My PAO story

[oscarsmum]

Hi Rayray,

I am not ringing PALs , as I do feel that things are finally improving. I am still cross about the response (or lack of) from UCLH, and shall tell Witt when I see him next, however, I feel much better in myself and the pain is less when WB now, so I don't really feel like I need to have any questions answered.

I am pretty sore in general, but ,most of it feels muscle related so am not concerned at that. The pain that felt like bone pain is not as intense now, so thats good. You are right in what you said earlier, that we do make small improvements that we don't always notice. A week ago I could only use one crutch for a short while then had to rest, now I can go much longer. I am starting to get back to doing the strengthening exercises that I have been too sore to do for the past week or so. I think I am just too impatient and want things to progress faster than they are doing, but overall I am happier now that things seem to be going in the right direction.

Take care all
Kate x

[Rayray]

Kate,

Progress ? woohoo! So so pleased to hear it and you will see progress now. I pulled something in my hip during hydro and can still feel it ? I think everything is so inflamed and tender that any extra pressure sends the body into overdrive trying to protect itself. I hope that that you continue to see improvements every day now.

PS. Rayray is the cat too! A very chatty one, in fact I can hear her now!!!

[Spam1]

Yay Kate, that sounds much more positive!

I would guess your ischium pain was probably inflammation of the tendons as you started exercises that the poor leg hasnt been doing for months. I hope you are still taking some ibus to keep the inflammation under control whilst you start trying the exercises again. And be careful - as you know, its such a frustrating time that its easy to overdo it out of impatience (yes I am terrible for this), so just listen to your body as you increase things.

Are you getting any local hydro (I know you had it in hospital)? If not, can you get to a nearby pool, as that will do wonders for loosening it all up and just feels nice.

Glad you are seeing progress, and you will soon be without the dreaded crutches, then you will be looking back and realise just how far you have come!

xxx

[oscarsmum]

Hi Sam and Rayray (lol to the cat! ),

Thanks for the encouragement. Having a great day, managed all morning on one crutch, and did 20 mins on bike, then took the dog for a walk by the river. I did that with two crutches, didn't get as far as I hoped but did about 15 mins each way, with a rest inbetween . Hoping to do the bike again later, but that flares up the Ischium again (think its too hard to sit on,lol). Think I will be sore later but never mind.

Can't wait for physio next Monday, hoping to walk in without crutches, or at least just one,depending on how bad the limp is. I will ask her about hydro, because they do it there, they usually wait until you have been in physio at least a month and the muscles are all firing correctly so you are strong enough to benefit (at least thats what they told me last time) Can't wait to drop the crutches, but know I am not ready just yet, but am seeing improvements all the time. I can now walk almost normally with one crutch whereas a few days ago was leaning badly to the left.

Hope you are both doing better too,
Kate xx

[Rayray]

Hi Kate,

All the medics are different aren?t they! Our local physio wanted me to do the hydro first before they are prepared to give me land based exercises ? they saw me when I was still on two crutches!

Hey I?ve just walked to the post box using just a stick!!

[oscarsmum]

Well done you!!!

I think hydro is best done first-if they were happy for me to do it in hospital at only 3 days post-op it can't do any harm now , surely.Maybe that was just a fob me off story, even after a month I then had to go on a waiting list for another month before I actually got a place.

[Spam1]

Self hydro in the local pool is the way forward! though when I last did it in plymouth before my open, I had a 60 year old bloke ask me out for a drink, and two other old blokes come and talk to me ... so beware, apparently doing exercises at the side of the pool makes you a target for the old perv's! x

[sueyorkshire]

Hi Kate,
Great news to hear you are feeling a bit better. Lets hope the improvement is day by day now. Best Wishes Sue

[oscarsmum]

Self hydro in the local pool is the way forward! though when I last did it in plymouth before my open, I had a 60 year old bloke ask me out for a drink, and two other old blokes come and talk to me ... so beware, apparently doing exercises at the side of the pool makes you a target for the old perv's! x

Lol!! Sam, maybe I'll take my 75yr old dad with me and then they will think Im already taken!

Any idea when its possible to swim post PAO?

Thanks Sue! I feel great tonight no muscle soreness at all , just a bit sore where the tendon was cut (that seems to get irritated quite easily) and of course the Iscium /bum area is still playing up-thats a different sort of pain, I'm convinced its from a bone cut, but its not any worse despite all the extra activity so am not too concerned. I really feel as if I have turned a corner today. YAY!

[Spam1]

Thats prob a plan! haha.

I was told I could swim, stationary bike and cross train from 6 weeks post PAO, and was actively encouraged to do so, so with your more liberal surgeon you are more than likely to be fine to do so to. I don't really do lengths though, more gentle kicking whilst holding onto the side for the quads and stretches and ROM stuff as well as walking around in the water is really good (I was told to go and do this at 5 weeks post PAO).
xx