The trip we had planned to Rickett's Glen with friends got postponed when our friends had a death in the family. This was the death of a 103-year-old uncle who had lived a long and fulfilling life, but of course, they had to attend the funeral. We'll try to go next week instead. (Fingers crossed the weather cooperates.)
So instead of trying to hike in a lovely PA state park, I saw the orthopedic doctor. My hips have been bothering me for almost three months, sometimes to the point that walking and even standing is quite painful. I self-diagnosed it as greater trochanteric pain syndrome but thought that I needed to finally see a physician for a real diagnosis and treatment.
I was able to get an appointment for last Friday, and after some x-rays and an efficient visit with one of the many orthopedic doctors, he confirmed my diagnosis (along with some arthritis) and asked what form of treatment I might be interested in. I told him cortisone shots in both hips and physical therapy, and that's just what he prescribed. Ryan has been telling me for a long time that I need to be more assertive and simply ask for what I want. It looks like he was right in this instance and I made sure to let him know.
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| (I don't have a quarter in my pelvis; that's just the button on my jeans and the zipper below it.) |
The doctor did the cortisone shots during the office visit and I go to my first physical therapy appointment on Thursday. I'm actually looking forward to it, especially because my hips are now slightly less painful after the injections. I may be a new person in 4-6 weeks or at least one who is actually able to hike somewhat comfortably at Rickett's Glen someday.
So sorry about your hip pain, but I sure am glad you got to see a doctor so quickly and were given the treatments that you asked for!! And let's home you have better weather for Rickett's Glen than last Saturday...but be careful if you hike!!
ReplyDeletehope...not home...
DeleteI am keeping my fingers crossed that your PT is a successful as mine has been. I am still doing my "PT routine" twice a day... it is really quite joyful to be able to move again. The pain is not 100% gone (I too have a tiny bit of arthritis) but it is 1000% less than it was and it is not pain that stops me from moving.
ReplyDeleteGiving you a round of applause for asserting yourself! I am quite impressed that you were able to correctly diagnose yourself and come up with an appropriate treatment. I hope the PT works wonders.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your trip was postponed, but the reason was certainly a good one. I hope the funeral for a 103-year-old was a wonderful celebration of a long life!
The clinics in Utah will not let you wear anything with metal when you have an x-ray. If I have jeans on I end up wearing the silly paper shorts they insist you wear! Hope the treatment you decided on will make a difference and you can move without pain again.
ReplyDeleteMargene
BRAVO, Bonny! I'm so glad you spoke up and let the doctor know what you wanted! It is so important to be an advocate for yourSELF! When I was going through my cancer diagnosis, someone told me to remember that I was the "CEO of my body" -- and so I needed to "own it" and BE in charge. Incorporating that attitude has absolutely changed the way I interact with medical professionals -- and all for the best.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have great results from your PT. Like Kat mentioned, it is hard work. But if you do the work, there is usually a great payoff in easier movement and less pain!
Good for you for taking charge of this situation! And I'm impressed you were able to get an appointment so quickly, too. When I had terrible plantar fasciitis, I had a cortisone shot in my heel. It hurt like hell but it worked and I was able to take advantage of being pain free to start walking again. I hope the PT gives you great results!
ReplyDeleteYou've got to take care of yourself first - well done! The waterfalls will wait for you.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the injection has begun to help, and I hope the physio helps even more!
ReplyDeleteYay for shots and PT. I hope you are back to your springy self in no time at all.
ReplyDeleteYAY you! and yay for the right treatment plans! I must say, it took months for the PT to work on my knee, so I hope you're not being aggressively optimistic about six weeks! in any event - Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteOuch. I hope the combination of injections and PT help you out. Ryan is a smart guy. Advocating for one's self in a medical situation isn't the easiest but it is a good idea. It's also a good sign when a physician is willing to listen to one's requests. I'm sorry your trip is delayed but maybe you will feel better by the time you can reschedule.
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