I thought it was time to provide another progress report on my recovery from dual arthroscopic hip surgeries last year (left side: July; right side: December).
So how am I doing? Well, it all depends on which day that question is asked.
I had a pretty long stretch of feeling generally good. But lately — that is, ever since I stopped going to physical therapy and started ramping up my physical activity — I feel as though I am taking two steps backwards for each step forward.
Too much walking in my Frye boots: shin splints. Too many spin classes: pain above the right knee. Increased running mileage on the track: pain in the left groin. These problems don’t crop up all the time, but often enough to make me wonder if I will ever be normal again. “Normal” for me is a 10- mile run before work; a 30-mile bike ride followed by a 6-mile run on a Sunday morning; or a three-hour workout at the gym.
My hip surgeon’s physician assistant says the groin pain is likely from a strained hip abductor and the knee pain is probably an issue with my iliotibial band, or ITB band. And so I was told to take some prescription-strength anti-inflammatories and encouraged to return to PT until this all passes.
I don’t feel like going back to PT, so I’ve decided to resume doing my PT exercises and stretches on my own, cut back on my activity again, take the anti-inflammatories and ice.
Oh, and try to remain positive.
Hi Jenna,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I’ve tried to stay positive, but I was just feeling so frustrated and tired of it all when I wrote this post.
I’ve since decided to regularly do those time-consuming PT exercises and stretches, along with Pilates — and, lo and behold, I have noticed an improvement.
I’m happy to hear that ART is helping you! (Maybe that’s what I need as well.)
Stay in touch!
Vivian
I agree with Armondo! Keep the faith! I’m almost 6 months post surgery for the right hip and I was doing really well…until I left PT! I just asked my husband last night if I would ever be “normal” again…I have determined that patience is key. Also, I have recently been going to a chiropractor to have ART (Active Release Technique). It seems to be helping quite a bit. I would suggest that so you can keep moving 🙂 Hang in there….Remember there are lots of us out there feeling the same way you are and you WILL get back to normal!
Jenna
Thanks for your encouragement, Armando.
I’ve been doing more stretching and PT exercises, and backing off a bit. As a result, I’m actually feeling a little better.
But it is a long, rocky recovery. I just ran into a friend from work who had the same surgery with the same surgeon exactly a year ago, and she has had some rough going, too, though she also had some tendon issues to deal with.
A colleague at work, who sits behind me in the newsroom, had the surgey three years ago (different doctor and hospital) and is still dealing with occasional discomfort. As is a running friend from town (dual surgeries with same doctor).
I guess I underestimated the intensity of the recovery and recovey time.
Keep the faith, you will get there. You had not 1 but 2 surgeries, and it will take time given the level of activity you want to achieve. A 1/4 inch tug on each leg from that traction dosent seem that ,but our bodies were not meant to withstand that force for 1/2 to 1 hour while all these muscle and ligaments are stretched, pulled, moved, etc. Some pro-athletes take 1 year to come back from 1 surgery, you had 2, and within 6 moths. Maybe cut back a bit for now with the amount of activity you want to do and yes, continue to stretch and strengthen. For me, the stretching was more important and beneficial than the strength training. With the weights the weights, lighter and more reps rather than more weight and less reps. reps than more weight is the way to go. I totally agree with what the PA said to you. When you feel you’re going backwards, take a break….mentally it might do you good as the body continues to adjust/recover/heal. Best wishes!