happy healthy hippy
A blog following my Triple Pelvic Osteotomy in January 2016
Today I am just 9 days away from my operation. Christmas and new year are done and dusted (though our tree is still up woops!) and so the countdown is on. I'm currently on a train back to Liverpool from Birmingham after my pre op, which all went fine. Just blood tests, urine sample, blood pressure and ECG. Everyone was so surprised I had travelled "all the way from Liverpool" (it's really not that far!) so I explained as it's a specialist surgery I had handpicked Mr McBryde after doing some research.
As I mentioned in my surgery preparation, I have been reading the book The Secret. One of the principles is to feel gratitude each day as this is one of the strongest, positive emotions that contributes to happiness. So my train journey home, I've been contemplating what I am grateful for, despite my unfortunate current situation: - My pain has disrupted my life for nearly two years and it's taken that long to get a clear diagnosis and action plan. Although it seems forever to me, I'm grateful that this process has been relatively quick when compared to many other people suffering with hip pain on the support groups. I don't have any arthritis yet and I'm young and healthy, therefore I am a good candidate for the surgery. The odds are in my favour! - I'm grateful to have a fantastic support network of family, friends, and my boyfriend - who has been my rock. I am lucky to have people who care about me and will help me through my rehabilitation - feeding me grapes as my friend Lisa has already offered :) - I'm grateful for my career as a physiotherapist. I have good body awareness and understanding of human anatomy, strength and conditioning principles, which has definitely benefited me during my "pre-hab" and no doubt will also for my post op recovery! - I'm thankful that, although my pain has been debilitating, I have not been in, what I would class as agony and have remained mobile (to an extent!) Perhaps because I never pushed myself to do things when I was hurting. Yes, I've needed crutches on many occasions and stopped so many things I love but I've not had to spend days in bed. I've managed to stay in work for most of 2015 with modified duties, which has been a struggle at times but I'm glad I did it. - I'm grateful that, apart from my hip problem, I am healthy and well, and so are the people closest to me. I wouldn't wish chronic pain on anyone but I like to think everything happens for a reason and that there is always a silver lining. In this case, firstly I have found a new love in Pilates. I have always preferred high intensity exercise (spinning, netball etc) but Pilates has opened my eyes to other benefits of exercise. I not only appreciate its value in developing core strength but also relaxation and mindfulness. I have many post op goals but one of the first I hope to achieve is returning to my hot Pilates. Secondly, this experience has also motivated me to get into the best condition ever post op. I appreciative my body a lot more now and don't take the things for granted - being able to walk, run, and dance. It's the little things as much as the big things. A perfect example was walking out of the hospital this afternoon, seeing a bus approaching the stop and knowing full well that I'm going to miss it as I can't manage the jog across the road! I know 2016 will be my toughest year ever but this challenge will make me stronger. Lastly, I appreciate how difficult living with chronic pain or an "invisible disability" is. I've felt what it's like to be a patient and this will only make me a better physiotherapist as I can understand and emphasise with the daily struggle. I've also realised I don't stress over "little things" as much any more - accepting a slower pace of life has definitely chilled me out (my friends might not agree with that one haha!) Phew! I'm feeling content now after counting my blessings :) That was an essay post for my first, I promise they won't all be that long ha! I'm nearly home and aching after travelling so going to finish the day with a bubble bath. Andrea X
1 Comment
Chloe
24/1/2016 18:29:53
A fab blog, you've been really brave and seems like you are super positive through it all! Wishing you a speedy recovery now :) x x x
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