Yesterday marked my 2 year LPAO and labrum repair anniversary {insert loud cheers here!}. I can't believe it's been this long and I'm sorry for not updating sooner! I guess that's what happens when you're busy living your life instead of dreaming of the days when you can!
Recovery is (yes, still IS) going great. Let's see... The last time I posted I had just started T25. Well, 5 weeks into the program I went to see my physical therapist and she was shocked at how much muscle had returned in just the few weeks I had been without her. Then, I went to see Dr. O for my 1 year and he said the same thing. "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it," he said. So, that's what I did! I became a Beachbody coach at 8 months post op, knowing it would help keep me motivated and moving forward with my recovery. And boy has it!
I jumped from T25 to 21 Day Fix, P90x3, Cize, Body Beast, and now am finishing up my first round of Master's Hammer & Chisel. I can't always do each move but I modify when necessary and do what I can! Better than nothing, right?!
In July I was lucky to win a free trip to Nashville, TN to work out with my favorite Beachbody trainers. It was an emotional trip for me, as I not only got to hang with people who motivate and inspire me, but because so many times I was reminded of how far I've come. If you would have told me 1 year ago that I would be in that room working out with the best of the best, I would have laughed! And yet, here I was. {Image was taken by a professional photographer during my workout with Sagi Kalev. I was front and center and working my tail off to impress him! You can tell my left leg doesn't go as high as my right, but who cares?! Look at that jump!}
This surgery may have been the worst thing that has ever happened to me, but when looking at the things I have learned from it, the people I have met, and the experiences I've had, it really did bring out some of the best parts of my life too.
My hip isn't perfect (it never will be). I have a tight hip flexor that Dr. O injects every now and again to help soothe and loosen; Ab work is tough. Because of my tight hip flexors, my legs don't lift very well; I am constantly reminded of my surgery by my scar (which has faded nicely). But it's better than it was prior to PAO, so I'll take it!
I have my 2 year follow up with Dr. Olson in early April. We'll take xrays to make sure things are still in place and then I'm sure we'll talk about that shot (ouch) . With a $1,000 price tag, and a needle that guides all the way to my psoas, I'm not looking forward to it. But it helps, so we'll see.
Overall, life after PAO is good. I've made wonderful friends through this process, many of whom have had the same surgery. It's so nice because we can completely understand one another when no one else can. I continue to recover each day and know that my hip journey will never be over. It takes constant effort to stay strong and fit, yet not overdo it.
My blog has served as a window, for a handful of scared women whom Dr. Olson has had the pleasure of meeting and discussing PAO. They've read it, and reached out, and THAT makes me so happy. I wrote this blog with a purpose- to help others who might be faced with a PAO and are uncertain of what it truly entails. To know that I have helped ease some of the worry, or give insight on what may come ahead for these ladies, makes it worth it.
Cheers to year #2!