(no subject)

[rivka]

For the last several months, I've been having more pain than I'm used to in my right hip. I did remarkably well with that hip during my pregnancy - better than I'd expected; I had anticipated needing a cane and had considered the possibility that I would need crutches or even a wheelchair during pregnancy because of the extra weight centered over my hips. We had also considered the possibility that I would have excruciating hip pain during delivery, because of my pelvic abnormality. That didn't happen either.

But after Alex was born, and I regained my strength, my hip didn't bounce back. I have a lot of stiffness in the joint, so much so that I can barely walk when I first get up from sitting or lying down. It hurts more than it used to, including sometimes when I'm lying down in bed. My limp is more pronounced. It aches after exercise. I have some referred pain to my knee.

It could be a lot of things. It could just be that I'm deconditioned. Lord knows that I haven't been getting anywhere near an optimal amount of exercise. It could be that my artificial hip is beginning to fail - I was told to expect it to last about fifteen years, and it's been nine. I'm not sure what the experience of having an artificial joint wear out is supposed to be like, but if it feels like developing arthritis in the first place did, then this could be that. It could be that the pelvic changes that happen during pregnancy and delivery caused some sort of damage to my artificial hip or to the plastered-together old surgical breaks in my pelvis. It could be a lot of things.

In a couple of minutes I'm going to leave the house for an appointment with an orthopedist. No, not the asshole I saw when I saw pregnant. I'm not even seeing anyone in the same practice as him, ever again, ever. It's someone my primary care doc thinks is wonderful. But I'm still nervous.

One of the things she said when she referred me to this guy was, "and he specializes in minimally invasive surgery!" Please don't let it come to that.

Comments

[ailbhe]

Oh, gods. I hope it turns out to be a lack of exercise thing, and that the new orthopedist is good. I remember that other post - it still makes me shudder. Jeez.

[beaq.livejournal.com]

{hug}

What ailbhe said. It could be a lot of things, and we'll pray for the best.

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

My fingers are virtually crossed on your behalf.

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

i have my fingers and my toes crossed for lack of exercise. alternatively, it could be caused by an ice cream deficiency.

[eeyorerin]

Wishing for the best in both doctors and outcomes.

[kcobweb.livejournal.com]

Good luck!! Hopefully this doctor will have some options for you - and by options, I mean things to consider besides surgery.

[redbird]

I hope, by the time you see this, the doctor has given you good news.