Goodbye Nashville

Today I will head home for the first time since my surgery. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Nashville and am sad to be leaving such an amazing city. I am, however, looking forward to being home! I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while in Nashville. The people at the house were very kind and generous. Every time guests walked through the front door, they were greeted with a smile. Seeing the difficulties that some of the other guests at the house have had to endure has made me truly thankful for my situation. Although my surgery has required me to take time off from some of the activities I enjoy most, I know that I will get better and I will be able to return to my normal life. Unfortunately, some of the amazing families at the Ronald McDonald House cannot say the same thing. I will continue to keep these families in my thoughts and prayers.

At the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at the Grand Ole Opry

My hip is doing great! I have been able to bike and do many upper body exercises. I have also been studying videos of ballet and baton performances. It has been nice to step out of the dance and baton world and really focus in on some details that seem to be overlooked when I am so caught up in making it to the gym or to class. I have learned to appreciate the artistry and simplicity of the two art forms, rather than only focusing on the big feature tricks.

Many exciting progressions occur next week! To list a few:

1)     I lose my crutches

2)     I can run on the elliptical machine

3)     I can swim laps

4)     I can drive

5)     I progress to “phase 2” of my physical therapy protocol

In the Parthenon by the Athena statue

 I again want to thank my family and friends for being so supportive. I would also like to thank all of the wonderful people that are part of the Nashville Sports Medicine team.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

 

  

Moving in the Right Direction

Although I hate to see other athletes go through this surgery, I am pleased to say that it has been a lot better than I was anticipating. Immediately following the surgery, my hip was in intense pain. This lasted until about 10pm on the night of surgery, and then it stopped hurting, and hasn't hurt since. The day after the surgery I had physical therapy. A few things that had been painful before the surgery, simply didn't hurt anymore! I can feel that there is no longer a little bit of extra bone in front that grinds and pinches. It is amazing to me how noticable the difference is. Everyday since the surgery it has been feeling a little bit looser and less swollen. It is wonderful to finally, after 10 months, know that my hip is moving in the right direction. There are five very small wounds from the surgery that my physical therapist says will eventually be hardly visible at all. I know that I still have about 3 weeks until I can turnout or, as known in the medical field, "externally rotate" :) my leg and walk without crutches, but I can rest assured that I am moving in the right direction.

Success!

The surgery went exactly as planned. They shaved away part of the acetabular bone and femoral head, and repaired the labrum. The surgeon gave us pictures and videos of the inside of my hip. I have enjoyed studying them and being able to see why my hip had been causing so much pain. I am happy to have the surgery behind me and to be headed toward full recovery. I am so thankful for all of the other dancers and twirlers that have contacted me and told me about the injuries that they have overcome. Thanks so much everyone for all of your support and encourgement. I really appreciate it. I will post more about the surgery later...