My Medical History (just the facts) in a nutshell

      So I thought I would start this blog with a little medical history.  Not very many are privy to this information because I HATE being pitied or seen as "damaged."  In fact, all through high school I think I maybe told like 5 people.  In college, it was another handful of people.  Lately, I have had to tell just about everyone because wouldn't you ask someone under the age of 60 why they are walking with a cane.
     I was born with congenital hip dysplasia in my left hip.  Basically my hip socket and joint was not formed properly and caused a dislocation.  My parents found this out when I was about 14 months old.  I had one surgery in Roanoke, but it didn't work.  I then went to DuPont hospital, where a Dr. Bowen did a surgery to help keep my ball in place of the socket until it could grow some more.  I was in traction before the surgery, and then in 2 types of casts. Last, I was in a brace until right before I turned 5.  In fact, I went to kindergarten on restrictions.  I could not go to PE or recess.  By Christmas, Dr. Bowen came to Roanoke to check on me and cleared me for regular activity.  After that, everything seemed normal.

      When I was 12, I got pneumonia and had an X-Ray, and found out I had scoliosis.  I went to MUSC, where I went every 6 months until I was about 14 to make sure it didn't get worse.   If it did get worse I might have had to wear a brace or surgery.  I was told I got scoliosis because of being in traction, casts, and braces.
      When I was 15, I was getting pain in my right knee, so I went to the doctor.  I found out I have arthritis in my knee, again caused from being in a brace.  So, I often had to tape my knee up and starting using a anti-inflammatory as needed.  It would sometimes get out of place too.  Other than that everything else seemed okay.
       About 3 years ago, I was getting pain in my left hip.  My doctor thought it might be bursitis.  However, it was only getting worse so I had an X-Ray done.  She sent me to a doctor in Rock Hill, who said I have end stage arthritis.  Which basically means, nothing can be done except hip replacement surgery.  However, he wouldn't be able to do it.  He referred me to Dr. Mason in Charlotte.  He said the surgery wouldn't be a problem, but afterwards I could have complications because of my weight. So we decided to wait and try to lose weight.
      I worked with my doctor to lose weight for about 6 months and lost 30 pounds.  Then, I was at a stalemate, so I went to another integrative health doctor to try to lose more weight and have lost 10 more pounds.  In the mean time, my pain is constant and I am unable to walk without support.  I went back to Dr. Mason, and he was not convinced to do the surgery yet.  I honestly felt completely hopeless and when I explained that to him through many tears.  He agreed to do the surgery.
     So last week I went and got my blood work done, and picked up my prescriptions.  My mom took off work to be with me and I have just over a month until the surgery.  My Pre-op appointment is in 10 days, and a friend is going with me.  So now you are up to speed on my medical history.  Whew!