The optionsAfter undergoing an extensive hip scope procedure and completing 6 months of post operative rehab, it was incredibly difficult to come to terms with the idea that I was going to have to start all over again. PAO is a big, life changing surgery... and it is important to know all your options prior to proceeding. I considered that perhaps rehab was progressing slower than expected or that I tore my labrum again by some freak accident. However, a physical exam performed by both my PT and surgeon did not indicate a new injury to the labrum. A subsequent MRI would later confirm that the labrum was still in-tact and completely healed. My surgeon told me that my symptoms at 6 months were quite typical of a handful of girls like me who had both FAI and hip dysplasia and who experienced "failed" arthroscopy procedures as a result. Most of his patients continued to rehab slowly after 6 months, but have all returned to him within 2 years wanting PAO due to the persistence of pain. Of course I wanted to do everything I could to put off another surgery, but being in PT school, I had a lot to consider. I had 1 year left of school, comprised almost entirely of clinical practice. How was I going to survive clinical rotations with the pain I was currently experiencing? How was I going to treat patients if I was unable to be on my feet for more than an hour at a time? But likewise... How was I going to handle another surgery and lengthy rehab? How was this going to effect my education?
Ultimately, my decision In considering PAO came down to the results of my dGEMRIC MRI. Dr. Mei-Dan orders a dGEMRIC MRI study to examine the integrity of the cartilage prior to scheduling surgery. If there is too much damage to articular cartilage, a patient is no longer considered a candidate for PAO and, thus, would require a total hip replacement. My results indicated that my cartilage damage was extensive enough that I was on the border of no longer being a candidate for this surgery... and I am just way too young for a total hip replacement! As such, I decided that PAO was the right decision for me and that I could not wait too long to have the procedure done. Dr. Mei-Dan performs PAO as a staged procedure: 1. Hip Arthroscopy was scheduled for May 13th, 2015 2. PAO was scheduled for May 20th, 2015 Now that the decision was made, it was time to get my game face on. I knew this was going to be a long journey... but I was ready and determined. Let's go!
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AuthorJust a physical therapist and her journey being on the other side rehab. Categories
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