Hips and Knees

Well I had my knee surgery on November 14th. Doctor said things went well, but I will get a full report next week when I go for my checkup. This recovery has been so much harder than my hip. Oh wait! You were expecting an update on my HIP surgery weren't you. I bet you are confused. Let me back up a bit.

On September 29th I had my hip surgery. It went perfect. Recovery was perfect. I am so thankful I saw a new doctor and had this fixed.

Two weeks after hip surgery I had an appointment with my knee doctor as a follow-up. I have been seeing him every 3 months or so, hoping that my knee would heal. I can't remember if I blogged about it, but Last December, as in 2013, I slipped on a tray at Taco Bell (totally my fault) and I heard/felt my knee break. Six weeks of PT and finally I got an MRI. My patella (knee cap) was messed up. Four more weeks of PT and it was doing MUCH better. Life continued. I started exercising more over the summer with James. Walking, hiking and some bike riding. My knee kept getting worse and worse. To the point I was wearing a knee brace every time we did something. So I returned from my scheduled appointment (2 weeks after hip surgery) and ended up scheduling knee surgery. Yep. My 3rd surgery this year. sigh. Basically, my doctor did a Lateral Release. He snipped the ligament. I guess in this case it is better to cut it than repair it.

This recovery has been harder. I am non-weight bearing, so that means crutches. I HATE CRUTCHES. So I am spending a lot of time sitting. I am not even leaving my house because I have steps and me + crutches + steps = disaster.

I will hopefully be able to walk without aide next week!!

There is beauty in the brokenness...

Hand surgery was a success. Came home with a simple bandage, able to use it without much restriction.HOWEVER, (there is almost ALWAYS a However) 2 weeks after surgery, on June 9th I fell. On my way to San Diego with my parents, sister and niece we stopped to get gas. I was walking from point A to point B and instead of going around a small wall, I attempted to step up the wall. My left hip gave out on me and I fell down. Landing on my hands and knee. The moment I fell I KNEW. I broke my "good" hand. Of course. I injured my newly fixed hand a tad too. I spent the next 3 days icing my hands and limping around with a sore hip. I followed up with my hand doctor as soon as I got home and sure enough I broke my left thumb. Plus I now sport a lump under the surgery site and it is still swollen and hard. With time it should heal.

A week after I fell and broke my hand, I tripped on small ledge in a parking lot. I immediately KNEW that I tore something in my hip. Oh the pain. I called my hip surgeon and was able to get right in to see him. He did his exam and decided I was wrong, I didn't tear anything. I begged him for a MRI and he reluctantly agreed. The results of the MRI?

Interval progression of mild left gluteus medius insertional tendinosis with interval development of small interstitial partial thickness tears of its anterior insertion.




In short, I broke my butt!



I had a 3-4 inch tear in the butt muscle. My doctor said it would heal on its own and there was nothing I could do for it. I PUSHED for physical therapy. He reluctantly agreed. For six weeks I went to pt twice a week, in addition to pt, James and I walked, hiked or rode bikes 5 days a week. I tried really hard. I pushed myself through so much pain. My hip and my knee (from an injury a year ago) continued to cause problems. I finally ended up using a knee brace anytime we were active. I returned to my doctor and he basically informed me he was done with me and referred me to his partner. I saw the new doctor a week later and he declared with 100% certainly that I would only heal with surgery. So over 3 months after injury I had surgery to repair the tear. Surgery was 10 days ago.

Next week I see my knee specialist. I have been checking in with him periodically regarding my knee and kneecap. The MRI of it (a year ago) said I had instability and a tilted knee cap. I did have nearly 3 months of pt. Time was suppose to heal it, but with activity it just got worse. I wouldn't be surprised to have surgery scheduled soon.


Also next week, I get to meet my NEW RHEUMY!! I have such HIGH hopes for this appointment.

Later this month, after I figure out what the plans are for my knee, I have to have a revision surgery on my right pinkie. The sagital band needs to be tightened a bit. There is much clicking when I use my pinkie. And after a period of using, like when crocheting, it will lock and I have to massage it to move it again. Fun times.

I TRY my best to not question the why's. I TRUST that GOD KNOWS my story. I am learning so much recently about myself, about MY faith. I am growing daily in my relationship with God. And am excited to start documenting this part of me too! There is HOPE in our tomorrow's.



"Life isn't suppose to be easy. Life is hard. Very hard. But there is so much beauty in those dark valleys. I believe God gives us more than we can handle, so that we are broken and have no choice but to rely on Him. I understand you are struggling and feel so very alone. And I am so sorry. My heart really is broken for you. But death in "your time" isn't the answer. Ever." -Me

Another Day, Another Year

As usual the Good intentions to keep this blog updated just didn't happen. You would think that it would be simple to just type up a few simple thoughts. However, I never seem to be able to do that. I have great excuses, but they are just that... excuses.

So what is new? So much! Yet so little.

I have finally scheduled surgery for my right hand. On Wednesday I will be having my 4th hand surgery. Two things will be getting fixed. First the tendon that has been hurting for many years will be fixed. There is a bone spur that is rubbing it, so this will be shaved down. The sheath for the tendon will be opened up, allowing more room for the tendon to do its job. And if the doctor finds any damage to it, he will repair it. Also, the doctor will be tightening the joint to my thumb. And taking a look to see why it isn't working properly. I should have a simple recovery. I am looking forward to being able to crochet, write and use a knife again! As well as a few other simple activities!

I still haven't found a new Rheumy.... for the last 2 years my neurologist has done his best to manage my Ankylosing Spondylitis. But this is his last month in his current position. He is leaving for a new job in a new state. Living in a city with a million snow birds and retirees you would think we would have our pick of Rheumy's but we have only a dozen or so....crazy. Thankfully I don't need to find a new neurologist, yet. I plan one seeing the replacement doctor. Praying he is good and has some new ideas for my treatment. My headaches have been getting worse, so much pressure in the back of my head. And this last week I have felt/heard a pop in my neck, three different times. The first two times I was in horrible pain for the remainder of the day, by the next morning I was much better. This last time, yesterday, the pain was way worse and today I have not recovered. I can't bend to look down and turning either way is difficult. Come Tuesday morning I will be making an appointment with the new neurologist.


God is Good, All the Time!

Time for another update

Wanted to document what's new with me. This journey to a healthier me, that I am on. I am in a very frustrating place medically, however, it is also an exciting place. I have new hope.
 
Last fall my rheumatologist started making noises that she just didn't know what to do for me. She refused to discuss treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis, since my spine has not actually fused. This is backward thinking!! With this disease you want to PREVENT fusion. It WILL happen, it's just a matter of time. I left her office frustrated yet again. 

In January I decided to wean myself off of all my medications. The thinking behind this was two-fold: 1) I just didn't have the $1000 the meds would cost (new year, new deduction) and 2) They weren't really doing a great job anyways. I also canceled my spring appointment with my Rheumy, why see a doctor that isn't willing to do Anything and Everything to help me. So now I am kind of on my own.

So what is a girl to do? I started looking for healthier, more natural alternatives. What I have found has been wonderful. And something James and I have both embraced completely. Essential Oils.

For my birthday, James got me a variety pack of oils from Plant Therapy. One of my favorite oils is Pain-Aid. It has definitely helped with some of my issues. Unfortunately it hasn't been the complete cure I need. But I am so thankful to have this aide in healing.

We have also been using E.O's in all aspects of our life. From natural cleaning products we are making ourselves to beauty products like deodorant, lotions, soaps and scrubs. I will for sure be sharing some of my favorite recipes.

Well back to my health. I am really struggling with a few issues. My right wrist has hurt for nearly a year. I have a tendon that is nearly torn. Like most other injuries I never know how I get hurt. This tendon is kind of a spare part, surgeons often use it repair the thumb. So the plan of action is surgery to cut this tendon. It is possible to repair it, but the doctor believes that it is too injured. There is a slight chance that it will fix itself, and I can avoid surgery. Fix isn't quite the right word, we actually are hoping my tendon will burst on its own. I am waiting until the beginning of June to schedule surgery. We have a fun camping trip scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend.

A couple of weeks ago, while unloading groceries, a drink bottle fell off the counter and landed on my foot. Breaking the 4th metatarsal. Due to the location, I was lucky enough to skip a cast. Just have to wear open toed, flat shoes. Still hurts a bunch. But it isn't the worst thing I am dealing with!
One of my biggest issues, currently, is my lower back. Last summer I received several injections in the L5-S1 joint. Unfortunately, the pain never went away. I have a disc bulge in this area, as well as a mass. In the last month, I have started experiencing extreme calf pain and some numbness and tingling. My neurosurgeons PAC doesn't seem concerned, rolling my eyes.

So, with several doctors telling me I don't fit there checklists for treatments, I have applied for an appointment with a doctor in Phoenix. This feels like my last hope. But at least I have some hope.

A week of appointments....

I was looking to my rheumy appointment with such hope. Yesterday was the big day. I had heard from several doctors that this particular rheumy was amazing, she new her stuff. I am so confused. If that in indeed fact, why did I walk away from her office with my original dx of anklosing spondylitis stripped, and hinted at a dx of fibromyalgia?!? At this time she doesn't want to lock me into one dx, so I truly was left hanging. She mentioned Arthraligias Myalagias, which google says is just joint & muscle pain. I could just scream.

However, she did spend over an hour with me and treated me with respect. She read all my files I brought from other specialist and she ACKNOWLEDGED me!  She upped the medicine I am currently taking, and is adding Lyrica...well as soon as my insurance approves it.  At least I can understand this doctor. sigh.

I just don't know what to think. My symptoms line up with As. I am HLA-B27 +, but because I have no fusing of the bones...UGH!

Monday I went to get a mammogram. Just a follow-up. Got my results in the mail today. There are scattered fibroglandular elements in both breasts. Perfectly normal. Whew! At least that is going well. I don't need to have another one for 2 years. Yippee Skippy!

Today I went to see my hand surgeons PAC. I can not open my left hand all the way. The ring finger and long finger have developed intrinsic tightness of the knuckle joint. These two joints are locking my fingers toward my palm. The PAC ordered physical therapy, but my PT is super busy and I can not be seen until next Wednesday. I am kind of afraid of what my hand will look like in a weeks time. As it is getting worse daily. If PT doesn't work, surgery may be required. Crap! Oh and did I mention that it hurts...alot.

Tomorrow I get to see the dermatologist. A first for me. Just a simple mole check.

I have also decided, to ask my PCP for some depression medicine. I am tired and overwhelmed with all this medical crap. My weight is climbing, climbing climbing. Not much I can do...Well that isn't true. I could eat better. I do an okay job, but apparently not good enough, as I am at my all time high. The rheumy told me to start exercising as if I am an 80 year old lady. Slow and easy! lol That's gonna bring the weight off real quick.

I am such a grumpy these days...This too shall pass! I WILL CHOOSE JOY.

Waiting:

Many times throughout the day I feel as if I am in a constant state of waiting. Waiting for the next phase of my life. Waiting for the day I can begin to do the things I long to do. Waiting to heal. Always waiting to heal.

Surgery went well I suppose. I had minimal pain in my hand, but suffered a nasty headache for a week afterwards. Actually, I still have a headache. I have a call into a new Neurosurgeon's office, for a second opinion. Hopefully I will have a scheduled appointment soon. I fear that the Chiari is causing more issues then originally expected. Here are the symptoms that are linked with Chiari Malformaton I. Mine are underlined and bold. Link to original list.

• Headache (esp. if daily or at lower back of head)
• Painful tension in neck
• Fatigue
• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Visual disturbances / loss of vision / spots in vision / double vision / seeing spots or "halos" / nystagmus
• Tingling / numbness in the extremities
• General imbalance / clumsiness
• Memory loss
• Restricted movement
• Intolerance to bright light / difficulty adjusting to light change
• Vertigo from position change or sudden standing
• Difficulty walking on uneven ground / feeling ground under feet
• Poor / degraded motor skills
• Difficulty driving
• Difficulty negotiating steps
• Pressure / pain in the neck
• Pressure / pain behind the eyes (soreness in the eyeballs)
• Back pain
• Neck spasms
• Insomnia
• Ringing in ears (like the tone heard in a hearing test)
• Swaying
• Pain when changing position
• Tingling / crawling feeling on scalp
• Intolerance to loud / confusing sounds
• Decreased sensation to touch in extremities
• Decreased sensitivity to temperature
• Pain & tension along ear / eye / jawline
• Difficulty swallowing / lump in throat / sore throat / swollen lymph nodes
• Drooling
• Spontaneous vertigo
• Hand tremors
• Poor blood circulation / cold hands & feet
• Sinus / mucous problems
• Sleep apnea
• Decreased muscle tone
• Pressure in ears / ears feel stopped up
• Nausea
• Difficulty reading / focusing on text
• Depth perception problems
• Burning sensation in extremities / shoulder blades
• Menstrual problems / severe cramping during period
• Fluid-like sound in ears (like water running)
• Loss of sexual interest / lack of sensation in pelvic area
• Pulling sensation while sitting / standing
• Intense itchiness w/profuse sweating
• Slurred speech
• Gag reflex problems / lack of gag reflex
• Pressure / tightness in chest
• Loss of bladder control
• Frequent urination
• Dehydration / excessive thirst
• Electric like burning sensations
• Unequal pupil size
• Loss of taste
• Popping / cracking sounds in neck or upper back when stretching
• Dizziness
• Loss of smell / problems with sense of smell
• Dry skin and lips
• Sudden / abrupt changes in blood pressure due to awkward position of head
• Hiccups associated with drinking carbonated beverages
• Skin problems

Other: migraines, oscillopsia, lump in throat, colour blindness, albinism, visual floaters, astymosism, thinning hair, hear heartbeat in ears, throat closes when lying flat, vomit in sleep, swollen face, low body temperature, low blood pressure, legs feel heavy, "strangling" feeling, "floating" sensation, thickening of finger joints

Crazy! When I see it written out like that it scares me. I have always just assumed that many of these symptoms were related to my arthritis. But to have two huge illnesses is overwhelming. So I continue to wait. Wait to feel better. God, please, I beg of you, help me to feel better. This is not the life I expected to live. Help me to live it well.

Choose Joy!

Today I read a tweet on twitter, asking for prayers for a special lady named Sara . I followed the link to her blog to read a little about her. I was deeply saddened to read that "Sara is getting ready to head home to Him." 

I have always found it to be such a privilege to pray for others. And follow many many blogs where I get to do just that. I know that in my own life, when I hear that someone is praying for me, it just touches me. 

This afternoon I immediately searched around Sara's blog to find out her story and was astonished to read that she has one of the things I have been diagnosed with, Ankylosing Spondylitis. Upon further investigation I realized she is my age. I have spent a few hours today reading a few of her posts from the past three years. She has had it rough. Housebound for many years, unable to do much more then rest. Yet, post after post she is full of joy and thanksgiving for what she is able to do. And for the people in her life. I look forward to returning to her blog and reading many more of her stories. How she has Chosen Joy. I pray that her transition into God's arms are without pain. And those that love her are comforted by the knowledge of her future. And I pray that like her, I will Choose Joy, even on the hardest of hard days.