Archive for Appointments
No Wonder It’s Sore
Posted by: | CommentsApart from showing up to my appointment too early this morning and having to sit in the car for half an hour it went well. Mr R tried his hardest to make my hip snap and it just wouldn’t, almost, but not quite. I could feel and pinpoint the area of discomfort though. He thinks that with the acupuncture and a bit of strengthening it should come right (and really, imo, is already well on the way). He is writing to my physio to tell her to do what. she wants as she can’t break anything lol
Brought up about my foot as I had x-rays taken yesterday, all apparently normal and the fact I was to be sent for a bone scan to be sure. Said I’d rather not have any more radiation and would prefer an MRI if it came to that. That would mean I’d have to be referred to SportsMed for them to send me for an MRI as a GP can’t do this so I asked that even though a stress fx of a metatarsal might be beneath him, if he could possibly write the referral. He pulled up my x-rays on the computer (I love how they can just log in and see everything!), zoomed in on the area in question and said without a doubt there is periosteal reaction indicating a stress fracture (March fracture – common injury in sodiers). The radiologist’s report was indeed normal so he is writing to him to review it and submit a new report lol. Hopefully won’t even need the MRI to confirm now. So looks like I’ll be off to a podiatrist to sort out something for my shoe to help take the pressure off and try to avoid it getting worse and needing casting.
Acupuncture and Surgeon Appointment
Posted by: | CommentsWell the ultrasound treatment really didn’t make a difference, I think it’s too gentle. We tried some acupuncture last night which was interesting…five needles in a circle around the hip and one placed in my butt cheek (gallbladder something). Waiting to see how this goes but had a fairly uncomfortable and sleepless night after that, though felt better today. I have two more treatments next week.
My physio wanted me to get in touch with my surgeon to make sure we were doing the right thing and for some guidance as to what might be going on and the treatment. He said it could well be scar tissue and has suggested I make an appointment with him so he can check my hip and we might schedule an ultrasound to see what is going on. So, appointment booked for 12th May. In the meantime he recommends stretching.
My immediate future (from tomorrow til Monday) involves a trip to Auckland with snowboarding (first time including a 2 hour lesson 
), a possible trip to an island bird sanctuary, a duathlon and shopping! Eekkk. I’m a glutton for punishment.
11 Weeks Post Op Check – No Pain, No Gain
Posted by: | Comments10 minutes and it was all over. Quickest consult ever and I got all my questions answered lol
Overall Mr. R. is pleased with my progress which made my day. I had been worried that it was going a bit slow but he assured me that it is still early days.
The swelling could hang around for another couple of months but he didn’t seem concerned about it. In the past week I’ve had a little snapping on the outside of my hip when i straighten up from bending over which I never had before. This apparently is due to the IT band. I guess while the swelling is still present this is a little irritated but he told me that as my gluts etc. get stronger this should improve. Come on buns of steel!
The residual pain and limited flexion is due to scar tissue from the capsulotomy. He wants me to push through this pain now, taking pain killers as needed (and assured me I won’t do any damage) to break down the scar tissue and prevent more forming. If this doesn’t get better he said he can do a steroid injection to help things along. I have a follow up appointment in six weeks time so it could be a long six weeks! Not at all keen on the injection though, remembering the flare it caused in my wrist.
I have the OK to get a pool/gym program so his secretary is going to send a letter of approval to ACC and they will fund it!
I have no limitations, just have to use common sense with lifting etc. and avoid twisting while lifting.
So I’m a happy chicky right now. Pleased I can push things a little without worrying it will be doing any damage. Mr R says that he can’t guarantee it will ever be 100% again, but it is already better than pre op and I am certainly heading that way 
Another Week Of Being A Bum
Posted by: | CommentsI actually went to a cricket game today…ME at CRICKET! haha usually I find it booooring, but I was asked to go by a friend and it was just a 20/20 game so not too long. To my surprise I actually enjoyed it too. There is something to be said for actually being there out in the sun and in the atmosphere of all the fans, though I did have great difficulty following the ball and couldn’t read the score board so maybe I need new contact lenses or take a mini TV with me next time lol. It was a tense ending to the game and had us on the edges of our seats…the last ball decided whether we won or lost…we lost.
I’ve had a nothing day today. I had another sore night last night, have been rather sore all day (not helped by sitting for three hours at the cricket and walking up and down the embankments) and haven’t done a single exercise since last night. The swelling is still present and fluctuates between 2-3.5cm, I don’t think it’s anything to be worried about, I have been doing quite a lot lately so it’s probably just telling me to ease off.
I bought some Bio-Oil to massage my scars with as these are still quite sensitive and an ugly purple colour. I love the Bio-Oil, it smells nice and it is really smooth to use. I have also been using it on my old scope scars as they are a bit ‘lumpy’ feeling so hopefully the massage will help break down the scar tissue.
I have another week off work. I wanted to go back doing short evening shifts (three hours) this week, which is only an hour longer than I’m currently doing unpaid but the boss wants to clear it with my physio first which is fair enough. The only thing I have struggled with so far was when I was stuck as the only nurse downstairs on Friday night and we had to sedate a dog to remove a grass-seed from its paw (the 4th for the week apparently)…being a Westie it wriggled and wriggled and I just didn’t have the strength to restrain the small dog on the high table and occlude the vein for the vet at the same time. Help had to be called down the stairs to hold doggy’s back end down while I dealt to the bitey end…I wanted to give it a go, but safety has to come first. So it looks like the extra week might be a good idea. Though I just realised today that my next physio assessment at work and another appointment are both booked for Friday morning so something will have to be rescheduled. Fingers crossed for a return to PAID work on Monday the 18th, I really need it as the reduced pay I’m getting from ACC is really hitting us in the pocket.