Steroid injection day 3 + 4 successes!!

What can I say, I woke up feeling great today, though sticky from all our UK heatwave. But I’m not complaining, this heat is glorious. I expected at least 2 weeks of grumpy hip issues, and a catalogue of side effects like in 2016. But this time I’ve not really had any, a small extra amount of hair loss, but I have such thick hair it’s not too bad!!

Gently gently I’ve done some post operative physio exercises, and some days the groin pulled, but today on day 3 it didn’t!! And I’m not walking with a limp as much. Been eating light and well in this sunshine, so that’s a bonus.

So on Day 3 we decided in the gorgeous sunset to complete our week 3 of #couch25k. Crazy probably, but my god we did it. Hip coped fine, though I activated my #piriformis pain near my glute scar. I must stress I’m not actually doing the required times like a normie would, it’s all adapted to me and my disability and abilities.

Day 4 slightly sore knees, not sure if from just arthritis in general or from the steroid?? Side effects seem to be near to zero, whereas before I had 2 weeks of hell. Though last time I had Kenalog I got vertigo?! Wonder if that happens again.

Felt fine with physio exercises, so I introduced

• Swiss ball pelvic tilts 20reps
• Swiss ball hip glides 20reps
• Swiss ball knee lifts 20reps
• Swiss ball knee extensions 20reps
• Swiss ball hip adduction squeezes 20reps

Then I continued with

• Heel slides (lying down) 20reps
• Front leg raise (lying down) 20reps
• Front leg raise+ abduction (lying down) 20reps

It aches afterwards but that’s to be expected, and I rest well afterwards too. Only taking 1 x ibuprofen 400mg when really needed, often choosing hot water bottles even in this heatwave.

 

Intra-articular steroid injection Day 1 + 2

On the 27th I had my injection and this time round I had

• 1ml Kenalog 40mg
• 4ml Marcaine 0.25%
• 5ml Lidocaine 2%

So that’s 10mls in total inside the hip. I had a different steroid in 2016, not had Kenalog since 2012? Or 2013.

I slept pretty well, the hip feels tender and bulky, so movement was restricted and I needed Ibuprofen 400mg as soon as I got home and 1 again for bed time.

Woke up feeling good, managed a few heel slides, front leg raise and hip abduction while lying down, just to lubricate the joint moving. But after a couple of these, I felt a sharp groin ache.

So that was my cue it’s too early to aggregate hip. Which means I should probably sunbathe and rest up as much as possible.

Lets see what the next few days bring, I have to do a pain diary for 6 weeks, until I see my Consultant, so I can give him as much information as possible.

Had a brilliant BBQ outside, so that was a lovely way to spend my evening. I am managing well with my walking stick, just pulls as I walk (perhaps that’s the hip flexor?)

Today I’m attempting some hip flexion, hip abduction, hip extension while standing, but only 10 reps of each, to assess its working. My aches are mainly felt in outer hip under my glute scar. And of course the dreaded groin ache too. But they are dull manageable aches at least. Still taking ibuprofen 400mg.

It’s another sunny day, so no doubt more sunbathing and resting at least for now. Hoping it all kicks in soon, so we can continue with our couch25k walking and not lose our progress.

Steroid injection day!!

In the run up to this day, we’ve had a birthday party for our brother in law Simon, cue hilarious evening all round. I even won prosecco pong!!

But I did drink a tad too much, so Sunday morning was a hangover day!!

Monday came and went so fast, we had glorious sunshine and we sunbathed outside while we can. Feeling a tad poorly and snotty at this point. Stressed out they may cancel my steroid injection! Eek!! That would be awful.

Tuesday is here and I feel better in myself thankfully. Just a small cough and bit snotty but nothing like yesterday. So I’m going to try and do my appointment, as it’s not a general anaesthesia it’s only local. Throughout the day I felt better and better, I took an antihistamine and it cleared up the runny nose, so I’m thinking it was hayfever??

Wednesday is here and it’s the day I get the injection. Packed light overnight bag just in case, with just sone PJ’s in, I’m wearing easy leggings and t-shirt and flossy shoes, so everything is easy to slip in and out of. Packed a book. #ReadyPlayerOne headphones and phone, that should be me all set!

Sidenote this heat has been perfect for my hand pain, it’s not gone entirely but overall it’s amazingly different. So that’s a bonus.

Got there and had an hour’s wait straight away. This was 1.30pm. Nothing too major. I was then called through, weighed and measured height. Then off to a ward to wait.

Ace it’s empty or so I thought, I get pulled into theatre and get my arrow. This was 2pm.

Then I’m told to wait in the waiting room, gutted I thought I was being done now.

Finally at 3.10pm I’m called through, it’s my turn. Easy quick check that I am who I say I am, that I know what they are doing. Then it’s time to lie down.

Steroid done, and omg that HURT, so much more than before. Last one like this was 2 yes ago. Also he said ‘what on earth is that? oh must be scar tissue, I haven’t seen it that bad on someonebefore’ he told me that’s why it was extra painful.

It was painful! The initial needle was ok, but it needed moving around, the sensation is odd and I flinched a few times I’m embarrassed to say. Holding my nurses hand to stop me moving too much. The air had to be blown into it, to ensure correct area, weird tightening feeling but at least not too painful. Then finally the steroid is pushed into joint, and I could feel it going in, odd feeling but at least it didn’t last long.

Once done it was time to wiggle hip to work it in, and then off to sit on the ward to wait 20-30mins before I can go home.

Least I have coffee and biscuits to ease my shellshockedness. Once I knew I was free to go, off I went to find my husband. Free to go home and relax at long last at 4pm. Bit of a long day, but could of been worse. And though it HURT I still rather do it this way, than be under a general anaesthesic because I get to go home, eat and move so much quicker.

So that’s me for now. I have to keep a pain diary and see my consultant in 6weeks time.

5 days and counting to steroid #couch25k

As you know I’m 39 weeks post #hiparthroscopy and I’ve been doing all I can to increase my muscle strength, lose weight (not actually losing which is annoying) and generally trying to be healthier and fitter. Though I’ve not lost any weight, I feel better, feel stronger and not as bulky!!

This week 3 run has been a nightmare, it’s 1.5mins run (walk unaided for me) then walk normal 1.5mins, then 3 mins run, 3 mins walk. Do this sequence twice. But this sudden leap up from 1.5mins to 3mins has made it very hard. So as I write this I’ve managed 2 run out of 3 (3 runs or 3 outings each week is set) per week. How everyone gets out 3 times in a week is beyond me, and way beyond my pain threshold too.

So last Friday on 38 weeks post op we did run 1 week 3, and today it’s Friday and we are finally doing run 2 week 3. At least we have stunning scenery to do it in, so the fresh air and sights heal my soul as well as physically.

In my defence we’ve had family get-togethers, physio at hospital too, then an awesome #LennyKravitz concert and the following day my grandson came for the day, so seriously not had energy or will to do it.

Pain wise it’s been HARD this week, and not my hip either. My left ankle has been awful and rolling inwards lately. Plus my left hand is dreadful. But more worryingly my right hand is having some stiffness, my elbows both sides often feel strange. It’s like one minute I was fine ish, then suddenly over the last 3 months it’s spread it’s more days of feeling like I’ve been hit by a train. I’m hoping come July I will have a better idea of what’s going on.

Saturday it’s carnival time and seeing family again, so no exercise persay, but me doing stairs certainly feels like an epic battle! And much needed physio to help strengthen my legs up. But my groin is on fire, it’s grinding as I walk, so I’ll have rest as much as possible too.

39 weeks post #hiparthroscopy on a countdown…

It’s my 9 days countdown to the #intraarticular #steroidinjection in the hip!! I’m excited, nervous, terrified yet chilled about it. I’m literally every emotion under the sun!!

Though it’s an awake procedure, and I should go home around 30mins afterwards, I do have to go prepared with an overnight bag just in case. So in this I will pack minimal.

• Medication
• Glasses
• Dressing gown
• Slippers
• Phone charger
• Headphones
• Tablet to watch downloaded shows
• Book

So not too much, but enough to entertain me, and cover me up should I need to walk around to the loo. Obviously I’m taking my walking stick too. As I know from experience, the leg feels dead and numb. So walking is awkward even with a walking stick.

I’ll be wearing shorts, so no need to strip off. I can do absolute minimum and be more time efficient. So what is an Intra articular Steroid Injection? What does it do?

Intra-articular Steroid Injections for the Hip

Intra-articular steroid injections are a prescribed treatment for relief from joint-pain. The steroids administered through the intra-articular injections are used to decrease the inflammatory reaction associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

This means the intra-articular steroid injections are administered with the aim of providing 2 to 6 weeks of pain relief for patients with hip osteoarthritis. (God i hope longer!!) However, the higher-dose steroids with or without joint lavage can provide pain relief for a period as long as 24 weeks. Honestly out of 3 I’ve had the longest relief I got was mere 2-3weeks)

Research shows that the intra-articular steroid injections delivered for relief from the pain related to hip osteoarthritis can produce highly effective results as compared to the standard form of treatment. But those with #EhlersDanlosSyndrome like me, may find it’s limited in terms of longevity.

Often patients who were administered intra-articular steroid injections showed a significant improvement in all the symptoms including pain, stiffness, physical function and global assessment as against those given the conventional form of treatment and medications. I’ve experienced this, in 2016, but it was only for a few weeks. It was heavenly though.

Hip Osteoarthritis

Intra-articular steroid injections are extensively used for treating the pain associated with hip osteoarthritis. In addition, steroid infiltration into the arthritic joints is now a very common means of treating pain. This form of treatment is also done to differentiate pain in the hip from that in the low back or knee. All of my previous 3 steroid injections were used as diagnosis points. This one is specifically for pain relief. Will it work?

There are various types of preparation of steroids that have a different duration of effect and action. The guiding principle which determines the effectiveness of each of these preparations is their solubility.

The insoluble preparations are known to have a longer duration of effect and are the most preferred. For the benefit of analysis, here we briefly list each one of the preparations of the intra-articular steroid injections.

Aristospan (Triamcinolone HEXACETANIDE) – These are the most soluble and preferred preparation for intra-articular injections. The duration of effect is usually 6 months.

Aristocort (Triamcinolone ACETONIDE) – Highly insoluble, this is the preparation normally preferred after the above. This particular preparation normally has a duration of 3 months.

Depo-medrol (Methylprednisolone acetate) – This is highly soluble and should only be used as a last resort. The duration of effect in this preparation is only 5 weeks. (Think this is the only one I’ve had? I definitely had Depo last time 2016) before I’ve had a kenalog one.

we’ve listed the basic steps involved in using an intra-articular steroid injections for the hip.

1. Selection of preparation to be used for the injection is done, after careful consideration of the extent of the problem and patient history.
2. The steroid is injected into the joint
3. At the same time, a local anaesthetic (lidocaine 1%) is injected. This is to confirm whether the pain is relieved by the injection.
4. Once done, an iodinated contrast is injected to observe immediate distribution of the steroid and local anaesthetic and confirm which joints are being treated.

Specialists dealing with intra-articular steroid injections generally instruct their patients to maintain a simple diary of pain for at least a week’s duration after the injection. The commonly recommended entry in the diary is pain vs. previously expected pain or same physical workload.

A majority of professionals in the field of pain management support the use of intra-articular steroid injections for the treatment of pain that arises due to osteoarthritis of the hip.

 

 

 

38 weeks post #hiparthroscopy physio appointment

Following #Chester you can imagine I’ve not done much in this week. Instead it’s been a week of trying to recover.

But I did have physio prior to it, and here’s what we are doing now.

• Stationary bike level 3 5mins
• Leg press 40kg 20reps
• Hip Extension backwards 20reps Red Band
• Hip Extension Forwards 20reps Red Band
• Hip Abduction 20reps Red Band
• Single Hip Bridges 20reps (hated every single one!)
• Hip bridge with football between knees 20reps
• Front Leg Raise to Abduction Raise 20reps Red Band
• Side Leg Raise 20reps Red Band
• Clam Raise 20reps Red Band
• Hip Adduction with Football 20reps
• Side steps Green Band 60steps

The weather has changed so pain has flared up, making me more tired, weaker and just increased pain tenfold.

But Wednesday we finished week 2 run 3. I feel I’m walking straighter, heart rate is better and I’m using the 1.5mins to walk unaided to strengthen my hip up. It’s took us 2 weeks to complete week 2, but I don’t mind, it has to compliment my physiotherapy and needs to be placed around my disability. So I am extremely happy I managed it.

Thursday came and I wanted to do weights, usual sets of 10reps x2 but I found them too difficult, needle like pains in my elbows, one finger knuckle feels sideways, and thumb is not holding a zip let alone a barbell. Disaster!!

Friday here once again, and I’m just alive with pain, it’s ridiculous. Main thing that’s changed is weather. It’s wet, windy and grey. So unfortunately it’s going to be an E4 and Netflix day for me 😥😥😥😥😥

Visiting Historic Chester!!

When we last spoke properly (not the look fantastic box post) I’d just had my Friday 8th June Physio Appointment and straight after we were off to #Chester to visit my number 2 daughter for her 24th birthday.

We arrived at dinner time, and after rustling up some quick dinner, it was time to see some historic sights. First up was the famous Roman walls, which complete enclose the town, and also conveniently connect each sight with the other too.

It’s uneven in places, but wide enough to amble along. Steps can be an issue, so go slow and steady and with plenty of support. You can follow the wall at any point, and also leave in multiple places, if it’s too difficult to walk.

We found Roman bath ruins, along the walls, beautiful Roman gardens, all tucked away as if it’s a secret. It feels so peaceful here, yet in the middle of a busy town!!

Next to these we find the Roman Amphitheatre, we imagine the fear and horror this site has witnessed, the crowds it attracted. The gods and goddesses honoured here. Such different times. While being respectful, we did take a few minutes to think of those, but not to dwell. And yes we took photos as any tourist would.

The altar of Nemesis, the Goddess of Destiny, the Gladiators would pray for honourable deaths and victories.

Following on from here is Still John’s Church and Ruins

Seeing a coffin high in the walls with ‘Dust to Dust’ written inside. This place was heavy in atmosphere, it clung to every brick, so unlike the Roman Baths which felt light, airy and peaceful.

The tourist sights are beautiful, the tales they could tell, the ages they have seen. Weather almost held out all day, at the end we got drenched. But it didn’t dampen our spirits. And talking of spirits back at Sam’s, we got birthday celebrations underway.

Chester wore me out, it took painkillers, tears and gritting my teeth. It’s been an emotional epic day, and I was in bed by 11.30pm!!

#LookFantastic Box June

My #LookFantastic my box came yesterday, I confess I honestly thought I’d cancelled it. Oh well happy surprise. This month is SOOOOOO much better than last month’s, this came with

#Mádara SOS Hydra Moisture Mask, can’t wait to try this overnight, letting my skin drink it all in while I sleep.

#Elemis Superfood Facial Wash. I love facial washes and Elemis so this is brilliant.

#ChristopheRobin Cleansing Volumising Paste. Bit of luxury for my hair, so I’m keen to try this out, in a pamper session.

Wild card #Studio10beauty Liquid Foil I Radiance which is glittery goddess loveliness.

#VitaLiberata Self Tanning Tinted Lotion just what this Casper the ghost needs.

My favourite product is #Rituals Dao Body Cream to help keep my skin nourished and silky to the touch.

#beautybox #monthlybox #subscriptionbox #skincare #haircare #makeup #pampersession #pampering #30plusfuninthesun

37 weeks post #HipArthroscopy and Couch to 5k

Well last week was week 2 in my couch to 5k, and I wanted to finish it this week.

However on Sunday we visited barmouth, which was glorious, it was as hot as Ibiza, the sand and sea were the medicine I needed. Incredible day, but ate ice cream and fish and chips, as it’s law practically if you visit a seaside town to buy such things.

But following such a lovely long day out, even though it involved sitting down most of the time, I was bodily broken again!! Just attempting sand is hard to walk on, so extra energies took to walk on that.

So Monday passed in complete rest, I could barely lift my legs, hip wildly angry and felt white hot groin pain.

Tuesday was equally as awful feeling, but fearing that I was seizing and getting stiffer, I did the post op physio exercises, which I can honestly say helped me mentally. I felt a bit more productive and it took my mind off pain, which was good.

Wednesday we finally got in our Run 2 Week 2 in, I’m feeling straighter in my walking, quads firing better. But I did have issues with my left ankle and knee. GP confirmed they believe I have #RheumatoidArthritis so it’s full steam ahead with MiCats on 4th July. Hoping they can help with aches and pains. In the evening I noticed my operated leg had femur pain, around the area of where I’ve had a femoral Osteotomy, hoping it will just subside and eventually I get stronger??

Thursday is a rest day, I simply can’t move my lower limbs, they need a lot of rest ready to visit my daughter in Chester on Friday after physio. Instead I’m celebrating my 17th wedding anniversary, relaxing and packing for Friday and Saturday.

Friday I’m back to see Kelly my Physiotherapist, told her about my diagnosis, wonder if that affects my hip, and general recovery overall? Something to ask surgeon on 27th June. Physio done, now to travel to Chester. And though it’s sitting down in a wonderful car, I find this hard on the hip, the angle of the hip doesn’t agree with me, and it’s easy to seize into that position.

36 weeks post #hiparthroscopy week 2 couch to 5k

I finished the week 1 run 3 on the Saturday, it was hard but I survived even though hip was crunchy. The unaided walking bit is extra exhausting but I’m getting there. Getting ankle pains though which is concerning.

The following day was Sunday and visiting parents day, so I’m glad I got chance to relax and recover my joints.

Monday still hip sore, I took a weights day, and Tuesday was total recovery day due as we had the #StaffordCountyShow on Wednesday.

Wednesday was amazing but ultimately it bodily broke me, just from standing when I had too, and walking when I had too.

Thursday passed in a lot of pain from the day before. This isn’t fun. But it’s expected.

Friday was the first day we felt we could start our week 2 couch to 5k. The sun was shining and we went to #staffordcastle for a different place to walk. But wow!! That was super difficult. More uneven ground, and uphill. I needed to sit down a lot, rest a lot, and afterwards once home I slept!!

 

Saturday it was weights day, increased

to 6kg dumbbells which felt so much harder to me. But glad I did it.

Bicep Curl 10reps x2

Shoulder Press 10reps x2

Lateral Raise 10reps x2

Front Pick Up 10reps x2

Bicep Row 10reps x2

Tricep Kickback 10reps x2

Chest Press 10reps x2

Tricep Overhead 10reps x2

So it was a pants week for the couch to 5k wise, but you know, life happens and dysplasia is unpredictable and crippling at times, so I know I can only do it when my body says so. It may be a start of week 3 next week, but I’ll be continuing with week 2 to finish it when I can.