I have been asked by a few people to go into detail about my surgery, so this post is for them. This past Tuesday I went into the city for arthroscopic hip surgery. I was beyond impressed with The Hospital for Special Surgery. They did not keep me waiting once I arrived with my parents. They had a physical therapist meet me and go over how to walk on my crutches after surgery. Then, I filled out some paperwork and they brought me back to get started for the surgery. We had to do a urine test and then I went into my own room to get changed into their hospital gown and cap. While this was all going on, countless people kept coming in my room and introducing themselves to me. I met with my anesthesiologist who explained everything they would be doing. I also met with his assistant who asked if I would participate in a drug study for nausea medication. It seems like 50% of hip patients get severe nausea post-surgery, so I would be taking anti-nausea medication for two days afterwords to see if it made a difference.
My parents were allowed into the room, so we all stayed together before I had to go into surgery. One nurse came to ask about my entire medical history, another one came to put the IV in. Dr. Coleman also came in to answer any last minute questions. Then before I knew it, it was time to go. I walked myself to the operating room and laid down on the table. My anesthesiologist was there and proceeded to give me medicine through the IV so that I would sleep. When I was asleep, I was then picked up and given a spinal injection to numb me from the waist down. Dr. Coleman then made three incisions in my left hip and went to work.
After I fell asleep on the table, the next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room. Apparently I had already talked to Dr. Coleman and a lot of nurses, but I don't remember those interactions. I woke up in a lot of pain, so I was given a lot of medicine. I actually had no signs of headaches or nausea, and just had to wait for my parents to fill my prescriptions. Because of all the pain medication, everything else is a little fuzzy. Somehow I ended up in a wheelchair and was brought down to the ground level and put in my car.
The interesting part about this surgery was the size of my tear. Dr. Coleman said it was the largest labral tear he has ever seen- and he's done quite a number of hip surgeries. He told my parents it was no wonder I was having such pain sitting and he was impressed I was playing tennis competitively for so long. Because it was much bigger than expected, the pain is worse and my recovery time is much longer. However, I think it's great news. I really think everything is inter-connected and I'm finally on the road to recovery.
I've spent the past two days on my couch. As the days go on, it gets easier and easier. The first day my mom had to push my leg so I could get up to go to the bathroom. Now I still need help getting up, but I can move my leg on my own. The first day it also felt like an axe was stuck in my side. Now the pain is slowly going away. I should be on crutches for 2-3 weeks. I'm getting my stitches out next week and should be starting physical therapy shortly after. I'm eager to start recuperating. I must admit, I'm already getting tired of the couch. I don't do well sitting in one place. Let me know if there's any questions I can answer!
