Likely Story

Its Amazing What A Little Haircut Can Do

So, the real reason I have been AWOL for so long has been a sneaky, creeping, mild depression.  I just didn't have it in me to write, knit, sew, etc.  It just wasn't there.  The whole ugliness has been rounded off by my having to leave the bakery.  I don't get to professionally make pretty cupcakes, fruit tarts or eclairs anymore. 
    Why did I quit?  Well, at the time I made the decision, I had convinced myself it was b/c the bakery job was awful.  And honestly, it wasn't great.  I did spend most of my time asking people if they wanted their loaves "sliced or whole" which is only one step up from asking "do you want fries with that?". 
    But really, I had to quit b/c after working 8-9 hours at the bakery, I could barely move my legs anymore.  My hips would scream and bite at me all night long.  You should see the Mt. Rushmore of pillows I have at my hip-propping disposal!  And not just the "too mild to consider surgery at this juncture" hip, but my "fixed through the miracle of surgery" hip as well.  Double teamed by my own joints!  The nerve of them.
    Anyhoo, so all of these things, and the questions they raise (ie:  what do you do when you figured out your passion in life and are too bloody crippled to pursue it?)  have been seriously bumming me out lately.
All of that, and I hated my hair.  OOH, have I been hating my hair.  I made the mistake of growing it out, b/c I wanted to feel French (long story) and it was just heavy and long and I am CONVINCED it made my ass look fat.  That's how much I hated my hair.
    Well, NO MORE! 

Which would you prefer, the out of focus but you get the idea photo or the dying of ennui with great hair photo?  Well, ok, you get both:

Look at that hair, man! I feel freakin' fantastic (despite my expression in the second photo).  Its amazing what a haircut can do!

Surgery Is Scheduled!

Okay, I am excited.  I have surgery scheduled for June 1st.  They say I'll be off of crutches in 8 weeks.  So, maybe the first week of August I'll be able to ditch the crutches and use an oh-so-sexy cane.  Then, maybe a month later - I'LL BE ABLE TO WALK LIKE A NORMAL PERSON!

I can't wait to go to a mall.  It's been almost 2 years since I've been able to walk to length of an Old Navy, much less actually shop.  Oh!  And, I'll be able to wear heels again!  It will be so nice to feel like a girl again!!!

I will post scar pictures and updates about recovery the closer we get so everyone can see how it works.  There needs to be more information on this out there!  It was so frustrating when I was first diagnosed, all I could find were websites on Canine Hip Dysplasia.  Not super helpful.  See my previous post for a list of helpful links on Adult Hip Dysplasia.

There is an end in sight!

Surgery Approaches!

I just saw Dr. Hartsock yesterday and I am going to have the Peri-Acetabular Osteotomy.
We are looking at a date in mid-late May.  I need to have a MRI Arthrogram first and then a couple of consultations with the good doctor and his partner, Dr. Mooney.  Both docs seem really well qualified.  They've studied under the right people (Ganz, Matta and Millis) and have the right experience.  As I get more information, I will post.  And don't worry, after surgery I will post all of the gorey details- including scar pictures - because, in addition to the fact that I tend to be a bit sick in my obsession with these things, there is far too little information out there about what this surgery really entails.

Also, I've noticed that some of you have found this site while searching for information on your hip condition.  If you found this post through googling "Hip Dysplasia" there are a couple of good resources out there!  There is a yahoo group devoted to hip dysplasia and having a THR (Total Hip Replacement) or a PAO (Peri Acetabular Osteotomy).  Its called Hip Women.  Also, there is a website called Hip Universe which is an excellent resource for those of us who have to deal with this.  For those facing the PAO surgery, there is a much needed Live Journal devoted to one women's surgery and recovery.  It hasn't been updated in a while but if you go through the archives, it is super detailed. 
I think her surgery was in Feb/March of 2005.

Good Luck!