The Hip Chronicles: Well, that was unexpected

I had scheduled an appointment to get the results of my MRI the following Wednesday. I was told I was scheduled with the surgeon, but when I got the confirmation call, the appointment was scheduled with his PA instead.

Whatever, everyone's qualified. Fair enough. 

Based on my last appointment, I expected to be told the MRI showed some anomalies, and that the next step would be to do a cortisone injection to be sure that the cause of the pain is indeed what I think it is. 

Instead, I got told, yup there is fraying of the labrum and combined with the pincer impingement, this is something they can treat one of two ways, with cortisone shots, which tend to be temporary and can cause degradation of the cartilage over time or, surgery.

I'm pretty sure all I did was blink blankly at him. 

I even asked if their standard was to do one cortisone shot first and I was told, nope in my case it's not necessary. The x-rays and MRI are enough. 

They know what's up. With my hip, I mean. 

All I could do was stutter that I didn't expect him to just come out and say that surgery was a good option. 

After being told their standard of care post-surgery (3 weeks in a brace and motion machine, maybe up to 6 weeks in crutches, 4 months before I can even think about running), the PA said it was up to me, that it wasn't going to put my hip at 100%, nothing ever does, but it could improve day to day life. 

All I could say was, "I just feel like I can't do what I want to do and it's making me miserable."

And he said, "Well, I think that is your answer."

So, surgery is scheduled for September 10. I have a dear friend who I haven't seen in 12 years visiting home Labor Day weekend and there is no way I am missing that. Plus it gives my momma plenty of time to arrange things before she comes out and deals with me when I will likely be the worst person possible. 

... I don't really like being dependent on people ....

Honestly, I'd rather be able to do this at home in Iowa, but with work, it would be awful to try to drive back to Colorado when I'm ready to go back into the office and the surgeon here ... well ... he's good. Like, really good. And I've already established a relationship with at least his fellow and his PA. I don't really count the 3 minutes I actually spoke with the surgeon as establishing a relationship. I guess that  is what happens when you find someone who is good at what they do in the medical world. They don't really have a lot of time for you because everyone wants time with them.

In the meantime ... let's beat the crap out of this so I can get my money's worth in September, hehe.