“You’ve graduated! See you in a year, maybe, so we can get some more data on you.”
Those were the final words from my hip surgeon at the end of my regular checkup this past week. As I was leaving his office, I was handed – not a diploma or certificate, but my M.R.I. films and X-Rays, a thick set for each hip that was scoped last year. No more room in the office to store them, I was told.
And so marked the biggest milestone since I began my long, arduous journey to recover from what’s known as femoroacetabular impingement, or FAI. Quite simply: too much friction in the hip joint.
The journey began exactly two years ago when I started to experience sharp pain in my left hip and groin while training for the New York City marathon. I was ultimately forced to drop out of that race, and spent the next several months attempting to recover from what most health care professionals – from physical therapists to even a sports medicine doctor – thought was a bad case of tendonitis in my iliopsoas muscle group. It wasn’t until I finally broken down and saw an orthopedist, who ordered an M.R.I. with dye contrast, that I finally learned that I had a torn hip labrum caused by bone spurs.
My first arthroscopic hip surgery was in July 2011, the second, on my right side, was five months later, in December.
So what prompted my doctor to “graduate” me? According to him, I have full range of motion and full strength in both hip joints. He was also pleased to learn that I am now running up to five miles two or three times a week, and taking advanced spin classes and cycling.
The fact is, I have been feeling more like my old, active self lately. But I am not there. Yet. I still experience some discomfort in my left groin (This time it really might be tendonitis, according to my hip doctor) that only time will lessen. Or maybe not.
Still, I am so grateful to have gotten this far. As I look at the banner image of this blog – with all the guys running – I can now identify more with the last one.
Vivian –
First of all, congratulations on your “graduation”. It has been really nice reading about some of the success stories.
I was recently diagnosed with a very similar condition to yours (torn right labrum + cam impingement). I’ve been to a number of doctors around the NYC area, including Dr. Thomas Youm and Dr. Bryan Kelly. Dr. Coleman’s name recently came up during some of my searches and seems like he is well liked by everyone who has had a similar procedure done with him. Also, he’s covered under my insurance plan, which makes a huge difference cost wise compared to someone like Kelly. I’d love to talk with you further about your experience with Dr. Coleman. I’m not exactly sure how to get in touch, but maybe posting this will let you see my email? If not, I’ll check back and see if you’ve posted any information.
Thanks so much, and keep up the great info. I feel like there is a distinct lack of longer term outcomes on the web. Seems like once people are better, they tend to stop writing about their experiences.
Hi Stephen, Sorry for the late reply. I had good experience with Dr. Coleman. I will send you an e-mail. Vivian
So happy to see this post! congratulations! It give me hope!! It’s only been 13 months and my dr believes it’s a 2 year process…egads! Had a minor set-back about 8 weeks ago so I need to get out of my head and listen to the body and hope they coincide 🙂
Hi Janice,
So sorry for the late reply (it’s been an eventful past few weeks).
I’ve had setbacks myself, and believe, as you do, that this is our bodies’ way of telling us to back off a little.
This whole process has taken a lot longer than I had hoped.
Stay in touch,
Vivian
Well done! I have been following your blog and it gives me confidence that through hard work and patience we will get there. My arthroscope is booked in for November!
Helen.
It took a long time for me to start feeling “normal” again, but well worth the wait.
Good luck with your scope, Helen, and please stay in touch!
Vivian
Hi Debbie,
Sounds like you are making really good progress. Congrads! (I got started running again by walking-running-walking-running…Very gradual.)
Those anti-gravity treadmills look pretty amazing. Would love to try one out.
Best,
Vivian
Yeah to you for graduating!!! I went for 12 week appt this week and dr said I was doing good. Walking much better. I still have a ways to go to strengthen my hips. I got to run on a Alter G Treadmill. These are awesome!! I now can ride my bike outside and run on the treadmill starting with a run/walk progression and swim without using a pull buoy. The dr said I do not have to come back for a 24 week follow-up. Don’t want to have to fly to Chicago in January. The only thing is I do notice some pain more in the ball part of the hip. Actually on both sides and I have knee pain. Which I have found out is Patellar Femoral Syndrome. I have had a cortisone shot and had a synvisc-one shot. If this shot doesn’t help then it will be a knee scope. I enjoy your blog.