Thursday, December 27, 2012

Out With The Old, In With the New!


As I was checking back to see when I wrote my last blog, I couldn't believe it's been almost 6 weeks. Yikes! I guess time flies when you're having fun and staying busy!

The last half of 2012 flew by in a blur with my two hip surgeries in June and August, a total of 10 weeks on crutches this past summer, followed by the last 6 months of rehab. To say it wasn't challenging, mentally and physically, would be a lie, but at the same time, I wouldn't have wished it to be any different. I am so grateful for the turn of events this past year that led me to figure out the cause of the injuries that I had been having, and how to get past them and move forward. Once you get to a roadblock of any type, you can only stay passive in that one spot for so long. There's always work to be done to get around the obstacle, but once you do, you can finally move forward.

I am back training now (hence the having fun and being busy excuse), getting ready for the start of the 2013 race season, and I couldn't be happier. The very biggest of Thank You's to my family, friends and sponsors who have supported me over the past 6 months, and to the new friends I have met along the way who will be friends for a lifetime. Onwards and upwards to a great 2013!

6 comments:

precht said...

Hi there, would appreciate your advice --

I'm an out of town patient and have sent all my information to Steadman Clinic to have Dr Philippon treat me. Madaline called me once or twice in November, but ever since, I've not been able to get ahold of her by phone or email.

With the long wait list, I'd love to get in queue ASAP -- would you recommend speaking to someone else to push Philippon and team to review my information? I'm looking at a revision procedure

Thanks!

Unknown said...

Hi Precht, thanks for your comment. I was an out of town patient as well, and it was through Madaline that I set up my appointments. I wonder if your correspondence somehow got lost over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays? The squeaky wheel gets the grease so I'd keep calling and emailing until you get a reply. And you have nothing to lose by calling the Steadman Clinic, explaining that you're not getting an answer from Madaline and asking if there is a different person you can speak to.

Keep being persistent and you'll get through eventually. From everything I'll heard and experienced, Dr Philippon is the best at what he does, and being persistent will be worth it in the long run. I know quite a few other patients who had revisions from Philippon and had great results.

All the best!

jiaozi said...

Thanks for the advice -- any suggestions for minimum stay post-op? I was hoping 3-4 days.

Would you recommend any affordable hotels/condos?

Unknown said...

Hi Jiaozi,

I believe the minimum stay they suggest is 3-4 days, but in my experience, the longer the better. You'll start two a day PT sessions the day after surgery, as well as pool therapy on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting about 5 days post-op. This type of specialized therapy is hard to replicate anywhere else, and I think the longer you wait, the more mobile you'll be and the easier it will be to travel. My first time around, I stayed 3 weeks (PT twice a day and pool therapy two times a week for the full three weeks), and my second time, I stayed ten days. However, having said that, I was lucky to have friends to stay with in Vail, and otherwise, I realize it might not be a feasible option. I think having a good PT at home is key to a good recovery, so if you leave after a few days, make sure you have a good PT who will treat you once you get home.

Unknown said...

How are you doing by now, Donna? I'm sorry to hear that you've been in rehab for six months. Past is past, and I'm so glad that you're back in the game. A friendly advice – don't push yourself too hard. By the way, when will the race season start? I wish you all the best and I know you can achieve something from it because you have your family and friends to support and give you the strength.
Madalyn Oconnell

Unknown said...

Hi Madalyn! Thank you for your message!
Training is going great, and I'm getting ready for my first race of the season on April 14th, the Tempe Life Time Fitness Tri - 2.5km swim, 111.5km bike, 11km run. Can't wait!:-)
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support - it really means a lot.:-)