A story of going from being a non-runner to planning for a marathon in three years...

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

My Hips Don't Lie


I've mentioned in a few posts that I had an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon today to discuss options for my left hip labral tear.

Well, just as you would expect when seeing a surgeon, he recommended surgery.

In fact, he told me that since the labrum is cartilage and basically has no blood supply it won't heal on it's own. He also said that most people wait YEARS before they end up in his office. So, yay for me only taking one year?

On one hand, I'm relieved that they think they can fix this. On the other hand, I've never done anything this major to myself and I really REALLY didn't want to end up here.

And where is here?

  • Laproscopic surgery, tentatively scheduled for January 24th.

  • Six weeks of wearing a hip brace



  • Physical therapy starting the day after surgery

  • Elliptical and bike (and maybe swimming) only starting at 10 weeks

  • Slightly more activity starting at 12-16 weeks

  • No running until at least the 20 week mark and probably more like 9 to 10 months post-surgery


    • Of course, I've been scaring myself silly reading other people's forum posts about this surgery and the recovery. People who say it hurts worse after the surgery. People who say they aren't better after a year or more. I know I should stop reading these.

    I'm trying to take comfort in the fact that there are plenty runners out there that have recovered from major injuries. Beth at Shut Up and Run. Ashley at Healthy Ashley. And I'm sure there are others out there.

    I'm trying to remind myself that I want a lifetime of fitness and that it doesn't all have to happen RIGHT NOW. If I take some time off it's not the end of the world. Yes, I'll have to work on coming back to my post-injury self but that will just be another challenge to tackle.

    Of course, that doesn't mean I'm looking forward to wearing a brace (I see a lot of dresses in my future. That thing is UGLY as sin) or not seeing my running friends every Monday and Saturday. I'm also not looking forward to defending my decision. I've tried PT. I've tried a chiropractor. I've tried ART. Do I want surgery? No. Do I think I need it? Sadly, yes.

    So, that's where I am.

    Pardon me while I go through the Stages of Injury.
    Posted by Erin at 4:41 PM
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    bobbi's avatar - Go to profile

    bobbi · 692 weeks ago

    Ugh. Sucks.

    But - I see a budding triathlete :) maybe an IM in your future?

    I 'm thinking about you - hopefully this will have you running pain free...
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    pensive pumpkin's avatar - Go to profile

    pensive pumpkin · 692 weeks ago

    oh wow that sucks. Merry Christmas, right?
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    kilax's avatar - Go to profile

    kilax · 692 weeks ago

    It's good to remind yourself that you will have that whole lifetime of fitness. Think about the time before you started running - you still had a good quality of life then, right? ;) And I know you will still be involved with OPRC! It will just take a bit more effort to get together with people. But you can make it happen. It's just going to be hard, but you've proven this year how tough you are :)
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    Kayla's avatar - Go to profile

    Kayla · 692 weeks ago

    Sucky! But you will get through it!!! Before you know it, you will be back and better than ever :)
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    Rae's avatar

    Rae · 692 weeks ago

    I like Kim's response. Also, I'm impressed that your surgeon wants to start PT the day after -- even in my limited experience, I've encountered surgeons who like to wait a few weeks before letting their patients start moving again, and it's (in our biased opinion) the worst thing they could ask. So bully for your surgeon, at least :)

    I know better than to say something like "don't beat yourself up," because who listens to that? Just be proud of yourself for being proactive (I agree with surgeon again on that one and am proud of you too) and for doing as much research as you have done. It really does take a lot of courage and resolve to stop your routine and acknowledge you have an injury that can interrupt your life temporarily so that it doesn't affect you permanently.
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    Mica · 692 weeks ago

    Wow, I'm checking blogs early on Christmas morning and was sad to read about this! What a Christmas surprise, boooo!

    I'm really surprised that you could do marathons and so many races on something that requires surgery! The body is so strange.

    Like you said, you tried everything else, so hopefully surgery will be the thing that puts you on the right track. Focus on the positive, for sure! You have accomplished so much with your running, but I definitely don't think that means you won't accomplish things in other domains while you're recovering. Channel your awesome dedication and energy into other things for now!!

    And Merry Christmas, Erin!!!
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    Aimee's avatar

    Aimee · 692 weeks ago

    You could operate a water stop for your buddies while you're in recovery! I'm sorry you have to go through this - I thought a few months off with stress fractures was the end of the world - but a little time off now will help you continue running in the long run.

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