My MRI results are back. I have a tear in the labrum of my hip–which is what we expected. I got lucky and there was a cancellation for the cortisone shot last Friday so I went in and got the shot. If it works, I can try and manage it and do PT etc and while it won’t fix the tear, it might make it so I can go back to some kind of normal activities. I also have an appointment (in October!) with the surgeon to discuss the repair. I’ve talked to a few people who had the surgery and they had good things to say–it really helped, the recovery wasn’t too bad, etc.
A labral tear is an injury to the tissue that holds the ball and socket parts of the hip together. Torn hip labrum may cause pain, reduced range of motion in the hip and a sensation of the hip locking up.
I asked my ortho doc how this happened and there’s really no way to know. The arthritis in my hip definitely contributed to it. But I honestly think pregnancy did some of it. I think I’ve been having an issue with this labrum for years but it was really mild and not a big deal–and not frequent. And then it was like I gave birth and everything fell apart!
I’m disappointed. I had so many plans for this summer. Hiking, getting back on the bike, trying to resume some kind of running routine after I was cleared postpartum. Now summer is almost over and I can’t really do any of those things.
I’ve been doing what I can — walks with the baby and dog. And I’ve focused more on strength training. There are a lot of things I can’t do with my hip–like deadlifts, kettlebell swings and sometimes squats really irritate it. I am trying to figure out what I CAN do and focus on that.
I emailed my doctor to see if he can work some magic to get me a sooner appointment to talk to a surgeon. I admit, I am really frustrated. I am trying to be empathetic to the health care community because they have really been through the ringer with covid. I know that the staffing issues are probably due to burned out workers quitting or death from covid! At the same time, it’s hard not to be frustrated that it seems like every time I try to get an appointment for anything the wait time is so long. 4 months just to TALK to a surgeon?!?
Anyway, I am trying to stay positive, even on days when my hip really hurts. 🙁
Buster
Hi Lisa! It’s good that you’ve had your mri and now know what’s going on. And I agree, it’s tough to be benched while it feels like everyone else is out there having all of the fun. Spoiler alert: it’s been too dang hot to have much fun out there anyway, lol (I’m in Hood River). But, better days are ahead! Hang in there, enjoy your family, and the rest will sort itself out. Sooner is always better though! Best, Lynn
Lisa Eirene
True! 90-100 degrees is no fun. I appreciate your comment. I am definitely taking things slow and just kind of enjoying the down time. Especially with Zoey. They grow so fast and I think since this is the last baby I am trying to savor it.
emmaclaire
Good to hear you have a definitive diagnosis and a plan for moving forward, but I totally get you with the disappointment of watching summer slip away while you have to restrict your activity. Hopefully the recovery from surgery won’t take too long and you’ll be back in decent shape in record time.
Lisa Eirene
I hope so too!