An Answer to Prayer...

This could get long, so let me start with the good news...NO SURGERY!!!!!! I feel like a giddy little girl who just had her first taste of cotton candy.

In case you are new to this blog...I was diagnosed with FAI about 4 months ago and have been told by two orthopedic surgeons that I will need joint preservation surgery on both hips. But the little voice inside kept telling me to wait. So, for two months I have waited to consult with Dr. Thomas Byrd for another opinion. He is the pioneer of arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of FAI. He along with one other surgeon is considered the best in hip arthroscopy.

I've poured countless hours into researching non-surgical treatments...the news has not been good. It all leads back to the same place, surgery is the only true option and without it life will be a slippery slope to total hip replacement. For the first few weeks I would wake in the middle of the night with tears streaming. Just to see someone running on a sidewalk sent me into a total depression...it was life altering. I was on the verge of a wheelchair before having steriod injections and was told they would bring a few weeks to possibly a month of relief. And yes, they did.

I've been altering my diet and lifestyle. I've been praying and counting on the prayers of others. I've experienced significant improvement in my pain level, but still feel enough of it that I worry...all the time. I worry about the future every time I tie my shoes or get on the floor to play with my babies only to feel my hips pop and grind painfully. I have wanted to refuse surgical treatment, but did not want to be stubborn now and permanantly injured later.

I was shocked when Dr. Byrd (who I loved, loved, but I'll get to that later) told me he believes I have a real shot at healing enough to never, yes I said never need surgery. Folks, let me tell you...It is NOT THE ONLY OPTION. This guy knows what he's talking about. Find a doctor who isn't pressuring you to go under the knife. Surgery is always there if things don't improve...why rush in?

I asked, several times because it contradicted what I heard so many times...is waiting not going to ruin my hips? If I don't address this impingement now, am I not going to need a hip replacement a few years down the road???

Dr. Byrd can't see the future, but...he told me not to worry about that. Unless I am planning to run in a marathon or triathlon (yes, was hoping to, but not enough to go and have surgery for that reason alone) there is a reasonable chance I can have my life back. He feels confident I can return to the same activity level as before without pain and put this behind me where it belongs. Six weeks of physical therapy was ordered and we'll see how I do.

I met with the PT and I love her. She's awesome and after only a few minutes she helped me understand what was happening with the weakness in my right hip. As I had suspected I am very weak in the hamstrings and glutes. We're working to strengthen these muscles with the hope that it will balance out some of the issues going on there. I can elaborate if anyone would like more info, just email me.

As for Byrd...he's really tall and super sweet. So many orthopedic surgeons are arrogant you know what's...but he was approachable and friendly. I wanted to hug him. His nurse Kay felt like an old friend within minutes. She was the warmest and sweetest person. She took time with me to be sure I understood everything he had said and even showed me other CT scans so I could see what impingement looks like and how it is treated arthroscopically and through open procedures.

As for the other surgeons I have seen...they were great. I was never pressured to go the surgical route...however, it was presented as the treatment option available.

I'm excited to get the word out. Thanks to the encouraging messages I have recieved from this blog, I know there are many like me desperate for options. I am hopeful this blog will continue to be a resource as my story unfolds to a route of recovery through therapy, excersize, diet and nutrition.

I can't end this post without saying every word that came from Dr. Byrd's mouth was what I had prayed he would say. Honestly, I didn't expect any of it. Thank you Lord for reminding me that I am not alone and you are in control even when its hard to believe.