... and my life is much, much better than it was at this time in 2016. Let me count the ways:
(1) I have graduated from prolotherapy. My last treatment was in February, and I last went in to see Dr. Bell in May. She is thrilled by my progress, and did some actual OMT adjustments during the visit in May. I'll see her again at the end of August for a check-in/possible tune-up, but - the worst is behind me, as far as prolo goes. I can't say that I miss the injections (and subsequent pain), but I would do it all over again if I had to!
(2) I have graduated from physical therapy. My last day was in late January, complete with balloons and happy tears. I am going in once a week now, but for nothing related to my SI/pubic symphysis. We are working on strengthening my calves and my feet! Now that I am up and about much, much more, my feet/lower legs (which have always been rather small/weak: I partially torn an Achilles tendon three years ago, and have had multiple stress fractures in my metatarsals) need to get pumped ::clap clap:: UP! It's been nice to reconnect with my PT, too. She is around my age, and has a daughter who is just a bit older than R, so we have grown close.
(3) I am regularly doing cardio (elliptical, stationary bike, and brisk walks) 4-5 times a week, and am also keeping up with my core/stabilizing exercises. It feels REALLY GOOD to be getting stronger and fitter again. I have also been given the green light to pick up a field hockey stick again, wahoo! Not necessarily for hardcore scrimmaging, but I should be able to warm up the high school goalkeepers I coach, and rip some shots on goal... just for fun. :)
(4) My family is doing well. Hubby is muuuuch happier without his gallbladder, and R is laughing, babbling, eating, playing, and growing happily. Even our two cats are at peace with the current set-up! I'm sure there are more challenges ahead (because what is Life without them?!), but I feel ready. With everything we've been through since R's birth, and how we've responded, I'm ready to roll. As always -
Stay Thankful!
Showing posts with label mom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mom. Show all posts
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Back To Work, New PT, Starting Prolotherapy, Etc.
So, it's been almost ::gulp:: two months since I last wrote. Needless to say, a LOT has happened since then. Here we goooooo -
* I went back to work on August 30 (I'm a middle school Spanish teacher). I hadn't been working since maternity leave started in the first week of February. So far, being back in the classroom has been really great for my mental health - it turns out that I had missed teaching tremendously. Even with my physical limitations, I can basically be my "old self" when I'm in teacher-mode. My coworkers and my students have all been very understanding and supportive, too - so good. I'm taking on a new role as part of my building's Leadership Committee, and have new classroom to boot - GOOD changes.
* My work with my OMT is going well so far. She and her wife have a son who's about a month and change younger than R, so she *gets* what my situation is, and how much of a struggle my injuries entail. I've seen her twice thus far, once for an initial consult, and just over a week ago for my first round of prolotherapy (also known as regenerative injection therapy). Prolotherapy (from here on out, I will refer to it as prolo) has been around since the 1930s, but isn't necessarily considered "common" - I had never heard of it before. You can read more about prolo here (http://www.prolotherapy.com/), but in nutshell, this is what prolo does: injections of saline and dextrose into the ligaments around my damaged joints (primarily my PS and my left SI) are promoting healing. The injections purposefully cause inflammation in these areas, and are prompting my body to restart the healing process. After a few rounds of prolo, I should feel a significant decrease in pain. After that starts happening, I'll be able to start more manipulation work with my OMT, which should jump-start my mobility gains. For about 6-7 days post-prolo,I was REALLY sore (as prescribed). I took Tylenol (but no anti-inflammatories!) for about a week to help myself along. For the first time, pain IS gain, as far as my recovery is concerned. Time will tell how successful OMT/prolo will be for me. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic.
* Work with my new PT is also off to a great start. We are about three weeks into working together. She's also a new mom (her daughter is 18 months old), and, as with my OMT, we can relate on many levels. She is a pelvic PT, and does have experience working with patients recovering from PSD/PGP. We meet twice to once a week, and I'm doing exercises independently at home every day. The big focus has been core work. At our first meeting/after her first examination of me, she informed me that I have two areas of diastis recti (who knew?!). Nothing crazy, but - enough of a separation that it's been affecting the ability of my core to strengthen. So, we shall continue to work on that! Slow progress, but - progress.
* I have started to use the stationary bike again! I am terrified of biking on the road, but I have always loved a good sweat session on my Airdyne stationary bike (a birthday gift to myself when I turned 25). For the past three weeks, I have been slowly getting reacquainted with it: I started with 4 minutes total, and have cautiously added minutes. I'm now up to 15 minutes, and am trying to get in at least 4 rides a week. I feel zero SI pain when I bike, and my PS is only a wee bit sore afterward. I have the blessing of both PT and OMT to continue biking as my body tolerates it - wahoo! Since I was an avid athlete pre-baby/pre-injury, it is amaaaazing to be able to sweat even a little bit again. :)
OK, off to work - happy Hump Day.
* I went back to work on August 30 (I'm a middle school Spanish teacher). I hadn't been working since maternity leave started in the first week of February. So far, being back in the classroom has been really great for my mental health - it turns out that I had missed teaching tremendously. Even with my physical limitations, I can basically be my "old self" when I'm in teacher-mode. My coworkers and my students have all been very understanding and supportive, too - so good. I'm taking on a new role as part of my building's Leadership Committee, and have new classroom to boot - GOOD changes.
* My work with my OMT is going well so far. She and her wife have a son who's about a month and change younger than R, so she *gets* what my situation is, and how much of a struggle my injuries entail. I've seen her twice thus far, once for an initial consult, and just over a week ago for my first round of prolotherapy (also known as regenerative injection therapy). Prolotherapy (from here on out, I will refer to it as prolo) has been around since the 1930s, but isn't necessarily considered "common" - I had never heard of it before. You can read more about prolo here (http://www.prolotherapy.com/), but in nutshell, this is what prolo does: injections of saline and dextrose into the ligaments around my damaged joints (primarily my PS and my left SI) are promoting healing. The injections purposefully cause inflammation in these areas, and are prompting my body to restart the healing process. After a few rounds of prolo, I should feel a significant decrease in pain. After that starts happening, I'll be able to start more manipulation work with my OMT, which should jump-start my mobility gains. For about 6-7 days post-prolo,I was REALLY sore (as prescribed). I took Tylenol (but no anti-inflammatories!) for about a week to help myself along. For the first time, pain IS gain, as far as my recovery is concerned. Time will tell how successful OMT/prolo will be for me. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic.
* Work with my new PT is also off to a great start. We are about three weeks into working together. She's also a new mom (her daughter is 18 months old), and, as with my OMT, we can relate on many levels. She is a pelvic PT, and does have experience working with patients recovering from PSD/PGP. We meet twice to once a week, and I'm doing exercises independently at home every day. The big focus has been core work. At our first meeting/after her first examination of me, she informed me that I have two areas of diastis recti (who knew?!). Nothing crazy, but - enough of a separation that it's been affecting the ability of my core to strengthen. So, we shall continue to work on that! Slow progress, but - progress.
* I have started to use the stationary bike again! I am terrified of biking on the road, but I have always loved a good sweat session on my Airdyne stationary bike (a birthday gift to myself when I turned 25). For the past three weeks, I have been slowly getting reacquainted with it: I started with 4 minutes total, and have cautiously added minutes. I'm now up to 15 minutes, and am trying to get in at least 4 rides a week. I feel zero SI pain when I bike, and my PS is only a wee bit sore afterward. I have the blessing of both PT and OMT to continue biking as my body tolerates it - wahoo! Since I was an avid athlete pre-baby/pre-injury, it is amaaaazing to be able to sweat even a little bit again. :)
OK, off to work - happy Hump Day.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Newly Discovered Resources
In the past week or so, I've made some amazing connections, re: exploring treatment options and finding a group of women/people who "get" PSD/SPD/PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain - apparently, this is the most recent name for this condition, with or without a rupture of the pubic symphysis).
* Pelvic Partnership (http://www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/): This is a non-profit group out of the UK. They provide TONS and TONS of great information on their site, re: symptoms, treatment, sex, pelvic floor muscles, going back to work, tips for sleeping, sitting, driving - the list is endless. I found their page via Facebook. So far, the biggest take-away I've gotten is this statement: "The good news is that because PGP is a mechanical joint problem, it does respond well to manual therapy." Hmmm. As I've been exploring my options for starting osteopathic treatment (in addition to PT), this really resonated with me. Stay tuned for more there.
* The closed Facebook group, "Diastasis Symphysis Pubis/Pelvic Instability: Separated Pelvis Group" : What an outstanding group of women. I've learned more about PGP from this forum than any medical provider to date. This is what I've been looking for, if subconsciously - someone, anyone, who really understands how I'm feeling, both physically and emotionally. I was alerted to this group's existence by Lexi, who commented on one of my recent posts here on Blogger (thanks, Lexi!). This group has a range of members: ladies who experienced PGP during pregnancy, ladies who had a rupture of the PS during pregnancy, ladies who had a rupture of the PS during delivery, ladies who are pregnant and starting to experience PGP, etc. It was within this forum that I really found the final push I needed to start pursuing OMT treatment in earnest. I suppose I've been hesitant to explore other treatment options due to a fear of "striking out", of these treatments not improving my condition. However, with my return to work coming up in mid-August, I think it's time to get back on the horse and keep moving!
OK - off to see if little R will nap in his crib. We're slowly transitioning him there from his cradle, and so far, he's a bit freaked by all the space the crib has to offer! Wish us luck -
* Pelvic Partnership (http://www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/): This is a non-profit group out of the UK. They provide TONS and TONS of great information on their site, re: symptoms, treatment, sex, pelvic floor muscles, going back to work, tips for sleeping, sitting, driving - the list is endless. I found their page via Facebook. So far, the biggest take-away I've gotten is this statement: "The good news is that because PGP is a mechanical joint problem, it does respond well to manual therapy." Hmmm. As I've been exploring my options for starting osteopathic treatment (in addition to PT), this really resonated with me. Stay tuned for more there.
* The closed Facebook group, "Diastasis Symphysis Pubis/Pelvic Instability: Separated Pelvis Group" : What an outstanding group of women. I've learned more about PGP from this forum than any medical provider to date. This is what I've been looking for, if subconsciously - someone, anyone, who really understands how I'm feeling, both physically and emotionally. I was alerted to this group's existence by Lexi, who commented on one of my recent posts here on Blogger (thanks, Lexi!). This group has a range of members: ladies who experienced PGP during pregnancy, ladies who had a rupture of the PS during pregnancy, ladies who had a rupture of the PS during delivery, ladies who are pregnant and starting to experience PGP, etc. It was within this forum that I really found the final push I needed to start pursuing OMT treatment in earnest. I suppose I've been hesitant to explore other treatment options due to a fear of "striking out", of these treatments not improving my condition. However, with my return to work coming up in mid-August, I think it's time to get back on the horse and keep moving!
OK - off to see if little R will nap in his crib. We're slowly transitioning him there from his cradle, and so far, he's a bit freaked by all the space the crib has to offer! Wish us luck -
Sunday, July 24, 2016
An Open Letter To Myself
Dear me,
Right now, life is not anything like you imagined it would be. Summer of 2016, with a 5 month old, was supposed to include leisurely stroller walks, family hikes, trips to camp and the islands, exploring the backyard, dancing the night away at a best friend's wedding, gardening in earnest, general adventuring. Your biggest concerns were supposed to be losing the baby weight, transitioning R from the bassinet to the crib, being anxious when you and E go out for dinner without R for the first time, fretting over R starting daycare in late August. Instead, you're locked in a battle with your body. Trying to get your hips, your joints, back into alignment. Trying to find medical providers who aren't stumped by your diagnosis. Using a walker to move from point A to B, all the while attracting stares that range from curious to pitying wherever you go. You're also at odds with your mind. Seeing a therapist for the first time, to talk about all this, and try to understand how you'll move forward. Feeling awful, deep-green envy whenever you hear about your friends, family, anyone having fun doing all the summertime activities you can't. Feeling rage against the OB-GYN who sent you home from the hospital without a diagnosis, in a wheelchair, and with instructions to "take a couple walks a day, take a couple naps a day, heal!". Feeling more anger that, at that time, you didn't know any better to scream for help. Let's be honest - life sucks right now.
That said... it's going to be OK. You're on the right (if painstakingly slow) path. You're doing all the things you can do, the things you need to do, for yourself, for your baby, for your husband. You're going to continue to get better. Even if your "fully-recovered" body isn't exactly capable of the things your pre-injury body was, you will be active again,you will be happy again, in that body. Keep fighting - each second that passes is another second closer to feeling, at the very least, a lot like your old self. Your new self is already a billion times stronger than your old self. I love you!
Hayly
Right now, life is not anything like you imagined it would be. Summer of 2016, with a 5 month old, was supposed to include leisurely stroller walks, family hikes, trips to camp and the islands, exploring the backyard, dancing the night away at a best friend's wedding, gardening in earnest, general adventuring. Your biggest concerns were supposed to be losing the baby weight, transitioning R from the bassinet to the crib, being anxious when you and E go out for dinner without R for the first time, fretting over R starting daycare in late August. Instead, you're locked in a battle with your body. Trying to get your hips, your joints, back into alignment. Trying to find medical providers who aren't stumped by your diagnosis. Using a walker to move from point A to B, all the while attracting stares that range from curious to pitying wherever you go. You're also at odds with your mind. Seeing a therapist for the first time, to talk about all this, and try to understand how you'll move forward. Feeling awful, deep-green envy whenever you hear about your friends, family, anyone having fun doing all the summertime activities you can't. Feeling rage against the OB-GYN who sent you home from the hospital without a diagnosis, in a wheelchair, and with instructions to "take a couple walks a day, take a couple naps a day, heal!". Feeling more anger that, at that time, you didn't know any better to scream for help. Let's be honest - life sucks right now.
That said... it's going to be OK. You're on the right (if painstakingly slow) path. You're doing all the things you can do, the things you need to do, for yourself, for your baby, for your husband. You're going to continue to get better. Even if your "fully-recovered" body isn't exactly capable of the things your pre-injury body was, you will be active again,you will be happy again, in that body. Keep fighting - each second that passes is another second closer to feeling, at the very least, a lot like your old self. Your new self is already a billion times stronger than your old self. I love you!
Hayly
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Rolling Over, Starting Therapy, Etc.
Time for an update (again, as R snoozes).
This marks the 6th week of outpatient PT for me, and nearly 4 months since my injury. I'm still out of the pool (although my nipples are finally better - hooray for steriod/anti-fungal cream!), but am making some progress. During my sessions, I now practice rolling over (from my back to my sides), with a pillow between my knees. This was the move that I absolutely COULD NOT do without excruciating pain a mere month ago. With the blessing of my PT, I tried laying on my side for 10 minutes in my own bed here at home three days ago. It was easy-peasy, but I've suffered bad SI joint pain since then... whoops. I have PT again today, so I plan on mentioning that... seems like I should practice for less time, the next time I attempt that particular move. As it turns out, little R can roll over, too! Only from back to belly consistently, but... he's definitely better at it than I am at this point!
I've decided to see a therapist. Now that R is under control (as much control as a 4 month old can be, hah!) and my physical recovery seems stable, I feel like I have the energy to put into my mental health. I'm not doom-and-gloom 24/7, but - hands-down, this has been the most difficult time in my life to date. Life with baby has been nothing like I expected, thanks to my pubic symphysis rupture. The simple act of walking around the house with R in my arms is one I long for. I'd love to load R in the car and go for a stroll in the park, browse around TJ Maxx, etc, but that's not something I can do alone yet. I know I'm making progress to that elusive full-recovery, but I definitely need to take some time and learn some more coping mechanisms for myself.
I've also stopped breastfeeding - log this under "another unplanned event in life with an infant". It was a hard decision to make, but so far it's been a good one. R has been weaning for over a month, unintentionally: my supply has always been low (thanks to my injury), and R's demand has recently sky rocketed. I would breastfeed him, he would empty them, cry, and then either myself or my hubby would offer him a bottle of formula, from which he would happily drain at least 4oz. R hasn't skipped a beat since I stopped offering him the breast, and (no surprise here!) by body seems to be easily slowing its milk production. I would guess that it'll take me 2 weeks max to dry up completely (it's been nearly a week now). A definite bonus to stopping breastfeeding is that my body will stop producing the hormones that relax my pelvic region, which should make it easier for my symphysis to stitch itself back together. It's pretty crazy how the female body makes all of these insane changes while becoming/once becoming a mother. Speaking of mothering - baby boy is awake! Later -
This marks the 6th week of outpatient PT for me, and nearly 4 months since my injury. I'm still out of the pool (although my nipples are finally better - hooray for steriod/anti-fungal cream!), but am making some progress. During my sessions, I now practice rolling over (from my back to my sides), with a pillow between my knees. This was the move that I absolutely COULD NOT do without excruciating pain a mere month ago. With the blessing of my PT, I tried laying on my side for 10 minutes in my own bed here at home three days ago. It was easy-peasy, but I've suffered bad SI joint pain since then... whoops. I have PT again today, so I plan on mentioning that... seems like I should practice for less time, the next time I attempt that particular move. As it turns out, little R can roll over, too! Only from back to belly consistently, but... he's definitely better at it than I am at this point!
I've decided to see a therapist. Now that R is under control (as much control as a 4 month old can be, hah!) and my physical recovery seems stable, I feel like I have the energy to put into my mental health. I'm not doom-and-gloom 24/7, but - hands-down, this has been the most difficult time in my life to date. Life with baby has been nothing like I expected, thanks to my pubic symphysis rupture. The simple act of walking around the house with R in my arms is one I long for. I'd love to load R in the car and go for a stroll in the park, browse around TJ Maxx, etc, but that's not something I can do alone yet. I know I'm making progress to that elusive full-recovery, but I definitely need to take some time and learn some more coping mechanisms for myself.
I've also stopped breastfeeding - log this under "another unplanned event in life with an infant". It was a hard decision to make, but so far it's been a good one. R has been weaning for over a month, unintentionally: my supply has always been low (thanks to my injury), and R's demand has recently sky rocketed. I would breastfeed him, he would empty them, cry, and then either myself or my hubby would offer him a bottle of formula, from which he would happily drain at least 4oz. R hasn't skipped a beat since I stopped offering him the breast, and (no surprise here!) by body seems to be easily slowing its milk production. I would guess that it'll take me 2 weeks max to dry up completely (it's been nearly a week now). A definite bonus to stopping breastfeeding is that my body will stop producing the hormones that relax my pelvic region, which should make it easier for my symphysis to stitch itself back together. It's pretty crazy how the female body makes all of these insane changes while becoming/once becoming a mother. Speaking of mothering - baby boy is awake! Later -
Monday, April 11, 2016
Hello, and Welcome
This is my first ever blog, let alone blog post. My goal is to chronicle my postpartum experience, primarily with a ruptured pubic symphysis. I've found that there isn't a lot of information out there for inquiring (aka, freaking out!!) minds, so hopefully I can compile some here. I was inspired to start this blog in part by Rowena, a fellow blogger whose blog has been a source of both information and comfort for me (check her out: http://pubicsymphysis.blogspot.com/).
I'm 8 weeks postpartum as of today, and have an appointment with an orthopedic trauma surgeon this afternoon. Hopefully we'll make a plan of attack... stay tuned.
Here are some fast facts about me, outside of my PS issues:
* I live in the state of Maine, USA - our motto is "The Way Life Should Be" for a reason!
* R is my son, and my first child - although his arrival prompted my PS rupture, he's honestly perfect. I'm a total goner for this kid.
* E is my husband - the love of my life, and a tremendous support throughout the last 2 months.
* The title of my blog is a line from the lullaby that we sing to R before bed each night. My dad used to sing it to my sisters and I, and his dad sang it to him. Somehow it seems like the right fit for this space.
* Stay Thankful is my life's motto. I have it inked on my right wrist.
All for now -
I'm 8 weeks postpartum as of today, and have an appointment with an orthopedic trauma surgeon this afternoon. Hopefully we'll make a plan of attack... stay tuned.
Here are some fast facts about me, outside of my PS issues:
* I live in the state of Maine, USA - our motto is "The Way Life Should Be" for a reason!
* R is my son, and my first child - although his arrival prompted my PS rupture, he's honestly perfect. I'm a total goner for this kid.
* E is my husband - the love of my life, and a tremendous support throughout the last 2 months.
* The title of my blog is a line from the lullaby that we sing to R before bed each night. My dad used to sing it to my sisters and I, and his dad sang it to him. Somehow it seems like the right fit for this space.
* Stay Thankful is my life's motto. I have it inked on my right wrist.
All for now -
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