tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82662600213039305322024-02-07T01:43:24.966-06:00The Harmonious HipFinding Life's Balance with Retroverted Hip DysplasiaLilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-3348099427378931352014-07-07T15:19:00.001-05:002014-07-07T15:19:05.399-05:00Ton 'o BricksAttempting the "Couch to 5 K" and having to start all over again. No bueno. I feel like lead trying to run and my hips are freaking out. But I KNOW that I can do this! I want to be a runner so bad I can't stand it! I want those darn metals, people!!! Just kidding....sort of. So, I'm opening up the blog to YOU! Any tips from you runners out there? Or even just some words of wisdom from you fitness gurus? <div><br></div><div>I may be down, but I'm NOT out!!!</div><div>xoxo</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZboFLyZeHJIFb-fufYY4wwY0k1XbRBMLcb3nlpwAjHPEJp9FFs2AEikRb1nAkgOTjbFFWhXLkpox1-J8gbh-xpfo4faS_kJwwJVasI7f4oauvt1jNDwHCP90krKzvEO3_M0k0scY3U6s/s640/blogger-image--624445094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZboFLyZeHJIFb-fufYY4wwY0k1XbRBMLcb3nlpwAjHPEJp9FFs2AEikRb1nAkgOTjbFFWhXLkpox1-J8gbh-xpfo4faS_kJwwJVasI7f4oauvt1jNDwHCP90krKzvEO3_M0k0scY3U6s/s640/blogger-image--624445094.jpg"></a></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-19580807400706695652014-06-11T03:13:00.001-05:002014-06-11T03:13:22.304-05:00Hot Baths at DawnYep. You read that right. It's not even 0300 and I've already hit the whirlpool tub for the morning...taken my Tramadol and Celebrex... and said my prayers. Hips hurt so much they woke me up. Boo! So I thought I'd take the opportunity to update my friends and fellow hip chicks....and pray I don't drop my iPad into the tub! Yikes!<div><br></div><div>I had my appointment with Dr. R at Texas Children's Hospital....always a fun experience (you recall my affinity for Disney and lollipops). The poor man is baffled. I have stumped him. He has absolutely no idea why I should be having the pain I am after FAI surgery was supposed to correct the defect. Great. The doc is stumped. And this nurse is even MORE confused. So, it's back to hip injections we go! If you've kept up with the blog (and if you haven't, welcome!) I wrote a quite descriptive experience of said injections in my post titled "Children's Hospitals" (if you want to go back and read it, I won't rehash the experience here). My dear friend and fellow hip chick, Janelle, has recently gone back down the injection route and sounds like it doesn't get any easier. So, we will continue to pray this finds some, albeit temporary, relief until we decide if another surgery is in the future. </div><div><br></div><div>On a happy note...Big Daddy and I have joined a gym! I haven't been able to run in months, which really, REALLY bums me out. But I'm rockin' that elliptical like nobody's business and lifting weights. Trying to get back in shape after all this hip mess is quite the challenge, but I'm soooo ready! I started running again about a year ago and my weight hasn't changed all that much since then (because of the irregular run sessions) so it's time to get serious and get this body back in shape! I'm also doing the myfitnesspal app, so whoever wants to be my "friend" come on over! My user name is sweethipchick...come find me! xoxo</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv87HNUPW41vRBjLO1BVEQoGYXO2NuEhiL-8lOtVlCboZ31OHTSNMztemaiYwRT_BVaUhCxZFgkLpV74s0v7VJ73qRENZPRSoJ2AYi1-RbqfjaRibWrxPBXosJmB_GbAbe8Xl8ZTAp_DY/s640/blogger-image-594673212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv87HNUPW41vRBjLO1BVEQoGYXO2NuEhiL-8lOtVlCboZ31OHTSNMztemaiYwRT_BVaUhCxZFgkLpV74s0v7VJ73qRENZPRSoJ2AYi1-RbqfjaRibWrxPBXosJmB_GbAbe8Xl8ZTAp_DY/s640/blogger-image-594673212.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-37781586117143081882014-04-28T21:26:00.001-05:002014-04-28T21:26:37.639-05:00With A VengeanceI am lying here, while my baby girl gives me a back rub (she is so precious to me!), feeling that oh so familiar sensation deep in my hip bones. And I just want to weep. It's back. The pain is back...with a vengeance! Well, or did it ever really leave in the first place? Who knows? So, I'm back on the good 'ol blog again...pouring my little heart out. I thought we were done. I truly thought that we were through with all this hip mess. There was always a chance the surgeries wouldn't completely work...that the dysplasia would be too severe...but we didn't want to believe that. Besides, I recovered so well! I did all the Physical Therapy and even started to RUN!!! But that soon came to a screeching halt, due to pain. Thinking that maybe I just need to get a few pounds off these poor hips, I dropped 20 pounds....and instead of the pain subsiding, it's grown worse and worse with each passing month. We can no longer call this "post-op pain"....this is a much bigger beast and has been growing every step of the way. <div><br></div><div>I finally got the "stubborns" out of the way and saw my family doctor today. "I thought we were through with all that hip mess!" declares Dr. S. Yeah. Me too, buddy. Me too. So, we're back at square one. Referral to the hip specialist and back I go to Texas Children's Hospital! (I recall they have good food there, which is a plus!) But for now, it's Tramadol and Celebrex and very hot baths. And prayer...LOTS of prayer. Prayer that the doctors will figure out what's wrong. Prayer that they can fix me with minimal to no further surgeries. Prayer that I can make it through another work day, tears pushed aside, so I can be the best nurse possible for my patients....and the best wife and mother for my precious family....and the best doggie-mommy to our sweet baby boy, Gunner. ❤️</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDQoQAM1evwsFGECM2BawDipGHb4_9wcAh-hWLj-kGyvQLU7rJ_ofnctaribD3BvYLfEHUAm90p0Titdmnqj1y_4QJVTAyRS8JJsT1q78ZuYt1ljhA8rXJlLivEII272eeFItXyGsgnE/s640/blogger-image-220169582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDQoQAM1evwsFGECM2BawDipGHb4_9wcAh-hWLj-kGyvQLU7rJ_ofnctaribD3BvYLfEHUAm90p0Titdmnqj1y_4QJVTAyRS8JJsT1q78ZuYt1ljhA8rXJlLivEII272eeFItXyGsgnE/s640/blogger-image-220169582.jpg"></a></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-90306077860396986892013-06-05T18:09:00.002-05:002013-06-05T18:09:56.694-05:00Laptop Down!No new posts lately due to a faulty laptop. And whenever I seem to try to drag myself to the desktop, one of my precious offspring is on it. So....I've been slacking. Sorry. In happier news, I'm still workin' and I'm still runnin'. More and more and more. I'm like the little engine that could. Some days I backslide and some days I'm chugging up that ridiculously steep hill and praying that I'm somewhere near the top. Kinda like life, huh? Stay tuned for more updates...and if anyone has any laptop advice, I'm all ears!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotVMgNGuIzGiXFhCgHOK6fIlDA3j8TlcHdwaYs8_fB2PdKecpZszLO1z1EZ-h2GXonb6o8YDkulmSAKZ4suuBSIJF-eKA8UHtg_lIzlE2evrSfWiuMqYnq0UsJDeBqluuUgT7QLolvb8/s1600/The_Little_Engine_That_Could.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotVMgNGuIzGiXFhCgHOK6fIlDA3j8TlcHdwaYs8_fB2PdKecpZszLO1z1EZ-h2GXonb6o8YDkulmSAKZ4suuBSIJF-eKA8UHtg_lIzlE2evrSfWiuMqYnq0UsJDeBqluuUgT7QLolvb8/s320/The_Little_Engine_That_Could.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-44559689496353106942013-04-30T20:45:00.001-05:002013-04-30T20:45:38.878-05:00Cool RunningsRunning. A concept I have only just recently embraced. Albeit...slooooowly. But I can do it, by golly! Moving is still painful and hips get quite stiff. Still busting out the ice packs everyday, but I'm movin and groovin, y'all! I even ran a little 1 mile race earlier this month...a little family "fun run". My daughter and I took that mile and DOMINATED! Okay, that's a lie. She dominated and I brought up the rear. But I ran the whole thing!!! She went ahead of me and was at the finish cheering me on. I've never run an entire mile non-stop in my whole life! And I did it!!! Next up, tackle the infamous 5K! I've already signed up for a race in September (the color run "Run Or Dye") and my goal is to run the whole thing....no walking. Lily and I may do another 5K before then, we'll see if the ol' hips can take it. She's hooked now. The run bug has bit, and she's itching to do a 5K! So darn proud of her!! Even Big Daddy is taking about starting to run again! He just wants a cool medal like us girls! ;-)<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWfZgis7Dxxla_DfZTAFtG66DJbPBZyw4Eb0dX-7cIaQzQZZ-zamAw5q8veV3a43a4xlTY4MFh9WLWHmFfLVGyRi37tldQzzZ4XHhp94WHSBT9wcqGV9EjZiVitMxOHLmyxiJqx2tWbU/s640/blogger-image--1479857738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWfZgis7Dxxla_DfZTAFtG66DJbPBZyw4Eb0dX-7cIaQzQZZ-zamAw5q8veV3a43a4xlTY4MFh9WLWHmFfLVGyRi37tldQzzZ4XHhp94WHSBT9wcqGV9EjZiVitMxOHLmyxiJqx2tWbU/s640/blogger-image--1479857738.jpg" /></a></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-5181203064650865462013-03-23T16:11:00.001-05:002013-03-23T16:13:22.493-05:00Eye of the TigerCue it up, and blast it y'all! <br />
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I think we can make it official. I'm a runner! Woohoo! Still going through the "Couch to 5K" program....and hating, errr I mean LOVING it! *big smiles, BIG smiles* As (prayerfully) anticipated, each run gets a little easier. The rhythm gets more in sync, I get a little faster and go a little further. I've seen parts of our beautiful neighborhood I've never seen before! Now, I know I've mentioned how much I LOOOVE not only our gorgeous neighborhood, but our fabulous little town...well, get ready to hear more about it! I'm gonna shake this 'ol blog up a bit and start talking about things other than these crazy hips. The good Lord-willing, I'm done with surgeries and it looks to be I'm on the road to "normalcy" *what's THAT??* so I want to start chatting about other things, in addition to hip stuff of course! I mean, the title states "The Harmonious Hip", so of course I'll always be up for a good acetabulum discussion. But, it's also "Harmonious"....which would suggest "all encompassing" and "balanced", right? Of course right! So, expect some Mom-talk, some fitness-talk, some nurse-talk, some Texas-talk, some discussions about my favorite things in life, etcetera...etcetera...etcetera.... Bonus points if you can name that musical!!<br />
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So, howdy y'all and welcome aboard! I'm so happy y'all are here!! Got a question/comment? Give me a shout! I'd love to hear from you!!<br />
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A pic of my post-workout shenanigans...still loving me some ice packs! Owwwch! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoTGCxwDvHtZtK7sMwA0n7JJqFKNV08r4QRysciZ6vZONmaBTeHRiMfBJ4Ie3Dpiu0Q1yV_YJcwS0EstNiM3imNA-C5mE_-OYj3JxVioWcHHI-mFfY6Hn-4z3ZMUE5oT_fhe9tflOBRk/s640/blogger-image--201931437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoTGCxwDvHtZtK7sMwA0n7JJqFKNV08r4QRysciZ6vZONmaBTeHRiMfBJ4Ie3Dpiu0Q1yV_YJcwS0EstNiM3imNA-C5mE_-OYj3JxVioWcHHI-mFfY6Hn-4z3ZMUE5oT_fhe9tflOBRk/s640/blogger-image--201931437.jpg" /></a></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-45030195329413854632013-03-22T22:03:00.001-05:002013-03-22T22:04:37.642-05:00Knock knock! Who's there?Opportunities are a funny thing. They come and they go....and just when you least expect it, a really BIG one comes knocking at your door!<br />
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So, just the other week, I received an email from a friend with such an opportunity....it was an audition for a very big event featuring some of Broadway's greatest producers, directors and performers who had collaborated to bring all of the different "Phantom Of The Opera" stories together in one musical concert. Apparently they were seeking some local talent to fill in some of the solo parts. And they picked me. Me!!! What? Really?? Me??? Yes, I'm still pinching myself! We had our first rehearsal last week and I met the director and worked with some of the Texas A & M chorus. I won't "name drop", buuuut let's just say, this particular director is also a famous Broadway performer who happens to be in my personal playlist. I literally listen to this guy while I'm working out...and here he was right next to me, giving me blocking!!! Surreal, y'all. So anyways, my part...small, but actually pretty important in the storyline of the Phantom. I feel I've been given this baby and I'm going to accidentally drop it on it's head or something! I've never been so nervous in all my life! Such an honor, I can't even begin to express my gratitude for this incredible, once in a lifetime experience! For those of you locals wanting ticket information, here's the link! http://opas.tamu.edu/phantoms.html It's April 4th and 5th at Rudder Auditorium at Texas A & M University. <br />
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p.s. Hips are doing amazingly well...now we'll just see if they can hold up in my 4 inch heels! Yikes!!<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh450BK4Oc2rpux4Hibz4xuNCyLtyCYo8FEtW05HSy1OF0erioKBwzNg_B58yk3ahNnjIm1O__m5nMpIQOm7x8PGwfZqKIU4pq0Y4A-MprabWE05EUMSIkP2fydBs4xcUF6U4XsQAdyCk/s640/blogger-image--670510880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh450BK4Oc2rpux4Hibz4xuNCyLtyCYo8FEtW05HSy1OF0erioKBwzNg_B58yk3ahNnjIm1O__m5nMpIQOm7x8PGwfZqKIU4pq0Y4A-MprabWE05EUMSIkP2fydBs4xcUF6U4XsQAdyCk/s640/blogger-image--670510880.jpg" /></a></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-61060908682919352562013-02-26T07:06:00.001-06:002013-02-26T07:06:36.523-06:00PUMP you up!Hans und Franz are ringing in my ears these days. I've finally, FINALLY hit the workout circuit after a nearly 6 year absence! And what a learning curve! Oh my! Well, not only is my body 6 years older....it's 6 years HEAVIER too! These hips have kept me sidelined for far too long and it's time to get Mama back in shape! With many recommendations and with the blessing of Physical Therapy, I've started the "Couch to 5K" program. Now, let's be totally honest...I've NEVER been a runner. Ever. I've watched other people, including my father, effortlessly glide across the pavement with envy in my heart, for years. I've read on Facebook, friends who did their "latest half marathon", with their glowing smile and holding that coveted medal, plastered all over their profile page. Well! Sit back no more!! Imma gonna do it!!! So, now into the second week of the program....I'm about as fast as a snail crawling over peanut butter. But #1- It's happening! It's really happening! #2- Every time it gets a teeny, tiny bit easier....the rhythm of the run vs. breath gets smoother. #3- Most importantly, it DOESN'T hurt! Okay, that's a lie. It hurts. But not like before surgery...it's more of a tightness, a "I've been fat and out of shape for FAR too long" pain. It's not the sharp "oh my gosh, someone take the stabbing, flaming sword out of my hip, and oh no my hip is going to dislocate!!!" pain. So, hooray! And stay tuned...I've got my eye on some races coming up. Who knows? I may be posting MY smiling face holding my very first 5K medal before we know it! ;-) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8TsULR0edb0o1nSVWVJa0uWsUI36OqR6bSRriz4dw8bcUI5xBAY_rY37IFd3HKH3W6WIABuluFfG1YRghX43Eq4F7mqnBSC5voGa7yoFnqPEWmWkgf7OzNX_Ak6tuPlvaQ78K0Jrxu0/s640/blogger-image--179034154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8TsULR0edb0o1nSVWVJa0uWsUI36OqR6bSRriz4dw8bcUI5xBAY_rY37IFd3HKH3W6WIABuluFfG1YRghX43Eq4F7mqnBSC5voGa7yoFnqPEWmWkgf7OzNX_Ak6tuPlvaQ78K0Jrxu0/s640/blogger-image--179034154.jpg" /></a></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-24061813045144944372013-02-06T07:04:00.001-06:002013-02-06T07:09:44.976-06:00Awww snap!It's now 10 weeks post op and things are truckin along. I went back to work last week and lasted about 5 hours....only working one shift a week for now. It was soooo great to be back at work, BUT I find my stamina is just not back up to snuff yet. I was wishing for my cane walking to the parking lot after my 5 hour effort. Still going to Physical Therapy 2-3 days/week, which is ironically getting MUCH harder and yet it helps SO MUCH!!! I can feel myself (very slowly) getting stronger, but I still have a loooong way to go. Hips are still very tight, but getting less painful....ever so slightly, day by day. The right one is very encouraging since I have virtually NO pain and my flexibility is almost where it was pre-op. Just still have the occasional "catch", like something is stuck in the joint and then with a few more steps, it works itself out. But the lefty is clearly lagging behind (as it should of course). I can only do standing knee raises to about 60-70 degrees without "help". And even then, I have developed this horrific "snapping" sensation whenever I do them. It's right in the front of the hip, kinda in the groin/top of the thigh area. And it hurts like the dickens!!! Most likely it is the psoas tendon that was released during surgery that is now reattaching itself and is tightly snapping over the bone like a rubber band. Yeah....owwch! Also, during butterfly stretches it snaps and then feels like a very, very tight rope that doesn't want to release. It does of course (eventually) stretch out and then the pain extends all the way down to the knee. Again....owwch! But, on the sunny side, for my valiant efforts during PT, I'm "rewarded" with a massage and some TENS electro therapy and ice. Woohoo! I'll admit, it's a little weird having complete strangers massaging my thigh and groin, but at that point it hurts so bad I don't really care. Big kudos to the Conroe Regional Medical Center physical therapy team....they ROCK! They're workin me super hard, but it's with tough love. I know, I know. Besides, anyone who deliberately dives into these flabby thighs with some BioFreeze, just to help a girl out....well, they're rock stars. That's all there is to it. <br />
Bend and snap, y'all....over and out! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR4vCDEJpvMK7EtSrEDadieqV5wu2Rakz7vJRYBgt-jqLV100Nh6CU27Dx8ne6uYStsO0Pds0ecYr_sngJ1kzj7-DBwZTeo5BNFdr8sBIwbvYTQZ8B_DaK-0W-s7lJnuj_7U3zlvULE4/s640/blogger-image-454900787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR4vCDEJpvMK7EtSrEDadieqV5wu2Rakz7vJRYBgt-jqLV100Nh6CU27Dx8ne6uYStsO0Pds0ecYr_sngJ1kzj7-DBwZTeo5BNFdr8sBIwbvYTQZ8B_DaK-0W-s7lJnuj_7U3zlvULE4/s640/blogger-image-454900787.jpg" /></a></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-74126483358805515272013-01-14T11:15:00.003-06:002013-01-14T11:17:42.709-06:00When It Rains, It Pours...Continuing with physical therapy 3x/week on this left hip. They're really working me hard at this point and I'm certainly feelin' it!!! I ventured out for a walk around our very large block last week and it was an absolute joy! Painful, but joyous all the same. I felt like a free woman! Pain is getting much better and I'm off all the nasty pain meds....just Mobic and Tylenol when I need it. But it's certainly not pain-free yet. The rain and cold definitely set it off, but usually the more active I stay, the better. Now, the goal is to increase range of motion and strength. The hip remains very tight and stiff and quite weak, but it's getting stronger with every PT session. The dim light at the end of this very long tunnel is starting to come into view. Yay!<br />
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I'm getting antsy to get back to work. Not only because I miss all my work peeps (hi DSU girlies!), but we are so strapped for cash it isn't funny. Like "Peanut Butter sandwiches and Ramen Noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner" strapped. We're getting it done and making it happen, but we REALLY need my income....bad! So, there's this enormous pressure I've put on myself to hurry up and recover, so that I can get back to work ASAP. Well, if all that wasn't enough....Big Daddy totaled his truck last week. Thank God no injuries, but he banged up his truck pretty awful. Probably the WORST possible time for this to happen. Trying to come up with a deductible and living on only one vehicle...yeah, kinda stressful. Doing lots of prayer time and deep breathing and MORE prayer time. On a happy note, maybe I'll lose the weight I've committed to losing this year, living only on Ramen Noodles! Hey, there's hope! Totally kidding....sort of ;-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfeFI_vLp0tdcUTKqPsRJqp1qbKDOsx9zZ565km69SM_d8bLa7r02JLABrdvIyOOjegk_CSZGrMRcPwkNV2Yk1Whd11-aoRroArpwhh0cIa_joGwNKIujSJiR_MyoqgzhCxbBg21UmEs/s1600/morton+salt+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfeFI_vLp0tdcUTKqPsRJqp1qbKDOsx9zZ565km69SM_d8bLa7r02JLABrdvIyOOjegk_CSZGrMRcPwkNV2Yk1Whd11-aoRroArpwhh0cIa_joGwNKIujSJiR_MyoqgzhCxbBg21UmEs/s1600/morton+salt+girl.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-73599452445848029372012-12-18T07:25:00.001-06:002012-12-19T11:58:12.391-06:00It's a Party!!!And yes....YOU'RE invited!!! I have woken up after yet another restless night of pain, to find myself struck with the biggest pity party of the year. Satan is workin me hard this morning, kids....I REALLY don't like that guy. It's not just the pain (although, that alone is pretty darn miserable) its the sloooooowness of this recovery. I should be getting BETTER by now!!! It's exactly 3 weeks post-op today. And now is where God's amazing gentle and loving voice says to me "but Amy, look how far you've come in 3 whole weeks!" And I want to pout and cry like a 3 year old :-( But folks, there is yet another reason for this "festive occasion" of Amy's pity party for one...I weighed myself yesterday. Yeah, I know, that was kinda stupid. But ohmygoodnessgracious it's happened. It's actually really happened. I am officially the fattest I've ever been in my WHOLE LIFE. Even MORE than when I was pregnant with my 2 ginormous 9 lb butterball babies! Yeah, MORE. There aren't enough words in the human language to describe how heartbroken, disgusted and angry I am at myself right now. I want to scream "how did this happen?!" Ummm, well it was when you went for round 'however many' on the pie, cookies, chips, etc. Just because you eat mounds of Nutella on fruit does NOT make it healthy!!! Just because you bulk up on the blueberries on the "healthy" morning oatmeal, does NOT negate the fact that it's about TWICE the serving it should be! And when you drive OUT OF YOUR WAY just to get you favorite frosty treat....that should be a big, huge red light that "Houston, we have a problem!" And so, here we are. The end of the year. The season of Nicorette and Jenny Craig and Gold's Gym commercials galore (thank you dear God that I don't smoke anymore!). And ya know what? I've decided to make another blog! I know, you're thinking..." Greeeeaaaat, now we gotta read even MORE of Amy's psycho-babble!" Nope. This one's for me. And if I can help others along the way, like I have here....then AWESOME!!! But, this "blogging thing" has proven to be quite therapeutic for me, and well....it will hold me accountable to all the world, and guys, I could use all the encouragement I can get! This will be a major, MAJOR uphill battle...especially with broken hips! But I HAVE to so something! I want to be the healthiest I can be, not only for my dear precious family, but for God. He has blessed me with this body, to be a vessel for Him. And what have I done?? I've overstuffed it with Mexican food and red velvet cake!!! So, there we are. Stay tuned, friends....more to come, much more. Oh, and by the way...the party's cancelled ;-) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JxOV5V5hf76sQ5_CRtcS0wJSSBMK2xEl9BXyuhg7Y7LBL5Sm4s0i-enmIMMPLKNfzA-6DOjnYbChGn2ji-cbtdltJvY4klz1h8dFrnOZ0AkxUIjr9xU7RCG0Ov4kjA_2-tpmDGNGcSk/s640/blogger-image--914580273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JxOV5V5hf76sQ5_CRtcS0wJSSBMK2xEl9BXyuhg7Y7LBL5Sm4s0i-enmIMMPLKNfzA-6DOjnYbChGn2ji-cbtdltJvY4klz1h8dFrnOZ0AkxUIjr9xU7RCG0Ov4kjA_2-tpmDGNGcSk/s320/blogger-image--914580273.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-90753496233851082172012-12-12T08:02:00.001-06:002012-12-19T11:58:46.852-06:00Cut The Cord!Got stitches out yesterday and strangely, I feel like a FREE woman! However, realistically I know this is only just another baby step. Still, it makes me want to run and jump and skip and do some high kicks over my head! Alas, baby steps, Amy...baby steps. Ugh! Pain is getting better everyday. Range of motion is getting better everyday (albeit VERY slowly!). I am doing my stretches at home and finding them to be a bit easier than the first go around...which is incredibly encouraging! Getting SUPER excited about Christmas too! I'm just a big kid to begin with, so add the holidays to the mix and well, let's just say...I'm happier than a bird with a french fry! But, this bird is ready to bust outta this cage and fly free! Patience is not one of my strong suits. Perhaps that's why God has presented these "road bumps" in my life....to slow me down and teach me patience. Lord knows, it's done nothing but draw me closer to Him...and that alone is the greatest blessing of all of this ordeal! The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways. If only we would just slow down and LISTEN! xoxo <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPjPRxAMS6J79Po5VnFq1gXUq1GpSDEOAp8S6Z29Ln_73a2Q9DebZ0iL9YPvM1e2gPsbSicBBwjo5DawOy0usYYob2RjeoPA7DvN4G-gGpUMAVzFgU3zuZHqCJTgzN6cAlFv562CN760/s640/blogger-image--626098129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPjPRxAMS6J79Po5VnFq1gXUq1GpSDEOAp8S6Z29Ln_73a2Q9DebZ0iL9YPvM1e2gPsbSicBBwjo5DawOy0usYYob2RjeoPA7DvN4G-gGpUMAVzFgU3zuZHqCJTgzN6cAlFv562CN760/s320/blogger-image--626098129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-45487642061081251492012-12-07T09:08:00.001-06:002012-12-07T09:10:49.149-06:00A Blue ChristmasWell, as usual, recovery is slow. My heart and my mind want to go, go, go and my hips (and my dear family and friends) say no, no, no. Although, this recovery seems to be going much better than the last one, I have to remember that I am still not even 2 weeks post-op yet. This, however, does NOT make me any less disgruntled. I want to go Christmas shopping, I want to go see "A Christmas Carol" with my friends (REALLY irked about that one), I want to be up and in the kitchen singing carols and making cookies....and I want to get back to work!!! I miss my job, my friends, my patients....I DO NOT like being the patient (I'm pretty sure you've figured that one out now, huh?) I want to get back to the gym and finally, FINALLY start working off these millions of pounds I've gained through all this ordeal. I want to completely reorganize my closets. I want to take my dog on a much deserved walk around the block. I want to be able to put on a pair of pants, shoes, socks, etc. without help. So, as you can probably surmise, I'm a bit blue these days. I know (I do!) that the end is in sight...I can see the faint dim of the light at the end of this ridiculously long tunnel. I can finally see the peak of this gigantic mountain I'm climbing. But, it's like the last mile in the race. You want to give it all you've got and sprint like mad to the finish line....but my body just won't let me. On a happier note.... I made my very first venture out of the house last night since returning home from my surgery. Our daughter had her holiday choir concert and wild horses couldn't have kept me away. She even had a solo, and was absolutely beautiful! Chip off the old block, that girl! I even was able to ditch the crutches and just use the cane! Although I DID need Big Daddy's hand-holding for stability...but, he didn't seem to mind ;-) So, for now, I'll be singing the Christmas carols from my "office" (the Tempurpedic) and Pinning like a crazy person....if you don't already know, I'm an absolute 100% Pinterest junkie (Follow Me!!!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mnA5o8uHa8yiKW_rQ3HRRPwMl_E0QQHnHmoTKwganc3Q2-9XoIIvhy6_SkY1zwVKopB5LZ1BDsvVaDDwRSyNGZo111mab8sLcgpUbRmqJG4TCL_IOGbew5_kT-Sp1f0lZjGOVoWbINU/s1600/Blue+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mnA5o8uHa8yiKW_rQ3HRRPwMl_E0QQHnHmoTKwganc3Q2-9XoIIvhy6_SkY1zwVKopB5LZ1BDsvVaDDwRSyNGZo111mab8sLcgpUbRmqJG4TCL_IOGbew5_kT-Sp1f0lZjGOVoWbINU/s320/Blue+Christmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'll have a bluuuuue, blue, blue, blue Christmas....."<br />
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<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-16269494406244323202012-12-02T14:18:00.001-06:002012-12-02T14:18:24.823-06:00The Bare NecessitiesThe view from my tiny world....I've got all the essentials:<br />
-my adjustable TempurPedic (fav place on earth)<br />
-my fancy red crutches<br />
-my Polarcare cooler pad machine thingy<br />
-my laptop<br />
-Diet Coke (yes, it's essential)<br />
-my iPhone, from which I write this post!<br />
-and my best friend curled up, ever faithful by my side, my precious Golden Retriever, Daisy <br />
What more could a girl need?? :-D<br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcZ_GjR7Q_bokfuDQ35m0Cv9Yjx0PeBuD3M1Y7ndL5GN2wmLc_v39-Q40zCcTh3ZYdsIS4UgmojaFBq-066FTOLUSwlndokogDbB6zu0aXno_f9JLsz8g1ex2cCyKDg4rsufa2lsKzjc/s640/blogger-image--875417923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcZ_GjR7Q_bokfuDQ35m0Cv9Yjx0PeBuD3M1Y7ndL5GN2wmLc_v39-Q40zCcTh3ZYdsIS4UgmojaFBq-066FTOLUSwlndokogDbB6zu0aXno_f9JLsz8g1ex2cCyKDg4rsufa2lsKzjc/s640/blogger-image--875417923.jpg" /></a></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-44839397731482243032012-11-29T08:44:00.001-06:002012-11-29T08:44:46.708-06:00Lefty: status post Day #2All in all, things are looking up! Lefty is done and I'm officially on my way to a FULL recovery!!! Woohoo!!! My immediate post-op was a little rough, but we got through it and I'm now sitting in my favorite recliner at our new friend's (The Peters Family) house here in Augusta, Georgia. I can't say enough how lovely it is to have a warm and inviting home to rest in, instead of a hotel. Praise God for His people...loving and kind and generous. I pray that when the opportunity presents itself, that we will be able to return the favor to someone in need of a warm place to lay their head, a cozy meal and friendly banter. We have made lifelong friends here and praise God for them every day! <br />
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As for me, well it's pretty much like before...just on the opposite side ;-) Pain is rough at first when moving, but definitely manageable. I am getting up and stretching and walking as frequently as I can tolerate. Plans are to fly home to Texas tomorrow....and boy am I ready! Missing my kiddos something fierce! Besides, we have some serious holiday FUN ahead and I need to get my crutches all warmed up and ready to rock! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThSM7ypHG0bV77yl_nx-qqzLgnac57okwkQD7Or6e9yj6e5QXiO8NRl7jHnHN0otn3RpKy9rvoOrl-pkFAKRyxCKtXk317p4bdmlQxg87FqATFr6WctfS-jBF4xRK95kvx13lqKmIIlw/s640/blogger-image--1135071638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThSM7ypHG0bV77yl_nx-qqzLgnac57okwkQD7Or6e9yj6e5QXiO8NRl7jHnHN0otn3RpKy9rvoOrl-pkFAKRyxCKtXk317p4bdmlQxg87FqATFr6WctfS-jBF4xRK95kvx13lqKmIIlw/s640/blogger-image--1135071638.jpg" /></a></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-77279833454661581982012-11-26T10:30:00.001-06:002012-12-19T12:00:00.536-06:00Countdown is on!!!In only 24 hours (give or take) Lord-willing, lefty will be FIXED for good!!! Pre-op going well....pretty much identical to last time. Sure am missing these guys though.... Thank God for FaceTime on the iPhone! :-D <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMhgbAALErJEgUCJl8yTQHZGAARXbLhOK41Cu_RCBuQwyi0LnAVtwBFmiBX8e6D5BUXWxEFc27oXUbTy5nK9pIQm0AS9j3qgf-3bCvKydMkxwEUJ_Rhl6H2MbVqq5eZu0fprAWGz392w/s640/blogger-image-1455027904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMhgbAALErJEgUCJl8yTQHZGAARXbLhOK41Cu_RCBuQwyi0LnAVtwBFmiBX8e6D5BUXWxEFc27oXUbTy5nK9pIQm0AS9j3qgf-3bCvKydMkxwEUJ_Rhl6H2MbVqq5eZu0fprAWGz392w/s320/blogger-image-1455027904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-3215306918850110722012-11-24T11:07:00.001-06:002012-11-24T20:53:28.119-06:00Giving Of ThanksI am beyond elated to get ourselves to Georgia to get this other hip finally, FINALLY fixed! But some mixed emotions keep sliding in and out of my mind. I am a little worried that this surgery will be much tougher than the last. Logic would say this is a false concern....that the right one is fixed, therefore it is strong enough to withstand bearing most of the weight. However, reality is that it is still healing...even after 3 months, it is still in the heart of restoration and healing. And that may prove to be challenging now that it will be bearing most of the "stress". I pray that I, myself, am strong enough to press forward, to work hard through physical therapy, to keep moving when my body doesn't want to. I pray for patience, that I won't feel defeated when my legs won't carry me as I would like them to, as quickly as I would like them to. I pray that my family and friends remain loving and patient with me when my awkwardness and pain keeps me from moving about as they can (this really isn't a concern, my family and friends have been so incredibly supportive!!! But I pray nonetheless). I pray that our children are well cared for in our absence, that we will be missed, but that they will be content without us as well....that their young lives are as negatively effected as little as possible. I pray that the physical pain is well-controlled and that the long travel there and back home is uneventful and safe. I pray that I can drive right away (seriously, that was SUCH a pain in the rear when righty hip was out of commission...I HATE being chauffeured!!). I pray that we remain financially "okay", especially through the holidays. This is quite possibly the WORST time of year to be having surgery as major as this. But alas, it is what it is and we press forward to bigger and brighter things!<br />
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We celebrated Thanksgiving a few days ago, and now I offer up my own prayers of thanksgiving.... Thank you Lord God for blessing me with such loving and supportive family and friends. When I stop and think about it, I am overwhelmed...flooded with tears of joy and praise, that God would be so loving to give me these amazing people in my life! I don't deserve it, and yet He continues to bless me day after day. How great is our God!!! Thank you Lord, for my husband. He is truly the rock in my life, the solid place I can trust to not only be protected, but compassionately cared for and unconditionally loved. Thank you Lord for my dear children. Again, overwhelmed with tears when I think of my kiddos. They are so young, and yet so mature in their attitudes, their empathy toward others, their responsibility toward not only themselves, but to their family and friends....and their innocent love of God. They completely amaze me! So much, Lord...far too much, the blessings in my life. I don't deserve them, and yet You give them so freely to me. May I be a living example of You. May I live my life as You would have me do, loving and kind toward others, as your Son, Jesus. May I be an instrument of Your goodness and peace. In your Son's precious name...Amen. <br />
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<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-1482623310291021282012-11-19T23:10:00.003-06:002012-11-19T23:10:49.506-06:00Countdown...again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thursday we carve the turkey....then Tuesday we carve the hip. Sorry, that's kinda gross huh? Well, I'm excited. Sounds weird, but I am. I think because the last hip surgery went so smoothly and I'm already beginning to see the change in my right hip (increased ROM, less pain, etc.), I'm anticipating this will be the same. I'm just ready to be done already, for cryin out loud! I'm ready to actually join the mobile human race again and not have to "think through" a walk of any distance. "Will I need my cane?" "Should I use the handicapped parking today?" "Am I 'crippled enough' to warrant stares from other shoppers?" "Should I just keep the crutches handy, ya know 'just in case'?" Kinda sick of all that.... But alas, I see the light! And the light looks good from over here :-)<br /><div>
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To recap...here's another little lesson in basic hip anatomy and then in "Amy's hip anatomy":</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6YF7DuQrH5LuEMNpAq-FIJw0aci7z6B0TJqmHEFsp9MkZSnmr7qeiAgXLBxbOzGHcxfZAondGjC3PMP-q-iFJ6srUY4SHDfU_fN5vlsaLsDVGjJ7vBFdK9i2lJt5UmyK-ahw85fiMSo/s1600/hip+diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6YF7DuQrH5LuEMNpAq-FIJw0aci7z6B0TJqmHEFsp9MkZSnmr7qeiAgXLBxbOzGHcxfZAondGjC3PMP-q-iFJ6srUY4SHDfU_fN5vlsaLsDVGjJ7vBFdK9i2lJt5UmyK-ahw85fiMSo/s320/hip+diagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture of a normal hip. So, you see where the labrum is...it's the tissue that seperates the "cup" from the "saucer". Well, MY labrum on the right hip was completely torn off, flipping on itself and pinching between the bones with each and every step. Yeah, owwwwch!!! But, now it's been repaired with some handy dandy screws. Word has it that the labrum is torn on the left too...we shall see how bad when Doc gets in there.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCbuM-XUTEW4O8PxaiyJZHM_1oK1NudEjlS_jPKPGDhVRu-HMR8_9BfmCbjGLdaksAU3_s01Imcqu9VEAy4vTZeiMt6PA7MvQPVrPVNoDzp1qCM9ybOKQpMjGjRH8_ezqlIGOg0o5SMA/s1600/hip+fai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCbuM-XUTEW4O8PxaiyJZHM_1oK1NudEjlS_jPKPGDhVRu-HMR8_9BfmCbjGLdaksAU3_s01Imcqu9VEAy4vTZeiMt6PA7MvQPVrPVNoDzp1qCM9ybOKQpMjGjRH8_ezqlIGOg0o5SMA/s320/hip+fai.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Now, you see a hip with Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), this one doesn't show any dysplasia like I have, but you get the idea. So basically, in a nutshell, there's bone where it doesn't belong and therefore rubs and bumps against one another. Yeah, again, owwwwch!!! So, the fix is either to break the pelvis and rearrange the entire thing and screw it back together, OR....a less invasive option is to "shave and trim" the bone so that it no longer bumps and rubs together. This is what we did with the right hip in August and the plan is to do the same to lefty on Tuesday. Yay!!!<br /></td></tr>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-30225338374958773022012-11-03T23:11:00.003-05:002012-11-03T23:11:43.459-05:00Nesting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtb3e8Dw5biQASW6Tgw9liJLvvI5sNUnZfxeRx0chcAqcTqtpy7hLHxIQjS9cHRMx4a6aNBMfQ1bWu8_Sj40VhX_p5Zq2oacpCvCBJC-7VBmuCE2jOunBhvhvTgDQQnauZsQwFtuVY1k/s1600/nesting+instinct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtb3e8Dw5biQASW6Tgw9liJLvvI5sNUnZfxeRx0chcAqcTqtpy7hLHxIQjS9cHRMx4a6aNBMfQ1bWu8_Sj40VhX_p5Zq2oacpCvCBJC-7VBmuCE2jOunBhvhvTgDQQnauZsQwFtuVY1k/s1600/nesting+instinct.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making sure all my little chickadees are in a row...</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It is now exactly 24 days until, hopefully, my final surgery of all hip surgeries. Woohoo! Now it's lefty's turn, or as I call it, the "virgin" hip (it's the one that's never been operated on in the past). Strangely enough, I seem to have turned a bit of a corner the past day or so. The pain in the left is surpassing the right...which by my calculations, sounds about right. The right one is still healing, no doubt. But the pain in the left is a more acute, sharp, throbbing and the right is stiff and fatigued....very different. So, as weird as it sounds...this is actually a good thing! Seems like the right is healing up as it should and the left is about ready to throw in the towel. Good thing...because the right is about to get a big wake-up call here in a few weeks. Hope it's ready to withstand all the pressure and there are no setbacks. Only time will tell.... In the meantime, I've had the strangest "nesting instinct" take over my brain. And no, I'm NOT pregnant! But, it feels very similar to when I was expecting my babies. Perhaps it's because I know that here in only a few weeks I won't be able to squat and scrub those baseboards or climb to dust the ceiling fans (how the heck does dog hair get up on the ceiling fans?! Seriously???). I've even already warned my family that my Christmas decorating will be done BEFORE Thanksgiving *gasp*! I mean, I can't very well trim a tree properly if I'm on crutches, now can I? So, while there's barely a dent in the Halloween candy...I'm already getting all the lights and garland and ornaments down from the attic. And one simply cannot properly decorate a home for the holidays without listening to *clutching the pearls* Christmas music!!! I've never loved Pandora more than I do right now! My kids think I'm nuts, but of course my husband has known this fact for years now. We just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary and that man is proficient in the ways of his wife around the holidays. He has wisely learned to just be a spectator and let the madness commence...it will be beautiful when all is said and done, so just leave me to my holly jolly nuttiness and peace will come to all in the end. Now, I just need a warm cozy beverage and we're all set!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft5xKNqaRMLq9T6XKDd_qdqd500ms5Zz-AYoR5jaUZ-JBPsa8d_DcWC7ktdXM8LKDoCZiJhFRrloGfSIY8d-10Nr5QgYkM79quhmIVJbMHUBB0fTruRWM_Jb2vn_tJB_8QV_YHeB5Y64/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft5xKNqaRMLq9T6XKDd_qdqd500ms5Zz-AYoR5jaUZ-JBPsa8d_DcWC7ktdXM8LKDoCZiJhFRrloGfSIY8d-10Nr5QgYkM79quhmIVJbMHUBB0fTruRWM_Jb2vn_tJB_8QV_YHeB5Y64/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppermint Hot Cocoa with whipped cream...all is right with the world. Blog on!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWEvfAa7uzzONgDAsvl1vw6IsqJE0_JK4waB_Ymqob6vKqjRT3UuwH-qxfhcGzylDEWVHh1diPUJdBSVdvLG8gK65bd97zqQ-bRel88vRMDtwzW_9V-WSc1tHt4PB5v_P_i31h5Vc_BA/s1600/Christmas+Dream+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWEvfAa7uzzONgDAsvl1vw6IsqJE0_JK4waB_Ymqob6vKqjRT3UuwH-qxfhcGzylDEWVHh1diPUJdBSVdvLG8gK65bd97zqQ-bRel88vRMDtwzW_9V-WSc1tHt4PB5v_P_i31h5Vc_BA/s320/Christmas+Dream+House.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*sigh* NOT my house...but a girl can dream, right?</td></tr>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-29325876558495125402012-10-02T23:01:00.000-05:002012-10-02T23:01:46.724-05:006 Week Post-Op with Doctor B.Flew back to Augusta (solo this time) to see Dr. B. for my 6 week follow up. My doctor is awesome. I simply cannot say that enough! My doctor...is...AWESOME!!! Doc, you reading this?? YOU ARE....AWESOME!!! It was apparent to him that I was doing much better since the surgery. Sitting more comfortably, walking with hardly any limp at all (and without the cane too, thankyouverymuch!) Still some residual pain and the occasional sharp "pull" in the groin, but all in all, appears to be a success so far. And actually, now the pain in the left hip (the non-operative one) is starting to surpass the right one. Which is exactly where we want to be! I left Fort Gordon with a smile on my face and an operative date in the planner. Hip surgery #2 is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27th....just after Thanksgiving. We just need a good 'ol Texas turkey dinner and BIG Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys victories so we have good, positive energy in the O.R. Right Doc?? ;-)<br />
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<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-46401032359387153772012-09-19T00:32:00.002-05:002012-09-19T00:32:56.939-05:001 Month Post-op....rockin' the cane!I've ditched the crutches for good! Well, at least until I need them for next time ;-) The cane and I are inseparable on distances, but around the house I'm all solo! Woohoo! PT is still slow moving and painful, but making great progress! I can raise my knee to almost a 90 degree angle...almost. And I can demi plie and releve in both 1st and 2nd positions without holding onto the barre! Walking back and forth with leg kicks/knee lifts in the pool is my next goal. Pain is considerably better overall. It feels like it's the tendon release that is causing the most discomfort. I have almost NO deep bone pain at all (like I still have in the left hip) which is incredibly encouraging! Still having some muscle spasms in the groin, hamstrings, quads and glutes, mostly in the evenings, but I've been getting massages with PT and that, along with ice and TENS therapy is incredible! I feel like a new woman! <br />
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So, I fly out to see Dr. B for my follow up appointment here in a couple of weeks and hopefully will be scheduling hip #2!!! All I want for Christmas is a Hip Arthroscopy with a Femoroacetabular Impingement Debridement of Lesions and Labral Repair.... has a nice ring to it, right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U8AHeq8iyvLfksFUhIuOtLoezOy5VFg3GGfvfh-JTPdFIeqNgx_68bDlUKfvUOLkSUA_UdbzhYTbrr4lwR5mEp2XIIzyCfDVOpzDMYnVUk_2HjXOBZeo8AgDiRSmmQKwFnctni7tj1E/s1600/brooke-shields-walks-with-a-cane-at-met-gala__oPt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U8AHeq8iyvLfksFUhIuOtLoezOy5VFg3GGfvfh-JTPdFIeqNgx_68bDlUKfvUOLkSUA_UdbzhYTbrr4lwR5mEp2XIIzyCfDVOpzDMYnVUk_2HjXOBZeo8AgDiRSmmQKwFnctni7tj1E/s320/brooke-shields-walks-with-a-cane-at-met-gala__oPt.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to think I look this hot when I'm rockin' my cane too! </td></tr>
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<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-75351839123023168232012-08-31T22:23:00.000-05:002012-08-31T22:23:15.550-05:002 Weeks Post-OpSchool started for the kiddos, and well....for me too. I started Physical Therapy this week and feels like I'm learning how to use muscles that haven't been awake for a very, very loooong time! It's funny though...<u><i>during</i></u> PT, I feel some tightness and discomfort, but it's not too bad. I'm a pretty tough bird anyway, so I don't complain unless it's REALLY painful. If anything, it actually feels<i> </i>GOOD to be using my legs again! I absolutely cannot wait until I am well enough to start working out again....like <i><u>really</u></i> working out! This weight gain has been most depressing and the sedentary life I've been forced to live is nothing short of torture. So, to get back into a "gym" per se, is wonderful!! However, it's <u><i>after</i></u> PT that the pain really starts to kick in. Ya know, we talked about those deceiving endorphins last time, right? Yeah.... So, nights have been rough. LOTS of muscle spasms! But, I'm very happy to be seeing some progress. My Physical Therapist says I'm trying to do too much too soon though...that I need to slow down and take the progress little by little and allow ample time for the joint to heal itself. Hard, but I'll try to control myself. I'm like a lone sled dog with A.D.D....LET'S GOOOOO!!!! Good thing sled dogs love the cold, since I'll be spending most of my "off time" looking a little something like this: <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtQXbgflrHpKAZzISJHuVa6QXQb29598wCMa0-nrov3NtJwuFqQV0TK-bB2sZNsmDDYRq962XOPMjHD1JWUWq2UXjG8chSQKBeJmKbPkaGt3QoJD8QyWBlIuvwkqshy_QzmDttiallxA/s1600/icebath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtQXbgflrHpKAZzISJHuVa6QXQb29598wCMa0-nrov3NtJwuFqQV0TK-bB2sZNsmDDYRq962XOPMjHD1JWUWq2UXjG8chSQKBeJmKbPkaGt3QoJD8QyWBlIuvwkqshy_QzmDttiallxA/s320/icebath.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!! </i>MUSH! MUSH! MUSH!!!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-63881510525808195502012-08-25T22:15:00.001-05:002012-08-25T22:25:06.347-05:001 Week Post-OpTired<br />
Determined<br />
Sore<br />
Frustrated<br />
Patient<br />
Praying<br />
Emotional<br />
Tired<br />
Giggly<br />
In God's Word<br />
In Less Pain<br />
In MORE Pain<br />
Loved<br />
Inspired<br />
Mothered <br />
Resolute<br />
Steadfast<br />
Weary<br />
Hard-Headed<br />
TIRED!!!<br />
Hopeful<br />
Eager<br />
Ever-Faithful..... Always!<br />
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"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28<br />
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-80942320219062404292012-08-21T13:22:00.001-05:002012-08-23T19:18:58.951-05:00Status Post....Day #4Made it back to Texas, safe and sound. Praise God!!! All involved in the transport of not only my broken self, but crutches, bags, purse, husband, etc. were wonderful!!! Thank you to U.S. Airways and United Airlines for your compassion and "safe handling" getting me home! <br />
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Finally, FINALLY had my 1st shower this morning. Amazing! And exhausting.... Either my meds are REALLY awesome (and they are!) or I'm completely delusional (which is highly possible), but I actually feel LESS pain than I did with the 1st hip scope! I have better range of motion, better stability and I can put quite a considerable amount of weight on this leg. Perhaps it's because it's actually been FIXED!!! Hallelujah!!! Still using my crutches for stability, but I can actually go short distances (like bed to bathroom) WITHOUT them! Amazing!!! Needless to say, the shower was incredible....and boy, I sure do smell a heckuva LOT prettier! But I'm EXHAUSTED! And have a general feeling of "I've just been run over by a Mack truck" (or Peterbilt....ya know, whichever you prefer). So, a well-deserved nap is in order! Post more later. Maybe MUCH later..... Zzzzzz ;-)<br />
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266260021303930532.post-29968835257873786312012-08-19T14:26:00.001-05:002012-08-23T19:18:35.796-05:00Status Post...Day #2Ahhhh endorphins....how deceitful the little beauties are! It's as if all my cells were asleep and today's the day the bloody alarm clock went off. I'm awake already, thanks! Now turn it off!!!<br />
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Pain not unbearable per se....thanks to my new friend (and foe) Morphine. Just a general flu-like miserableness sort of feeling. Love my Millennial Crutches (worth every penny!) and love my ice packs. The Morphine, on the other hand, while necessary at this point, is causing such traumatic dreams, I dread sleep....and my body desperately needs sleep. I am hopeful for some uninterrupted dreamless sleep today to gear up for tomorrow's long journey home. Ever grateful for this warm home that was so graciously opened for us to stay while here in Augusta....it has proven itself priceless indeed!<br />
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09835649213028128128noreply@blogger.com0