This Memorial Day weekend marks the first anniversary of Catching a Third Wind, a blog that chronicles my long journey to recover from femoroacetabular impingement, a k a FAI – or more simply, a condition of too much friction in the hip joint.
This friction – in my case it was caused by bone spurs – resulted in a tear in the labrum, which is the soft tissue that surrounds the hip socket and acts almost like a gasket.
My first post, “Joined at the Hip,” appeared a mere 19 days before my first scheduled surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery, to repair a torn hip labrum on my left side.
Truth be told, this blog was initially created for an assignment in a summer graduate class, as part of an Interactive Media program. I needed to come up with enduring subject matter that could carry me through the 12-week course. (And what better subject to write about than your own travails.)
One year and two surgeries later – Surgery No. 2, on my right side, was in December – I have yet to stop writing. This blog has not only been a cathartic endeavor but an informative one, for I learned so much about FAI, along with other sports injuries, through the research that went into writing these posts. (I am also a professional journalist.)
Along the way, I met several fellow sufferers, who have shared their own experiences here. I can only hope that by writing about my experience someone out there might be helped – or at least find some level of comfort in knowing that he or she is not alone.
FAI is a difficult condition to diagnose. As I noted in my first blog entry, on May 27, 2011, it takes, on average, 21 months and visits to at least three health professionals before a definitive diagnosis. In my case, it was eight months — during which time I made visits to a sports-medicine specialist, massage therapist, exercise physiologist, two physical therapists, and, finally, an orthopedist who ordered up the contrast-dye M.R.I. that revealed the tear. (Most of these professionals were convinced I had a bad case of tendonitis caused by overtraining for the New York City marathon.)
I chose to have arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn labrum (on both the right and left sides) because it was less invasive and the recovery times are far shorter than open surgery. Still, my recovery has been long and arduous. I wish I could report that I am running races again and have returned to all my normal activities. I can’t. Yet. But I am hopeful that some day I will, despite dealing with a recent setback. (Too many spin classes have left my left side throbbing lately.)
So look for more updates ahead – and at some point a redesign of this blog.
In the meantime, thanks everyone for reading.
Hi Sloan,
I’m so happy this blog found you!
Yeah, I was concerned, too, that I might’ve re-injured my hip joint or sustained another tear in my labrum after overdoing things in spin class. But the doctor moved around my legs (side to side) and determined (because there was no discomfort) that it was a strained hip abductor and ordered up some prescription-strength anti-inflammatories. The pills are also helping my knee pain, which is likely caused from an ITB issue. Ugh!
I was also told to do some stretching exercises, all of which I already knew from PT.
Thanks for commenting, and stay in touch.
Wow. Congratulations on your recovery. I too am a scope patient. Had it done in 2005. Like you it has been up and down. Mostly down in the first four years and then some ups. Have been on a up for a good six months but am now dealing with so much tightness since going back to spinning.
Regardless lately to all my stretching. Began doing yoga about three months ago as well and noticed how WEAK my operated hip was especially in lounge positions. My hammies, adductors, hip flexors(quad and Psoas), butt/hamstring connections and last but not least the dreaded IT band. I am praying that I did not retear and it is strenghtening pain and that soon it will go away. I would love any suggestions. Although i will say i feel i have read it all 🙁
So happy to have found your blog.
Vivian,
Your blog provides me with some level of sanity because my dr doesn’t like PT for this type of surgery and I’ve been all alone LOL in this recovery. there are days when I feel like I’m never ever going to recover fully and that’s frustrating. I think the comment high highs and high lows is correct – I seem to be in a low right now after feeling like I’ve done really well. I’ve been trying to jog on the treadmill – walk 3 min run 30 seconds and then move to 2 min run 30 etc. and it just depends on the day…most days feels good (weak but good) and others I’m like something doesn’t feel right so at least now I stop, whereas prior to the surgery I would have kept going. It’s a long process. I just keep telling me slow and steady and hopefully this time next year we’ll be back to the activities we love maybe just at a different intensity level. I joke the 80-year olds on oxygen at the gym are moving faster than me!! I see the ortho in June for my 8-month follow-up. I may just have to kick him with my one good leg out of frustration 🙂
Hi Janice,
Thanks for your kind words. It’s people like you who make keeping this blog going worthwhile.
I really do understand your frustration, having just experienced a minor setback myself. (Look for a future post about this.) But as Armando has commented (and my own doctor has said this too): Recovering from arthroscopic hip surgery is not linear. There are lots of ups and downs the first year or so after surgery.
Every doctor has his or her own postsurgical recovery plan. Mine happens to be an advocate of PT. But there’s only so much that PT can do for you. I think that your body just needs time to heal.
Happy Memorial Day! Vivian, I always look forward to reading your entries. As I mentioned to you before, the recovery for this surgery is not linear, it is a series of higher highs and higher lows, with occasional set backs that makes one wonder if they did something to re-aggravate the injury. I am now 1 year and 4 months and feel that I am almost 100%. Keep blogging and great site!
Hi Armando!
Yes, I was wondering if I reinjured myself by doing too much. This is frustrating because I had been doing so well up to this point. But even Dr. Coleman suggested that the first year after surgery would be period of readjustment.
I’m glad that you are doing well. You have been an inspiration for me.
Vivian