What a difference a couple of years can make.
Exactly two years ago today I was in the hospital having my first arthroscopic hip surgery, on my left side (the right hip was scoped five months later), wondering if I’d ever be able to participate in all the activities that I so loved.
This morning – probably around the same time I would have been in surgery – I was in the park doing a leisurely three-mile run. I opted to take it a little easier after an active weekend of running, spinning, swimming, lifting and stretching.
Yes, I can report that there is life after arthroscopic hip surgery. Having my torn labrum repaired and the bone spurs that caused the tear in the first place shaved down, my pincer-type hip impingement has been fixed. And my surgeon has assured me that the chances of the bone spurs growing back and causing another impingement were slim to none.
But, as I’ve said before, this road to recovery has been a long, arduous one, filled with milestones and setbacks, frustrations and triumphs. My doctor told me that it would take a full year to be back to normal. For me, it’s taken two.
And I’m not completely back to normal, either. While I’ve been able to ramp up my mileage running and my workouts in general, I find that if I take it too far, too fast, my body revolts. That discomfort in the left groin area (my right side is back go normal) returns. It’s more of a dull ache, really, but just enough to let me know that I’ve overdone things. So then it’s back to the physical therapy exercises that helped me so much in my early recovery. Back to icing. And back to taking a day or two off.
Maybe this is the New Normal.
Hi Vivian!
I’ve asked you a couple of things before as I too had to scope both hips.
(First one July 2012, second one Dec 2012).
Now, just another quick question.
How long did it take you to start running again?
I’m a bit scared to try as that was what caused it to tear in the first place…
Did you start off with the anti-gravity treadmill?
(Did you use the average running shoe, or did you go for something even more shock-absorbing?)
Really appreciate all advise/tips!
Thank you and all the best,
Marie
Hi Marie!
I definitely remember you: you’re exactly one year behind me in the scope schedule.
I first started running again after each scope on a treadmill at PT – actually, my therapist made me alternate between running and walking in order to observe my gait. He said, “You’re training so you can run again.”
This was probably three months out. And I pretty much stuck with the treadmill after the first scope; maybe I got close to running three miles on it before it was time for the second one.
After that procedure, I did the same thing at PT also after three month, but I pretty much took the entire winter off from running. (I cross-trained with spinning and indoor cycling to maintain my aerobic strength) I tried running again that spring.
I took things slow and safe, sticking with a cushy track and adding a loop or two with each new visit. But I “like” the track about as much as I like the treadmill. (Boring!) And my progress was too slow. So eight (tearful) months after surgery No. 2 (right about this time last year!) I said, “Screw it! I’m going to run the way I always ran: in the park, on the streets.”
And so I did. I would cover my normal three-mile route, and if I needed to stop and walk at any point (which I did) that was O.K. Soon I was covering the distance without any stops, albeit slow. Today I can comfortably run seven miles at a nice pace. My goal is to do 10.
I, too, was fearful of running again, because I tore my labrum(s) while marathon-training in the summer of 2010. But both my doctor and physical therapist assured me that I would be fine, that I could even run a marathon again if I wanted to. (I don’t!)
One more thing: My therapist told me something that still sticks with me. He said, “Look at how your scars are healed. The way the scars are healing on the outside is how you are healed on the inside.”
My scars are barely visible today.
Hope this helped.Let us know how you’re making out!!!
Vivian
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your kind words!
And, yes, I had no idea the recovery process would be so prolonged, either.
But one thing I have learned is that it does get better with time — sometimes only incrementally. Keeping this blog going has helped me to see the progress I’ve made — even from a year ago — but most of all to accept where I am today.
Good luck to you, and please don’t be discouraged!
Vivian
I’ve been following your blog since my first arthroscopy last August (second one was 4 months ago)–I had the same diagnosis as you, same wonderful surgeon, same surgeries, same PT (he is the one who told me about “Catching a Third Wind”)! Your blog has been so helpful to me during this long road to recovery. I am not an athlete like you are, but am looking forward to resuming the things I loved prior to the onset of hip issues (long walks, hiking…even sitting cross-legged on the floor!). I never would have guessed that hip arthroscopy would entail such a long & arduous recovery, which can be discouraging at times, so I am forever grateful to you for sharing your experience. Thank you so much!!!!