in bed, I am also getting ready to get in bed soon and watch Gossip Girl on Tivo.
An Update to Last Night's Post
My adductor is in a knot, causing me to believe I am having joint pain. Due to the close proximity of the insertion of the adductors, I have been on the verge of losing it (again). Luckily, I decided to stretch last night, and low and behold, adductor was the culprit. It REALLY hurts though, to the point that I am considering a Darvocet to get through today, until I see P tomorrow and he can 'make nice' with my adductor!
*********My Joint is fine**************
*********My Joint is fine**************
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Just To Keep everyone on the Edge of Their Seats...
My hip hurts. I am pretty sure the muscles are acting up, but I am f___ing annoyed. See, we are past this. It is like a relationship, we should be done with the awkward, getting to know you part, and be on to the 'romantic walks on the beach', or rock climbing and spinning together. I have yet to 'poke around' the area to figure it out. Yes, instead of sitting my lazy butt in front of the computer, I should be stretching, but I had such a great ride tonight I want to relax a little.
Maybe it is wishful thinking (I am rambling again...I know), but before the FAI was bulldozed out, I could literally take my index finger and point to where the pain was. This pain is readily identified with the entire pinky side of my hand, from the tip of my finger to my wrist, right in the joint crease.
Also, pesky adductor is acting up again. I need to get off of the computer and stretch....I did make an appointment to see P on Friday morning, which means I am, once again, not a PT dropout. Lets keep me at PT PRN status. I actually received a prescription from a doctor today which said PT at 'my discretion'! So I am doing the same....but for myself.
I play this game called 'what if I was my own patient', to see how I would handle this muscle issue. Firstly, I would not approve of rock climbing or ice skating yet. Maybe spinning, but low-level. Definitely not what I have been doing some nights, like tonight. Did I mention I hurt more now that I am off of the bike than I did before I got on? Oops, I left out some important details. I also had a crazy day at work plus I cooked dinner for 2 other families tonight. Ok, so maybe I don't practice what I would otherwise preach. But this hip shit is getting really old.
Maybe it is wishful thinking (I am rambling again...I know), but before the FAI was bulldozed out, I could literally take my index finger and point to where the pain was. This pain is readily identified with the entire pinky side of my hand, from the tip of my finger to my wrist, right in the joint crease.
Also, pesky adductor is acting up again. I need to get off of the computer and stretch....I did make an appointment to see P on Friday morning, which means I am, once again, not a PT dropout. Lets keep me at PT PRN status. I actually received a prescription from a doctor today which said PT at 'my discretion'! So I am doing the same....but for myself.
I play this game called 'what if I was my own patient', to see how I would handle this muscle issue. Firstly, I would not approve of rock climbing or ice skating yet. Maybe spinning, but low-level. Definitely not what I have been doing some nights, like tonight. Did I mention I hurt more now that I am off of the bike than I did before I got on? Oops, I left out some important details. I also had a crazy day at work plus I cooked dinner for 2 other families tonight. Ok, so maybe I don't practice what I would otherwise preach. But this hip shit is getting really old.
Rough Day in Hipville
L was off of school today for some teacher preparation/total BS day. So I decided to be super mom. I took both kids to an indoor nature center. They had fun, petting snakes, chinchillas and ferrets. Since things were going so well, we headed to the supermarket, where they both decided to have meltdowns, until cookies magically appeared. Since the cookies calmed them down, I decided to push my luck and headed to a craft store.
Let me backtrack on the craft thing. I am not crafty, at all. I felt so out of place in the craft store, like I needed a few more piercings and Birkenstocks. For the longest time, I have wanted to try a project. It is called BeautiFill. I have an empty bowl with compartments, and you are supposed to fill it. Hard to visualize so I have included pictures. (see below) I decided to fill the bowl with silk flowers, it looks great! The kids were a disaster in the store. They were exhausted and weren't letting me put my things int he cart, crying for stickers, books, candy.....you get the picture. Luckily, we made it out alive, with a few dirty looks from complete strangers, and safely into the car. They both fell asleep in the car!
My evening did end on a funny/ embarassing note though! L is into the Cha Cha Slide. The singer goes through a verse where he says 'funky funky funky funky'. We were getting pizza for dinner and L started singing the song, but she leaves out the 'N' in funky, boy was I embarrassed.
L has some new bones she knows, to date she knows: Scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, phalanges, clavicle, sternum, ribs, femur, patella, tibia, fibula, calcaneus, phalanges. Plus Gluteus maximus and hamstrings. Now, when I ask her if she knows what a hip looks like, she does that classic fist with one hand, other hand over it, then she takes the cupped hand and says 'this is the acetabulum'. She is a genius!
Let me backtrack on the craft thing. I am not crafty, at all. I felt so out of place in the craft store, like I needed a few more piercings and Birkenstocks. For the longest time, I have wanted to try a project. It is called BeautiFill. I have an empty bowl with compartments, and you are supposed to fill it. Hard to visualize so I have included pictures. (see below) I decided to fill the bowl with silk flowers, it looks great! The kids were a disaster in the store. They were exhausted and weren't letting me put my things int he cart, crying for stickers, books, candy.....you get the picture. Luckily, we made it out alive, with a few dirty looks from complete strangers, and safely into the car. They both fell asleep in the car!
My evening did end on a funny/ embarassing note though! L is into the Cha Cha Slide. The singer goes through a verse where he says 'funky funky funky funky'. We were getting pizza for dinner and L started singing the song, but she leaves out the 'N' in funky, boy was I embarrassed.
L has some new bones she knows, to date she knows: Scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, phalanges, clavicle, sternum, ribs, femur, patella, tibia, fibula, calcaneus, phalanges. Plus Gluteus maximus and hamstrings. Now, when I ask her if she knows what a hip looks like, she does that classic fist with one hand, other hand over it, then she takes the cupped hand and says 'this is the acetabulum'. She is a genius!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Rain, Rain Go Away
I woke up early this morning, anticipating 6 inches of snow, so I had to give myself plenty of time to dig out my car and make it to work. I woke up to rain. Yuck. But better than snow! It rained all day, it was a dreary, cold, January day in New York. The weather made my hip feel achey. Like an old lady. I could 'feel the rain'.
I was hoping for a snow day, the office would have been slow, yesterday we all took a continuing education course, so a slow day would have been great for practicing! But what I got was a rainy, achey day.
Being that I was at my office yesterday, and P was there too, I took advantage and had him mob my hip. I have been getting tight again, the same joint capsule, stiffy feeling. Not the clamping down feeling, more like tight and stiff. So he worked his magic and I was happy. I don't think that counts as 'PT', so I am putting myself back into dropout status.
My tender area near the top of my thigh, around my scope sites miraculously got better the day I picked up the Lidocaine patches. It is not 100%, but it has gotten better. I have been having some burning too, in the tender area as well as directly above my knee, where I was numb immediately post-op. I have not tried the patches yet.
To add to all of this fun, I think I am entering into a Crohn's flare-up. I have upped my meds and will self treat for the time being! I had a feeling it was coming, I have been exhausted the past few days and wasn't too sure why. Now I know!
Maybe we will have a snow day later in the week and can practice our new techniques. I finished a continuing education course yesterday and signed up for a new one in April. I think I will be going alone though. It will be difficult to go with no friends, especially since I am always embarrassed at all of my postural 'dysfunctions'! Yesterday, I was having trouble with my hand placement for a technique, so the instructor came over to help me and asked if I could pronate my wrist more, since it looked like I wasn't fully pronated....Nope...I am tight all over!!!! Oh well, I still 'got it', and now officially work for the best PT practice in my area, as voted so by the residents!!!
I was hoping for a snow day, the office would have been slow, yesterday we all took a continuing education course, so a slow day would have been great for practicing! But what I got was a rainy, achey day.
Being that I was at my office yesterday, and P was there too, I took advantage and had him mob my hip. I have been getting tight again, the same joint capsule, stiffy feeling. Not the clamping down feeling, more like tight and stiff. So he worked his magic and I was happy. I don't think that counts as 'PT', so I am putting myself back into dropout status.
My tender area near the top of my thigh, around my scope sites miraculously got better the day I picked up the Lidocaine patches. It is not 100%, but it has gotten better. I have been having some burning too, in the tender area as well as directly above my knee, where I was numb immediately post-op. I have not tried the patches yet.
To add to all of this fun, I think I am entering into a Crohn's flare-up. I have upped my meds and will self treat for the time being! I had a feeling it was coming, I have been exhausted the past few days and wasn't too sure why. Now I know!
Maybe we will have a snow day later in the week and can practice our new techniques. I finished a continuing education course yesterday and signed up for a new one in April. I think I will be going alone though. It will be difficult to go with no friends, especially since I am always embarrassed at all of my postural 'dysfunctions'! Yesterday, I was having trouble with my hand placement for a technique, so the instructor came over to help me and asked if I could pronate my wrist more, since it looked like I wasn't fully pronated....Nope...I am tight all over!!!! Oh well, I still 'got it', and now officially work for the best PT practice in my area, as voted so by the residents!!!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Cost of Hip Arthroscopy and its Associated Procedures
Amount Billed Vs. Amount Paid by my Insurance Company
Surgery #1
X-Rays $206 $35
MRI $1984 $1614
Intra-articular Injection $1545 $1329
Hip Brace $1100 $684
Surgery $25600 $2268
Anesthesia $2015 $2015
Hospital Bill $15677 $6642
Surgery #2
X-Rays $297 $36
MRI/ Injection (bundled fee since it was done in one day) $3538 $3044
Hip Brace $1100 $684
Surgery $31700 $2831
Anesthesia $2635 $2635
Hospital Bill $18582 $12192
Surgery #3
MRI $1997 $1776
Intra-articular injection $867 $340
CT Scan $467 $467
Psoas Injection $321 $181
Surgery $23100 $1991
Anesthesia $2170 $2170
Hospital Bill $16210 $7849
Many Thanks to United Healthcare for footing the bill, leaving me with no out of pocket fees other than a few co-pays for office visits (not included in this list) and not requiring authorization for any test or procedure. Also, many thanks to J's company for providing this fabulous health insurance!
*Not included in this list are radiologist fees for reading each scan and scans associated with injections and surgeries, office visits, lab fees, cost of the gameready and CPM, plane tickets purchased by my mom, change of fare fees made by mom when extending her stay, co-pays for many, many narcotics, Millennial crutches, lost wages at work, parking garage fees in Manhattan!! (tack on $50/ surgery and a little bit less for office visits!!)
Added on 11/1/10
After successfully fighting and winning my appeal, here is what was billed and paid for in surgery #4
Surgery #4
Billed vs Paid
Hip MRI $2197 $1887
Intra articular injection (cortisone)$1064 $268
Capsule Injection (PRP) $1034 $449
Synvisc One $884 $692
Intra articular injection (Synvisc One) $1064 $298
CT Scan $835 $835
Surgeon's Fee # 4* $19600 $6750
Hospital Fees # 4 $19831 $8533
Anesthesia #4 $2864 $2857
Post-op MRI $2310 $1898
*After appealing to UHC since this procedure was initially denied
A list of ICD-9 and CPT codes used for my surgeries
Surgery #1
X-Rays $206 $35
MRI $1984 $1614
Intra-articular Injection $1545 $1329
Hip Brace $1100 $684
Surgery $25600 $2268
Anesthesia $2015 $2015
Hospital Bill $15677 $6642
Surgery #2
X-Rays $297 $36
MRI/ Injection (bundled fee since it was done in one day) $3538 $3044
Hip Brace $1100 $684
Surgery $31700 $2831
Anesthesia $2635 $2635
Hospital Bill $18582 $12192
Surgery #3
MRI $1997 $1776
Intra-articular injection $867 $340
CT Scan $467 $467
Psoas Injection $321 $181
Surgery $23100 $1991
Anesthesia $2170 $2170
Hospital Bill $16210 $7849
Many Thanks to United Healthcare for footing the bill, leaving me with no out of pocket fees other than a few co-pays for office visits (not included in this list) and not requiring authorization for any test or procedure. Also, many thanks to J's company for providing this fabulous health insurance!
*Not included in this list are radiologist fees for reading each scan and scans associated with injections and surgeries, office visits, lab fees, cost of the gameready and CPM, plane tickets purchased by my mom, change of fare fees made by mom when extending her stay, co-pays for many, many narcotics, Millennial crutches, lost wages at work, parking garage fees in Manhattan!! (tack on $50/ surgery and a little bit less for office visits!!)
Added on 11/1/10
After successfully fighting and winning my appeal, here is what was billed and paid for in surgery #4
Surgery #4
Billed vs Paid
Hip MRI $2197 $1887
Intra articular injection (cortisone)$1064 $268
Capsule Injection (PRP) $1034 $449
Synvisc One $884 $692
Intra articular injection (Synvisc One) $1064 $298
CT Scan $835 $835
Surgeon's Fee # 4* $19600 $6750
Hospital Fees # 4 $19831 $8533
Anesthesia #4 $2864 $2857
Post-op MRI $2310 $1898
*After appealing to UHC since this procedure was initially denied
A list of ICD-9 and CPT codes used for my surgeries
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Landsickness
No, I am not being facetious. I have friggin' land sickness. I have been off of the boat since Monday morning yet my body feels like I am rocking. Clearly, it is all in head, or brain, or ears...or something! I have discovered these acupressure sea bands that seem to be helping, but I have to always wear long sleeves to cover them up for fear of looking like a bigger lunatic than I already am!
The cruise was great, rock climbing was incredible. It was definitely a personal achievement, not bc I need to climb walls to feel accomplished, but my hip can handle it, which makes me feel awesome! Kudos to P and Dr. Kelly for making it happen!
At this point, things are great. I can feel like there is 'something' in my hips, the left one (6 months out) feels more 'confident' when I walk, run, ride....The right still has occasional adductor issues. Time will heal!
I am in limbo with PT! The day I left for the cruise was the same day as I had the horrible capsule issues after scope #2 (7 weeks, 5 days). That day, the joint capsule started tightening. Shit, I thought, its happening again. But I tried to stretch it as often and discreetly as possible (in the airport and on the plane) and warded off an attack by my angry joint capsule. I did take Darvocet that day, just to be sure I wouldn't have issues. I didn't take any again bc I was on vacation, without the kids, so drinking was a must :-) I even went off of my antibiotics for the weekend (I know, me being smart again).
I saw P on Wed., we focused mostly on joint mobs for the capsule, we are definitely being preventative on this. I have no appointments set up for the future right now. We will play it by ear. I have not been on my bike since returning due to my dizziness issue, which sucks, although I think it is better than nausea bc I can function for the most part, and I am not throwing up (knock on wood). If by Sat. I still feel dizzy, I will ride anyway. My goal for 2008 is not to see doctors...dizziness included!
When I first began my 'hipscope research', there were so few success stories. I am proud to be a success story x 2!
p
Stay tuned.....The Cost of Hip Arthorscopy....coming the next time I post!
The cruise was great, rock climbing was incredible. It was definitely a personal achievement, not bc I need to climb walls to feel accomplished, but my hip can handle it, which makes me feel awesome! Kudos to P and Dr. Kelly for making it happen!
At this point, things are great. I can feel like there is 'something' in my hips, the left one (6 months out) feels more 'confident' when I walk, run, ride....The right still has occasional adductor issues. Time will heal!
I am in limbo with PT! The day I left for the cruise was the same day as I had the horrible capsule issues after scope #2 (7 weeks, 5 days). That day, the joint capsule started tightening. Shit, I thought, its happening again. But I tried to stretch it as often and discreetly as possible (in the airport and on the plane) and warded off an attack by my angry joint capsule. I did take Darvocet that day, just to be sure I wouldn't have issues. I didn't take any again bc I was on vacation, without the kids, so drinking was a must :-) I even went off of my antibiotics for the weekend (I know, me being smart again).
I saw P on Wed., we focused mostly on joint mobs for the capsule, we are definitely being preventative on this. I have no appointments set up for the future right now. We will play it by ear. I have not been on my bike since returning due to my dizziness issue, which sucks, although I think it is better than nausea bc I can function for the most part, and I am not throwing up (knock on wood). If by Sat. I still feel dizzy, I will ride anyway. My goal for 2008 is not to see doctors...dizziness included!
When I first began my 'hipscope research', there were so few success stories. I am proud to be a success story x 2!
p
Stay tuned.....The Cost of Hip Arthorscopy....coming the next time I post!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
I am No Longer a Drop-Out, I am a 'Crawler Backer'
Today is the one year anniversary of my first appointment with Dr. Kelly. Who would have thought that after a long argument with his receptionist 13 months ago, who almost refused to give me an appointment because my injury was not 'sports related', that I would be recovering from not 1, not 2, but 3 surgeries...all done by him. I told you so!!!!
I have been busy the past few days, J and I are going away for the weekend, without the kids. We are going on a weekend cruise to the Bahamas, and my in-laws are watching L and Jk. I have been furiously cleaning up he apartment, not cleaning cleaning, but putting things away.Like all of my maternity clothes which were stacked on our treadmill, someone wanted to borrow 1 shirt, so I had to pull all of it out, and then repack it. The desk is a mess, , my Spinning Bike is in the way.......basically make it look like I didn't have surgery 7 weeks ago and my nanny is really not on vacation!
I had to return to PT. To add insult to injury, P said 'I knew you would be back...it was only a matter of time.' I think I am hitting my 7-8 week dip.This has happened in the past, I regress for a while but eventually do come back.I have been having a lot of muscular pain, mostly adductors and TFL, maybe some psoas and occasional piriformis spasms (nice). My anterior capsule is also pretty tight, this is why I developed a limp a few days ago, I have lost extension, yet again. Since this was a sudden decision, I had to go in today, on a day I don't normally work. Even though P really mobed the heck out of it, I am tight. He also worked my psoas, iliacus, adductors and stretched my hip flexors. I am typing in bed, and just took half of a Darvocet to take the edge off. Just a reminder...the last time I took a painkiller was post-op Day 2. I am not a happy camper...plus I have to begin (and finish) packing for my trip.
I received a call form one of Dr.Kelly's people yesterday, I was supposed to call them at 6 weeks post-op to report on my progress. We discussed the tenderness issue, and she said it sounded like a 'nerve thing'. She said they don't write for Lidocaine patches, but she will discuss it with him.I told her that he had said that if the nerve issues got bad, he could give me Lyrica...which I DON'T want. She admitted that she doesn't think it works anyway!!! I am waiting to hear back...no call today though...surprise surprise!!!
I am a little bit nervous since I am exactly where I was after scope #2 when the post-op pain got really really bad. Hopefully this won't happen...but I am taking Darvocet on the cruise!
I have been busy the past few days, J and I are going away for the weekend, without the kids. We are going on a weekend cruise to the Bahamas, and my in-laws are watching L and Jk. I have been furiously cleaning up he apartment, not cleaning cleaning, but putting things away.Like all of my maternity clothes which were stacked on our treadmill, someone wanted to borrow 1 shirt, so I had to pull all of it out, and then repack it. The desk is a mess, , my Spinning Bike is in the way.......basically make it look like I didn't have surgery 7 weeks ago and my nanny is really not on vacation!
I had to return to PT. To add insult to injury, P said 'I knew you would be back...it was only a matter of time.' I think I am hitting my 7-8 week dip.This has happened in the past, I regress for a while but eventually do come back.I have been having a lot of muscular pain, mostly adductors and TFL, maybe some psoas and occasional piriformis spasms (nice). My anterior capsule is also pretty tight, this is why I developed a limp a few days ago, I have lost extension, yet again. Since this was a sudden decision, I had to go in today, on a day I don't normally work. Even though P really mobed the heck out of it, I am tight. He also worked my psoas, iliacus, adductors and stretched my hip flexors. I am typing in bed, and just took half of a Darvocet to take the edge off. Just a reminder...the last time I took a painkiller was post-op Day 2. I am not a happy camper...plus I have to begin (and finish) packing for my trip.
I received a call form one of Dr.Kelly's people yesterday, I was supposed to call them at 6 weeks post-op to report on my progress. We discussed the tenderness issue, and she said it sounded like a 'nerve thing'. She said they don't write for Lidocaine patches, but she will discuss it with him.I told her that he had said that if the nerve issues got bad, he could give me Lyrica...which I DON'T want. She admitted that she doesn't think it works anyway!!! I am waiting to hear back...no call today though...surprise surprise!!!
I am a little bit nervous since I am exactly where I was after scope #2 when the post-op pain got really really bad. Hopefully this won't happen...but I am taking Darvocet on the cruise!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Joy rides Are Not Always followed by Joy
I am dealing with the aftermath of last night's ride. It clearly exacerbated my thigh pain thing. Plus, I was/ am pretty tight today. I am actually considering crawling back to PT!! We had a busy day today, since all the malls and stores were open, we went shopping. By the time we got to Target (store #3, after the mall), I was limping. I was not really in pain, but my gait was funky. I am skipping my bike tonight since I am not sure what tomorrow will bring and will reassess tomorrow!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Learning As I Go
FYI........do not mix alcohol with antibiotics (or at least Augmentin)
already had 2 incidents of my ever so special 'Susie Puking'
I need to add 'no puking' to my New Year's Resolution
This after less than half a glass of Chardonay...I told you I was a cheap date.
I was just remembering how I spent last New Year's Eve...I did not have a babysitter, I let J go out to our friend's party since I was no fun with undiagnosed hip pain, I was in bed early, and moving my hip in and out of provacative position, just to make sure there was still a problem, and that I wasn' crazy, since I had my first appt with Dr.Kelly on 1/3, and I was not being sent home with a diagnosis of 'nut job', or worse.....more PT!!! Looking back, I was right, there was a 'real' problem, there was no need to torture myself like that!! Again, learning as I go!!!
already had 2 incidents of my ever so special 'Susie Puking'
I need to add 'no puking' to my New Year's Resolution
This after less than half a glass of Chardonay...I told you I was a cheap date.
I was just remembering how I spent last New Year's Eve...I did not have a babysitter, I let J go out to our friend's party since I was no fun with undiagnosed hip pain, I was in bed early, and moving my hip in and out of provacative position, just to make sure there was still a problem, and that I wasn' crazy, since I had my first appt with Dr.Kelly on 1/3, and I was not being sent home with a diagnosis of 'nut job', or worse.....more PT!!! Looking back, I was right, there was a 'real' problem, there was no need to torture myself like that!! Again, learning as I go!!!
Why Can't Things Ever Be Perfect???
Yes, I span (spun? spinned?), I am beyond thrilled!!!
Yesterday, things in sinus infection world got bad. My eye got really red and swollen.....this was not good. Luckily, my brother in law is an opthamologist, so he came to my rescue. The redness and swelling were a result of the sinus infection, so he brought over antibiotics and a nasal spray. I have always though nasal sprays were gross, and I have always refused to use one....but I was desperate, and it made a huge difference!!! Since I felt slightly better today, I decided it was time to Spin!!!
The ride was great,I had NO HIP PAIN. It was incredible, I remember pre-op I would get right sided groin pain from riding, especially climbing. I didn't do any heavy climbing today, or any fast sprinting....I am not ready, but everything was painfree and fabulous.
I am still having the thigh tenderness though. It is still a problem if I lean with my thigh into a treatment table at work, or if one of the kids touched my leg. Otherwise, I can handle it. L had a playdate today, and it turns out the boy's father whose house she was at is a general surgeon who specializes in wound healing. I explained my situation to him, and asked his opinion. He said it may be a nicked nerve, and I should call my OS ASAP and get a 5% lidocaine patch for it. I did not call, I am obviously going to 'google' the heck out of 'lidocaine patch'. I have only seen them on patients with severe, uncontrollable pain. Basically, when there is nothing else to do for a patient and they get sent to pain management, they come back with these patches. Great! Just what I need!!
My ride exacerbated my pain/ tenderness...a lot. At first, it was not pain, but 'annoyingness', I can't think of a better word. It was not burning, aching, tingling, numb...possibly close to throbbing, but not really. Towards the end it became painful. Now it is back to annoyingness!!! Ahhhh!! Just when things were really starting to look good!!!!
My New Year's Resolution is to stay out of Dr. Kelly's OR!!!!! Or any OR for that matter!!!
Happy New Years 2008!!!
Yesterday, things in sinus infection world got bad. My eye got really red and swollen.....this was not good. Luckily, my brother in law is an opthamologist, so he came to my rescue. The redness and swelling were a result of the sinus infection, so he brought over antibiotics and a nasal spray. I have always though nasal sprays were gross, and I have always refused to use one....but I was desperate, and it made a huge difference!!! Since I felt slightly better today, I decided it was time to Spin!!!
The ride was great,I had NO HIP PAIN. It was incredible, I remember pre-op I would get right sided groin pain from riding, especially climbing. I didn't do any heavy climbing today, or any fast sprinting....I am not ready, but everything was painfree and fabulous.
I am still having the thigh tenderness though. It is still a problem if I lean with my thigh into a treatment table at work, or if one of the kids touched my leg. Otherwise, I can handle it. L had a playdate today, and it turns out the boy's father whose house she was at is a general surgeon who specializes in wound healing. I explained my situation to him, and asked his opinion. He said it may be a nicked nerve, and I should call my OS ASAP and get a 5% lidocaine patch for it. I did not call, I am obviously going to 'google' the heck out of 'lidocaine patch'. I have only seen them on patients with severe, uncontrollable pain. Basically, when there is nothing else to do for a patient and they get sent to pain management, they come back with these patches. Great! Just what I need!!
My ride exacerbated my pain/ tenderness...a lot. At first, it was not pain, but 'annoyingness', I can't think of a better word. It was not burning, aching, tingling, numb...possibly close to throbbing, but not really. Towards the end it became painful. Now it is back to annoyingness!!! Ahhhh!! Just when things were really starting to look good!!!!
My New Year's Resolution is to stay out of Dr. Kelly's OR!!!!! Or any OR for that matter!!!
Happy New Years 2008!!!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The True Test Drive....I give my Hip a B-
I had it this morning. I hate the winter, I hate the cold, I hate ice...I am from Miami....I left for college about 10 years ago and still long for warm weather.
I decided to take the kids out for a walk this morning, a real walk, in the double stroller. I don't think we had done that since my surgery, at least not this distance. I bundled everyone up, stuck them inside the stroller sleeping bags and headed out. The stroller must have weighed 100 lbs. They either got really big in the last 7 weeks or the added weight of winter gear is more than I imagined.
I did have some pain during my walk. Nothing crazy, but pain. Mostly the adductor insertion point, or possibly joint pain, it was hard to tell while I was walking and with all the clothes on. Also, my psoas acted up a bit. but now, 6 hours later, I am fine.
Last night, I had some time on my hands so I went through some old posts, August-November. I am shocked, things got pretty bad. How quickly we forget when things are better. How lucky I feel that I don't have that kind of pain and the emotional issues I went through those months, it absolutely sucked! I know that there are so many more people dealing with similar issues who are not so lucky (or persistent, pains in the ass) to get it taken care of so quickly. And even more people still searching for a diagnosis of their hip pain. It makes me sad. At least I hope that with my blog, more people will learn about their pain and symptoms and seek the appropriate care.
I know everyone is wondering what will become of my PT routine. I am a quitter!! I think I am taking a leave of absence for the time being and seeing how I fare. If I need it, I will be taken back in with open arms!! But the next few weeks will be difficult with the nanny issues, travelling etc, and I feel great! So I am taking the liberty of dropping out. I have not done anything on my own. I should, at the least, be working on my adductors since that is my 'weakest link'. I am not. I still have hopes to return to spinning, just as soon as I am not sick anymore. I can't even make it through the day without a nap at this point. I am calling the doctor tomorrow, regardless of anything!!!
I decided to take the kids out for a walk this morning, a real walk, in the double stroller. I don't think we had done that since my surgery, at least not this distance. I bundled everyone up, stuck them inside the stroller sleeping bags and headed out. The stroller must have weighed 100 lbs. They either got really big in the last 7 weeks or the added weight of winter gear is more than I imagined.
I did have some pain during my walk. Nothing crazy, but pain. Mostly the adductor insertion point, or possibly joint pain, it was hard to tell while I was walking and with all the clothes on. Also, my psoas acted up a bit. but now, 6 hours later, I am fine.
Last night, I had some time on my hands so I went through some old posts, August-November. I am shocked, things got pretty bad. How quickly we forget when things are better. How lucky I feel that I don't have that kind of pain and the emotional issues I went through those months, it absolutely sucked! I know that there are so many more people dealing with similar issues who are not so lucky (or persistent, pains in the ass) to get it taken care of so quickly. And even more people still searching for a diagnosis of their hip pain. It makes me sad. At least I hope that with my blog, more people will learn about their pain and symptoms and seek the appropriate care.
I know everyone is wondering what will become of my PT routine. I am a quitter!! I think I am taking a leave of absence for the time being and seeing how I fare. If I need it, I will be taken back in with open arms!! But the next few weeks will be difficult with the nanny issues, travelling etc, and I feel great! So I am taking the liberty of dropping out. I have not done anything on my own. I should, at the least, be working on my adductors since that is my 'weakest link'. I am not. I still have hopes to return to spinning, just as soon as I am not sick anymore. I can't even make it through the day without a nap at this point. I am calling the doctor tomorrow, regardless of anything!!!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
A Look Into the Past
My neighbor left me a trashy magazine at my door today. We had been discussing the Brittany Spear's sister pregnancy thing and she mentioned that she had bought OK magazine bc it featured a story on it. I read the story (nothing out of the ordinary for a teenage pregnancy) and then read my 2008 horoscope, honestly, this was my horoscope:
Health: Last year exacerbated health issues for many Cancers, mainly due to stress and demanding work schedules. This year, your health improves, and you should have more of that cherished nesting time. Add variety to your workouts.....
I wish I knew this a year ago and I would have been prepared! 2007 brought more doctor's visits, diagnostic tests, radiation exposure and surgeries than many people experience in a year.
I think I am not going to PT on Monday, and will soon take on the official 'dropout' status.I had better keep my mouth closed though. After my second surgery,P and I had discussed 'dropping out' at 6 weeks since I was doing so well but then I had the joint capsule/ psychotic psoas issue, as well as the whole 'revision BS'.
SHIT! I had though that it was 6 weeks out when that happened, and I was free and clear. Seems like it was closer to the 2 month mark......(color draining from my face) that whole episode and the next few days were awful, especially the next morning. But I will keep a positive attitude and keep plugging along.
On a more negative note, I am still soooo sick. I am definitely going to the doctor on Monday, there is no question that I have a raging sinus infection and NEED antibiotics. It is sad that I have an entire arsenal of narcotics here, I could easily maintain a healthy drug habit with all of my pills, but I lack a simple Z-pack!!!
Health: Last year exacerbated health issues for many Cancers, mainly due to stress and demanding work schedules. This year, your health improves, and you should have more of that cherished nesting time. Add variety to your workouts.....
I wish I knew this a year ago and I would have been prepared! 2007 brought more doctor's visits, diagnostic tests, radiation exposure and surgeries than many people experience in a year.
I think I am not going to PT on Monday, and will soon take on the official 'dropout' status.I had better keep my mouth closed though. After my second surgery,P and I had discussed 'dropping out' at 6 weeks since I was doing so well but then I had the joint capsule/ psychotic psoas issue, as well as the whole 'revision BS'.
SHIT! I had though that it was 6 weeks out when that happened, and I was free and clear. Seems like it was closer to the 2 month mark......(color draining from my face) that whole episode and the next few days were awful, especially the next morning. But I will keep a positive attitude and keep plugging along.
On a more negative note, I am still soooo sick. I am definitely going to the doctor on Monday, there is no question that I have a raging sinus infection and NEED antibiotics. It is sad that I have an entire arsenal of narcotics here, I could easily maintain a healthy drug habit with all of my pills, but I lack a simple Z-pack!!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Making Good Decisions....as Always
I went ice skating today. I went ice skating in lieu of going to the doctor for my throat/ ear/ sinuses and cough. The premise was that we would call a friend tonight to call in a Rx for me but...he is on vacation. So I am in bed, prior to 9PM, having just taken cough medicine, which totally wipes me out (at least it doesn't make me puke), and freaking out since my nanny is now officially on vacation.
I woke up this morning and became super mom/ housewife, once again. 2 loads of laundry, dishes, cooking and cleaning up. For those of you who know me, I can be a bit of a diva at times, so this no nanny business is freaking me out. To cover my ass(ets), I have one person babysitting only, and one person cleaning only. So tomorrow, I will actually have a 'staff' in my home so I can comfortably go to work and know things will (hopefully) get done and the kids will be ok. But just to make sure, I got the house ready today so that day #1 would not be too overwhelming, hence the laundry and cleaning. J said he has never seen me so domestic!
So after my cleaning streak, we went ice skating. I was pretty scared, I should not be ice skating at 6 weeks...I should probably not be ice skating even at 12 weeks! But I did. If I was my patient, I would absolutely have put a stop to the ice skating. My hip friend Amy is a professional ice skater, and was not allowed back on the ice after a scope for JUST a labral tear for 8 weeks, and she clearly knew how to skate...well! But L really wanted to go, and I really wanted to take her. Luckily, she was not too keen on ice skating, so we only made it one lap, it took about 20 minutes! I should have followed her off the ice and called it a day, but no, I decided to try a few laps. Interestingly, I could only do a single leg skate. My right leg just wouldn't work. I guess it was sending me a message.
When I came off of the ice, my ITB and TFL really hurt. But the joint is good, painfree and intact! We had a great time the rest of the day as my kids always seem to be up for an adventure.
We were at an indoor amusement/ attraction center, and they had some indoor kiddie rides. They were on the wild side, but my kids never say no to adventure. One ride took you straight up and dropped you down little by little in jolts, looked scary as hell. L tried it with a friend, L loved it but the friend freaked out. L wanted to go again, and Jk wanted to join her. Jk is 2....I said absolutely not. But he insisted and threw a tantrum, and the ride operator assured me it was safe for him and would stop it if he freaked out...so I let him go. The kid loved it. I had to turn away and not watch bc he was wiggling around in his seat and had his hands in the air....but he had a great time!
He also rode the kiddie version of 'teacups', each time it turned, he was flung into the side of his cup, he realized that if he didn't hold on to the handlebar, he would be flung harder and faster, so he let go. Again,I almost had a heart attack, but he was having the time of his life.
Now they are both sleeping very soundly, and I am ready to join them, as I figure out how to juggle my schedule tomorrow and see all my patients, see my kids and get to the doctor!!!
I woke up this morning and became super mom/ housewife, once again. 2 loads of laundry, dishes, cooking and cleaning up. For those of you who know me, I can be a bit of a diva at times, so this no nanny business is freaking me out. To cover my ass(ets), I have one person babysitting only, and one person cleaning only. So tomorrow, I will actually have a 'staff' in my home so I can comfortably go to work and know things will (hopefully) get done and the kids will be ok. But just to make sure, I got the house ready today so that day #1 would not be too overwhelming, hence the laundry and cleaning. J said he has never seen me so domestic!
So after my cleaning streak, we went ice skating. I was pretty scared, I should not be ice skating at 6 weeks...I should probably not be ice skating even at 12 weeks! But I did. If I was my patient, I would absolutely have put a stop to the ice skating. My hip friend Amy is a professional ice skater, and was not allowed back on the ice after a scope for JUST a labral tear for 8 weeks, and she clearly knew how to skate...well! But L really wanted to go, and I really wanted to take her. Luckily, she was not too keen on ice skating, so we only made it one lap, it took about 20 minutes! I should have followed her off the ice and called it a day, but no, I decided to try a few laps. Interestingly, I could only do a single leg skate. My right leg just wouldn't work. I guess it was sending me a message.
When I came off of the ice, my ITB and TFL really hurt. But the joint is good, painfree and intact! We had a great time the rest of the day as my kids always seem to be up for an adventure.
We were at an indoor amusement/ attraction center, and they had some indoor kiddie rides. They were on the wild side, but my kids never say no to adventure. One ride took you straight up and dropped you down little by little in jolts, looked scary as hell. L tried it with a friend, L loved it but the friend freaked out. L wanted to go again, and Jk wanted to join her. Jk is 2....I said absolutely not. But he insisted and threw a tantrum, and the ride operator assured me it was safe for him and would stop it if he freaked out...so I let him go. The kid loved it. I had to turn away and not watch bc he was wiggling around in his seat and had his hands in the air....but he had a great time!
He also rode the kiddie version of 'teacups', each time it turned, he was flung into the side of his cup, he realized that if he didn't hold on to the handlebar, he would be flung harder and faster, so he let go. Again,I almost had a heart attack, but he was having the time of his life.
Now they are both sleeping very soundly, and I am ready to join them, as I figure out how to juggle my schedule tomorrow and see all my patients, see my kids and get to the doctor!!!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
I Think I Am Going to Become a PT Dropout
I have had it, for real this time. It has been 9 months, like a PT pregnancy, nausea and vomiting included, as well as back pain, skin marks and plenty of discomfort. I think I am doing amazingly well for 6 weeks, I am even considering going ice skating tomorrow. My only persistent issue is the 'invisible scar' pain. P worked on it today, without any progress. It is just a sore area, just anterior to the greater trochanter, across and diagonal, covering a good chunk of thigh. P did some ART there, thinking it was my sartorius, but this did not help either, other than to cause a lot of pain.
I am bored beyond belief with the exercises, my strength rocks, other than adductors, which measured today at 4-/5 on the right and 3+/5 on the left. I can technically work on this at home.
I am sooooo ready to go spinning but am still really sick. I may actually have to go to the doctor tomorrow, which poses a slight problem since I made a promise to myself when I had my sutures removed after scope #2 . (see that post if you really care :-)
So, if anyone has a solution for my invisible bruise, I would love an answer since it is extremely irritating and painful.
I am bored beyond belief with the exercises, my strength rocks, other than adductors, which measured today at 4-/5 on the right and 3+/5 on the left. I can technically work on this at home.
I am sooooo ready to go spinning but am still really sick. I may actually have to go to the doctor tomorrow, which poses a slight problem since I made a promise to myself when I had my sutures removed after scope #2 . (see that post if you really care :-)
So, if anyone has a solution for my invisible bruise, I would love an answer since it is extremely irritating and painful.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Pictures From The Train Show
We had a lot of fun but the kids have become impossible to photograph, they are so wiggly!!!!!!!!!!!!
The cutest tushies!
The cutest tushies!
Monday, December 24, 2007
6 Week Update
I can't believe it has been 6 weeks since my revision surgery. I see that there are a lot of new readers, so welcome, I hope you are enjoying this pathetic rendition of what my life has become!!! J/K!! I am actually really happy!
Just to recap- I had a revision hip arthroscopy on November 12, 2007 after my original scope on 3/5/07 failed secondary to residual FAI (femoroacetabular impingement). I originally had a labral tear and cam and pincer FAI, the initial surgery did not address the cam FAI (long story). In the long run, I am very happy my surgeon was not overly aggressive because you can always go back in and take down more bone, but you can never put it back!
So, 3 hip arthroscopies later, I can say that it was all worth it because I am in a much better place.
Just yesterday, we went to the NY Botanical Gardens holiday train show, it was our 3rd year going, I guess it is a tradition now! I have vivid memories of going last year. My hip hurt so much, and this was before I had been 'officially' diagnosed. I was so anxious at the time, as well as frustrated that the simple task of pushing my stroller hurt. Yesterday was a pleasure, for my hip anyway. We waited in line for over 40 minutes just to get in, and then the entire show was done in 'line form'. The kids loved it, and we had a blast. I never once thought about my hip!
I cannot remember if I have joint pain. Clearly, it is not an issue. What is still an issue is the 'invisible bruise' on my thigh.It still bothers me at work, when leaning with that leg against a treatment table. I have learned to fold a towel in between me and the table to help add more cushioning and protection there. The scope sites have been neglected this time so are tender to the touch, they are in the vicinity of the 'invisible bruise', so the entire area is tender to the touch, still.
My numbness is still there, and most recently has began to burn. It is not constant, and has only happened a few times, but is quite irritating. The alternative would be to try a heavy duty med called Lyrica, but the side effects are pretty intense, so I can only imagine what that would do to me, so no thank you! Hopefully it will not get worse than this.
My pain in the ass is better, but my piriformis is still in spasm, not as bad as last week though, phew. I had PT today and had P work on the scars and 'invisible bruise' and stretch my psoas, which is tight (but not so tight it needs to be released!!!)
I am supposed to go back to Spinnning today/ this week as per my own goal but I have a pretty bad sinus headache/ infection so it will have to wait a few days until it clears! Tomorrow is a new day though!!!!!
My left side is almost 6 months out, doing great, with just some pretty noisy popping/ snapping. The noisiness is painfree so I am not in the least bit concerned.
Just to recap- I had a revision hip arthroscopy on November 12, 2007 after my original scope on 3/5/07 failed secondary to residual FAI (femoroacetabular impingement). I originally had a labral tear and cam and pincer FAI, the initial surgery did not address the cam FAI (long story). In the long run, I am very happy my surgeon was not overly aggressive because you can always go back in and take down more bone, but you can never put it back!
So, 3 hip arthroscopies later, I can say that it was all worth it because I am in a much better place.
Just yesterday, we went to the NY Botanical Gardens holiday train show, it was our 3rd year going, I guess it is a tradition now! I have vivid memories of going last year. My hip hurt so much, and this was before I had been 'officially' diagnosed. I was so anxious at the time, as well as frustrated that the simple task of pushing my stroller hurt. Yesterday was a pleasure, for my hip anyway. We waited in line for over 40 minutes just to get in, and then the entire show was done in 'line form'. The kids loved it, and we had a blast. I never once thought about my hip!
I cannot remember if I have joint pain. Clearly, it is not an issue. What is still an issue is the 'invisible bruise' on my thigh.It still bothers me at work, when leaning with that leg against a treatment table. I have learned to fold a towel in between me and the table to help add more cushioning and protection there. The scope sites have been neglected this time so are tender to the touch, they are in the vicinity of the 'invisible bruise', so the entire area is tender to the touch, still.
My numbness is still there, and most recently has began to burn. It is not constant, and has only happened a few times, but is quite irritating. The alternative would be to try a heavy duty med called Lyrica, but the side effects are pretty intense, so I can only imagine what that would do to me, so no thank you! Hopefully it will not get worse than this.
My pain in the ass is better, but my piriformis is still in spasm, not as bad as last week though, phew. I had PT today and had P work on the scars and 'invisible bruise' and stretch my psoas, which is tight (but not so tight it needs to be released!!!)
I am supposed to go back to Spinnning today/ this week as per my own goal but I have a pretty bad sinus headache/ infection so it will have to wait a few days until it clears! Tomorrow is a new day though!!!!!
My left side is almost 6 months out, doing great, with just some pretty noisy popping/ snapping. The noisiness is painfree so I am not in the least bit concerned.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
On a Nerdiness Scale of 1-10, I have reached an 11
Today, as both kids napped, I picked up a PT journal (this is not where the nerdiness ended). I began reading an article:
"Manual Therapy Intervention for a Patient With a Total Hip Arthroplasty Revision "
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2007;37(12):763-768.
doi:10.2519/jospt.2007.2437
It was about rehabbing a patient with a revision total hip replacement. As I reached the end, the authors quoted another article:
Marc J. Philippon, Mara L. Schenker, Karen K. Briggs, David A. Kuppersmith, R. Brian Maxwell, and Allston J. StubbsRevision Hip ArthroscopyAm. J. Sports Med., Nov 2007; 35: 1918 - 1921
The first article quoted the second article saying that the authors found that the primary reason for revision hip ARTHROPLASTY (i.e total hip replacement) is impingement. As I was reading, I said, out loud, WTF??? That is not what that article says, I know that article like the back of my hand and they don't speak anywhere about arthroplasty, only arthroscopy. Yes, we all know that the primary reason for a revision ARTHROSCOPY is impingement. The authors misquoted Philippon et. al. My husband thinks i have gone off the deep end...again, he can't believe I caught that, and that I plan on emailing the authors regarding their mistake!
"Manual Therapy Intervention for a Patient With a Total Hip Arthroplasty Revision "
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2007;37(12):763-768.
doi:10.2519/jospt.2007.2437
It was about rehabbing a patient with a revision total hip replacement. As I reached the end, the authors quoted another article:
Marc J. Philippon, Mara L. Schenker, Karen K. Briggs, David A. Kuppersmith, R. Brian Maxwell, and Allston J. StubbsRevision Hip ArthroscopyAm. J. Sports Med., Nov 2007; 35: 1918 - 1921
The first article quoted the second article saying that the authors found that the primary reason for revision hip ARTHROPLASTY (i.e total hip replacement) is impingement. As I was reading, I said, out loud, WTF??? That is not what that article says, I know that article like the back of my hand and they don't speak anywhere about arthroplasty, only arthroscopy. Yes, we all know that the primary reason for a revision ARTHROSCOPY is impingement. The authors misquoted Philippon et. al. My husband thinks i have gone off the deep end...again, he can't believe I caught that, and that I plan on emailing the authors regarding their mistake!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Distracting Pain
I think I had some ass spasms today, as well as invisible bruise pain...but I am not too sure. My knees hurt so much that everything else pales in comparison.
I woke up and they still hurt,I think the left is worse than the right, but it changes. I went to acupuncture today, and it was actually pretty cool. I asked him to be careful when putting the needles in my leg bc of the MCL sprains. He asked if I wanted him to treat that too, so I said ok. He palpated around me knees and felt where it hurt, then he put some needles into my elbows and felt my knees again... most of the pain was gone. There was still an area that was painful, so he adjusted one of the elbow needles and it got better. All I can say is FREAKY. Unfortunately it did not have long lasting effects, they still hurt. I iced a little tonight but lost my icepack to an eager 3 year old.
Why is it that I, the PT, actually injured myself during PT.
This is a lesson to all of us....Listen to yourself. I told P I didn't think I could do that exercise...but I tried it anyway......STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!
I woke up and they still hurt,I think the left is worse than the right, but it changes. I went to acupuncture today, and it was actually pretty cool. I asked him to be careful when putting the needles in my leg bc of the MCL sprains. He asked if I wanted him to treat that too, so I said ok. He palpated around me knees and felt where it hurt, then he put some needles into my elbows and felt my knees again... most of the pain was gone. There was still an area that was painful, so he adjusted one of the elbow needles and it got better. All I can say is FREAKY. Unfortunately it did not have long lasting effects, they still hurt. I iced a little tonight but lost my icepack to an eager 3 year old.
Why is it that I, the PT, actually injured myself during PT.
This is a lesson to all of us....Listen to yourself. I told P I didn't think I could do that exercise...but I tried it anyway......STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Fun Continues
Things have been 'wonderful'. Not only was my ass spasming, my thigh hurting, my adductors weak and spazzy (is that a word?), now I have blilateral MCL sprains (in my knee), whoohoo, it is a never ending party around here.
I have to admit, the MCL pain is worse than a lot of the hip related stuff, pre and post op. I have a stingy feeling on the medial side of both knees, feels like the ligament is ripping if I do certain things, but haven't been able to pinpoint what.For example, I am in bed with my laptop and they hurt. P tried taping one but it didn't really help. I should ice, it would really help snice the MCL is more superficial than say, my labrum, but I hate ice. Once again, I am hoping that I will wake up tomorrow and I will be better.
So what provoked this? Remember on Monday I tried the Fitter for my adductors. Apparently, I was sooooo not ready. It seems my knees went into too much valgus as I attempted to pull the fitter across into adduction and stressed the MCL. Ouch.
An update on my ass: It is piriformis.Much to my dismay, P did some ART on it and as painful as it was, it really did help. It hurt too. Today was rough! I am ready to pass out and have knee relief ASAP!!!!!!!!!!
I was just thinking...how much more pathetic can this get, I injured myself while rehabbing!!!
I have to admit, the MCL pain is worse than a lot of the hip related stuff, pre and post op. I have a stingy feeling on the medial side of both knees, feels like the ligament is ripping if I do certain things, but haven't been able to pinpoint what.For example, I am in bed with my laptop and they hurt. P tried taping one but it didn't really help. I should ice, it would really help snice the MCL is more superficial than say, my labrum, but I hate ice. Once again, I am hoping that I will wake up tomorrow and I will be better.
So what provoked this? Remember on Monday I tried the Fitter for my adductors. Apparently, I was sooooo not ready. It seems my knees went into too much valgus as I attempted to pull the fitter across into adduction and stressed the MCL. Ouch.
An update on my ass: It is piriformis.Much to my dismay, P did some ART on it and as painful as it was, it really did help. It hurt too. Today was rough! I am ready to pass out and have knee relief ASAP!!!!!!!!!!
I was just thinking...how much more pathetic can this get, I injured myself while rehabbing!!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Pain in The A$$
Before you freak out...yes, my surgery was still definitely successful. I am now dealing with the aftermath of the trauma, traction and crutches.
The first few weeks were great, I did very little, spent the first week in bed, and really was good at taking it easy. I am so done taking it easy, so now I am paying for it. It is difficult for me, I will give you an inside look at my day.
6:30 Am my phone rings, I don't pick up but let it go to voicemail. My nanny is not coming in, her back hurts and she is at the ER. I had to cancel acupuncture. I also am not sure when she is coming in. So I have to clean up the apartment. I change L's sheets, straighten up the living room, get the kids dressed (I just throw my coat on over my pajamas!) and walk L to school.
I figure since I am home, I will clean out L's room. Pre-op, all the bending and standing would have killed me, I am ok! I also made a 'fancy' lunch for Jk and I, walked to CVS and did 2 loads of laundry. Then the fun began.
I have been having serious butt pain. I can barely sit on my right cheek, I think it is piriformis but the bone hurts. I will have to see how P can figure this out as I am not letting him touch my butt! My adductors have still been acting up as well. Jk and I went to pick up L at school. He loves her friends, I think he has a crush on one of them! So they were all running around and they usually run out the door and down the block and wait at the corner. I didn't realize but Jk was with them. I saw him running towards the street and made a mad dash to get him. I still can't really run, and whatever it is I did, HURT. I got him, and was so angry afterwards as I limped to the car. I felt like my adductors were on fire. Same with my piriformis.
After school we decided to go to an indoor playground with balls and slides... Note to self: 5 weeks post-op is not enough time to be climbing rope walls and jumping in ball pits.
Needless to say, I am wiped out and in pain. I am craving anti-inflammatories! If history does repeat itself, I will be complaining for about another 4 weeks! I will not take it easy, slow down, or do less. I just can't.
I just have to remember that this is all surgical. One eventually has to resume life and cannot expect to be painfree. There is a fine line between causing damage and living life, I think I am living life, the hip will survive, if only with some complaining!!!
Hopefully I will have a good explanation to the butt pain tomorrow!!
The first few weeks were great, I did very little, spent the first week in bed, and really was good at taking it easy. I am so done taking it easy, so now I am paying for it. It is difficult for me, I will give you an inside look at my day.
6:30 Am my phone rings, I don't pick up but let it go to voicemail. My nanny is not coming in, her back hurts and she is at the ER. I had to cancel acupuncture. I also am not sure when she is coming in. So I have to clean up the apartment. I change L's sheets, straighten up the living room, get the kids dressed (I just throw my coat on over my pajamas!) and walk L to school.
I figure since I am home, I will clean out L's room. Pre-op, all the bending and standing would have killed me, I am ok! I also made a 'fancy' lunch for Jk and I, walked to CVS and did 2 loads of laundry. Then the fun began.
I have been having serious butt pain. I can barely sit on my right cheek, I think it is piriformis but the bone hurts. I will have to see how P can figure this out as I am not letting him touch my butt! My adductors have still been acting up as well. Jk and I went to pick up L at school. He loves her friends, I think he has a crush on one of them! So they were all running around and they usually run out the door and down the block and wait at the corner. I didn't realize but Jk was with them. I saw him running towards the street and made a mad dash to get him. I still can't really run, and whatever it is I did, HURT. I got him, and was so angry afterwards as I limped to the car. I felt like my adductors were on fire. Same with my piriformis.
After school we decided to go to an indoor playground with balls and slides... Note to self: 5 weeks post-op is not enough time to be climbing rope walls and jumping in ball pits.
Needless to say, I am wiped out and in pain. I am craving anti-inflammatories! If history does repeat itself, I will be complaining for about another 4 weeks! I will not take it easy, slow down, or do less. I just can't.
I just have to remember that this is all surgical. One eventually has to resume life and cannot expect to be painfree. There is a fine line between causing damage and living life, I think I am living life, the hip will survive, if only with some complaining!!!
Hopefully I will have a good explanation to the butt pain tomorrow!!
Monday, December 17, 2007
I Still Never Learn
I spent some time tonight reading posts from August, which would put me at a similar point in recovery after my second scope. I should have just copied some of the posts and pasted them here instead of rewriting!!
It seems that my activity level is putting a damper on my pain level. I was pretty sore today, and being at work never helps this. I started to worry but see that the same thing happened in August. I guess what they is true, history does repeat itself!
My day started with pain, I hate waking up in pain, luckily I can't remember the last time this happened. Clearly yesterday's stupidity was not resolved with a good night's rest! I briefly spoke to P about the adductor and thigh pain. We agreed that nothing could be done about the thigh pain (more on it momentarily), but he agreed that the adductors needed strengthening. He decided I should do the Fitter into adduction. I didn't think I could do it, even with low resistance. He said I could and even demonstrated it to me. Ok, didn't look too bad, so I went to try it. First with the left leg. I could barely move the platform across. 'Oh', said P, 'you really are weak'. It was also really painful since all the wrong muscle tried to compensate, I felt like my patella was going to dislocate medially. Not good. So I tried a few on the right. Surprisingly, it was a little better, but still really difficult and hard on the patella. I need a few more weeks and will return to this!
We settled on standing hip adduction with a theraband and sidelying hip adduction with no weights. I was sore the rest of the day.
I was also super drained today, not sure if the pain got to me or what, but I fell asleep at 7:00 and took an amazing power nap while L slept next to me in my bed!
If history repeats itself, the next few weeks will be tough, as I return to life as it was pre-surgery with a newly shaped hip. My muscles will be sore and tight and the joint irritated and painful with my activity. But 5 1/2 months after the second scope, I am doing great and my only complaint is spasmy adductors. I can take some muscle soreness and aching joint!
Back to the pain on my thigh, which has beautifully worked itself onto the bony portion of my butt! Yep, so now it hurts to lie on my back too! Interestingly, the invisible bruise got worse when everything else hurt more, and as I gently leaned on a table or wall, it screamed out to remind me it was there. I will also have to further investigate the pain in the butt and get back to you. I will be going for acupuncture session #3 tomorrow, maybe being relaxed will help the muscles too!!!
It seems that my activity level is putting a damper on my pain level. I was pretty sore today, and being at work never helps this. I started to worry but see that the same thing happened in August. I guess what they is true, history does repeat itself!
My day started with pain, I hate waking up in pain, luckily I can't remember the last time this happened. Clearly yesterday's stupidity was not resolved with a good night's rest! I briefly spoke to P about the adductor and thigh pain. We agreed that nothing could be done about the thigh pain (more on it momentarily), but he agreed that the adductors needed strengthening. He decided I should do the Fitter into adduction. I didn't think I could do it, even with low resistance. He said I could and even demonstrated it to me. Ok, didn't look too bad, so I went to try it. First with the left leg. I could barely move the platform across. 'Oh', said P, 'you really are weak'. It was also really painful since all the wrong muscle tried to compensate, I felt like my patella was going to dislocate medially. Not good. So I tried a few on the right. Surprisingly, it was a little better, but still really difficult and hard on the patella. I need a few more weeks and will return to this!
We settled on standing hip adduction with a theraband and sidelying hip adduction with no weights. I was sore the rest of the day.
I was also super drained today, not sure if the pain got to me or what, but I fell asleep at 7:00 and took an amazing power nap while L slept next to me in my bed!
If history repeats itself, the next few weeks will be tough, as I return to life as it was pre-surgery with a newly shaped hip. My muscles will be sore and tight and the joint irritated and painful with my activity. But 5 1/2 months after the second scope, I am doing great and my only complaint is spasmy adductors. I can take some muscle soreness and aching joint!
Back to the pain on my thigh, which has beautifully worked itself onto the bony portion of my butt! Yep, so now it hurts to lie on my back too! Interestingly, the invisible bruise got worse when everything else hurt more, and as I gently leaned on a table or wall, it screamed out to remind me it was there. I will also have to further investigate the pain in the butt and get back to you. I will be going for acupuncture session #3 tomorrow, maybe being relaxed will help the muscles too!!!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
(Trying to) Set Limits
I just got home from a wedding, I had to wear my sexy shoes of course. This is after I attended L's ballet recital this morning. When we got there, she was being shy and didn't want to practice her solo, which consisted of her following these commands from her teacher: 'Jump out, Jump in, Jump out, Jump in, Jump out, Jump in, Boogy Woogy Woogy'. She decided that she wanted mommy to do it with her. Ok, I though, how bad can 6 little jumps be? BAD. I am such an idiot. It seems I had forgotten that less than 5 weeks ago I had a chunk of femur shaved off, so even though it has been feeling great, jumping on it wouldn't be the smartest of things to do. I am probably at risk still for a femoral neck fracture. Stupid. Anyway, I did the jumping, in fleece lined Crocs. Normally, when I do stupid things (wow, I do stupid things often enough that I can say 'normally' when referring to them), I feel the effects later, either later in the day, that evening or in the morning. Not this time. I did my jumps, took a step and was hit with 'Stupid! Why did you do that?' Even J saw me from far away and asked what I was thinking. Sometimes, a mother has to do what a mother has to do. Did I do great damage? No. Probably just some irritation on my recently shaved bone, some inflammation, no big deal. I am guessing it will feel great in the AM (I am really really hoping this)!
We then went to a wedding tonight. I did not even attempt to dance (see, I don't always do stupid things). I sat a lot, and we even went home early since my babysitter called and said the kids weren't behaving!
I am sore now, in the groin (gasp....but I am ok), it is soreness, not pain, I will live!!! I will check back in in the AM with an update!
We then went to a wedding tonight. I did not even attempt to dance (see, I don't always do stupid things). I sat a lot, and we even went home early since my babysitter called and said the kids weren't behaving!
I am sore now, in the groin (gasp....but I am ok), it is soreness, not pain, I will live!!! I will check back in in the AM with an update!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Pain in Weird Places
For those of you who know me well, you must be starting to realize that it is either all or nothing with me. What do I mean? I am either out, in heels, doing crazy things, or in bed, puking my guts out, and not moving. Some things never change. I am almost 5 weeks out, from a surgery I was initially told would take 3-4 months to heal from, and then 4 months later was told by my OS that he is finding patients doing still making progress at 12 months. So to put things into perspective, I am pretty far from the 12 month mark. Today I found myself out, pushing Jk in his stroller, on ice, in high heeled boots. Stupid? Absolutely. Especially when yesterday, I was leaving my building and the doorman gently reminded me that my parking lot was extremely icy and the last thing I needed was to fall! Thanks!
So after one day of gingerly walking through snowbanks and icy streets (wearing rubber, flat boots) and one day of walking in high heeled boots, I found myself with a teensy tiny limp (gasp). I don't do limps. Especially when I am so crazy and anal about gait, and how I hold on to my single crutch until every bit of evidence of a recent hip surgery and resulting Trendelenberg is gone, I found myself limping in my boots. It didn't help that I had to carry Jk and all of his 28 lbs plus a few toy trains.
I am not even sure where I hurt, it was too much to take in. It did resolve on its own when I got home and took off the boots, and put Jk down. J pushed the stroller home so that helped too.
I have been having pain in my adductors, on both sides, and they go into spasm sometimes. I think I have mentioned before, this is not something I mention to P or let him work on since it is right where my adductors insert into my pelvis. Too close for comfort, especially when we will be working together 15 minutes later. Yesterday, during my ice walk, the left side was in horrible spasm (left, yes 5 1/2 moth old surgery), and there was nothing I could do but keep 'walking' to my car. I am guessing that my adductors are really weak, resulting in this 'fun' spasm. Time to hit the gym and attack those muscles, I guess. I have been a lot more laid back about PT this time, I guess after 9 months, it sort of gets old, boring and lame (Don't tell anyone I said that).
My insurance, for some reason, is still paying for PT. I have had probably close to 90 sessions by now, my insurance covers 30 visits/ year. The people in the billing department know how to 'work the system' apparently! I am supposed to be doing 2x/week at this pint, I did one last week, and have 2 scheduled for this week. I know that after my first and second scopes, I was already doing 3x/week. I am too burnt out though!
My other weird pain is a bruiselike pain across the front of my thigh, starting medial/anterior to the greater trochanter, moving across the front of my thigh, about 1/3 of the way down. It does not hurt with activity, only to touch. It has not gotten better or worse since surgery.I am stumped. The only thing that may be related is that I had awful bruising for the first 3-4 weeks, plus all the bleeding early on.
Otherwise, things are great in post-op land!!!!
So after one day of gingerly walking through snowbanks and icy streets (wearing rubber, flat boots) and one day of walking in high heeled boots, I found myself with a teensy tiny limp (gasp). I don't do limps. Especially when I am so crazy and anal about gait, and how I hold on to my single crutch until every bit of evidence of a recent hip surgery and resulting Trendelenberg is gone, I found myself limping in my boots. It didn't help that I had to carry Jk and all of his 28 lbs plus a few toy trains.
I am not even sure where I hurt, it was too much to take in. It did resolve on its own when I got home and took off the boots, and put Jk down. J pushed the stroller home so that helped too.
I have been having pain in my adductors, on both sides, and they go into spasm sometimes. I think I have mentioned before, this is not something I mention to P or let him work on since it is right where my adductors insert into my pelvis. Too close for comfort, especially when we will be working together 15 minutes later. Yesterday, during my ice walk, the left side was in horrible spasm (left, yes 5 1/2 moth old surgery), and there was nothing I could do but keep 'walking' to my car. I am guessing that my adductors are really weak, resulting in this 'fun' spasm. Time to hit the gym and attack those muscles, I guess. I have been a lot more laid back about PT this time, I guess after 9 months, it sort of gets old, boring and lame (Don't tell anyone I said that).
My insurance, for some reason, is still paying for PT. I have had probably close to 90 sessions by now, my insurance covers 30 visits/ year. The people in the billing department know how to 'work the system' apparently! I am supposed to be doing 2x/week at this pint, I did one last week, and have 2 scheduled for this week. I know that after my first and second scopes, I was already doing 3x/week. I am too burnt out though!
My other weird pain is a bruiselike pain across the front of my thigh, starting medial/anterior to the greater trochanter, moving across the front of my thigh, about 1/3 of the way down. It does not hurt with activity, only to touch. It has not gotten better or worse since surgery.I am stumped. The only thing that may be related is that I had awful bruising for the first 3-4 weeks, plus all the bleeding early on.
Otherwise, things are great in post-op land!!!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Another Interesting Article
Radiologic and Intraoperative Findings in Revision Hip Arthroscopy
Original Article
Radiologic and Intraoperative Findings in Revision Hip Arthroscopy
Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, San Diego, California, February 2007.
Benton E. Heyworth M.D., a, , Michael K. Shindle M.D.a, James E. Voos M.D.a, Jonas R. Rudzki M.D.a and Bryan T. Kelly M.D.a
aHospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Available online 5 December 2007.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify possible causes of failure of hip arthroscopy by reviewing the intraoperative and radiologic findings in a series of patients requiring revision hip arthroscopy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 24 revision hip arthroscopy cases performed in 23 patients (14 female and 9 male; mean age, 33.6 years; 1 bilateral). The review included indications for surgery, intraoperative findings, and arthroscopic interventions for both the primary and revision surgeries. Imaging studies, including radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 3-dimensionally reconstructed computed tomography scans, were analyzed for the presence of preoperative bony impingement lesions (e.g., femoral head-neck junction “cam” lesions or anterosuperior acetabular “pincer” lesions). Results: The mean interval between previous hip arthroscopy and recurrence of symptoms was 6.1 months. In 13 of 24 cases (54%), patients had no significant improvement at any point after the primary hip arthroscopy. The mean interval between the previous hip arthroscopy and revision surgery was 25.6 months. Unaddressed or undertreated bony impingement lesions were found in 19 of 24 cases (79%) and were identified on imaging studies before revision hip arthroscopy. A tight psoas tendon and corresponding labral impingement lesion were identified by arthroscopic visualization in 7 of 24 cases, for which partial psoas tendon release was performed. Eight cases of failed labral repair were addressed with labral debridement and removal of suture material. Of these 8 cases, 6 also had bony impingement, which was also addressed at the time of the revision surgery. Conclusions: Failure to address bony impingement lesions of the hip and a tight psoas tendon are key factors in unsuccessful hip arthroscopy and may require revision surgery. Furthermore, failure of labral repairs may be the result of unrecognized bony impingement at the time of initial surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prognostic case series.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
1 Month PT Measurements
Hip Flexion: R=4/5 L=5/5
Hip Abd: R=4-/5 L=4/5
Hip ER: R=4/5 L=4+/5
Hip IR: R=4/5 L=4+/5
Hip Ext: R=4/5 L=4/5
Not too shabby!!!! I think this is my all time best ever, even pre-op!! Yay, no impingement, no inhibition, nothing but strength!
Work today was better than Monday, no pain until the end of my day, and even then, it was slight. I think this is a huge improvement! If it wasn't so cold, I would be testing out my limits with the double stroller!
Manually, P worked on extension mobs since I am still pretty tight anteriorly, but it is getting better. Today, me exercises consisted of single leg walking on the treadmill, I stand on the left leg on the side of the treadmill and let the right leg move backwards on the belt to the endrange of my extension. I did walking squats with a red band, isometric hip abduction, Hip IR with a blue band, hip abduction with a blue band, isometric adduction with a small ball, bridges and modified single leg bridges, sidelying abduction with added hamstring curl and IR/ER rotation, clam shells and...........
8 STRAIGHT LEG RAISES
Holy shit!!!!!!!!! At 7 weeks out last time I couldn't do more than 1 1/2 SLR! This is amazing! I think Dr. Kelly added some special magic steroid so that he would never have to hear from me again!!!!! Who cares, this way we will both be happy!
THIRD TIME'S A CHARM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hip Abd: R=4-/5 L=4/5
Hip ER: R=4/5 L=4+/5
Hip IR: R=4/5 L=4+/5
Hip Ext: R=4/5 L=4/5
Not too shabby!!!! I think this is my all time best ever, even pre-op!! Yay, no impingement, no inhibition, nothing but strength!
Work today was better than Monday, no pain until the end of my day, and even then, it was slight. I think this is a huge improvement! If it wasn't so cold, I would be testing out my limits with the double stroller!
Manually, P worked on extension mobs since I am still pretty tight anteriorly, but it is getting better. Today, me exercises consisted of single leg walking on the treadmill, I stand on the left leg on the side of the treadmill and let the right leg move backwards on the belt to the endrange of my extension. I did walking squats with a red band, isometric hip abduction, Hip IR with a blue band, hip abduction with a blue band, isometric adduction with a small ball, bridges and modified single leg bridges, sidelying abduction with added hamstring curl and IR/ER rotation, clam shells and...........
8 STRAIGHT LEG RAISES
Holy shit!!!!!!!!! At 7 weeks out last time I couldn't do more than 1 1/2 SLR! This is amazing! I think Dr. Kelly added some special magic steroid so that he would never have to hear from me again!!!!! Who cares, this way we will both be happy!
THIRD TIME'S A CHARM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
South Beach Diet
Ok, I am going back on! I fell off the bandwagon after my first scope but now I need to go back on. If anyone want to be my SoBe buddy, let me know, it is always easier with a friend!!!!
I will keep you posted~
I will keep you posted~
Monday, December 10, 2007
First Day Back
I WENT TO WORK TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So...you want to know how it went? I actually had pain. Surprise? Not really, my job is pretty physical and was a killer pre-op. At first I was nervous bc I thought I had joint pain but it turned out to be adductor pain, which is, well, a pain, but manageable!
I was planning on taking Naprosyn when I got home (I know, big Crohn's no no) but ended up not needing it. So once again, I am flying high on life (yes, nothing else).
I skipped PT today since there was no way I was going to survive a day at work after therapy, so I will be going Wednesday only this week! We need to work on my abductor strength. I was demonstrating a step up/ down for a patient and noticed that my leg totally collapsed inward during the step down. I need to do that to head off the knee pain that will surely follow if not taken care of!
I will have P strength test me Wed. and give an update.
For those of you still having trouble, I do not mean to rub it in your faces. I have been there and want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel! And when you get there, I will be there, cheering you on!
So...you want to know how it went? I actually had pain. Surprise? Not really, my job is pretty physical and was a killer pre-op. At first I was nervous bc I thought I had joint pain but it turned out to be adductor pain, which is, well, a pain, but manageable!
I was planning on taking Naprosyn when I got home (I know, big Crohn's no no) but ended up not needing it. So once again, I am flying high on life (yes, nothing else).
I skipped PT today since there was no way I was going to survive a day at work after therapy, so I will be going Wednesday only this week! We need to work on my abductor strength. I was demonstrating a step up/ down for a patient and noticed that my leg totally collapsed inward during the step down. I need to do that to head off the knee pain that will surely follow if not taken care of!
I will have P strength test me Wed. and give an update.
For those of you still having trouble, I do not mean to rub it in your faces. I have been there and want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel! And when you get there, I will be there, cheering you on!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Toys Toys Everywhere
Prior to my last surgery, this would have meant me picking up all the toys with multiple trips between the kids' bedrooms and the living room trying to sort everything out, followed by severe pain in my hip from the repeated bending and standing. Yesterday proved to be slightly different. We had our company for lunch, which totalled 5 kids under 4. After 6 hours in my house, it appeared that a hurricane had hit. Once the guests left, I was left to rearrange the entire toy collection on my own. I was nervous knowing what this had been like in the past, but couldn't bear to see my living room look like Toys R Us had thrown up in it. So after 1 1/2 hours, the toys were picked up and I could once again see the floor. But...I began having soreness in my hip. It was definitely abusive on my poor hip, who less than 4 weeks ago had a large hunk of bone shaved off, but my sanity called for a clean house. I had soreness for a few hours the rest of the night but I am happy to report that I woke up today with no problems. Whoohooo!! This really really worked, how amazing!!! I am fixed! I go back to work tomorrow!!!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Today's Accomplishments
I am having company so I finally went back to cooking, real food!!!
The menu includes soup (not shown), fish, chicken, meat and potato stew, strawberry apple souffle, popcorn cauliflower, apple pie, crunchy cookie brownies.
Wen I cook, I really cook! I have been in the kitchen all day. My leg doesn't hurt but it is very fatigued. I guess Monday will feel the same when I come home from work. I can handle this, it sure is better than it was pre-op!!!
The menu includes soup (not shown), fish, chicken, meat and potato stew, strawberry apple souffle, popcorn cauliflower, apple pie, crunchy cookie brownies.Wen I cook, I really cook! I have been in the kitchen all day. My leg doesn't hurt but it is very fatigued. I guess Monday will feel the same when I come home from work. I can handle this, it sure is better than it was pre-op!!!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Little Things In Life That Come Back To Haunt You
I was reminiscing tonight about the events of the past few months, and how lucky I feel to have a happy ending, and my thoughts turned to my career and then school. During my first year of PT school, we had gross anatomy. On the second exam, I scored a 98%, I missed one question, believe it or not, it was psoas. The muscle was tagged in a funny way and I couldn't identify it. If only I could retake that exam now....
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
If My Leg is Mine, Why Won't It Listen To Me
As Monday draws closer, and I plan on returning to work, bits of anxiety seem to be rising to the surface. I have not had any anxiety since I woke up from surgery. Now I am getting nervous. I am mentally very ready to return to work, but physically, I am not sure. My leg isn't doing what my brain commands.
Yesterday, I was walking to my car and an old lady was walking directly towards me, since I no longer use my crutch, people assume that I am 'normal' and can easily dodge these obstacles. My brain told my leg to quickly move to the right but my leg didn't quite get the message and I almost ended up colliding with the lady, I missed her by a hair.
Also, sometimes the phone will ring and I will be with the kids in one of their bedrooms, the phone will be in my bedroom, so I try to quickly get up and tell my leg to walk fast to grab the phone before voicemail picks up, but it just won't go.
There is still a little more weakness than makes me happy, but I have to keep reminding myself the extent of the work that was done plus the week I spent in bed wasting away! I am also not doing as much as I can for myself, I can do so many of my exercises at home but choose not to. I guess by the time I have time, it is really late and I would rather crash.
I am disappointed that only Jess responded to my previous post.
Yesterday, I was walking to my car and an old lady was walking directly towards me, since I no longer use my crutch, people assume that I am 'normal' and can easily dodge these obstacles. My brain told my leg to quickly move to the right but my leg didn't quite get the message and I almost ended up colliding with the lady, I missed her by a hair.
Also, sometimes the phone will ring and I will be with the kids in one of their bedrooms, the phone will be in my bedroom, so I try to quickly get up and tell my leg to walk fast to grab the phone before voicemail picks up, but it just won't go.
There is still a little more weakness than makes me happy, but I have to keep reminding myself the extent of the work that was done plus the week I spent in bed wasting away! I am also not doing as much as I can for myself, I can do so many of my exercises at home but choose not to. I guess by the time I have time, it is really late and I would rather crash.
I am disappointed that only Jess responded to my previous post.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Let's Try This Again
Quick Update: I woke up today and had a serious debate with myself about taking one crutch with me to walk L to school, I hurt from the last 2 days of crutchless walking. I ended up leaving it at home and did great. As I walked, the muscles warmed up and became less achey.
On a side note- my butt hurts, like if I sit only on my right butt cheek (not that I do this often, but think of sitting/ lying in bed), also my greater trochanter is still painfu, so I am still betting on the trochanteric brsitis.
I had to go to CVS today. The pharmacy called yesterday to inform me that my Percocet which was picked up on 11/13 was never paid for (the copay). Seriously? Its been 3 weeks and you just noticed? And how the heck did you allow a controlled substance to leave without being paid for? Anyway...they had pink canes!! Had I known last week, I would have splurged on one!!
Ok, what are we trying again. I am calling on all of my readers to please post in the comments section what your symptoms of FAI/labral tear are/were. If you are a frequent poster, infrequent poster, lurker or first time reader, please comment. I want to create a list to help other people, as I was never able to come across a 'good' list. I tried this once before and it didn't really work out, let's make it work this time.
On a side note- my butt hurts, like if I sit only on my right butt cheek (not that I do this often, but think of sitting/ lying in bed), also my greater trochanter is still painfu, so I am still betting on the trochanteric brsitis.
I had to go to CVS today. The pharmacy called yesterday to inform me that my Percocet which was picked up on 11/13 was never paid for (the copay). Seriously? Its been 3 weeks and you just noticed? And how the heck did you allow a controlled substance to leave without being paid for? Anyway...they had pink canes!! Had I known last week, I would have splurged on one!!
Ok, what are we trying again. I am calling on all of my readers to please post in the comments section what your symptoms of FAI/labral tear are/were. If you are a frequent poster, infrequent poster, lurker or first time reader, please comment. I want to create a list to help other people, as I was never able to come across a 'good' list. I tried this once before and it didn't really work out, let's make it work this time.
Letting Go...of My Crutches
I went all day yesterday without crutches. It was the first time I began having any pain. Mostly, my psoas, glut med, TFL and adductors. They got really sore, I guess since I was finally using them. I tried to sit as much as possible, and kept PT light. P really worked my incisions yesterday and they REALLY hurt, as did the entire area around them.
Since I was finally 'free', I decided to run some errands at the mall that I had been putting off. Walking was difficult since I took the long way around (not on purpose) but as I 'warmed up' the muscles relaxed a little. I did develop a limp last night, since it was the end of the day and I was exhausted. But overall, the day went well.
As I sit in bed with my laptop, I feel the effects of yesterday's adventure. I will try to keep my activity light today,I need the muscles to feel better and my gait to be perfect since I am going back to work next Monday.
Since I was finally 'free', I decided to run some errands at the mall that I had been putting off. Walking was difficult since I took the long way around (not on purpose) but as I 'warmed up' the muscles relaxed a little. I did develop a limp last night, since it was the end of the day and I was exhausted. But overall, the day went well.
As I sit in bed with my laptop, I feel the effects of yesterday's adventure. I will try to keep my activity light today,I need the muscles to feel better and my gait to be perfect since I am going back to work next Monday.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Our First Snow Day
I decided I was less likely to kill myself when I went out this morning if I left my crutch at home. It went well, I had Jk's stroller to use as a 'walker', but overall I did well, I am just exhausted from it. At least I am not missing anything by being home since the weather is so awful!
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