Hospital for Special Surgery
I couldn’t let this day pass without acknowledging that exactly one year ago I had my first arthroscopic hip surgery, on my left side. (The right side was scoped five months later, in December.)
And so began one of the longest years of my life.
My very skilled surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery said that it would take at least a year before I would “come full circle.” He was right. I am thrilled to report that I am finally back to most of my old activities, like running, cycling, and spinning, and I’ve added a few more, like Pilates. (Right hip feels fine, by the way.)
I approach all these activities more cautiously than before, however, cognizant of the many bumps I’ve encountered in my one-year journey and concerned about reinjuring myself – any body part – or suffering setbacks. My “circle” has been more elongated than I would have liked. But I am still so very grateful.
A fellow blogger/athlete who wrote about her own sports injuries (hips and shoulders mostly) recently asked me if I would go through this process again knowing what I know today. I answered without hesitation. Besides needing to treat the nagging discomfort that came with hip impingement, or FAI, I desperately wanted to get my life back again.
Through this process I have gotten a new life: I discovered many new activities besides running, met lots of wonderful people in my recovery (including here in this blog), and gained a newfound acceptance of what I can and can’t do as I get older.
Hip arthroscopy is not for sissies, to put it bluntly. While the surgery (see diagram above) may be relatively quick – you’re in early in the morning and home by midafternoon – the recovery process is long and arduous.
But for me it has at least provided some level of hope.
You might say that I am catching my third wind.
Pretty nice post. I just came across your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really liked reading your posts.
nj physical therapists
Thank you!
Haha, yes I had quite the list!
And you were so nice taking time to answer them all!
I did try to work up as much muscle mass as I could beforehand, and am sure it’s helping a lot. -So will definitely continue down that path.
And meanwhile I will keep following your recovery for inspiration!
Thank you again!
Marie
Hi Marie,
I remember you! (You had the long list of questions. lol)
I am so glad that the hip scope went well, and I hope that my reply to your previous comment helped in some way to prepare you for this surgery and the initial recovery afterwards.
Good luck with the second scope, too. My unsolicited advice: just build up your strength and stay in shape as much as you can via PT, etc., and the recovery for that will be a lot easier. It was, at least, for me.
Stay in touch,
Vivian
Hi Vivian,
I wrote to you a couple of months back, asking a few questions when I found out I was to have surgery to repair my torn labrum in my right hip.
On the 12th of July I had the operation at HSS in NYC, yesterday I got my sutures removed and so far I seem to be recovering well. (No pain & good motion range. -Touch wood!)
I just wanted to say that I found your blog extremely helpful in what to anticipate during/after the surgery.
I still have to repair my left labrum in a couple of months, but knowing that in a year from now I might be running again is a great carrot.
So thanks for keeping the updates coming!
Best,
Marie
I think it’s fair to say I’ve never written a comment on a blog in my LIFE.
However, I just want to say Happy Hip Anniversary! From someone who just had hip arthroscopy (July 9th). Torn labrum, torn ligamentum teres repair/resection, and partial synovectomy. I am doing well but am also learning that it will be a long road back. I am not a runner by a long shot, but active. Thank you for blogging all this…it’s helpful. Continued good wishes!
Dee
Thanks so much for your comment, Dee.
I was exactly where you were last year at this time, so I think I know what you might be going through right about now. I’d like you to know that there is life after hip arthroscopy!
While I am not yet 100 percent — and my recovery has been far from linear — I am slowly returning to the activities that I love.
I wish you the best in your recovery, and I hope that you stay in contact and let us know how you’re doing.
I am so grateful to have found your blog. I had my right labrial repair Feb 28 th of this year. I am at at my wits end to say the least! I am still in pain and I no longer get PT. Dr released all my restrictions and thinks my pain is due to scar tissue. I’m going to try gentle yoga and a busu ball using your video. I’m not a runner, I do enjoy walking and am back up to 1.5 to 2 miles but I don’t do it everyday. Do you excersise everyday?
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Yeah, the first few months of recovery from hip scopes certainly are tough, at least it was for me.
I’ve gotten some relief from scar tissue-related pain through what’s known as the Active Release Technique, as I mentioned in my blog post. The ART Web site provides a list of practitioners here: http://www.activerelease.com/providerSearch.asp. Just a suggestion.
I also do lots and lots of stretching — very important! — and I have found yoga very helpful in opening up my stiff joints. Pilates is also good — it’s kind of a cross between PT and yoga. It builds up your core and helps you stretch.
I do try to stay active everyday, but I take an occasional day off, which I think is good for the body.
Good luck with your recovery, and please stay in touch.
Vivian
Vivian – like always, great job on your blog! Happy that you have made the full circle on the first hip. I know what you went through as I experience the same – setbacks, second guessing, will I ever feel good enough that I am mentally at peace. Our surgeon of choice, and hospital, were surely a significant factor in our successful outcomes. Dr. Coleman was amazing! Soon you will be on your way to a full recovery on the other hip, and within 6 months, it will all be a distant memory. Wishing you the best!
Thanks, Armando. I can’t wait to share my latest updates with Dr. Coleman when I see him on Tuesday. (I’ll tell him you said, “Hello.”)
Stay in touch!