My family doctor said I needed to see an allergy doctor before taking any other NSAIDs. Since I'm having surgery in less than a month (!!!) and that I need to take Indomethacin, I have to get this cleared asap.
She sent my request in Montreal and I was sure I'd get my appointment in 6 months - as how it usually is with specialists in Canada. I called the office to see how long it would be, and when I mentioned that I'm having surgery soon, the secretary said she'd try her best to give me an appointment before. I was really surprised when she called an hour later, saying that the doctor wants to see me tomorrow morning at 10am! Next day appointment? Someone pinch me! This seems unreal!!! So tomorrow I'm seeing Dr.Schulz - a rheumatologist/immunologist at the Montreal General. Will update on how it goes!
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Where does time go??? I can't believe I'm now exactly one month before surgery. In one month, I will be a few hours post-op.
It seems unreal. It seems like there was so many back and forth since my first hip arthroscopy in December 2014. Pain, worry, xrays, consults, more xrays, more consults, more pain, more unanswered questions...I feel like there was rarely a moment in the past 8 months where I had a feeling of certitude with my hip. Pincer/No pincer, Cam/No cam, Dysplasia/No dysplasia...calling hospitals to find who has the shortest wait time for tests. Continually going to archives to get reports, without them being ready. Going back. Reading the results and feeling more confused than before. But now, shit's getting real. Today I received an email and I have to send in all my medical history, medication, etc to Dr.Nho. I went shopping to buy comfy PJs to spend my days in. I'm piling up books, colouring books, journals to bring. I still have a few things to take care of, like seeing what Dr.Millis from Boston thinks about my file. I sent it over a month ago to have it checked for dysplasia. I'm supposed to hear from them this week. Either I will know by email, or they will ask me to go in for a consult. It's only a 5 hour drive from Montreal, and a city I've never visited, so it wouldn't be too much of a big deal if I had to go. I just want to know as soon as possible so I can plan things. I'm the type of person that needs to know everything...so I suck at this waiting game. But the wait is soon over, and a new chapter will soon begin! Dr.Nho's team mentioned getting a 3D CT Scan to evaluate hip version and to have a clearer view of the CAM abnormalities. I decided to have the exam in Canada, this way I'd be able to go through the public system. I called around a few hospitals to see where I'd be able to get a CT Scan, but most importantly in 3D. I was happy to hear the MUHC - which is 10 minutes away from my home - offered this service and I would be able to get it in time for surgery. When taking my appointment, I made it clear that I needed a 3D CT Scan. When I arrived at the reception desk and then in the exam room, I repeated several times "It's going to be in 3D, right?" to which they all answered by the affirmative. So today, after over a month of wait, I was able to pick up my report and CD. The nice man at the archives said he's never heard the term 3D CT Scan in years of experience. He doesn't know if my CD contains the 3D files. I decide to go to the radiology reception and ask if they could check for me. The girl says she doesn't know, that the technicians are too busy to look at my CD...and suggests me to have a look for myself on one of the computers at the hospital library. Basically that no one has time to help. I sit in the small library, insert the CD and try to understand what I should be looking at. Clicking through the files, I don't see anything that looks remotely in three dimensions. Great. What's the point of asking so many times if it's I never asked in the first place? Felt completely let down. But the fun does not end! I picked up the report. Two tiny 4mm sclerotic foci in the right HUMERAL head??? HUMERAL? YO. THIS IS MY HIP WE'RE TALKING ABOUT. NOT MY SHOULDER. The fact the resident made the report by mistakingly saying "humeral" instead of "femoral" is one thing...but for the attending to approve it without noticing? No mention of version analysis either. So yeah, this CT was completely useless. In the end, I'm going to go private to get it done. 300$. It doesn't make any sense to me that I will have to pay when we have access to free health care. Unfortunately, free health care does not equal good health care. Yesterday I went to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription of Naproxen, the new anti-inflammatory my Dr prescribed after a possible allergic reaction to Celebrex.
The pharmacist called me up, and said that she's really not comfortable giving me Naproxen, as it's also an NSAID. She said there's always a risk - since it's in the same family of meds - for the allergy to become worse, and even life-threatening. She suggested going back to my doctor and asking for an allergy test. Until then, she said to take Tylenol (not Advil since I could become allergic to that as well, ugh) to control pain. I never really knew if Celebrex made a difference when I'm shooting weddings, as I always end up having pain at the end of the night. But now I know it does make a difference. Yesterday, my hip was painful starting 5pm...pretty early when you only have half of the day done. I pushed through, but I felt pretty crappy when my day was over. So I'm back to the drawing board. Going to let my doctor know on Tuesday. I'll see where that goes... How many times have you heard a hip arthroscopy patient say that the recovery is like a rollercoaster ride? I remember once saying that to a fellow hipster (looking at you Lucy Schwab!) and her replying "but rollercoasters are supposed to be fun" haha so true!
The past two-three weeks have been fairly good...so much that it had me doubting "do I really need surgery?" Tonight we had happy hour at work, and I decided to play a quick game of ping pong (yes, we have a ping pong table at work). I failed miserably and lost 21-8. Even though it was a ton of fun...it did not take long for my body to be like "Ummmm? What did you do???" About an hour later, my hip started hurting. Guess it confirms that yes, I really do need surgery. Need is a strong word...I could probably live like this until the day I need a hip replacement. All I'd have to do is minimal activity, weekly PT, daily pain controlled with NSAIDs... But it's not the life I want. I want to be able to play sports as much as I wish...to take up a game of ping pong without it ruining my mood for the night. Dr.Nho said that he's pretty confident that revision surgery will help with my symptoms. So there is hope. I'm going to take my chance. Cross my fingers that everything goes well, and that I will be able to get my old life back. Today I went to see my family doctor to talk about the possible allergic reaction to Celebrex. She said allergic reactions to Celebrex are rare, but it's a possibility. So I'm off Celebrex and she prescribed Naproxen. I looked it up, and one of the first few lines says: You should not use naproxen if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
I walked out thinking: "hmm?" but decided to trust my doctor. A few minutes later, my doctor's secretary called and told me that since she prescribed a medication in the same family, I might have another reaction. They want me to give this one a try and call them back. If ever my rash comes back, I'll have to see her again. I told her that I decided to go ahead with surgery in the US. At first she didn't seem too convinced. I think she's afraid an American doctor tricked me into thinking I need surgery in the US to make money. She said she would of liked for me to get a second opinion in Quebec. That's easier said than done. I would of loved to do that. I would of loved to hear from another surgeon, to see if they, or a colleague of theirs, could help with my symptoms - and this, for "free". And trust me, it's not that I didn't try. I searched online for doctors that practice hip arthroscopy in Canada. I called clinics - public and private across the country. Public has waiting lists that sometimes go up to 2-3 years. Private costs thousands of dollars, and the one I checked in Montreal only does surgery privately, not consultation (consult is done by a GP). I explained to my doctor why I decided to go forward with surgery in the US: because I feel that Canadian healthcare can't help me at this point. After being in pain for four years, I'm sick of waiting. I waited over a year to see the surgeon that operated on me. Going for a second opinion would mean having to wait - who knows how long - to see another surgeon. And seeing the surgeon doesn't necessarily mean getting surgery. I might be told that surgery isn't an option for me. Or if it is, that there's a 6 months to a year wait. Being in a public health system means limited funds throughout the entire system. Limited number of nurses, limited number of operating rooms, limited number of hospital beds...all this translates in having to prioritize patient care. Obviously, a hip fracture needs to be treated much faster than a labral tear. And I get it. But that's just like when you have a terrible cold and someone tells you "well at least you don't have cancer" Yes, it's true, you don't have cancer and not having cancer is an awesome thing...but it doesn't take away the fact that your cold is making you miserable. Most certainly not as miserable as someone undergoing chemotherapy, but you still feel shitty. At this point in my life, I simply can't gamble that much with time. 1 year wait + uncertainty of action plan + possibly 1 year wait for surgery + 1 year rehab = me making babies at 50 years old. Ok, I'm slightly exaggerating...but you get the point. And so did my family doctor. She said "OK. Anyway you seem to have it all planned out" I kind of sensed disappointment in her voice. Either disappointed that I didn't push through the Quebec system, or that our healthcare can't help me further. Finding a surgeon in Canada means calling around, following up, harassing receptionists to know WHEN your appointment will be to be told that you still have several months of wait ahead...it's can be pretty discouraging. I remember asking on Facebook, asking my family doctor, asking friends, coworkers, clients...does anyone know anyone that can help me? It's tough to be a patient in need of elective surgery in Canada. One must be very patient. And persistant. Good care is possible, it's the accessing part that's difficult. But then there's also finding a surgeon with skills that match what you need...that's a whole other topic and right now, I'm going to bed! Goodnight! The first few months after my first hip surgery, I was super diligent with my physiotherapy protocol. I wanted to put all the chances on my side for a successful recovery. Every week, I'd ask my PT for more. But as the months went by and I wasn't progressing anymore, I found it discouraging to put on my workout clothes, go to the gym, get on the bike and take the time to do all my strengthening exercises (keep in mind I have not been cleared to do impact sports, even at 8 months PO). Plus I was losing muscle mass. A few weeks ago, I gave up. Work got really busy, I was tired and I didn't have the motivation to keep pushing. I was honest about it with my two physiotherapists and they were really understanding. They cut down my program tremendously, focusing only on one or two stretching exercises.
I think I just needed a break. I needed to focus on something else than my hip, just for a little while. But now I'm back! With little over a month before my revision surgery, my motivation reappeared. Stephane, my PT at Kinatex Rockland, said what's important for me right now is to maintain my cardio and mobility. Did 30 minutes of spin bike today and upper body strengthening. In the past 8 months, I haven't done much core work and boy does it show. I remember when I used to go boxing - my coach would have me do 2 minute planks - it was pure torture but I'd power through them. Now? I struggle to get to 45 seconds. Ugh. It even becomes a bit painful for my right hip at one point. But 3x 45 seconds is better than nothing at all. I finished with a long session of stretching, working on my glutes, quads, TFL, hamstrings and IT band. Foam rolling my IT band is one of the exercises I have to do every week, and boy is it painful. But it's worth it. When I got up, my hip felt so relaxed...I appreciated every step. Hopefully someday it'll always feel that way! Went to the gym this morning and went on the spin bike for 30 minutes, then did lower body. I have little over a month left before surgery and I'd like to get to be as strong as possible. Did: - 3x 5 one leg deadlift w/ kettlebell (making sure to keep my hips aligned) - 3x 10 deadlift w/ kettlebell - 3x 10 squats - 3 x 10 lunges - 120 rep abs Recently my PT checked my glutes and he noticed that I'm losing mass in my right op hip. Probably the combination of this injury going back 4 years, surgery and pain...all adding up to a misused muscle. It freaks me out, as I've worked so hard post-op doing every exercise I had to do. I wonder how many clamshells I've done...A LOT! But I need to stay motivated and work hard to be as ready as possible to face revision surgery. Nothing is lost. Those last few good days are now old news, probably because I overdid it today. I'm on hold for Celebrex (itching is finally dying down) and will see my doctor on Monday. Ice and Tylenol it is. Going out for dinner now. Wishing everyone a nice Saturday! My hip has a mind of its own, I think. Anyone feel the same way? Some weeks, I deal with super tight adductors, glute pain, burning sensation in the joint that goes up to 7/10. And some weeks I question myself "Do I really need surgery?" Then I quickly remember: - It's been over a year I haven't done any high impact sports (I miss boxing, HF and snowboarding so much) - I'm unable to sit for long periods of time without having pain and stiffness - Everyday I go into work, I take the elevator because going up three flights of stairs is a tough task - I can't simply decide something and do it. Weekend off, horseback riding? Nope, can't. Friends call to go hiking? Nope. Snowboarding trip in the winter? Nope. I refuse to live a limited life like this. I need to do everything I possibly can to try to get back the active life I once had. Which is why I decided to go ahead with a costly surgery in the US. On a positive note, I've had a pretty good week! Only woke up in pain 2-3 days on 7. Today my PT was pleasantly surprised with how I've maintained since my session last week. Unfortunately that didn't get me out of dry needling (owwwww!), but he only did it on my TFL. At the end of treatment, he said he worked more intensively this week as I'm doing fairly well. I have to keep an eye out to see how things go until I see him on Wednesday. His goal is to progress and gain a little ROM if we can (I've rarely been able to get past 95 degrees). I often wonder what it will look like once I'm fully healed post-revision surgery. I've been stuck for so many months that it's hard to believe that someday I might have full ROM! Today one of my friends heard about the crazy rash I have (see fun photo), and she talked about it to her cousin who's a pharmacist. He told her it definitely can be an allergic reaction to Celebrex, to stop taking it and to see a doctor. I gave my GP a call just to mention it, and the receptionist said she'd have me see her Monday morning. I asked "is it really necessary?" - not wanting to take up any of her valuable time. But she insisted, especially that the anti-allergy meds don't seem to be working much. So yeah, remember yesterday's pharmacy-student telling me to take it again and see how it goes? Personally I rather trust someone with the "better safe than sorry" attitude. Monday morning it is! |
AuthorMy name is Marie-Christine. I'm 34 years old and live in Montreal, QC, Canada. I have had two failed hip scopes on my right hip to do undiagnosed hip dysplasia. My amazing surgeon, who is in Quebec City, performed periacetabular osteotomy in November 2017. He also did one left hip scope (non dysplastic) in February 2017. Archives
May 2018
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