Today I went into NYC yet again to meet with Dr. Coleman, my hip surgeon. It was a very long day- 8 hours in all, so I'm so thankful my mom came with me this time. Dr. Coleman was very friendly and informative. We looked at my MRI's and x-rays. So again, I do have a significant labral tear that needs to be fixed. It's been there for a couple of years, but the speculation is it was small and has gotten significantly worse the past year. It has occurred because my femoral head is in the socket, but angled slightly forward, causing me to walk with a foot inversion. It also then causes the head to scrape against the tissue, creating the tear. I also have an eroded pubic bone that has been apparently since my early teens. And that has very likely caused scar tissue to form around my pelvis region.
So, after being examined and going over a lot of information, we scheduled a hip arthroscopy for May 12th. I'm getting it right after my tennis season ends. It's a one day procedure and I'll be on crutches for a week and then I start physical therapy twice a week. I'm also not allowed to do physical activity for around 3 to 3 and a half months. So that means no running, no tennis, no water skiing, no paragliding, no rock climbing, no hiking, no dancing this summer and possibly part of next semester. It's upsetting, but at least I'm finally getting answers. Dr. Coleman has operated on 6 or 7 patients with vulvar vestibulitis in the past, and the surgery has caused most of them to be completely better. He is a hesitant to make any promises, especially since my cortizone injection didn't provide me with any vaginal pain relief. However, some of his patients also didn't get relief from the injections, but the surgery still eliminated all of their pain.
I spoke with my mom on the train ride home, and here are our best speculations. I think the hip arthroscopy is going to fix my problems with sitting down, and all the pain coming from my rear end. However, I think I still might have the sharp localized pain in my vulva, which I think is being caused by the scar tissue from my pubic bone. Dr. Coleman recommended ANOTHER doctor that I should see that specialized in the pubic bone. He's going to inform him of my case and see what he says. We're not entirely sure how you fix a pubic bone, so I'm interested to see what my options are. As nice as it would be to have this arthroscopy fix both of my problems, I might have two different issues to deal with.
So that's it for now. Now that the date is set, I am going to cross my fingers and hope this is the answer I've been waiting for.
5 comments:
The pelvic surgeon's name is Dr. Helfet. More information on him once I find out what he says about my case.
OMG Tamara! Can't believe you're finally getting answers and all set for surgery. I'm getting butterflies for you....and for myself. I'm going for my cortisone shot in three weeks and I'm soooooooo nervous. Good luck and stay calm!
P.S. Once you will be off the crutches after surgery, and you go for pt, will you have a normal walk? Do people limp or walk a bit awkward afterwards? Let me know...my doctor seems to think it will be inevitable...surgery will probably be the only option. Thanks for all your posts! Feel good and keep us posted!
wow, answers are good. especially ones that seem reliable. You don't think that the intensity with which you play tennis has been contributing to the tear (like since you joined college?), do you? I guess now would be the time to figure out arm exerciseses and pick up more sedentary hobbies to keep you occupied over the summer... crocheting? writing letters? origami? ;P
That sounds scary. I've never even broken a bone before. I know arthro-scopic surgeries are supposed to be, maybe, slightly less harsh than just going in there. My co-worker has had arthro-surgery for carpel tunnel syndrome & on her knees... she feels better but it takes a long time to heal. She says it takes a year.
My sister & I both say it takes a year to heal from any surgery too.
This probably isn't a good option yet but I'm wondering since this is a bone issue, if stem cells might ever be a good option for you? Could that "regrow" the bone so to speak?
Hi Tamara! I have an appt with Dr. Coleman next week to see whether I need surgery for a labral tear in my hip that's causing me loads of pain. Could you please email me to happyminniemouse@gmail.com and tell me what Dr. Coleman's initial consultation consisted of - if that's ok with you? I'm a bit anxious and I would like to know what exactly he will do. Thanks!
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