Information from a patient of FAI (Femoroacetabular impingement)

submitted 8/9/20 11:46pm from Philadelphia, PA

Yo ZJ!

I guess that's what we say in Philly, but I would never say it that way. Yes, DOMS (delayed onset of muscular symptoms) is a "bear" to deal with. I am still rollerblading. Sometimes I can only handle it once a week, sometimes four times a week. I have a more burdensome condition now called gastroparesis (stomach paralyzed) that leaves food sitting in my stomach for too long. I get dizzy and have nausea often. I have struggled with tendonitis in both my knees since my impingement was "cured", but the inline skating seems to help me in many ways (pelvic floor, cardio, feeling like I'm running a bit, strengthening my hip muscles). It's hard to be objective what issues are related to my hip repairs. My pelvic floor pain is probably the most intolerable pain, but I can keep it at bay as long as I skate. Alternatively, I have a wand, but I do not want to discuss that with you in public forum. I hope you never have to find out more about one. It is summer here now and I do better with my right hip on warm sunny days. My left hip, the less damaged one pre-surgery seems fine and it's stronger. When a storm system rolls in I'm more likely to limp from my right hip. Yes, I have an unexplained limp stemming from my right hip area (the original bad hip)- sometimes. Often I wake up with the hip limping problem. Also, sometimes it happens if I sit for too long or drive. It warms up usually and stops with some use and effort. I got a couple good years of running after surgery. Also, I have several right lower back disc problems from helping a heavyset family member with Parkinson's disease falls. I hope your DOMS doesn't destroy all your fun, but it's real and a part of my health issues. Please do the best you can with what you got. That's what I tell my wife all the time. I am as active as I can be when I can beat my pains. I have not been active on my site in a long while. Thanks for making me think a little about it. All the best ZJ! - Allen

submitted 8/9/20 11:37pm from Hawaii

Aloha Captain!
I'm so glad I finally found a way to contact you. I found your this site while researching exercise options for active folks with FAI. Personally, I have bilateral CAM/Pincer FAI. I underwent right hip arthroscopy (labrum debridement) in 2012 at the ripe young age of 27. I'm 34 now and both hips act up on a regular basis. All the typical symptoms, clicking, sharp pain radiating to my toes, lack of mobility, yada yada yada. The big one I noticed that you have too is DOMS. I mean, everyone has it, but when you're living with hip disabilities it can be crushing. "I went out on a long hike and it felt great, a day later it still does!". Then, boom. The sharp pain that lasts for a solid 2-4 weeks. It all is really hit or miss. I have my general exercise routine, which is really more of a keep-my-body-mobile-for-as-long-as-it-can-be routine, but it only takes me so far. With our little one starting to crawl/walk, my old man bones really became prevalent. Anyway, I wanted to see if you're still having success with inline rollerlading as cardiovascular exercise. I've been active my entire-ish life, including weight lifting, soccer, running, wrestling, etc., and I miss the feeling of the wind across my face as I get into a good meditation in motion zone. Hoping you've had positive results, but looking for honesty more than anything! Mahalo, Allen!

submitted 8/4/19 5:58pm from Maryland

I have been suffering with hip pain from FAI for 6 years. I've been to 9 doctors, 7 PTs, pain management... I am finally set to have surgery in September. I am so happy to have found this blog. I am 46 yrs old and a mother of 8 children. I see how prepared I really have to be. I also have to have another surgery on the other hip in 3 months. It is really good to be prepared. I really don't think doctors ever prepare us enough. I am grateful for your blog and I will update after my surgery. You are definately right that people can't understand your pain, and it is quite frustrating. Glad to have this blog with others that get it...

submitted 7/4/19 3:30am from Cyprus

I thought I would add my story to this blog.


I have had hip pain for about 1 year now. I was training for a half ironman event when I first started having hip pain. I was so deep in the training that I carried on and did the training and event in pain. I was so emotionally invested in doing it I could not stop, in hindsight I should of.


2 months ago I had an MRA done which showed a labrium tear and FAI. Surgeon advised to have surgery to "save the hip". However I am really worried that I will still have issues post surgery, some days are better than others, but I have pain all day especially while sitting. I came across the FAI FIX website and purchased the plain, I am 4 weeks into this and have slight improvement. I will give this plan a few months to see how I am but all is pointing towards getting the op done. I am just worried that I will go through with the op, rehab... and still be back at square one.

submitted 7/4/19 2:57am from Cyprus

I am so glad a found this blog. I too have FAI and am trying to strengthen my hips before I take the surgery route.

Thanks for such a detailed blog, any updates for 2019??

submitted 4/27/19 9:11am from Philadelphia, PA

Hi Mystery7574 from Indiana -

I've had the hip popping issue. I think its bone on bone. I have been the same worrisome person you are at the moment many times. Once I went back to my hip surgeon thinking I tore my labrum again, but he reassured me the pain will go away. I think you are just going to have to take it easy for a few days and see what happens. If you are like me you probably like exercise and it is going to be hard to do little activity. I am sorry for your pain, but you are not alone. Welcome to the "hip problems for life club" post surgery. I am not just a member, I'm the president - at least on this website. I have a physical therapist (PT) that knows me all too well. If your symptoms do not let up, I suggest you visit a PT.

My two cents -
Allen

submitted 4/27/19 7:45am from indiana

loved your article. thank you. I had Fai on my left hip 4 months ago. I have a question as this just happened yesterday so now I am worried. Have you ever had your surgery hip pop and then have the same pain as before the surgery? ex. my surgery hip popped very loudly last night when doing my normal strengthening exercises and I had instant pain, woke up this am and I have pain in my front of thigh and buttock like I tore my labrum again, not sure how or why? or if I have just turned into some worrisome person

submitted 3/29/19 9:44am from Georgia

Great blog. I have been dealing with deep groin pain for nearly 7 mos. The most interesting part in your journey was that your MRI didn't show a labral tear. I, too, have been told there is no labral tear on my MRI. PT did not work and my current orthopod is stumped. I am still able to ambulate, walk the dogs, play tennis and such, but the groin throbbing is always there. It's crazy how one little annoying injury has virtually consumed my life. Thanks for all the info.

submitted 11/17/18 1:39pm from

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submitted 11/6/18 8:18am from Toronto, Canada

Just want to reiterate, as I did many moons ago, that this was such a great resource as I was going into my FAI labral repair in 2013. I'm incredibly grateful for this personal account of your experience. Wondering how you're doing today?

submitted 10/10/18 5:46am from England

As an update from my previous one (#347) - I've now had 2 arthroscopy's on my right hip, the last being 10 weeks or so ago. The 1st was in March last year and for 6 months or so was good. I then twisted to get something out of the fridge and POP, something went in my groin area again. The pain was horrendous for a short period but then improved and could be managed with pain killers for a spell.

A couple of months later I was in constant pain again so had a cortisone injection which gave relief for about a week so another scan was done and it showed that the cartilage was re-torn. It was initially agreed to start a new course of physio which gave some relief to a point where I could cycle again but not much else. As I didn't want to go through surgery again (young child to help look after) I managed the situation with physio and rest until it got to the stage where I struggled to cycle and was in daily pain. My initial surgeon was reluctant to do further surgery as the hip will need replacement sooner rather than later but was happy to refer me for a 2nd opinion. Anyway, log story short (ish), 2nd surgeon carried out another arthroscopy in August to remove even more cartilage, shave more bone and also carry out micro fracturing of the bones to try and create a false cartilage situation.

I'm about 10 weeks in and feel like there is a definite improvement this time around. Although the surgeon has pointed out to me many times that this is just delaying the inevitable of a hip replacement. I'm hoping to last a few more years (I'm 38 with a 4 yo daughter) before taking the plunge but I've no concerns really if that time comes sooner rather than later.

Anyway, good luck to all you fellow sufferers!

Arry

submitted 8/12/18 10:21am from Arizona

I cannot understate the importance of having ideal vitamin d levels when receovering from an orthopedic surgery. Vitamin d Gets processed in the kidneys and liver and become an hormone, caslcitriol with wife range implications to the body including bone and muscle health but also it is a modulator for immune system. The best source of info is a Facebook support group called vitamin d defficiency support group. Vit d levels should be higher than 60ng/ml for anybody while the current western medicine range is happy with over 20. Also, many people who are deficient on Vit d for a while because of lack of UVB exposure firmo sun, is also b complex deficient - there scientific explanation for that linked to our gut bacteria disappearing under low d. Great info also on a support group in Facebook called pernicious anemia group. I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE all of you to have a d and b12 blood test and read those support groups. The conditions from these deficiencies are wide ranging, with weakness, bone pain, muscle pain being only the most obvious.

submitted 5/22/18 5:34pm from Golden, CO

Hello,
This blog has been endlessly helpful for me so far. I wanted to add some commentary here for people who may end up in a similar, rare situation that I'm currently in. I am 26 years old, male, white, and dashingly handsome.

I was diagnosed with bilateral FAI in February 2018 after MRI diagnosis at Panorama Orthopedic, Dr. Ellman. I had the obvious pain and snapping in one hip, and the same forming in the other. His entire crew is world-class and made this ordeal a borderline cool experience so far. I am currently 12 weeks post-op on my right and the hip itself is feeling good. I was on crutches for 5 weeks, and feeling pretty good. At 10 weeks, I walked 5 miles (up from ~0) and flared up for about two weeks straight. Do not panic if this happens to you. I went for too much, and got what I had coming. It got better, even with some clicking for a few days which disappeared.

My interesting situation is just now unfolding, which I'll continue to update on this blog as well. Around week 9, I started having intense lower back, SI joint, and most alarmingly upper back/neck pain. My pain then spread to shoulders, knees, ankles, and Achilles areas, and I spent a few days with absolutely no appetite and horrendous spinal pain, as if my back had a drummer inside beating over and over. I went to the Rheumatologist and tested positive for HLA-B27 gene with a hunch that Ankylosing Spondylitis is the culprit. I went to get an MRI on my pelvic area and had no signs whatsoever. Very confused. The Rheum told me to take a hike and call him in two months if the pain doesn't go away.

All that is to say, I'm having horrible (8 out of 10) upper and lower back pains, and all doctors are saying "It's from the surgery, you'll be fine". With the positive test for HLA-B27, I'm more than skeptical. I go in for my next surgery in 10 days, and I'll update this blog as "Rusty Shackleford" intermittently over the next year to hopefully enlighten you guys that may end up where I currently am. By far the worst part is the anxiety and depression of the unknown which is looming over me.

I also had horrible shoulder pain and weakness for about two weeks after coming off the crutches. I'm going to be using the European style forearm crutches this next round to see if that helps. Will update.

submitted 3/6/18 8:25am from Long Island, NY

Excellent comments and feedback from all; very enlightening. Thank you! I just had the surgery today and am
doing well but the pain meds are still in me I suppose. Tomorrow morning could be interesting! Wishing all a safe and speedy recovery. Ps, at the end of year or in a year I need to do the othe hip. Wish both were done at once but realize that is unrealistic.

submitted 3/6/18 8:25am from Michigan

Having an outpatient total hip arthroplasty in March .FAI/labral tear surgey was Dec 2016.Wish I had taken this road to begin with.

submitted 1/2/18 3:27pm from Denver, CO

Great blog! I had FAI surgery with a complete labral recontruction in 2010. Had a great recovery and was thrilled! About 6 months ago though, the pain came back. I was wondering if you have ever heard about the bone impingement growing back? That's my fear as therapy has not been helping.

submitted 12/21/17 11:54pm from Portland, OR

@Heather: Like the guy who maintains this site (bless him!), I had surgery on both of my hips. I had my L done in Oct 2013 and my R done in Dec 2015. I was living in Flagstaff, AZ for the first and now am in Portland, so different doctors, different services, etc. However with my R hip they gave me a CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machine that gently moves your leg. I had to use it some ridiculous amount of time -- I think it may have been 8 hours a day to begin with. Anyhow, the thing is big and you have to lie flat on your back to use it, so a Lazy Boy wouldn't work well for that (sometimes I slept when it was running). If they don't have you using that, I suppose you could use a Lazy Boy to sleep in, but I would think a Lazy Boy would be much better for during the day.

Good luck on the surgery, and do the work you need to do in PT afterwards. I still manage to be active and am doing my first triathlon in April, but like the author of the site, it's a balancing act for me and there are aches and pains in my body now that I have learned to adjust to, and I have to stay active/do PT regularly or symptoms flare up.

The single most helpful thing for me now with hip pain: bicycling. I still think it is a poor substitute for running but I've grown to like it more than I thought I could. For hip pain, a good 20 mins of bicycling at low to moderate intensity is often better at relieving pain than any pain meds. You might try it pre-op...if anything, the stronger your body is pre-surgery, the faster you will recover. I suggest going to PT pre-surgery if your money/insurance situation permits it.

submitted 12/19/17 7:51pm from Michigan

I am due for FAI with torn labrum surgery in Feb 2018. Would you recommend a lazy-boy chair or a bed for recovery? You mention how difficult it is to get out of bed, so I'm looking for alternatives as I'm prepping an area of my home so I'm close to a bathroom and don't need to climb stairs to the bedrooms.

submitted 12/19/17 6:02pm from Arizona, USA

If you are going through a hip surgery, you HAVE TO supplement with vitamins, extra vitamin D, extra Calcium (citrate is better) and magnesium (glycinate better). I urge you to read this blog in detail. Muskueskeletal disorders are the number 1 problem from vitamin D deficiency and 40% of the US population is deficient according to some studies - how can one recover from surgery having that deficiency? Please learn from my mistake:

www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/am-i-deficient-in-vitamin-d/

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submitted 12/5/17 12:21pm from ARIZONA, USA

The first 3 months of my recovery went very well but then I over-did and my body shut down and since then, I was never able to fully engage in my recovery. My hip did get better, although still weak, but my body kept pushing back for any strength training exercise (I am at 13 month post surgery NOW). About 5 months ago, I went to my family doctor and we did all kinds of tests, and he found nothing. I was very fatigued and weak muscles, and every time I tried to build muscle, I had excessive soreness. Then I went to another family doctor, a physiatrist and nothing. After seeing a endocrinologist, I found my hormones and glands are good but i have a VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY!!! I stopped drinking milk 6 months before the surgery, which is a risk factor for Vit D defficiency, but the current orthopedic surgery protocol does not include a simple vit D check! I found out now that actually vitamin D defficiency is very common in the adult population and without vit D your muscles cramp, twitches, fatigue and get very weak. I recommend to everyone post-surgery to take a complete multi-vitamin and extra vitamin D, magnesium and calcium.

submitted 12/5/17 12:21pm from ARIZONA, USA

The first 3 months of my recovery went very well but then I over-did and my body shut down and since then, I was never able to fully engage in my recovery. My hip did get better, although still weak, but my body kept pushing back for any strength training exercise (I am at 13 month post surgery NOW). About 5 months ago, I went to my family doctor and we did all kinds of tests, and he found nothing. I was very fatigued and weak muscles, and every time I tried to build muscle, I had excessive soreness. Then I went to another family doctor, a physiatrist and nothing. After seeing a endocrinologist, I found my hormones and glands are good but i have a VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY!!! I stopped drinking milk 6 months before the surgery, which is a risk factor for Vit D defficiency, but the current orthopedic surgery protocol does not include a simple vit D check! I found out now that actually vitamin D defficiency is very common in the adult population and without vit D your muscles cramp, twitches, fatigue and get very weak. I recommend to everyone post-surgery to take a complete multi-vitamin and extra vitamin D, magnesium and calcium.

submitted 9/20/17 11:59am from ARIZONA, US

Here is a good article on how to troubleshoot your PELVIC ALIGNMENT:
http://www.blogaboutpelvicpain.com/?p=226

[Thanks Pedro - great food for thought - Allen]

submitted 9/20/17 12:00pm from AZ, USA

For everyone is different but the main cause of my FAI/ Labral Tear was lack of core strength (i was a cardio junkie eating a low protein diet for a few years- how stupid!). After 11 months post-surgery my hip is feeling great but my abs/ lats start to hurt and feel extremely fatigue so I am now working on those. In essence, I have had prostatitis as a result of lack of core strength as well. Here is the key takeaway: FAI/labral tear are often (not always of course) the sympton, not the cause of the problem (for sure in my case). The western medicine unfortunately very often treats the symptons and we are left to problem solve and find the true causes and address it. I have had issues with pelvic alignment and found this great blog below that connects with lack of core strength:

http://liveinyourbodyaligned.blogspot.com/2013/02/male-pelvic-painpelvic-floor-disorder.html

submitted 9/9/17 1:41am from Colorado

Thank you for the information/experience you share. I had a labral repair on July 31 and am getting frustrated with the ebb and flow of recovery. 8 months (or more) is quite a bit longer than I hoped to feel "normal" and get back to regular workout activity but it helps to put all this into a realistic perspective

submitted 9/8/17 9:19pm from

Hey guys! I'm a seventeen year old girl who was diagnosed with FAI a few months ago during my junior year soccer season. I started a website and blog as a therapeutic thing for me and it would be great if any of you could visit and add your stories! I also just finished it so it would be great to have some people try it out! I'm hoping it can become a place for people with FAI who are unsure about it can go and see other people's stories and get some support and encouragement. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

myfaistory.com

submitted 9/6/17 11:30am from United States

I am 38 years old male. I was diagnosed with cam and pincher impingement and labrum tear due to pain in my left buttock, left hip and to the side of the left hip.
I went through the surgery 5 weeks back. I am using clutches now and have been going to PT sessions.
My main worry is that all the pain before my surgery is back. I doubt why did I have this surgery. Will I every be pain free.
Did any one have the original pain come back after the surger?

submitted 9/3/17 8:16am from SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Allen, the number one source of groin and back pain during my recovery did not come from my hip but pelvic misalignment. I re-checked your blog and notice you did not mention that at all. Comment #269 mentioned that too. When I do too much load,much like the 260lb guy you helped, my pelvic misalign and it hurts and bothers my back, hip and could even hurt the knee until it is put back into place. My PT guy worked a decade for the Miami Dolphins and he has seen everything, and he says that it is incredible how other professionals completely miss pelvic misalignment as source of pain. Some people have that pain for years without knowing. If you have not, I think it is super worth checking your pelvic alignment!

There is a sequence that I perform to put it back in alignment and incredibly the relief is pretty immediate. I could not find online the same sequence to share with you. Please check this out with your PT guy if you have not. My sequence is simple: 1. he checks alignment anterior plane (laying down on back, he checks if any side is tilted up) 2. If not aligned, I correct with a pole in between my knees (right knee over and left under in my case) and with 25% of my strength, pull and push (x3). 3. Then we check alignment on posterior plane and if misaligned do 3x a cobra with one leg folded. That is it.

submitted 8/31/17 10:53am from Scottsdale, AZ

This blog has been fantastic for me, thank you again Allen! I am 9 months out from surgery and I am still recovering and improving. Some other lessons that helped me so far:

- Could not agree more with Jon comment just below: do not push too hard through recovery, learn to listen to your body. My worse setback was because I was in the gym everyday doing weights and my psoas got completely exhausted and screwed me up for a couple of months

- During the past 9 months I had different issues at different times so I wanted to share my doctor response to the last issue: "In regard to this pubic symphysis pain, we would mostly attribute that to compensation pain after surgery. It is not uncommon as our patients progress in their activities that the hip may feel fine but other areas become more irritated. We know it takes at least one year to fully rehab and recondition the hip after the surgery, and while the hip is weak other areas and muscles try and pick up the slack. Subsequently they can become irritated themselves. What you are describing sounds like some muscle irritation/tendonitis. It is best to first avoid anything that can predictably irritate this, but also to continue your physical therapy to sooth and rehab these muscles as well as the hip. With time everything should even out and calm down as the hip progresses."

- The way I also rationalize what happened to my body is that I had lost the muscle-mind connection for many many muscles for years so that when they start to re-connect things get out of balance. There are a few dozen muscles around the hip, some of them are very small and some are big like the maximus gluteus. During a prolonged period of pain, the body disconnect some muscles from responding in order to protect the area affected. To make that connection again, one needs to work the muscle in the right movement. Increasing body awareness helps this process. And a good PT instructor is of utmost importance.

- Be mindful of your weaknesses as you might continue to have them. I never in my life was able to do intense squats without trouble and I now think I have Anterior Femoral Glyde Syndrome. My last troubles are coming from squatting with weights directed by my PT. I am learning to listen to my body and make my own conclusions on what works and what does not.

Allen, just wanted to share I got some great help to loosen hip muscles by using roll on my calves, hamstring and gluteus, and performing nerve flossing. On gluteus used a lacrosse ball. There are some great videos that show exactly what to do. you can search on you tube:

- adductor massage: from Athletes treating athletes (you are doing this one already but I love this video - super helpful)

-nerve flossing: http://recoveryourstride.blogspot.com/2009/07/flossing-your-nerves-that-tight-muscle.html

- la crosse ball: search release gluteus lacrosse ball on Youtube

- hamstring/ calves: search how to foam roller them on Youtube. I use a more intense roller - the first couple of times were very though but they my body got used to it.

http://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Innovations-Myofascial-CrossFit-Recovery-14/dp/B01BT2V0Q0/ref=lp_14405609011_1_1?srs=14405609011&ie=UTF8&qid=1504183477&sr=8-1

I also used a professional massage therapist a few times, and it really helped create space and get my hip very loose. It is important to get an experienced professional though.

Just want to add on nerve flossing, the position I use is the one the lady on the picture seats on a table and has her hands behind her back and head down. Some of the other positions can be dangerous from someone with a hip issue so be careful there.

Hope all of us have less and less pain!!!! Be well,


Pedro
pedroivo@hotmail.com

submitted 7/9/17 11:43am from uk

I wish I'd read this earlier, I found that there wasn't a lot of advice post surgery as to do what when, to my demise!

7 months ago I had labral tear repair, osteochondroplasty and a cam shave. Was given crutches for 4 weeks and told to start hydrotherapy immediately, I even had my first session in the hospital the day after the surgery. All went well to begin with and 2 weeks in, I was much improved. At this point I decided to freestyle my rehabilitation and do a "light" session in the gym doing some unweighted squats, dynamic bridges and leg extensions. Major mistake! Pain was excruciating and got worse for a 2 days. I ended up being on crutches for 6 weeks and then back to work. The hip was painful every day with recovery at a snails pace. I thought that I might have retorn it but an MRI scan suggested not. 3 Months later, the pain still really bad, tried injections but they didn't last long at all.

Eventually the surgeon decided that It might be torn again and I agreed to another arthroscope. This was 4 weeks ago. The surgeon reported that the original stitches had held but a new part of the labrum had torn, so he repaired that too. This time 2 weeks on crutches and all was progressing really well. Every so often a slight flare up if over doing the bike (on no resistance) or too long in the pool but nothing severe. Then 2 days ago I stupidly attempted to lift up my bed whilst kneeling, big flare up! Not in the same league as before but a fair step backwards, just icing and hoping for the best now! You literally can't get away with anything post surgery...

I think the best advice on this site is to take your time and don't rush recovery! I'd recommend getting a week by week advice plan from your physio and don't stray from it. ...

submitted 6/28/17 8:59am from UK

Firstly, what a fantastic blog. I've really been struggling to comprehend and make an informed choice about surgery as all I've had to go off is a few (albeit it very intelligent & experienced) consultants and Physio's.

I've had symptoms flare up for the past 3-4 years as I play a lot of football (soccer) and have done ever since I was old enough too. Part and parcel of growing up in England, if you are decent and like football you play non stop - lunchtime at school, after school and for a club on weekends.

I've had a continuous groin strain across that time, which was really bugging me. My body couldn't do what my mind wanted it too and so my ability decreased - I wasn't as quick, powerful or agile. In fact, agility is the one big one for me that hinders my playing ability. I also tried took up running more seriously, a few half marathons at 1hr 40 pace so a decent time not ground breaking but the combination of football and running on hard ground seemed to be the catalyst to my major flare up. I was suffering serious groin soreness after a long run.

I have literally tried every non operational solution to solve this problem: 3 lots of Physio's, sports massages, foam
Rolling & band work at the gym, cherry juice concentrate, GP advice, anti inflammatory gel, ice, core work, core work and more core work - you name It I tried it!

I was told by my parents I had a "clicky hip" as a baby and the nurses would perform some sort of exercise on me. I do not know if this has any correlation to my injury however I thought it worth popping onto here in case anyone else can relate.

My groin is in a constant pain, often achy but sometimes acute. Day to day life is liveable, thought it does cause me the odd conscious pain e.g. Waking up in the morning it is achy, getting up from my desk chair acute. Football however I've had to basically stop, as I can hardly kick a ball 20 yards and turning is a no go.

Mentally this has hit me as I'm quite a happy go lucky guy, using sport as a way to better myself and also socially as well. As I head into my 30s (pain started at around 26 and progressively got worse around 28 when I was permanently on the injured list for my footy team) I am deliberating the operation with a baby on the way. I did have a lot of jokes about my constant groin injury from my mates, someone even suggedted was a mental problem and not an injury at all!! So to have been shown Mri scans confirming a problem there is some solace in that....

I'm torn between the operation which I would hope could get me back to football at best, or at least back into running. However, as I've been told I have some arthritis on my joint which I've read online as natures way of dealing with the injury, I do not want to have an operation that makes me annimmobile dad in my later 30's, 40's and 50's. The consultants and physio have been slightly pessisimistic towards surgery so far, we've done the non surgical options first which I completely get however I want the problem to be resolved but not cause me issues down the line. That is the dlilema!

submitted 6/2/17 4:38pm from Texas

Finally a blog I can relate to, THANK YOU! I am 6 weeks post op and can relate to your weekly experiences and am glad that it's "normal". Most blogs or information is limited or refers to hip replacement which is a vastly different recovery process. I'm glad to know the swelling and discoloration in my leg/foot is expected. Thank you again :D

submitted 5/19/17 2:26pm from PA

I'm very emotional after reading this. It's comforting to read the reminder that FAI hips remain part of our lives when an attempt to put a sock on today at week six has me unable to bear weight and lying down with ice. I'm 38 and just had surgery 4/4/17. Due to spinal tarlov cysts and 8 years of constant pain and inactivity....my recovery is very slow. My PT said i need imaging...that the back, leg, ankle pain is impeding the progression of recovery. Well, yes...so, off I go...see my PCP...who orders an MRI. I know my cysts were aggravated by the traction and are inflamed. I know my muscles are jelly. I know it's going to be long....but, here I am, sitting like a lump. Crying...when I NEVER cry. I wish I had seen this earlier. It needs to be shared to the FAI support groups. Your honesty is a good dose of preparation. It's a brutal reality check. I agree that the support under the knees makes my back feel like it's on vacation. Sorry about the rant.

submitted 5/4/17 4:38am from Michigan

Eric,
Did Dr. Healey do your surgery? He did mine July 1, 2016. I was doing fine, but recently have been having groin discomfort. I'm considering going back to the doctor to see if I have a retear. I will rest for a week and see how I feel. I am getting frustrated.

submitted 5/1/17 12:27pm from NYC

I had FAI and labral tear repair surgery mid February 2017. I was limping but not in pain 3 weeks post op. Then, when in PT, I did a stretch that triggered something and the doctor said it was tendinitis. After returning to work (5 weeks post op) my hip started locking. When I sit and lead forward, I can't seem to strengthen my leg (left) until I squat or lean back sitting and hear two dull pops, but until that happens I'm in severe pain. Did this happen to anyone? The first week this started happening was week 4 and I saw my doctor and he stuck to his severe tendinitis comment. The reason I got the FAI was because he deemed that my hip not locking into socket properly was the cause of my tear but I never had actual hip pain/locking, just inner thigh major discomfort when stepping on something not level etc. Any insight would be helpful.
Also, thank you for posting progress on this website. This is truly where I found most comfort since my surgery.

submitted 4/30/17 8:16pm from Grand Rapids, MI

My last comment was #270. It has been nearly 2 yrs since surgery and I haven't felt this great in a long time. I was on crutches for 4 months do to micro fracture. Once i was off crutches, I was in PT for 4 months. PT went well. The workouts were hard physically but felt great on the hip. I have struggled from time to time with the opposite hip (left hip) and have found band exercises help keep both hips in line. I am jogging 20 miles per week now....something I though I would never do again. This blog has been very helpful.

Good luck to all

submitted 4/17/17 12:37pm from new jersey

Did anyone develop hip bursitis on the hip opposite to the one on which they had surgery after returning back to sports? I did and am not sure if it was all of a sudden my right being OK and the left not liking it. :-) or because of a 3 hour continued pressure on my left hip while white water rafting.

submitted 4/4/17 9:55am from Washington

THANK YOU!!!! I am with #373:JAMIE...I refer to this information all the time when I am feeling like I am taking 10 steps back. I think anyone who has FAI, should definitely read your blog. Again, THANK YOU!!!!:)

submitted 3/20/17 2:49pm from Dallas

I have referred back to this blog so many times over the past 4.5 months. I am post-surgery for torn labrum on the right side and I had a repair and mild re-shaping of my femur. I get down sometimes because I will think I've turned a corner and my hip and low back/butt area will start throbbing again. It's easy to think the worst -- that I've re-torn my labrum or that I'll just never get better than I feel right now. Thank you for documenting your experience -- when I need reassurance that it's normal to still feel pain, this is one of the only places to turn!

submitted 3/20/17 7:37am from US

I refer to this site when it's 12:30am and sleep isn't happening because of all the twitches and pains that prevent it. Toynbee given a lot of information and support and I wanted to thank you!

submitted 3/14/17 6:10pm from Fairfax, Virginia

This site is absolutely awesome. I just want to thank you for maintaining such detailed notes. I have suffered for the past four years and the pain finally got to the point where I could no longer ignore the problem. I am currently one week post op from an FAI on my right hip and I am keeping the faith that I will get back to my normal active lifestyle sometime later this year.

submitted 3/10/17 8:40am from New Jersey USA

I had FAI surgery (stich torn labrum and shave bone) on March 9th 2016. Has been a year. I developed tendonitis after the surgery and does not seems to go. although my initial complain of being tired at the end of the day and all that has been mostly resolved.

One thing though for people who are considering surgery (assume the labrum is still in good state), PLEASE, PLEASE refer to exercises like this:
Youtube : athlean hip impingement.
I tried it today (1 year after surgery) and my issue with tendonitis seems to have been instantenuously relieved, although I understand I need to build glute muscles (lack of which causes the hip to go back and probably cause the next next FAI).

So, yes, Please try the above before surgery. I wish I had tried these. Seems to work for shoulder as well.

submitted 3/8/17 8:30am from United States

Thank you for maintaining this site. I read the entry when you said you were "losing interest in maintaining this website," but am thankful that you kept going. It's an inspiration to those of us who are getting this surgery. I appreciate your attention to detail.

submitted 3/7/17 4:06pm from Michigan

Going in next week for surgery .All of your advice is very helpful .Thanks for doing that .Its a lot of work .

submitted 3/6/17 9:59pm from Loveland, Colorado

Thank you for your blog on your impingement surgery. It is very scary because my Dr. is saying I will be able to put 100% weight on my leg 6 weeks after surgery and yours doesn't indicate this. (Surgery is scheduled for April 2017.)I also have a labrum tear and stuff that built up on my left hip. This is from years of the left hip adjusting to the right hip which is backwards of the left hip by 25 degrees. Also the right leg is 1/2 inch shorter than the left leg. It's causing a lot of pain right now and I'm hoping later on in the year to get a right hip replacement as I've never been able to enjoy walking, running, roller skating, ice skating, downhill skiing, bike riding, living etc (since 13 years old) when I had the first slipped capital femoral epiphysis and they put pins in my right hip. And a year later in the left. So the dr.s that I'm dealing with now are calling me a "complex" patient because of my history. Thank you again. I will also probably share your experiences to give my family something to expect and maybe they too will give me ice cream and maybe alcohol.

submitted 2/28/17 1:14pm from Portland, OR

Thank you so much for this site. I am reading thru nodding "yes, me too" while reading your symptoms. I go in for an MRI tomorrow and am so nervous because it's been 2 years of pain. The problem has been my "hip" doesn't hurt. My groin/ inner thigh is the issue. I've been bringing it up for 2 years and had xrays of my knee, an ultra sound on my thigh, PT and chiro all before a doc finally caught this, reccomended the xray and xray showed femoral hip impingment. That finally got me to an orthopedist who ordered the mRI. The orthopedist said he cant say for sure w/o the MRI but best guess is FAI and surgery. But damage could be severe since its been 2 years. The discomfort/pain has progressed in the past few months to the point it hurts to sit, or lay down... which is frustrating to an active person! I have tried to power thru but at this point everything bothers me. The pain is low level but present constantly and gets worse with, you know, any movement.
This whole process has been so frustrating. 2 years ago I was feeling great, in great shape, running the 10k series, hood to coast, doing triathalons... and now it hurts to sit down let alone run. Super hopeful about what comes next but also kinda pissed that my body is failing me and daunted by the idea of surgery and recovery.
Not sure if anyone is really reading this, but will update ya'll on the 8th, thats when I follow up w/ the doc to review the MRI.

submitted 2/22/17 10:47pm from San Salvador, El Salvador

Thank you also from my side sharing your story.
I've been diagnosed FAI CAM typ on my right hip a few weeks again. First time I felt pain was in November 2015. I'm 39 years old now, I loooove sports - mainly surf and am now thinking of getting it operated (in Germany - where I'm from).
I always have pain, even though I've already gotten used to it and it's not that bad, but annoying.
Any advices from your side?
Is there anybody out there that has a positive post-operation story to share?

Hugs from Svenja - Life is too short to be sad!

submitted 2/11/17 11:46pm from DENVER

I have had 6 treatments of Prolotherapy and PRP. I too had FAI with severe deterioration in the labrum and both sides of my lower back. The Dr. explained that my ligaments in my lower back support my hips. When the ligaments weaken, it causes instability in the joint. She treats the ligaments by poking them with a needle (prolotherapy), causing micro fiber tears that will eventually heal (28 days) and strengthen the ligament. The ligaments strengthen and raise the hips creating clearance. She says most Docs get it wrong and shave the bone. I think she's right. It's not cheap and yet, you're in and out of the office in an hour, no surgery. I'm 47 yrs old and I'm going back to Ice Hockey. I've been out for almost a year. With 2 skates under my belt, I really think this is going to work.

submitted 2/10/17 8:04pm from Milford, CT

Thank you for taking the time (over the course of several years!) to crate this blog. I am 37 y/o, 4 days post combination FAI labral repair surgery. I have asked my close family/friends to read the first few paragraphs for a better understanding of the physical and emotional reasons for needing to have surgery. I have had a few moments where I have second guessed myself but all I needed to do was re-read your experience again to remind myself this was the right (and only) choice. I look forward to recovering and thank you for sharing the good, bad & ugly. It is a tremendous help to mentally prepare for a long term process. My goal is to join you as a fellow marathon finisher, I am convinced that my years of struggling are related to FAI. I wish you the very best in your years to come! Thanks again!

submitted 1/9/17 8:26am from Michigan

Thank you for all the information. I am finishing my 3rd week post surgery for a labral tear and FAI. My PT suggested I see my surgeon after I developed back pain after 6 years of sporadic hip pain (2 rounds of PT for that). I am quite different from many of the visitors-I am 62 years old and have been unable to run since 2008, but have been a dedicated walker since then. I saw 2 different physicians for the hip pain. After PT and several unsuccessful injections, the first (an orthopedic surgeon) suggested a pain clinic. Annoyed by that, I consulted with a physiatrist, and I returned to PT. A flareup of the hip pain led (I think) to the back pain on the opposite side. When my 2nd MD recommended another injection, I visited the third physician, who quickly diagnosed the FAI and labral tear. I had the surgery and also opted for stem cell and PRP procedures to be done in conjunction with the arthroscopy. I experienced significant pain for the first week, requiring much more pain medication than I have ever taken before (and I have had some major surgeries). After the first week the pain diminished significantly to a "moderate" level, but I have frequent muscle spasms and flashes of pain. I am relieved to hear that others have also had similar symptoms and experiences. Here's to continued healing for all!

submitted 1/5/17 1:25pm from Huntington Beach, CA

Thank you so much for this!!! I haven't read through absolutely everything yet. Just yesterday I was told I've got FIA (cam type) and have a labral tear as well. I always had a lack of flexibility in my hips but 6 years ago I injured my left hip and was told it was tendonitis.... fast forward and finally I know what's really going on. I'm in the research mode and will be getting a few more opinions... and coming back to read more here!!
-Angela

submitted 1/4/17 7:52pm from Raleigh NC

Hi Alan-
First of all, I LOVED your blog- thank you! I had HA surgery on 7/21/16 for FAI, Labral tear, bursectomy, glute min tendon tear- FUN! Recovery has been tough. Lower back spasms/pain, glute pain, thigh aches and pains, etc. It is improving, however the back of my neck and shoulder muscles have been hurting more. I'm lap swimming (free/back, no breast stroke until later this month)approx. 2x/wk, 30 min each time, stationery bike (airdyne) 2x/wk- 30 each, pt stretches and strengthening, and increasing walking. I think you mentioned your neck hurting. Was it related to the hip/lower back/ gait not being 100% yet? I changed pillows and mattress is 2 mos old, but don't think that's it.

Sincerely,
Rhonda

submitted 1/4/17 4:19pm from Northern Virginia

Allen, fantastic account of your experience - I really appreciate the insight and information as I prepare to start my own FAI surgery journey. I'm 34 and until recently, was highly active. However, I was diagnosed a few weeks ago with CAM-type FAI on in my right hip, along with a complex detached labral tear. My dad has severe osteoarthritis in his right hip (has had for years apparently), but due to his advanced cancer and age, he's basically immobile. Seeing him struggle is difficult, but I want to do whatever I can to prevent a similar future for myself.

To #358, Tiffany: Where in VA are you located? If you're in the Northern Virginia area, which surgeon and PT group did you use? I'm researching surgeons now, and have just started PT as a "prehab" before surgery in a few months. Thanks in advance!

submitted 1/4/17 12:04pm from Virginia

I am working through rehab right now - 5 months post op - the PT has me on a treadmill now. On a scale of 1-10 for severity the surgeon said I was an 8 and the greatest repair he has ever done. He could not figure out how I was even moving let alone running (I would let my hip go numb and then run 6-10 miles). The surgery was 100% worth it but will caveat with make sure you do your homework with the orthopedic surgeon (they all can do the surgery but what are their outcomes and do they do the surgery themselves or give it to an intern? - you'll find only a small handful of surgeons nationwide are successful). Be sure you have a BOARD certified PT as well because they can finish you off or finish you off, if the surgery was successful. Those two things will give you a better outcome.

I was given a video and pictures of my repair after my 3 hour surgery. As for pain, on a scale of 1-10 post-op next morning I'd say "zero" (and no pain meds taken or given to include no block pre- surgery)it was fabulous to be literally pain free the next day. We won't talk about the MRI and my reaction to the dye. "o) (I shuddered over that one).

My PT is exceptional and follows protocol. "Pain free" is the goal for therapy. Yea I push things, inflame things, and get frustrated, but the repair is perfect. My ligaments, glutes, & the bursa join in to make trouble but those are extraneous and my PT puts those flames out routinely (with raised eyebrows over what I did to inflame them). I had the FAI with a Cam impingement and 25% labrum tear along with a hole in the acetabula rim - yea basically a nightmarish mess. It's the patience piece that is killing me!

As for getting the insurance to pay for it...due to too many people going to surgeons and PT's that are unqualified, failed outcomes became the norm and insurance companies decided this was too risky a surgery so stopped paying for it. When I asked why my surgeon (who studied under the #4 hip surgeon in the nation) took me, he explained that I was fit, followed instructions, and did my homework. He felt I was a good calculated risk for his stats. I am the first one in 16 years to be approved by my insurance company. My surgeon knew what wording the insurance company needed but I was ready to fight for it if they said no. The surgery is upwards of 50k and the PT is about $200 per session 2 x a week for what seems like forever. Thank the Lord we have great insurance and they pay all of it.

Your thoughts on post 5 months are helpful as I slug through this. My right hip is actually worse that the left but the left is the symptomatic one so they won't touch the right one (hopefully never). The repair takes longer to heal than a hip replacement, which would side line me for life, for what I like to do. It was explained that the hip is not a blood rich environment for healing thus the longer heal time. As I research the heck out of everything, I know more about this surgery than I care to but it keeps me focused on getting through it (my surgeon is an expert in it and has written literature and 2 books on it). Knowing that someone else that is real, and is ahead of me in the process, keeps my spirits up. Thanks again for the blog. Off to PT!

submitted 12/29/16 11:20am from MN

My insurance company has denied the request and appeal to have the FAI surgery. Does anyone have any recommendations for the pain? I was a marathon runner, and now I can do nothing. It's quite depressing, and I'm a bit lost right now, not sure what to do.

submitted 12/20/16 3:01pm from NJ

Great site, love the in depth but succinct look at your recovery.

After an MRI and sports med doc, I am scheduled to visit with the surgeon to discuss my impingement. This is a hip that I had surgery on in 2011 and have never recovered fully. Continued hip pain, low back pain, etc. Awaiting the records from my first surgery but I seem to recall they did the labral tear but did not address the impingement.

Is it common to have this injury in both hips as you did?

I was already looking forward to the surgical consult, as anything that fixes me at this point is welcome, but your site has only increased my anticipation.

submitted 12/20/16 2:28pm from Boston

In my previous comment, that should be impingement, not improvement. Darn that autocorrect!

submitted 12/20/16 2:25pm from Boston

I had surgery one week ago to repair my torn labrum and shave down my pincer improvement. I've had very little pain,and my only issue has been tummy problems from the pain meds. I was able to stop the oxy the day after surgery and have been taking regular Tylenol. The pain I had been having in my hip prior to surgery seems to be gone, at least for now. Have only been doing basic exercises so maybe it too soon to know if I will really be pain free. So far, things are going much better than I expected.

submitted 11/30/16 1:21pm from MN

I've been waiting and waiting for my insurance company to approve the surgery, anyone have any difficulties with their insurance coverage?

submitted 11/27/16 9:19am from Pennsylvania

Hello all...

Like you I found this site after being diagnosed with hip impingement.
My story is rather long, 9 years in the making, but I will keep this short.
In 2007 I injured myself while running a half marathon.
It took almost 7 years to find out what had happened, I had torn my left rectus abdominis.
The tear did not show on any CAT scans, MRIs, X rays, ultrasound, etc... so I was unable to find a doctor willing to go in and look for the problem.

Then I met Dr Meyers at the Vincera Institute in Philadelphia. He specializes in core injuries and was confident that he could find and repair the issue.
In Jan 2015 Dr Meyers was able to find, and repair, a grade 1 tear to my left rectus abdominis and I thought I had finally found the solution to my problem.

No surprises with my recovery, everything went fine, until Nov 2015 when I tore that same muscle again. I went back to Dr Meyers and this time saw the hip specialist (Dr Coleman, who also practices in New York). Dr Coleman diagnosed me with having hip impingement, this is what is causing my abdominal muscle to tear.

Dr Coleman performed the hip impingement surgery on Nov 15 2016. Everything went as planned with no complications.

My recovery seems to be going remarkably well. Although I was in some discomfort I did not take any of the prescribed medication, I did not feel it was necessary.

Here are three "milestones" in my recovery.
- 3 days post op: The swelling is gone, my left thigh is now the same size as my right thigh.
- 4 days post op: I can now lift my left knee till my thigh is parallel to the floor. Day of surgery I could not lift my foot off the floor.
- 7 days post op: I am no longer walking with crutches, although still avoiding stairs for a few more days.

I am now 13 days post op and my recovery is continuing to progress. I am looking forward to increasing the intensity of my exercises but for now I will continue to only perform the prescribed low impact/low intensity exercises.

I hope my comments regarding the history of my injury, surgeries and recovery is helpful for others.


-Sam

submitted 11/16/16 1:41am from Cape Town - South Africa

Hi There,

I would like to thank you for you blog.. I found it quite interesting!
I was just curious to know, how is your hip doing now? and how long has it been since your surgery? Are you fully recovered or are you still experiencing pain symptoms?

I was recently diagnosed with FAI and was told by my Specialist that i need to have surgery. I am a little bit stubborn however and am not fully convinced that this is a bone issue. Since the muscles surrounding the hip influence the way the hip join moves, it makes more sense to me that this could be a muscle problem where there is maybe to much tightness and or weakness in certain muscles causing the hip Femoral Head to make contact with the Acetabular Rim.

I came across some people on that seem to support this view point as well, Google "The FAI Fix".
They put together a very comprehensive stretching and exersize program for people suffering with FAI which i have been following for about 2 months and have already noticed a vast improvement.

Maybe worthwhile for you to check out if you are still having problems?

All the best!
Anthony

submitted 11/14/16 1:46pm from

Pedro,

You have made such critical points there are overlooked IMO. I had two hip scopes that failed and had my right hip resurfaced this past year. In retrospect I did not rehab my scopes properly, my glutes were shut off and had other major imbalances. As you stated if your glutes are shut down your basically putting pressure on your hip joint anteriorly(most likely the repair area). Before my hip resurfacing I also started to engage my glutes and my hips started to feel better. The damage was already done. I am recovering nicely from my hip resurfacing.

I believe this is something the surgeons should emphasize more. They should have certain PT groups that know hips, not just give out a rehab guide.

submitted 11/12/16 7:22am from SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Allen, Thank you for sharing! You are a warrior! I had hip arthroscopy 7 weeks ago for a 25% labral tear, FAI, and a psoas tenotomy (I am 41 years old). I want to leave a comment on the causes of my issue - for every person is different but hopefully some people can benefit from my own experience:

I am not a doctor (my wife is one but no hip specialist), we came to the conclusion that the root cause of my issues was my weak core muscles. A combination of undeveloped gluteus, adductors and other core muscles coupled with a low protein diet and tons of running gave me bouts of tendonities and FAI.

Before surgery, I also had 3 years of back pain and a L5/S1 disk herniation. The Psoas muscle is the connection between the lower back, the hip joint and the inside of your leg. When core muscles cannot hold the load of your running and other activities, the hip joint start absorbing it. The body starts growing bone around it to increase the strength of the joint which was not made to absorb so much load (welcome FAI!). However the hip just cannot bear so much load so the psoas muscle start to work really hard to keep the back, the hip and the leg stable together. The psoas pull the back (disk herniation), stresses the hip (labral tear) and becomes so tense that pulls and stresses other parts of the body (tendonities plenty!).

9 months before my surgery I had cortizone shots and started an aggressive strength training program (no high impact activities) and six months into it, all my issues start to go away and I felt really good. Unfortunately I still needed the surgery for labral tear and the FAI - I could not walk more than 10 minutes without a acute pain, most likely associated with the tear.

After 7 weeks of my surgery, I can walk again longer distances without a problem. Since I started the strength training, my body has changed quite a bit - my gluteus are very developed now, my back is strong (never had back pain again after I strengthened my core!) and while previously I had flat feet, they now have a natural nice arch. I will post again after another 6 weeks (3 month mark) when I should be cleared to go back to all activities.

I wish the hip doctors focus on the root causes of our issues but unfortunately that is not how our medical system works. My surgeon was absolutely excellent - I cannot say better things about him - Highly recommended (Dr. Bruce Levy from Mayo Clinic).

Best regards,

Pedro Salomao
pedroivo@hotmail.com

submitted 10/26/16 7:25pm from Australia

Thank you very much for this blog. I wish I had found it 4 and a half years ago when I had my first surgery as I would then know what to expect. I have been in pain, varying from day to day for the last 10 years. At the start, for 5 years, I went from dr to dr as no one knew what was wrong. I did a walk of 25km's and that pushed me over the edge. I have been pretty active and did not think much about it but then every time I would run/walk/squat/lunge etc the pain would be excruciating. Sleeping, sitting, standing, walking became a nightmare. I had about 20 cortisone injections between the 2 hips over a couple of years and nothing worked. I finally found my dr and he diagnosed me with FAI in both hips. I had the first surgery on the left hip just over 4 years ago. It improved but I still had pain. I then had my bursa's removed on both hips and both IT bands lengthened as well. That helped but it did not take all the pain away. I returned to being active, with a lot of limitations put on my body. The mind said I could run that 5k but the hips decided that I could not. After all that my right hip informed me 3 months ago that the time has arrived for it to be fixed. This time around I knew what the symptoms were so self diagnoses helped and my surgeon confirmed that I need FAI surgery again but this time I also had a labral tear. Hopefully that will help with the supposed SI Joint dysfunction that I have on the right as well.
As far as recovery was concerned I believed the dr when he said 6-8 weeks, however, I found that it took much longer to heal. I went off my crutches too soon and that set me back months. I will be doing things differently this time and make sure that I am ready to return to the gym and work when my body says it is. 7 weeks and counting down.

submitted 10/25/16 8:26am from England

This is a really good blog, thanks for sharing Allen and thanks for everyone's comments and experiences.

I'm at the stage where I've had a cortisone injection (8 weeks or so ago) and in next to no pain but once that wears off I will need surgery in my right hip due to cyst, labrum tear and FAI . I've also been told I have a small cyst in my left hip too but the surgeon seems less concerned about that although I will speak to him further about this at my next appointment.

What I've found really interesting and a real eye opener is the length of time it's taken a lot of you to recover. I was hoping to be back playing football (soccer) in 6-8 weeks but from what I'm reading, this is probably unrealistic. I had surgery on my ankle a few years ago and was back playing after 6 weeks but I guess the hip is a lot more complex.

I've also sent a link to my wife so she knows what to expect post surgery and all the hard work she will have to look after me :-)

submitted 10/6/16 11:20am from

I had surgery 4 weeks ago, right hip scope with FAI, been doing p.t 2 week for past 4 weeks today. after this week session on tues, yesterday I was in excruiating pain in my groin and felt the most pressure and pain I have fell since like the first couple weeks.... I am on leave from work as a nurse, and am required to push, pull , stand, squat and lift turns patients, 100lb worth.. and other duties..
I have never had any experience like this before, with any of my own patients or even speaking with the medical assistants who work in the office. I am concerned that I am either not healed yet, or is this the best it gets.... I won't see the dr again until next week. I am so worried about what to do about my job. I can walk like 1.5 miles a day, but by the end of day in pain. wondering if all this is normal, and should I just let my work know it is going to be a bit longer, maybe I should just resign, they won't let me come back unless I am released with no restrictions .... so confused, and in pain. any ideas????

submitted 10/4/16 12:32pm from New York

My 15 year old is a little over 8 months post op surgery. She was a soccer player, I use the term "was" because she was cleared to train at 6.5 months. It has been nothing but trouble since. Constant pain. It started as bursitis after 2 weeks of training. That seemed to subside and she went back. That lasted about a week and tendonitis set in and she has yet to get any relief from that.

PT visits 2 times a week for deep tissue massage, back to the Surgeon for a recheck and all looks fine aside from tendonitis in all hip flexors. Then she went to get off the couch last weekend. Screamed in pain, back to the Ortho. Pulled muscles this time. Everything is irritated, she is puling and hurting muscles just getting off of the couch, getting in and out of the car. She can't sit in the desk at school it is too painful. Its like the same symptoms all over again. Its frustrating.

The Dr. the other day said maybe PT is causing more issues. The constant poking and prodding during massage therapy isn't doing her any good? At 15 and with her strength she should be able to just come back with stretching at this point. At least be able to get on and off the couch without hurting herself 8.5 months after surgery. He wants to give her another 6 weeks and see how she does.

But did you experience any of this? I can not tell if the poor kid is just so afraid of really screwing up her hip, she is afraid to work through any pain she is having. She is ready to stop trying to get back to playing ball. And I would be ok with that if it wasn't taking over every other aspect of her life too. She is afraid to go out and go to an amusement park, it is too much walking, what if I get tired and it starts to hurt, I can't go and do that, Ill get hurt. Its frustrating for me as a parent to see her day in and day out revolving her life around the what ifs.

submitted 10/3/16 9:13pm from Virginia

I had FAI open surgery in 2012 and my surgeon said I didn't need PT. Bad choice. I now have lost my range of motion and can no longer move my leg to get over a horse to ride. I REALLY want to get this range of motion back and have started PT but don't know if this will work. I tried to get another surgeon who now does this surgery arthroscopic and he doesn't want to take patients over the age of 55!!! So what am I to do? Will surgery at this point help me? I'm also getting the same problem with my other hip.

submitted 9/21/16 7:16pm from Massachustts

I am going to be having surgery for the same issues in November. Your account of recovery has given me hope! I am a CrossFitter and am terrified of not being able to move again. You showed me it's possible, thank you for doing this!

submitted 9/17/16 6:16am from UK

Hi all,

I am so glad I have found this page! I was diagnosed with hip impingement 4 years ago with a possible labral tear. It took almost a year of back and forth to dr's and specialists to get a diagnosis, I was even once told that there was nothing wrong with me and that the pain was a psychological issue as nothing out of the ordinary showed up on x-ray or MRI. Eventually I was referred to see a specialist who diagnosed me, I was in and out of the appointment in 10 minutes and referred to PT. I went and kept up with the exercises given to me and there was a small improvement with my pain, however I felt that there was no real understanding of the issue and lost heart. I've also had steroid injections but these really didn't have a lasting effect.

I went on for a few years having good days and bad days and have lived with it as just 'part of my life' but the past few months it has come back with a bang. I can just about walk and constantly in pain with this. I'm seeing the specialist again next week and feel that the only way forward for me now would be surgery. I would be grateful for any advice any of you may have or any questions that I should be asking my specialist, I don't want to come out of there feeling fobbed off again. I have a young, active son and I'm missing out on doing things with him as I always need to sit on the sidelines due to this condition.

Thanks in advance for any help you can throw my way.
Freya

submitted 8/23/16 1:04pm from Kingston, Ontario

Hi - so glad to have found this site. I have been suffering with hip pain - getting increasingly worse - for a long, long, time. My left leg has always flopped to the side and has always been very painful to hold it straight against my right leg. I have recently had an xray that shows cam impingement and 'marked osteoarthritis'. I guess I am one of the ones who was born with this condition as I have never been what you would consider very athletic - more clumsy than anything - last girl picked for the softball team etc! I have gained a great deal of weight in the last year or so as it has become more difficult, painful and frustrating to exercise. My job entails a great deal of walking, standing and driving - all of which cause the pain to increase. I am scheduled to see an Orthopedic Surgeon next week and am anxious to see what he recommends. I have done a great deal of research on the arthroscopic surgery and am hoping that is an option. I am 46 and have been told that a total hip replacement is likely in my future but not yet. I am grateful to live in Canada where health care is free and I guess having to wait a bit longer for appointments etc is the price we pay. Any info/recommendations from fellow Canadians (especially those from Ontario) would be greatly appreciated!

submitted 8/9/16 11:45pm from London

Hi just had the same surgery fai and labral tear about 5 weeks ago. I don't think mine is successful yet as still feel all my referred pain in back knees and foot etc which worries me. Also get hot flushes and mild headaches. I was off crutches though after 4 weeks walking to work and this is what my surgeon recommended so was wondering why your recovery although successful took so long. I had 2 small incisions where he went in.

submitted 8/6/16 4:45am from NYC

Hi all-

I am now 5 months post op from my FAI surgery. I hit a speed bump in my recovery where the muscle surrounding the hip area was not going back into place, and releasing. This causing a lot of discomfort and pain. I am still going to PT. I tried one course of Active a Release Therapy back in May which helped a little. I also had a cortisone injection 2 weeks ago in the area, which helped a little. But still the pain was persistent. In a follow up call with my dr's office I kept insisting something was there and bothering me. Kept asking should I get an MRI, etc. I was told that what I am experiencing is completely normal. Which left me confused. Ok so how do we treat this then? Anti inflammatorries aren't working, only so much PT I can do. Granted I work a lot and can't get to the gym al po the time, but that shouldn't be the issue. So my dr's office suffered doing active release therapy again, but with a different dr. In 1 session (I have to go for 4 sessions), the dr was able to find the trouble spots and work at them and there was improvement by the end of the session. Also gave me tips for how to sleep, etc. at the end of session 4 he will give me self treatments I can do on my own. For the first time since last November I actually heard a time frame of when he thinks I can start to run a little again. It's only 6 weeks away. That's huge progress. Haven't heard that from my physical therapist, and anytime I have asked they give some canned answer like you aren't ready for that.

I too had some numbness imp in my thigh post op. Still get a twinge of it when I stand too long. Even feel it as far down as my big toe. But it's less since I've done Active Release Therapy. Which I should add is done by a chiropractor. I'd suggest asking your surgeon for a prescription and a referral for it. Some practitioners don't take insurance but it's well worth it.

submitted 7/23/16 12:43am from Portland, Oregon

I'm 4 weeks post-op with my third FAI labreral tear repair. With my first surgery in 2012 and the later two six months apart this year, 2016. I wish I had found this blog when I was going through recovery for my first surgery! Thank you so much for sharing your journey! It helps to feel not so alone in the process even after doing this dance twice before.

In response to the previous post, I too have numbness in my operative thigh and some discomfort in my ankle just after surgery. The ankle discomfort is gone now but the numbness is still present. I had persistent numbness after my first surgery that I was sure I would live with for the rest of my life however, after about a year it had resolved by itself. I didn't have the same issue after the second surgery and had mostly forgotten it had been so numb that is until my latest surgery. I'm hoping that I will heal similarly and regain sensation in my thigh. My Dr. says it is highly likely that I will not have any long term numbness but that there is a small possibility that those nerve endings have been permanently damaged from the traction during surgery. Only time will tell.

Thank you again Captain Apple Sauce for giving us a place to connect.

submitted 7/22/16 1:17pm from London

I'm 4 weeks post my FAI and labral tear repair operation, and experiencing numbness in front thigh and ankle. After the operation I also felt a prickling sensation in my thigh when I stood up, but this has ceased. The numbness however hasn't. And whilst it isn't painful or impacting my ability to move it is a little uncomfortable.

My consultant says that it should pass, but I wonder if those who has experienced the same could share how long it took for them to recover?

Thanks in advanced

submitted 7/19/16 3:50pm from Philadelphia, PA

7/19/2016 - I hurt my right hip again (the original FAI surgery hip) two weeks ago, beginning my fourth major hip pain incident since I had FAI surgery in 2010. Here is how I believe it happened. I hurt my right foot running on a treadmill for one mile at 7:30 mile pace after working for two miles on an elliptical. I was rebuilding my running again... maybe too fast (I already ran 4 miles this week - the experts say only add 10% more a week - two to three miles is more than 10%, but I thought because I was on an elliptical I would be okay)

Two days after my foot was mildly injured, my right hip started hurting. I started getting groin , lower back, and thigh area pain. I continued bicycling and stretching. A week into the mild pain, I rode my bike two city blocks on a nice summer day. Suddenly, I got a sharp pain in my hip. I have a constant right hip pain now and my summer is wasting away. I suspect it will be another two weeks before my hip can calm down and heal. I am recovering slowly. Believe it or not, I have some groin pain in my other hip. Maybe I am compensating with my irregular walking. My gait is slightly different.

I am sure many of you already know everything in you body is connected. I hurt, possibly sprained my right foot a little - and BAM - two days later my right hip is struggling. I hope to update my site soon reporting my full recovery. Things are SLOWLY moving back in the right direction.

submitted 5/23/16 11:51am from Atlanta

Thanks so much for this information! Very informative. I'm facing surgery for FAI and it's hard to find real info on the recovery process online. This is really helpful!

submitted 5/12/16 1:35pm from Wilmington, DE

Hi! I have found your blog to be rather helpful. I underwent bilateral FAO on 4/4/16 also performed by Dr. Parvizi. I too am a distance runner (or at least I was). My surgery was done on both sides at the same time and was done as an open procedure, not arthroscopically, and I do have microfractures in both hip sockets. I have been weight bearing from the day of surgery and only used crutches for 2 days. I was actually walking up to 5 miles during my second week post-op. I am sure the procedure has been dramatically improved upon since you had your surgeries, but I would love to know how you doing today.

submitted 4/20/16 9:09pm from

LR
Thanks for your input! I went to my ortho yesterday and he x rayed it and said he couldn't tell well enough by it. He is treating it as iliopsoas bursitis and put me on steroids. He said if I still have pain in 3 weeks to come back and he will order an MRI with contrast and we'll go from there.

submitted 4/11/16 6:24am from NYC, NY

Hi All-

Like Dinesh, I too have a relatively brand new hip brace, that I am happy to sell and send ship to a new owner. I only wore it 3x during my recovery from FAI surgery. for a very short amount of time. Once to PT, once to the follow up doctors appointment, and once to walk around my neighborhood. After my 10 day follow up visit, I was told I didn't need it. Not sure why I had to buy it then. Even my physical therapist questioned it.

The model I have is the DonJoy X-Act ROM Hip Brace. You can look it up on Amazon where it sells for $499. It is currently fitted for a right hip and would need to be adjusted to your specifications.

I was told via my doctors office that I had to buy it through them at a price of $2,000 and it was directly billed to my insurance. (Waiting to see how much of it will be covered by insurance and if I have to pay the difference. Hope not). I found this to be quite excessive.

The same thing with the crutches. I was told before surgery that I couldn't bring my own pair (I had a family member who had a set I could have used). What I found out afterwards was that yes I could have bought my own brace and crutches, and then submit the receipts to my insurance company myself.

So I caution people who have upcoming surgery to question purchases such as the brace and crutches and ask/insist if you can bring your own. Ask for the type and model of brace and crutches you should get from the doctors staff. Find out ahead of time what is covered by insurance and what isn't so there aren't any surprises.

Let me know if you are interested in the brace.

submitted 4/11/16 6:07am from NYC, NY

TO: #330:SARAH

Sarah-

Based on your past experience with FAI, I would be persistent with your doctor and ask him or her to do an Xray of your right hip, just to rule anything out. If it is FAI in the right hip and further imaging is needed, insurance companies won't cover an MRI or CT scan unless an Xray is done first anyway. I have learned through this process that it is best to be safe than sorry. As an aside, when I first had my Xray, there was no sign of a tear until I had a CT scan (after the MRI). So its possible to have the impingement of the hip without a laberal tear. For your sake though I hope its nothing in your right hip, and perhaps the dr can prescribe some PT or stretching. Good luck.

submitted 4/9/16 5:25pm from Texas

I had cam FAI/torn labrum surgery last July. Left hip is doing really well, still not a great range of motion but better than before, and getting stronger. I have returned running, although mostly on a treadmill, done 1 5K and planning another at the end of the month. But now my right hip is beginning to hurt, mostly in my groin area. My surgeon said it was possible that my right hip was misshapen but since there was no sign of a tear he wanted to leave it alone. A few days ago I was on the treadmill and was limping after because my right hip hurt so bad. I'm wondering if I'm having FAI issues or just my hips still readjusting. Any thoughts? I stretch and exercise both hips equally.

submitted 4/8/16 8:58am from New Jersey

Has been 4 weeks after surgery and I am doing really well in terms of recovery. Was off brace within 1.5 weeks and crutches within 2 weeks. Have been able to go to work since then. Able to bike for 30 minutes (with resistance level 6) with no issues, except I wish I had more dedication to do it every day. The only issue has been a slight tendonitis which I hope goes away as my internal wound hears and am able to strenghten my muscles.

BTW, if anyone wants to buy the brace from me in north NJ or NY city, email me. dinesh_r@hotmail.com

submitted 4/8/16 8:29am from NYC, NY

To #327:COLETTE W:

I went through the same steps as you did, which was the conservative approach. PT first, then a cortisone injection. PT helped loosen the muscles, but did nothing for the pain. I had the cortisone injection at the same time they did the MRI with contrast. I tried running after the cortisone injection, but felt my hip catching. The cortisone injection I would say was 50% effective. The injection they gave to numb the area, which lasted 30 minutes was more effective. These were things my surgeon asked me in order to see if I would be a candidate for the arthroscopic procedure vs open. I highly recommend going for the arthroscopic if you can. Much easier recovery.

The other thing I learned and want to pass on, was that the brace that they fit you with, and charge your insurance company $2000, is available on Amazon for $400. I wore it 3x. I was told at PT and follow up appointments I didn't need it. Its impossible to sit with it anyway. So I would ask your doctor about that.

I go back in 2 weeks for my 6 week follow up. I am off crutches now. I can ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes and do my PT exercises at the gym each day. Overall I feel great. Minimal to no pain. I would say the pain is more of a soreness.

Good luck with your procedure.

submitted 4/7/16 5:39pm from Naperville, IL

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! Physical Therapy has only made my FAI pain more intense and a recent Cortisone shot doesn't seem to have worked,either. My doctor wanted me to take these avenues prior to surgery, but it appears surgery will be my path.

submitted 4/1/16 10:30am from Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Thanks for your blog. I had 3 FAI surgeries, twice on my left leg and once on my right. I highly suggest that the surgeon needs to close the sack around your hip joint - some surgeons don't repair it post correction.

5 years out, I'm still experiencing FAI like pain in my left hip. I've been going to Physical therapy specifically for correcting my hip movements. I think all the years living with pain, I have physically compensated and it has not been good. I would highly recommend having intense physical therapy post surgery. I have found that dry needling is the only thing that relieves the pain.

I wish everyone the best of luck on this procedure. If I had it to do over again, I would not have had the surgery.

submitted 3/19/16 1:35pm from NYC, NY

Great website. I found it very helpful prior to my surgery. I didn't read it in its entirety as I was told by my doctor, and others that everyone has their own experience with FAI and the the of treatment/surgery they have.

So here's my story. I am just 2 days shy of being 2 weeks (Monday will be 2 weeks) post op for having hip arthroscopy on my right hip to correct cam and pincer impingement, as well as repair my torn labrum. I had it done as an outpatient at Hospital for Special Surgery here in NYC on March 7. I had an epidural. The procedure started at 8AM and I was home in my apartment by 2PM. I was sent home on crutches, and with a brace (which I've worn 3 times) a CPM machine and a Game Ready Ice machine (the latter of which insurance won't cover, but I find to be a godsend) I feel good for the most part. I started working from home 2 days after my surgery. Work has been respectful if I have a Drs appointment, and very flexible as I recover. I don reccomend for those who live alone to have someone stay with you the first 2 or so days, I resisted at first, but iphaving my father around helped. My mother cooked meals for me for 2 weeks.

The pain management has been wonderful. I was off the opiates and the other meds I was sent home with after 5 days. I ended up needing a muscle relaxer at night for muscle spasms. During the day I take Naporsyn, which will continue for 3 more weeks. I started PT the day after surgery, also at Hospital for Special Surgery. I do my exercises 3x a day.

I just had my sutures out 2 days ago, and my doctor is happy with how things look. I got to see some before and after photos of the surgery and they were amazing, I go back to see my doctor in a month for my 6 week post op visit.

A bit of my backstory: I began feeling horrible pain in my right hip after running. Tried PT, and it helped a little but the pain was persistent. Another dr ordered an XRay and didn't like what he saw, so he referred me to a hip specialist. Based on the XRay, the hip specialist confirmed the FAI diagnosis and ordered an MRI with contrast. At the MRI consultation, he said I had a CAM impingement and we talked about surgery and the options.

I went home and began asking around for second opinions. Second opinion dr (who did my surgery) ordered a CT scan which revealed, the pincer impingement and torn labrum. Surgery was scheduled for Monday March 7.

It's now March 19 and I am thrilled I had the surgery. The recovery has not been bad at all for me. I should be 90-95% back to normal post PT. I should be able to run in 3 months. In the mean time I have 1 more week at home with my CPM and game ready machines. Then I will be doing the stationary bike at my gym.

submitted 3/17/16 8:06am from Mansfield, MA

Elizabeth (#313), you're in foxboro? I'm in Mansfield. Who is doing your surgery? My email is jlipin3 at yahoo.

submitted 3/16/16 5:10pm from New Jersey USA

Has been a week since my surgery as of today. Have been to physiotherapy twice. Have been on the bike for 30 minutes and no issues yet. I am able to take gingerly steps with no crutches but lack the confidence given that if I get my hip at a certain angle I get a shooting pain which I have been told will take a few weeks to go. So, sticking with crutches until the pyhsiotherapist pushes me out of it.

I ran across the FAIFix website ( a day after my surgery) and I also believe the whole FAI issue is muscle related and someone who has more time and patience should go through that program. A week before my surgery I went through a lot of strength training, stretching, and constant massaging on my adductor muscles (right after bath) close to my groin. I felt so good that I almost called off the surgery. The only reason i went through was there was no way the 2.5 cm labral tear was going to heal on its own and I did not want to damage it any further or let the damage get into my cartilages.

So, if you dont have a significant tear , trying that would be better. I also play badminton and realize that I probably play beyond the point where I am totally tired and my muscles dont fire properly(lack of strength training), which could have caused the tear gradually over time.

In case I recover back to normal ever (hopefully soon :-) ), my focus would be on deep tissue massaging and core strenghtening versus too much of sports to get my exercise.

submitted 3/12/16 5:24pm from new jersey usa

Had issues bending down on right side while playing tennis 5 years ago. More recently the last 1 year a lot of hip locking and as if the hip will break feeling when opening a heavy door or while twisting when playing badminton. Went through several doctors and physiotherapists and finally was pushed for an MRI and diagonized as 2.5 cm labrum tear (front side) on Feb 26th. Scheduled surgery for March 9th and had it done. 3 days post op and am still getting my way about. Would be a few days/weeks/months before I know whether it has been a success, but there was no way I did not want to not take a chance given that there were no signs of the problem going away for so long. I am pushing 43 and probably dont have much time either to wait for hip arthroscopy. I dont have the post followup until the 18th but one not so good news is that I have a 4mm spot in the back of the bone where there is no cartillage(doctor found it doing surgery and has adviced no Marathon running going forward ).

submitted 3/10/16 7:39pm from Australia

Thanks Oliver,

I'm eleven days out now and I have managed to get some sleep on my good side as suggested, so thanks for this! It felt okay, but I didn't want to be doing anything I shouldnt. Thankfully I see a physio in two days so I am sure they'll have some answers as to what I can and can't do.

Lol- I just realised what he meant by indoor sports- gotcha.

Good to know, thanks, ;)

Best of luck with your recovery! And thanks for taking the time to respond

Lisa

submitted 3/7/16 9:07am from Austria

Hello Lisa,

have not read your second part of the message. Since I am also only 12 days past op I cannot tell for sure, but Allen wrote this:

HOW DID YOU FEEL 6 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY?
- Careful indoor sports are back!

And i found this article pretty interesting: wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-11/26/hip-sexual-positions

Since I am also not that patient, I can tell you that the 'extracurricular activities' in my relationship were back pretty soon,
but very carefully and not as usual. I think it depends on your pesonal healing process...

Kind regards

Oliver

submitted 3/7/16 4:13am from Austria

Hello Lisa,

i am 12 days post op (right side). I could sleep on my left side maybe 6 or 7 days after the surgery.
I found the suggestion to put a pillow between the legs on a website concerning hip replacement but it worked for me too.
Since I'm usually sleeping on my stomach it has improved my sleeping a lot and relieved my back a bit.

I hope this will work for you too.

Kind regards from Austria

Oliver

submitted 3/5/16 2:28pm from Australia

It's 4:20AM and I'm five days post op. I can't sleep because of that lower back pain we all understand, and I was googling ways to sleep post op besides laying flat on your back (if anyone has any suggestions- come at me!).

Thank you so much for taking the time to post this, it really is an inspiration and I don't think you realise how much it means to someone going through it to know there are others experiencing the same. It is not a journey people understand without experience.

My surgeon has been very non committal about my recovery, the nurses tell me he is one of the best we have in Aust, and worked with the Canadian Olympic team, so I hope he is as talented as they say. I am feeling fed up already but confident time will heal all. I thank you for your positivity and hope I can reflect often over the coming weeks to hang in there and stay positive.

I'm a 31 year old female, and excuse the question, as it didn't appear to come up, but I've been told that it can take up to 3months to return to 'extracurricular activities' in a relationship. Can anyone shed light on this side of things. Just wondering how much damage control I need to do with my very patient other half ;)

Cheers

submitted 3/3/16 1:14pm from Illinois

Wow what a great blog! I only wish I had found this about 8 weeks ago when I had my my surgery. So many things you said are exactly what I experienced. We had the same surgery and I was struggling to get answers on how I was feeling. I was always questioning, "is it supposed to feel like this, or that," and "did I injure my surgery site?!" I'm still very early in recovery but am finding PT to be very helpful and I am able to walk and stationary bike. I definitely share that similar low back pain. Additionally I feel like someone shortened my hamstring. I'm hoping that sensation is due to my hip being tight. I'm hopeful! Thanks for creating this! I plan to continue to refer back to this as my recovery goes on.

submitted 3/1/16 4:44pm from Illinois

I loved your blog and had my right hip surgery in March of 2014. A few weeks ago the left hip started acting up and I had the MRI arthrogram yesterday and am anxiously awaiting results. I agree, like you, that I would not regret the surgery ever! I was able to do Ironman Wisconsin 18 months post-op! Now just anxious about the whole recovery process again, but you made me feel better :) Thank you!

submitted 3/1/16 11:26am from Tirol / Austria

Hello Allen,

thank's a lot for your site, it has inspired me to start my own blog (in german): meinefaioperation.blogspot.co.at
I am one week past the surgery and your timeline is very helpful, especially for an impatient person like me.

I do have FAI in both legs, I always enjoyed running and hiking a lot and this condition limited me a lot during the last few years.

My surgeon in the hospital said that i should not workout my legs in the first 4-5 weeks. During this time I am only allowed to walk with crutches with 20 kg max on my right leg. And I can use a hometrainer, but only without any resistance.

Relatives are a bit concerned about the long time i should not exercise (i don't think 4-5 weeks are that long) so I am interested if somebody has other information about this topic. You maybe could also call them "Smartasses"... ;-)
Have you done some exercises during the first few weeks?

I have found this information on your site: fai/index.php#pt

At the moment i cannot lift my leg a lot, maybe a few cm from the ground. Maybe I am a bit overcautious, because my surgery has one been 7 days ago.

When does the actual physiotherapy normally starts after the surgery? Can you do lymph drainages or aqua jogging in the first few weeks after the surgery?

I would like to hear your experience and thoughts concerning physiotherapy after the surgery.

Thanks a lot and kind regards from Austria.

Oliver

submitted 2/27/16 3:37pm from

Thanks for the very thorough blog on FAI! I think the more information that we get out there about FAI the better, as many health professionals/patients still lack knowledge on the subject. Your blog, however, has confirmed my belief that surgery is NOT necessary for FAI. In fact, I have created my own blog (www.solvefai.com) documenting my own journey to recovery through conservative methods and attempting to assist others in doing the same. I am 22 years old, finishing my last year of undergraduate studies as a Bio-Health major, and heading to physical therapy school this summer. I have struggled with FAI in both hips for 7 years. FAI hindered my athletic potential and created lots of pain. I even experienced pain while walking, sitting, and lying down. I was told that I had significant CAM lesions in both hips by the ortho surgeon and one physio said I had the worst hips of anyone my age he had ever seen. Despite this, my efforts in working to fix my hips have made me believe that this problem is really a muscle/postural problem instead of a bone problem. Surgeries have not been shown to be a cure-all and it takes people an extremely long time to recover. I am confident that I will be able to squat deep, move laterally, and reach my athletic potential (while being pain-free) without surgery and far quicker than if I were to get surgery. I think the reason most people don't have success at this point with their physios is because most physios don't have the proper knowledge yet to fix the issue and then defer to orthopedic surgeons when they can't fix it. As a future physical therapist, through my own experimentation, and through my blog, I hope to help develop and disseminate proper protocols that will fix peoples' FAI issues. Again, you can visit my blog at www.solvefai.com

submitted 2/19/16 2:17pm from Foxboro, MA

Very thankful for this site - lots of good information for a patient dealing with FAI. I am scheduled to have a labral tear repair, debridement, and osteoplasty of my femur in April 2016 - 8 weeks. A friend of mine recommended this website - FAI Fix (www.theFAIFix.com) as an alternative to surgery. He is a Thai Kickboxer with FAI. Ive been reading it and honestly dont know what to say. Ive made my mind about the surgery (10+ years of pain, reduced ROM, etc due to sports injury - Im 33 female BTW).
Has anyone heard of this method and what are the thoughts? Thx!

submitted 2/9/16 11:05pm from Phoenix

To echo what others have said, this site has been so incredibly helpful. I am 7 weeks post op for a FAI procedure with the symptoms and operation exactly as described. The last couple weeks I've been depressed as some pain remains but this documented journey after surgery is a constant reminder to remain positive and be patient with the recovery. The site has been extremely valuable for this 40-year-old anxious to get back out playing sports and to simply have hope.

One difference in recovery is that I have nerve pain immediately following surgery that continues from possibly the surgeon nicking or bruising a nerve. It is a sharp pain on the outside of my mid-thigh with numbness even 7 weeks later from mid-thigh to the knee. The surgeon said that the nerve should repair itself within 3 months. It is more of an annoyance at a pain rating of 2-3.

submitted 1/29/16 4:39pm from Chile

I'm 2 weeks post-op ... I have been great, as anyone with a hip arthroscopy can be... I'm walking with two crutches with partial weight on my right leg (the one operated)... But I have less pain than I thought I would have... I'm not able to walk long distances (more than half mile :-D), and I just started PT this week. The dr. said I have to use 2 crutches until our next appointment (Feb 13th)... I think I could walk without crutches (very very short distances... 2 or 3 steps), but I won't do it until the dr tells me I can... My biggest problem is my head... it keeps telling me things I know I can't do (like walking without crutches or running pretty soon)...

submitted 1/20/16 4:09am from India

My question to 202:KS who is from india: KS,I am also from india ...you had your surgery or not...I am searching for FAI specialist here.Who is your surgeon..

submitted 1/14/16 12:21am from Tennessee

I'm a 50 year old woman. I was active until about 15 years ago and then a steady decline. I have been told for quite a while I had psoriatic arthritis but over time I began to hurt more. In 2014 I had both my knees replaced because of pain and limited mobility. This seemed to open a can of worms. I stated feeling more pain in more places- specifically my hips and down my thighs and still in my knees. An MRI confirmed bone abnormalities, impingement, labrum tears on both sides as well as muscle tears in my abductors. I've gotten 3 sets of ultrasound guided injections in both hips to manage pain. The doctor who gives me the injections wants to do the arthroscopic surgery but doubts if I am strong enough for the recovery after surgery.. After reading your commentary along, I'm not sure I could manage it. I'm not steady on my feet and me and crutches seem like a recipe for disaster. Mostly I appreciate you taking the time to document this.

submitted 1/12/16 3:48am from Costa Mesa, CA

So I have FAI surgery with torn labrum, they shaved my femoral neck, fixed the labrum and shortened a muscle in my hip. And I'm sure I'm missing more technical terms... Anyway was on crutches for 3 weeks 0 weight barring. Once off crutches I hurt like He**. Everything seemed to be going good, until o was taking care of my newborn son and came back from making his bottle and twisted my hip, also took a slip coming down the stairs a Week later. Had an X-Ray that showed nothing, and the MRI said excessive swelling, possible fracture, and also small tear to labrum. Anyway went back to the surgeon and he said nothing's wrong, it all looks good. My main problem is night time.. I CANT SLEEP AT ALL!!!!! I am having all the exact same pain I had prior to surgery, I feel somethings wrong, kinda getting depressed over this. I can't sleep unless I'm taking a pain pill. And I don't want to keep taking these. I had my surgery 10/22/15 anyone else experiencing this type of crap this far after surgery? I'm at a loss: and I'm just not sure how much more of this my body can take, I'm about to go crazy haha. No but seriously this is getting out of control. Surgery was supposed to release the pain I've had now for 5 years

submitted 1/10/16 5:41am from Astoria Oregon

(HAYLEY E: What a small world I live out in the knappa area. Glad you found relief for your fai!)

I have had a long process. 6 years ago at 19 years old, i began having popping clicking catching in my right hip, followed by what felt like my hip freazing up and lots of pain. Often times I would fall or almost fall because i would stand up to walk and my right leg would not extended.

About a year later my left hip began to do the same. I went to my local doctor who took xrays, and an mri. He told me in almost these exact words, "you have swelling in your hips, and that swelling is causing more swelling. Take these anti-inflammatorys to get the swelling down and it will stop causing swelling". I paid good money for that diagnosis.
He couldnt see anything else that was wrong. I specifically asked him, if i work through the pain is it going to get any worse or cause any damage. He said, "No". (Side note, i recently check my old xray from this, the xray tech noted he was concerned i may have FAI. The doc never told me)


So for 5 more years i pushed through a lot of the pain, and stopped a great deal of physical activities because it hurt so much. I earned the nickname "old man" because of pain and a locomotive style walking (super slow limp until everything loosens).

Finally online i had a breakthrough and came across FAI with labral tears. Reading about it i had all the symptoms. All first hand reports of how it feels matched.

I made an appointment with a orthopedic specialist. Xrays showed i had bilateral Fai with pistol grip deformity, as well as slight retroversion of my hip sockets.

An Mri arthrogram of my right hip showed i had a labral tear, and partial delamination of the acetabular roof.

MRI arthrogram of my left hip is scheduled in 2 weeks.

I am currently 4 days post op. I haven't had my post op appt yet to get the details about exactly what they found but i was told they shaved my femoral neck, placed anchors to suture the labram, slightly shaved back my acetabular rim, and gave me a single microfracture in my acetabular roof.

The first 2 days were rough, but because of this site i was able to prepare for it and get the necessary things to help me. Also my wife took a week off work to help, i don't know what i would have done without her!!!!!

submitted 1/9/16 5:25pm from Seaside Oregon

Hi! First, I want to thank you for this site, I am amazed at how many people have this condition and this is a great place to connect! Thank you for your wisdom and insight into creating a space to talk about this.
Secondly, I want to offer my experience for ALTERNATIVE treatment. I am not anti surgery in any means, BUT, I have been fortunate to find a sports doctor who specializes in maintaining and helping many athletes (mainly professional) continue their lifestyle with this diagnosis.
I have a CAM FAI inpingement with torn labrum 6 years ago. VERY painful and had to stop all activity. I got PRP treatment (this is a whole other very important topic) in my labral tear and was able to heal the tear without surgery. This was step one. When I had the tear and the injections I was unable to athletics and had to take time out of the competetive circuit to rest. However, having injections uses your own plasma and blood to heal an area that doesn't get its own nourishment easily. So, after about 2 months of injections my labral tear was feeling way better (it is now completely gone).
Step 2 was to figure out how to maintain the FAI so it didn't re-tear my labrum. This has been a more lengthy process and as a 39 year old who has competed since I was 6 in multiple events I have found that cross training and 'training smarter, not harder' has been the best way to maintain. My doctor helped me develop a maintenance schedule to keep the impingement from damaging my soft tissue. He did have to do about 4 months of hands on graston technique, adjustments and basically breaking down all my soft tissue so it could be restored to healthy again. In a nutshell he said that many people have FAI, and your hip senses something is wrong so over the years of pounding, training, not stretching enough or correctly your body begins to compensate for the deformity by over activating much of your soft tissue, this is why you get lower back, hamstring, adductor, etc etc injuries and pain. Learning the maintenance routine and how to loosen this soft tissue up, listening to my body, and being prepared for the fact that I will have some compensation issues and occasional injuries has been part of this process.
Again, I am NOT saying one shouldn't get surgery, I am just letting you know that there are some well skilled doctors out there and other options. I still compete at a high level in triathlons, I surf every day and I train Jiu jitsu between 2-4 days a week as well as 2-3 lengthy camps each year. I still exercise between 1-6 hours a day so I believe this option has been good for me. I am a personal trainer and a coach for other young athletes and I have been very thankful so far to avoid surgery, though it is still a lot of work! It was still a lengthy process and my doctor has said that very often the surgeries don't fix the problem entirely and often your bone re-grows so the deformity can re-occur.
I hope this helps, and thanks again for such a GREAT site! Happy trails!

submitted 1/5/16 5:32am from Chile

I have been reading this again and again... next week is my surgery... exactly 2 years after your last surgery (January 13th)... I've been preparing myself psychologically with your posts and having mental work with all the things I will go through... right now, I'm just enjoying my last few runs until recovery...

submitted 12/14/15 5:38pm from Eau Claire, WI

ASHLEY H: I had a similar setback about two months post surgery; I strained a bunch of muscles in my leg while DRIVING, of all things. I ended up being back on crutches for a week. My hip flexors, adductors, and sartorius muscle were all very painful, I was in so much pain that I was sure I had re-torn the cartilage or something. Fortunately it was just the muscles.

My physical therapist did some ultrasound work, as well as massage. That helped quite a bit, and I found that a heating pad was super helpful for helping the irritated muscles relax.

These days, at about four months post-op, I find that after a tough workout (I'm mostly on the stairmaster these days, but have recently added bodyweight squats and such) I get soreness in the hip flexors. Stretching helps a bit, heat helps even more.

In general, my doctors have told me to let pain be my guide. If something hurts, stop. If it hurts the next day, you probably overdid it the day before; dial things back a bit. It's frustrating, but it's better to make slow progress than to get hurt!

submitted 12/1/15 9:43am from Wales UK

Hi i'm two weeks out of FAI surgery and I was feeling very worried about my condition etc. Until I read this blog. Thankyou so much for giving me the confidence that I can return to sports eventually. It's hard to know what capabilities I could have lost athletically but I'm hopeful i will recover to some level. Thanks for sharing your story, Very helpful to those wi th FAI feeling lost!

submitted 11/18/15 3:19pm from MD

I can't thank you enough for all of your helpful information! I am getting FAI surgery with the labrum repair and scar cartilage build up and I wanted to hear from someone else who had gotten it what to expect during recovery. Thank you!!

submitted 11/15/15 7:37pm from Canada

Hi there,

I had FAI surgery with labrum repair done almost 9 months ago. I was undiagnosed for about 2 years before my surgery. I noticed that there were some people having lower back pain as another symptom that is going along with their groin pain. Up until about a week ago I had been suffering with a lot of lower back to buttock pain, that I have been having on and off since my initial injury a few years ago. This seems to now be SI Joint dysfunction. I find that light stretching and icing afterwards of the SI Joint. Core workouts really help too. The SI Joint and Periformis are very common problem areas that go hand and hand with many hip problems.

I have had a similar road to recovery as the main blogger. Ups and downs with physical and mental issues. And they definitely play on one another. I started to think "Is this ever going to end?" "I am ALWAYS in pain" "I can't do anything I used to be able to do". And I started to lose sleep, and become quite depressed. I didn't know what people were thinking about me at work. I didnt want to go out in public incase people talked about me. AND worst of all I am still missing out on my main activities: Taekwondo, Running, Biking, and a few recreational activities.

So, what I have started doing about 3 weeks ago was noticing and telling myself "When I felt good". I literally say to myself "I feel good now. I feel really good now". And then I started to notice that I was actually in less pain throughout the day then I thought. I also was able to notice when I DID start to have pain, and try to avoid those triggers.

I went to see a counsellor who advised that I continue with massage, work on de-stressing ( I started meditating) AND I NEEDED TO START SLEEPING. So, I begrudgingly started taking a sleeping pill to help me go back to a normal sleeping cycle. I also realized that I need to take pain medication more regularly.

If you are going to have, or have had, an FAI surgery, you are most likely having Chronic Pain. This doesn't mean you will have it forever, but it has specific physical and mental complications. Our nervous system is bombarded and constantly agitated. We need to make sure we do as much as we can to rest our bodies to that it isn't in a constant stressed state. i.e. minimize our pain

"CPS can affect patients in various ways. Major effects in the patient's life are depressed mood, poor-quality or nonrestorative sleep, fatigue, reduced activity and libido, excessive use of drugs and alcohol, dependent behavior, and disability out of proportion with impairment.
Chronic pain may lead to prolonged physical suffering, marital or family problems, loss of employment, and various adverse medical reactions from long-term therapy. Parental chronic pain increases the risk of internalizing symptoms, including anxiety and depression, in adolescents.[2] A study by van Tilburg et al indicates that adolescents who have chronic pain and depressive thoughts are at increased risk for suicide ideation and attempt.[3]"

I do recommend getting the surgery. But I also recommend 1) Keeping your pain under control. 2) Getting good sleep 3) DONT BE A SUPER HERO. no one is going to give you a prize for going on a 10k run 8 months post surgery. No one is going to promote you for going back to work too soon. NO ONE knows your body like you do. So don't jeopardize your recovery by pushing it too soon. Its not worth it.

And believe me, I realize that this injury is mostly from people who are type A, Athlete-a-holics. I am one too. But we need to learn that sometimes the best thing we can do is rest and recover, And that is going to take as long as it takes.

Modifying your life, work outs, etc, to at least try and avoid the same problem from happening again. Its take me A LONG time to realize this. Years actually. But better late than never,

BEST WISHES TO EVERYONE PRE OR POST FAI SURGERY!

submitted 10/19/15 8:47pm from New Zealand.

Hi FAI peoples world wide. I am from New Zealand. Been through the hoops on FAI PINCER and Cam stuff. Labral tears. I had mine resected in 2013 did it work nope.... But Advice from My physio is do not get your Pincer resected. They stopped doing this operation 5 years ago in Aussie due they found out it made the patients worse. Hows that??? so that's exactly what happened I was walking more like a fish. So bugger this I opted to have the hips resurfaced. Both of them. Knee problems went away, Feet problems went away, Back issues went away and now I can run 5km. Yep there is some issues still but I do not limp get ilipsoaos tendon issues. They are small issues from what I had. So if you have real deep hip sockets my advice and the physios is do not get them resected but do get the cam lesion done. Tidy up and get the Labral tears fixed and screwed back in. The surgeons will not tell you this..............Well off for a run which is pretty "dam choice" we say here!!! Karl.os.......

submitted 10/2/15 11:12pm from Ohio

I am so happy I found this site. In 9 days I will be having FAI arthroscopic surgery on my right hip and am terrified. Reading your recovery story gives me hope. I have read many different things on the anesthesia used. Some of which people woke up and were able to watch the surgery on a screen. Another scary thought. I do not want to be awake while this happens. Also my left hip shows the same boney abnormalities as the right, but hasnt caused any syptoms yet. Mild arthritis has already set in my right. But my doc feels this is the best course of treatment. He also assures me I will be in need of THR eventually. I just want to be able to walk again without wanting to cry. Go up a flight of stairs without stopping every few. Im only 34 and feel like my lifes been taken away due to this. Theres a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for sharing your story. 9 days and a long road of recovery ahead.

submitted 9/26/15 7:05pm from San Diego

Hello, I am a 23 year old female runner, who was ranging 90 miles a week prior to my injury. I am 4 months post op hip labral repair and had CAM and PINCER FAI. Thus far, I have been doing PT and have been doing alot of strengthening. My PT advised me to start jogging again. Once I started I got minimal soreness in the ankle, which cleared up. As of Tuesday I have felt hip flexor discomfort, hamstring soreness and a bit of groin discomfort. My PT thinks it is from the scar tissue in the hip flexor region. He did alot of stretching on it and it has been pretty darn sore for the last few days. I wanted to reach out for peace of mind to see if anyone else experienced these symptoms upon returning to activity? I guess the vicinity of the uncomfortable soreness worries me. Any thoughts and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

submitted 9/26/15 11:14am from Eau Claire, WI

Hi there!

I am six weeks post-surgery for FAI and a huge labral tear (over 180?) on my right hip, and I wanted to thank you for posting both of your blogs. They definitely helped me get an idea about what I was getting into before surgery.

I also wanted to give a shoutout to my surgeon, Dr Bruce Levy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He and his team were really great.

I have two very small scars, one about as long as my index finger is wide, and one as long as my pinky finger is wide. My surgery was arthroscopic. They ended up removing a lot of bone from my hip socket and femur, and put in five anchors to reattach the labrum. My recovery is going well, and due to my fanatical zeal regarding doing my physical therapy exercises, my PT person is very happy with my progress.

I also found that elevating my legs at night for the first few weeks helped with lower back and upper quadricep pain. I had some pain that was due to the bandage pulling on my skin that I didn't know the source of until we removed it to change the dressing a week after surgery.

submitted 9/24/15 1:56pm from Philadelphia, PA

Hi Jack -

I have suffered with mysterious lower back pain periodically pretty much since my first surgery recovery time. It seems to occur mostly for me when I sleep more than 7 hours. I get up and take a walk around for 5 minutes or so (I remember a rare case of 30 minutes), then the back pain almost always goes away. I sleep on my back and I do not move much during the night. It is quite an annoyance when I am trying to get a good long night of sleep. After years of failed explanations from doctors, I read something on the Internet about placing a pillow under your knees while you sleep. It takes the pressure off of tight hips. Putting a under my knees seems to relieve the pain for. It is not the most comfortable sleeping position with your legs slightly elevated. I only use a pillow when necessary, like when I am fighting off a cold and taking in extra rest. It is not a cure-all, but it definitely reduces my back pain when in bed.

submitted 9/24/15 8:36am from USA

So glad I found this. My teenager was dx'd with FAI after several frustrating months of misdiagnosis and time wasted trying PT. He can no longer play the sport he loves and has decided to go with surgery to fix the impingement issue and partial tear. I worry that it won't succeed and he ends up having to quit regardless. Well, I worry about a lot of things as a parent! Surgery, do we have the best surgeon, post op pain, recovery....lots of worries. Surgery is scheduled in a few weeks and he'll have to miss school for awhile. But he didn't want to wait until a long school break to get it done. He wants to start recovering and getting better as soon as possible. I just hope that it doesn't end up being worse.

Thanks for all the great info

submitted 9/23/15 1:20pm from St. Louis

Also, @Eric in Grand Rapids, I would be very appreciative to hear how your back pain has progressed since surgery. Hoping for the best.

submitted 9/23/15 11:53am from St. Louis

Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much for putting this together. It is incredibly helpful for someone who is considering the surgery, and has a right hip scope scheduled for 12/7/15. I am very happy to see that you recovered well and are doing the things you love to do.

I would really appreciate your feedback on the back pain you experienced prior to the surgery, and the nature of that back pain. The entire reason I am considering this operation is due to severe pain in my back during sleep. I have been tested for Ankylosing Spondylitis‎, which appeared to be the cause at first, but is not the case. I had an MRI done with the dye, and a torn labrum with FAI was identified. I do feel some slight pain in my hip, but the main pain is in my lower back during sleep. So much so that I can take 2000 mg of NSAIDs (I feel your pain on the constipation) and still wake up in the middle of the night with pain. I don't want to overload your comment board, but would appreciate just a few minutes of your time to answer the question when you have a minute. I can reach out with my e-mail address if that is easier.

Thank you

submitted 9/22/15 2:21pm from Phoenix, AZ

Your blog is very encouraging to me. I am 29 y/o. 20 weeks post-op. Back pain sent me in to seek care. Neurologists, Chiros, PT, Massage, ending with a hip ortho guy that does FAI. Back pain is still here but is temporarily improved with massage and exercises.

I think the most discouraging part of this process is the lack of info out there not only about this condition among doctors, but more specifically the way in manifests iteself in symptoms. I have had more than one doctor look me in the eyes and say, "You should not be having back pain right after surgery if the FAI was the cause of the back pain.

My SI joint literally feels locked, which I think leads to my spasms and such. I also was starting to question whether I'm on the right track. Your blog provides some hope. I have a 9 month old and I cannot imagine not being able to be active with him and keep picking him up as he grows older.

Thanks for your encouragement!

submitted 9/22/15 5:56am from South Africa

I am currently 17 weeks post op.

I am 34 year old male who had surgery for FAI and a labaral tear in my right hip.

Surgery went great and I had very little pain in the following weeks. I feel like I rested the hip week for the first month.

After 15 weeks I was feeling great with no pain what so ever although it was obvious that I had lost a lot of flexibility and a bit of muscle strength. I played a game of golf without difficulty and went surfing on a longboard without pain. Awesome.

Week 16. I feel like I made a bit of a error and really got ahead of myself. I went surfing, on a short board. I did a floater manure and on the landing felt a sharp pain in my hip. A floater manuvre is executed when you ride on top of the breaking wave and then ride out by dropping off the top of the wave to ride out in front of the broken wave. So in essence I threw my body into a low compressed lunge/ squat with all my body weight on top of it. Bad position to throw a healing hip into.

I have seen my Dr and he is happy that I have not damaged the joint. I have had some discomfort in my hip and buttox but I am hoping resting will help alleviate the pain. It is very frustrating to feel like I have moved a couple month back in my recovery.

What I have learnt from this situation.
1. Be patient with the recovery, don't expect miracles!
2. If your hip does not flex well in a controlled environment, do not expect it to do miracles in an uncontrolled environment, ie sports such as surfing.
3. I would probably been ok surfing on a longboard, as longboards require less dynamic body movements than short boards.
4. Surfing small waves on small boards is dangerous!
5. Avoid doing things that agitate the joint. Even if it's your favourite sport. Find something to do that does not agitate the joint. Ie swimming.
6. Be patient
7. Stay positive!

submitted 9/21/15 9:31am from North Carolina

My 14 year old daughter had a labral tear in her left hip and had surgery 9 months ago. She runs a lot and is on a travel soccer team and has been experiencing pain again. She worries she has torn her labrum again but the Dr. said it should never happen based on the way it was repaired. She never ices and probably does not warm up and down like she should. Wondering if she is working out too much or should we take her to the Dr. again. She does run over 20 miles a week in addition to soccer practice and games.

submitted 9/10/15 6:30am from london

Hi I had surgery 9 months ago. I am a triathlete. I am competing the worlds next week so can't be bad! I get niggles. I think it is tendons and muscles but it worries me. It hasn't stopped me training though. Currently I have a burning pain at the front and I get soreness around the greater trochanter. Ice and massage helps. I did have to cancel a half marathon to ensure I awas in good enough shape for the worlds. I do yoga also. Cam shave and labral repair. My surgeon Schilders doesn't agree with cutting away tissue. Left hip. Leg half cm shorter. Very slight scoliosis. Probably all linked. I no longer sit at work

submitted 8/25/15 2:14pm from Florida

Hey friend I am glad I have stumbled onto this blog because I am at week 14 and it sounds like you and i had the same relapses. It makes me less concerned about how i feel right now. Best wishes and a good healthy set of hips

submitted 8/21/15 4:08pm from California

This is in response to David and having recurring pain after surgery. I have had 2 surgeries for FAI now on the same hip - a year apart. Both were debrisement and reshaping. I thought it was improving until month 9 after surgery and the same pain came back. It was disheartening and I didn't want to think about another surgery so soon. I waited until 1 yr post surgery to have the 2nd done. It was worth it I must say - and I knew what I was getting into with recovery. I have been symptom free for 2 years now.

I have to report though that I think I tore what's left of my labrum when I heard the same hideous pop last month, like the first day 4 years ago. I can only explain that it felt like a rubber band popping over a tennis ball. So, I am back on the sites debating if I get it checked out. The pain is tolerable still however each few days it spreads to a new/old area. It feels like a sad old friend making it presence known again. I'm guessing only those with duplicate surgeries would understand me right now. I don't want to endure another surgery but I am an active 39 year old not wanting to put up with this pain for her whole life.

So...to those with re-occurring surgeries.....when do you throw in the towel and get the hip replacement? My dr. told me once before that replacement would be in my future since the hip can only function without the labrum for so long. Ideas or advice would be great...

submitted 8/21/15 9:52am from Madison WI

Thank you very much for posting this!
I see a lot of people on here have done the FAI surgery via Arthroscope. Surgery is in 2 week(sept 2nd)My ortho doctor is suggesting I go Open Hip Dislocation to repair my tear and shave the cam off. Has anyone gone the Open Hip route? If so, what was your recovery like? Any and all suggestions are welcome! thanks

submitted 8/10/15 6:07pm from San Diego

Wow! What a wealth of information you have here!

Thank you for chronicling your journey!

I battled FAI from 2011 - 2015 but from a slightly different angle...I become utterly obsessed with fixing it NON-SURGICALLY.

I am happy and grateful to report I was successful...but it took a crap-load of work!

I made a short video about my journey on YouTube - if you search for:

YOUTUBE - "HOW FAI ALMOST RUINED MY ATHLETIC CAREER"

My heart goes out to all those still battling the issue! Keep the faith and I highly encourage you to also explore how to do very targeted 1.) TISSUE WORK 2.) STRETCHING 3.) MOVEMENT RE-EDUCATION.

Whether you get surgery or not...almost every human being could have LESS DENSE MUSCLES, MORE RANGE OF MOTION AND BETTER MOTOR CONTROL and you'd be SHOCKED how much JUST THOSE 3 THINGS can alleviate (or even completely resolve FAI issues in a lot of people.)

Much love!

submitted 8/10/15 3:48pm from Seattle, WA

Hi there,

Thanks for creating this forum, and for so openly and honestly sharing your experiences.

I'm looking for some advice and maybe encouragement. I suffered with a variety of symptoms - sitting pain for 5+ years, intermittent hip (coin/watch pocket area) pain for 3+ years, and excruciating leg (groin, adductor, hamstring, glute/piriformis) pain and gait instability/debility/dysfunction for 2+ years before being diagnosed - the diagnosis coming not from my doctors, still looking for flashlights to find their asses after over two years, but from the incessant googling of my 80 year old father.

I am now about 8 and 10 months post-op on my left and right hips, respectively, and the road to recovery has been pretty rocky and up and down. Both hips, btw, showed extensive damage - the labrum of each was completely destroyed and was debrided in surgery. Articular cartilage was generally intact though there was some detachment at the margins due to labral damage.

After each of the two surgeries, the initial pain relief was significant - perhaps due to the large shot of cortisone left as a parting shot before closing - but pain gradually returned after a time on both sides. It has since been up and down - the left has always been better than the right, and that remains true. On the right side, though, I've noted, after the initial decrease and rebound of pain, some improvement through about the end of June, but then a rather sharp rebound of pain and more recently accompanied by the return of other collateral symptoms.

So my question is whether I should be concerned by this trajectory - is the return of symptoms a reason for concern, or is this non-linear path 'normal' for FAI recovery, or should I be concerned that I need to pursue other options (total hip or resurfacing)?

I'm hoping that those of you that have been down this road before can offer some perspective. Btw, I'm 53, so more on the second node of the diagnosis distribution than the first. I've been trying to follow my PT instructions to strengthen the muscles around the hip - they helped at first, but lately seems like the symptoms are increasing without regard to PT.

thanks,

David

submitted 7/26/15 7:28am from Minneapolis, MN

I am 5 months post-op now. One thing I cannot recommend enough - patience! I have to recommend it to myself constantly.

My surgery went very well. Range of motion returned very quickly and I was feeling better each day for the first three months or so. Then some nagging issues appeared (or rather were slow to disappear).

My groin pain stayed and actually worsened. Lower back pain showed up around 3.5 months and has been a battle. On the positive side, I can ride my bike again with no pain at all, sitting causes no pain.

I also get quick snapping in the hip and sometimes short pain hits from it.

No the patience part. My surgeon said that the hip starts to find it's new place in the body after years of being in a different place (in other words, there is subtle shifting during the recovery). So the various pain and issues are completely normal. He said that at one year most people are 80% plus and full recovery is in the second year of a sport.

For the groin pain I started using massage and some PT adjustments. They have worked very well and my groin is about 90% recovered. The lower back pain remains a problem, it goes away and comes back. Quite a bit appears to be related to sleeping, I am now using a pillow between my legs (side sleeper).

The snaps in the hip are normal according to the surgeon and PT. Both require that patience word again!

I still ice with my Game Ready machine and really expect several months of recovery yet. I am older (51) so this was a harder hit for me than a younger person.

Surgery was worth it and the hip is doing well overall compared to before surgery.

Captain - your link to back stretches is broken. Can you fix that?

submitted 7/24/15 3:23pm from Iowa

Lizzy,
Did you experience any pain in your other hip during recovery. I had a labral repair, bone shave and an ilipsoas release on my left hip in June and am 8 weeks out. Now my right groin is aching. I still have some pain walking in my butt and groin on my left side. Hoping not to have surgery on my right.

submitted 7/20/15 11:55pm from Reno, Nevada

I am 25 and had laproscopic surgery on my left side exactly one year and ten days ago for FAI impingement, a labral tear, and illiopsoas tendonitis, and I want to thank you so much for this post! It is so encouraging to read about other runners/athletes who have experienced the same pain and recovery time and yet still achieve their running goals. It has been a slow, slow journey back to running this last year for me, but I am capable today of running 3 miles at a 13.3 minute pace (run for 10 minutes, walk for 1-3 minutes) completely pain free. My advice to others would be as follows:

Get a second or third opinion! I spoke with 4 surgeons and attempted PT and cortisone shots as remedies first. When the pain refused to subside I decided surgery was the answer, and I am in awe at the way my body is capable of moving, as there are things I can do now that I have never before been able to do! I still have moments of feeling stiff and even pain when I push myself too hard, but the pain is absolutely nothing like it was prior to surgery. But seeking the best surgeon for the task was part of my success, I have no doubt. (I saw Dr. Paul Shonnard, who was amazing! If anyone near Northern Nevada is considering this surgery, please contact Dr. Shonnard)

Be Patient and do your PT! Admittedly I pushed myself to do yoga, wear heels, climb stairs, and being running, all at points in time when my body was very clearly not yet ready. Fortunately at any tinge of pain I would cease my over-activity, and my PT reassured me this is all part of the process, but the healing process is long, and with each premature push I set my recovery time back even further. You will get there! It just takes time and rest and very strict adherence to PT. Patience is STILL something I'm struggling with- I cant wait to run long-distances again! But this blog gives me confidence, so thank you again for the help and reassurance!

submitted 7/20/15 7:56am from Ireland

Has anyone heard of someone with hip FAI in their teens? I was diagnosed with it at 19 the doctor bearly knew what it was, I really don't want to go for the operation as although I can't play sport as full on as I would like I don't think I could take that long out recovering

submitted 7/19/15 7:46pm from St. Louis

I was so happy to stumble across this as I did research on what may possibly be wrong with my hip. X-rays show a flattened side to the ball part of my joint and an extension of bone along the edge of the socket. I had an MRA on Thursday afternoon and am awaiting a call from my doctor as I'm going out of town. I was reassured that your pain level wasn't always a 8/9 like many others talk about. Mine stays 2/4 with peaks at 6/7 with different activities. I know something is not right but I'm just not sure what. If surgery is an option for me I will take it just as you did because I need to continue with my active lifestyle. My symptoms started in my lower back as yours did but just since this past March and have settled into my groin and hip as well. My massage therapist can alleviate some of the pain, but there is always the same part that never goes away. I test positive for a labral tear at both pt and the surgeon. Wish me luck, hoping it's not surgical of course but just in case thank you for your blog!

submitted 7/11/15 2:18pm from Orlando, FL

I forgot to mention in my prior post, DO THE THERAPY!!!!

I was told at 2 weeks to ween off crutches using pain as a guide. That was the last time I have touched them. My doctor and therapist are blown away by how quickly I have advanced, I am far from a physical specimen, just an average guy, so I have to attribute my healing and range of motion to the fact that I have performed the therapy twice a day per my Therapist's direction.

Eat right, drop the prescription meds as quickly as you can tolerate, DO THE THERAPY and your recovery will go well. Don't be afraid of dull pain or discomfort, you will have pain, but you can handle it. Why? because you are strong. Don't dwell on the pain and the small setbacks, celebrate the recovery and the gains you make along the way.

submitted 7/11/15 2:07pm from Orlando, FL

Captain Applesauce,

First and foremost I want to thank you for posting your experiences from both of your surgeries, I had Surgery on my left hip 4 1/2 weeks ago and your experience was extremely helpful. I was able to outfit my home an set expectations for my wife. I am posting for two reasons, one is to thank you, the other is that I hope people who are preparing for this surgery aren't scared away by reading your post. I am 40 years old and have been extremely active my whole life, therefore have had 8 orthopedic procedures. They have all included various degree of pain, bone and soft tissue repair, but the hip arthroscopy was no worse than the others. I continue to check in with your blog each week to help chart my progress and make sure I am on track with other people who have had the surgery and I have to say that you are severely over dramatizing the pain involved with the recovery.

For anyone reading this blog before surgery, please note that if you go to a qualified, skilled surgeon and start the movements the day after surgery and subsequently stick to the therapy, this is an easy surgery to get through and don't be afraid to have it done. Studies are not conclusive as to whether or not you will completely avoid a hip replacement down the road, but it is likely you will if you don't have the surgery now.

Stay positive through the process and know that the pain is normal. There are always ups and downs the first year after surgery on any joint, but your body needs maintenance just like any thing mechanical.

Hope this helps, stay positive

submitted 7/7/15 7:38am from Finland

Keeping questions and story simple. I'm 29. I've had 1 hip arthroscopy to my hip where FAI was treated and labrum removed.

The main issue for me is constant pain in the hip transferring downwards to my leg. I can live with quitting some sports I used to do, but daily pain isn't something I wish to have.
Now I'm most likely going to new surgery for the same hip, perhaps to fix situation this time for good. But I'm a bit sceptical.

What is your experience, has surgery
1. Helped to your pain?
2. Caused new pain, restrictions?

submitted 7/5/15 9:31pm from Pa

Thanks for your blog...I had surgery on 4/29th....hip labrum N FAI...N they cleaned out the arthritis...I went back to work two weeks Go....some days good...it hurts to drive...gets stiff ..N like today doesn't fell stable..weird...I don't know. Its just that it took over a year in a half to diagnosis...N now I still have pain after...I am guess I am tired of pain.....I am just inpatient.....in well....

submitted 7/5/15 12:34pm from Dallas

Hi Kellie! I'm in Dallas too. I've just been diagnosed. Which doctor did you choose for your surgery?

submitted 7/2/15 1:07pm from Dallas, Texas

Hi there! I am having FAI arthroscopy THIS Tuesday, July 7. I have cam impingement, a very "deep" hip socket, and torn labrum. I'm not really nervous about the surgery--I've watched a video of it online, and it's not bad.

But the recovery is something I'm not looking forward to. I'm really trying to have a good attitude, but I am VERY active. I'm a teacher (which is why I'm having the surgery in the summer), so I stand and walk around all day long. But in the summer, I'm also very active, maybe even more so. I love to bike, run, walk, hike, all of that. I really push myself a lot physically. When I was younger, I did a lot of gymnastics, softball, soccer, track, etc.

I'm dreading six weeks of crutches SO MUCH. I'm used to going, going, going, and doing a lot. Fortunately, I have a lot of projects I can do sitting at home, but I still think this is going to drive me bananas.

What can I do to avoid the muscles in my right leg getting weaker from lack of use? Of course I will be doing stretches and exercises as I can (my surgeon told me my own discomfort will tell me where/when to stop) and I have a recumbent exercise bike.

I will miss my independence so much. :( And I think I'll need to sit a lot at the beginning of the school year.

submitted 7/1/15 9:07am from London

great blog, just been diagnosed with hip (cam) impingement and very interesting and detailed piece, very helpful.

submitted 6/28/15 12:04pm from Iowa

My 18 year old daughter had a labral repair, FAI impingement and they released her iliopsoas in early June 2015. It has been a rollercoaster so far. She has very little groin pain, but her biggest concern is the soreness in her lateral part of hip. She has SI problems as well, but the posterior part of her hip (side of butt) always gets sore and than the pain goes down the back/side of her leg, anyone else have this. What helped so you could walk more. Also she is 4 week out and her toes still get purple when she is up and she has an strange rash on her toes and top of foot that they are treating with steroid creme as they ruled out athletes foot and cellulitis. Of course she is concerned why she has pain in the posterior hip area and she never had pain there before surgery. Anyone else have this? I do think she has nerve and muscle issues from the surgery.

post #269 LS seems like you had some similar issues.

submitted 6/27/15 3:48pm from Grand Raids, MI

I completed the surgery on 6/25/15. Surgery lasted 3 hours rather than 2 due to the condition of the cartilage. Unfortunately, I had to have micro fracture and the will result in 6 weeks of crutches rather than 2. Doc felt the surgery was successful and I am to continue with original 2 wk plan of stretching until next visit.

So far, the pain has been manageable. Sleep has been scarce so far primarily due to all of the medication. I will stay in town for the next couple of weeks working on the stretching exercises and have a post followup on 7/10. I am excited to get the recovery portion over soon. My issues over the past years have been primarily low back related so the impact of this could be very positive.

I will update.

submitted 6/25/15 12:24pm from DC

I have to say I really appreciate this blog and am now finally in a position to contribute to it. I am athletic 41 year-old woman now eight months post op. I had cam and pincer FAI, bone formation problems with my ASIS and a 40 mm labral tear. I am thrilled to report that I am in the best shape of my life and even won my first road race back from surgery. My entire posture has improved now too--I guess because my hip is no longer impinged which was throwing off my pelvic alignment in ways I didn't even realize. FAI arthroscopy is a miracle and I am thankful every day that I was able to have the surgery.

It has not been an easy road physically or emotionally and I have learned a lot about myself, my hip and recovery in the process. I am still recovering but am coming out of this awful experience a stronger person.

Here are some things I learned that I wish someone would have told me before the surgery:

-Your labrum will not heal itself. There is no real option that I?ve heard working other than surgery. Get it over with and start the healing!
-Recovery varies greatly depending on how extensive your surgery is--they are not all the same.
-Nothing after surgery is as painful as anything before surgery but there?s still plenty of pain?it just gets less and less over time.
-Recovery takes a LONG time. Ladies, it?s like another pregnancy but the hospital part is at the beginning. Runners, FAI is a marathon and will test you to the core. The hardest part is that it can be hard to tell if you?re helping or hurting yourself. Doctors told me I?d be running in 3 months after surgery ?that?s true in that I could?ve run away from a pack of bears if my life depended on it but I wasn?t really running til 7 months and now it's just a few miles every other day. My PT later told me the timelines doctors give might be true if you?re a 16 year old boy. It takes longer for women because of hip structure and for older people but just because it takes forever doesn?t mean you won?t get better.
-You can?t ?undo? the surgery unless you have a traumatic event like a fall. Flare-ups are normal and there will be good days and bad days with good days becoming more frequent.
-When something is painful, there is often a way to fix it. Some days I?d think the surgery was a failure but then my PT or massage therapist would work on my IT band or hip flexor or whatever it was and we?d figure out together where the problem was. Each pain is not necessarily in the joint and something you have to live with.
-Stretching and rolling are critical. I stretch and roll three times a day.
-Ice and heat will work wonders at various points during your recovery. I wear heat pads a lot especially if I?m sitting at my desk all day. I ice after exercise.
-Having a support group helps. I found 3 people at various stages in the FAI process to talk to including two who were back to their sports. Knowing I would get better gave me great comfort on those days when I was sure it would never happen. People who don?t have FAI have a hard time understanding and will tired of hearing about it! It is not cancer bad but it is very different than a fracture or ACL or anything like that. And yes, everyone thinks young people don't have hip problems.
-The beginning is exciting because you no longer have pre-surgery pain but months 2-5 were very trying and frustrating--apparently that's normal.
-You're walking the same day but it takes MONTHS before you can stand for long periods of time I would get dizzy being on my feet too long. If you work a standing job, take plenty of time off or make accommodations.
-A good PT makes all the difference. I switched a few times til I found someone who does 80% hips and knows my what every twinge means.
-I also do regular bodywork?myofascial release, massage and acupuncture. That makes a huge difference with soft tissue and nerves as they recover.
-Staying fit was a daily challenge but I found ways. I couldn't really swim before FAI but learned to swim with my arms since I couldn?t flutter kick. I used pull buoys and wet suit pants to hold my legs in the right position. The pool restored my sanity and gave me new athletic challenges I needed. I also did regular cardio on the arm bike and transitioned to aqua jogging and stationary bike as my hip was able. I did tons of TRX and lots of core and stability work too. You can stay in shape without a ready hip if you?re creative!

Good luck to everyone who?s had the bad luck to have FAI. It really sucks but it?s not the end of the world. Have patience and hope. Take it day by day and you?ll be fine?eventually.

submitted 6/25/15 9:50am from New York

Thank you so much for this detailed blog! I am 26 years old and going for my FAI / tear surgery next week. I was kind of nervous for the recovery and this helped and answer a lot of my questions. I do not know anyone that ever had this problem so I was looking up info for awhile now b/c all the doctors in my hometown was just saying it was too young to have a serious hip problem and been dealing with this pain for 6 years until I found a doctor that listened to me. I had to stop most of my working out I was very active with running, and spinning. So this gives me hope that I am not alone and could get back to at least some of my normal routine. I am going to hospital for special surgery seeing dr. Bryan Kelly I can honestly I loved everything about him and the staff and cannot wait to not have this pain anymore. So thank you again!

submitted 6/21/15 5:47pm from Grand Rapid, MI

I appreciate your bog. I go in for surgery next week and my biggest fear is the recovery. I have had lower back pain for years and my surgeon believes it may get better with FAI surgery. I am excite.I will update on my progress as time goes by. Thank you

submitted 6/15/15 5:13pm from Everett

Hi, Thank You so much for writing your blog! It has helped me in so many ways and so many of my own questions got answered. I am currently 6 weeks post-op, with my post-op Dr appointment coming this Wednesday. I am feeling pretty good, but still have pain and my leg too still swells. The one question I have is, my lower leg, (the side of my calf) still hurts pretty darn bad. It was very painful before surgery and continues to be bothersome. Did you experience this? I was told that it would be gone once the FAI was complete, but in my case its still here. I`m beginning to think its a muscle that got way too tight. Any ideas would be great

submitted 5/26/15 7:54pm from Nova Scotia Canada

I am presently reading through all of your info. I have found it so informative. I have been misdiagnosed for years, and finally after a MRI we found out that I have cam-type FAI in my left hip. Who knew that my back pain and such was from my hip? So, now I am waiting to meet with the surgeon. Bee waiting 4 months and it will probably be another few. Things work differently here in Canada... so we wait longer. I imagine sugery will not be for at least another 6 months. It does freak me out, but I would love to get fixed! I used to run, swim, bike... you name it. I even had to stop swimming due to it about 8 months ago. So, I have gone from being very active, and losing 130lbs from that, to not being able to even go for a walk! :( Thank you so much for your info. I wouldn't mind talking with you sometime, and bouncing some thoughts off you about everything. Thanks again!

submitted 5/20/15 2:05pm from NJ

Hi! My name is Lauren. I am 26 years old and am 5 weeks post- op for CAM and pincer type FAI and labral tears. I had my surgery done at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. The first month has been interesting to say the least. I still have pain and my hip adductors are like rocks which I really believe is the cause of most of my discomfort right now! I was encouraged by your blog. I know there are definitely ups and downs in this recovery and experience them weekly. Learning to listen to your body is very important! I am thinking of beginning a blog of my own to document the progress, etc. I am hoping to be able to run again. I know I have a very long road ahead of me as I have to go back for a second surgery in a few months for my left hip repair (both hips had it). It makes me nervous that I may have to deal with both hips but God is faithful! Has always been! It's crazy what our bodies do- circulatory and musculoskeletal wise after surgery. Who thought I could become so weak! I am full weightbearing by June 1st and am very excited for that! Best of luck to you and thanks again!

submitted 5/10/15 6:26pm from Denver, CO

Hi,
I'm 38 (female) and on 3/31/15 I had left hip arthroscopic surgery done by Dr. Brian White (Western Orthopedics). He did femoral osteoplasty(8mm of bone over 4cm width), acetabular rim trimmings (4mms of bone), removed 40% of cartilage damage, labrial reconstruction using new labrum from cadaver IT band graft, and capsule imbrication tightening (to correct my very loose joint). The entire experience was very positive from hosptital to PT. Dr.White has pretty much refined the reconstruction procedure (find his teaching presentation on his website with tons of helpful slides and videos about Hip FAI and pre/post operation expectations). I am 5 wks out and have begun to walk short distances without crutches. The recovery is going well with pain end of day in lower back and upper glute region. I find the need to take more pain pills now than right after surgy due to muscle tightening end of day after PT. I highly recommend Proaxis for PT as they have collaborated with Dr. White based on his experience and data over the years for this specific surgery and recovery plan. My therapist has had both hips done twice and very knowledgeable on what his patients are going through (did labrial repairs and then went back for reconstruction which has deemed to be more successful based on Dr. White's ongoing research). The diagnosis and recovery have surly been a roller coaster ride but I already know the surgery was a success based on how bad the pain was before and how much damage/repair had to be done during surgery. Good luck everyone!

submitted 5/2/15 6:32am from Toronto

Hi everyone...so nice to read all of these experiences! I am a 46 year old female and had arthroscopic surgery for FAI with liberal tears late February, which makes me 10-11 weeks out. I so agree re the emotional roller coaster!! I'm walking normal now, but still have discomfort, some stiffness, and if i walk too much my gait is off...not at all like pre surgery though. I am beginning to see the light at the end, but am so hyper aware and hypersensitive - can't wait till I do things without thinking about them! Physio has been amazing...I started the week of my surgery to get my brace fitted, and attended 2x weekly for the first 6 weeks, and now do 1 therapeutic massage weekly and 1 physio session weekly...it has helped immensely. At this stage I'm walking up to 1.5 km, swimming (flutter kick only as per my physiotherapist), biking with tension 5-7 (out of 20) for 30 min a day, and doing about 30 minutes of stretching/strengthening exercises from my therapists every day...this is key. I hope to continue in this positive way and am so happy I had this done. Taking steps without pain feels like a gift!! I would recommend Dr. Dan Whelan at St. Mike's to anyone in my area, as well as GO T.O. Physio...they work directly with the orthopedic team at the hospital and the care is amazing. Good luck All...wishing for speedy, smooth recoveries for everyone.

submitted 4/28/15 12:34pm from Virginia

"Waiting to Ski" and other folks. I would love to chat more about your experiences. I am hoping to write an article about FAI (I had never heard about it before my own surgery) and am looking for folks who would be willing to tell their stories to me. I'm particularly interested in people who were/are athletes from a young age or who started to experience their symptoms in their teens or 20s.

Kara

Kara.Lofton@emu.edu

submitted 4/14/15 5:03pm from Westchester County - NY

Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this blog! I have been looking for FAI recovery blogs and this is the best I have found so far hands down. I am a 25 year old female and at the moment 12 weeks post-op. I have been active all my life (gymnastics, swimming, skiing, etc.) and never had any hip problems. Last September I was on a hike (about 8 miles - on par with my normal hikes). When I returned home, I was sore as normal but I was experiencing pain in my right groin. I thought that I might have just pulled a muscle and tried to rest for a while. A few weeks went by and it was getting worse but I told myself I was too young to have this kind of pain. I still wasn't even convinced it was my hip and thought maybe it was a hernia. A weekend in the beginning of October I hiked about 13 miles and it was after this that I knew I needed to seek help.

I sought out an orthopedist in my insurance plan. With only an x-ray and some movement tests he decided to take a conservative route of treatment believing it may be tendonitis. He prescribed 4 weeks of PT. I followed through but felt that PT was only hurting and not helping. At a follow-up appointment he sent me for an MRI with Arthrogram. When I returned to his office the report showed that I had a labral tear as well as a CAM impingement. He informed me that he didn't perform the surgery and recommended me to a few other surgeons with more experience.

After a bit of a search, I found Dr. Fahimi in Clifton, NJ in December 2014. We booked surgery on my first appointment (after looking at my MRI, x-rays, and evaluating the type of pain I was experiencing which at this point was a deep groin pain with every move I made). Time was of the essence as I graduate from law school next month and will be starting a career - this is the time where I have most flexibility. I was devastated to know I couldn't ski this season but my goal is to be ready for next season. We scheduled surgery for the second week of January. The surgery went well - he reshaped my the femoral head and repaired the tear. I was on crutches - partial weight bearing for about 6 weeks, then down to 1, a cane, and full weight bearing. I started PT about 4 weeks after surgery with a fantastic facility.

Unfortunately I am allergic to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs and he was concerned about heterotrophic ossification (bone growth that can be prevented by NSAIDs after surgery). At my 4 week and 8 week appointments the surgeon noted in my x-rays that there is HO. He will continue to monitor and if it continues to impede my movement then he may decide to go back in, remove the bone, and radiate to prevent future growth. The bone is not attached to any of my other bones in the area, but rather is growing on its own within the soft tissue/muscle. I go back next week for more x-rays.

I am in PT 3x/week. My therapist is fantastic and finds a good balance between using my pain as a guide but pushing through at the same time. Until about 2 weeks ago I was feeling on the up-swing but after taking a week off of PT (I was traveling), I returned this week only to experience the worst pain I have felt in a few weeks. I am very concerned as it is the deep groin pain I felt pre-op, and sometimes even worse. I was so excited to be walking without pain but now the pain is back in everything I do. This pain led me to look for recovery blogs (how I stumbled upon this one!) and to anxiously await the appointment with my surgeon next week. My therapist is somewhat concerned with the setback but urges me to understand that not all days will be good days and that I am healing and reminds me of the progress I have already made. Reading this blog however has definitely put my mind somewhat at ease. I don't personally know anyone else who has had the surgery and reading your recovery and comments from others reminds me that there are others out there going through the same thing and that have the same concerns. I feel like my friends and family see me walking normally and when I need to rest or stay out of an activity because I'm in pain they don't believe me simply because I can walk. It's very frustrating at times but knowing that other people understand helps. I really appreciate this blog and knowing that what I am experiencing is "normal". I am concerned that I will have to go through this again with my left hip (my surgeon thinks it will most likely happen).

Thank you!!!

Any additional advice/commentary is greatly appreciated :-) or anyone that wants to chat about their experience!

submitted 4/10/15 1:27pm from Curacao

Hi there,

Great blog and thank you for sharing the detailed information. I am having pain in my groin area for over 4 years now. A hernia was diagnosed (2013) and I had a surgery, the pain in my groin area stayed. Yesterday finally a consult with a orthopedist (health care sucks on the island), and he already could see from an earlier x-ray that I have FAI as well. I stressed that I prefer to have a MRI, which most likely I could have after 3 months from now (pffff). The specialist informed me that he did a lot of these surgeries when he worked in Belgium, but he said that the results were not that great that he would suggest to have my FAI problem solved with a surgery. My question to you, is, whether you know which style they used during the surgery (asking this question without knowing if there are different styles). And do you know if the technology or type of surgeries are changed within the almost 5 years since you had your surgery. I wish to know, as I might looking for other countries to have this surgery done (which means I need to fly....) I hope to receive a reply soon, please send it to gideon.jonker @ gmail. com. Thank you in advance and thanks again for this great blog!

submitted 4/9/15 2:36am from Yorkshire UK

Thanks for this blog. I had a labral tear debridement and chondroplasty 9 weeks ago and have been struggling with how slow my recovery seems. Reading about your progress has put my recovery in perspective bearing in mind I'm 51 and it took 3 years to get surgery. Consequently I have to deal with the all the compensatory patterns my muscles have developed in that time. Never again will I say "its *just* keyhole surgery!!!

submitted 4/5/15 9:03pm from Philadelphia, PA

I just had an FAO on my right hip and I also had Dr. Parvizi! He is amazing. I'm a 32 yr old female and I'm only 6 days out. I started looking at what recovery "should" look like as it seems to be getting worse before it gets better. A couple comparisons with yours- one, I also had a hard time getting Narco. The only place I found it was Walgreens by Hunting Park and it was the generic version. I'll take it! Two, the Tramadol and Indomethicin (anti-inflammatory) ended up making me terribly nauseous and gave me the worse headache I think I've ever had in my life. I called the nurse, thinking it might have been due to the spinal, but she said it can be a side effect of those drugs and to stop taking them. I felt better almost immediately. I wonder if that could have been a cause to some of your nausea? I've been getting up every hour or two during the day to keep the circulation moving (no swelling in my feet as of yet) and I take off the bandage tomorrow. Always feels nice to share some solidarity in your experiences- thanks for taking the time to share.

submitted 4/3/15 1:41pm from Virginia

#254 Lillian -I was four weeks post-operation yesterday. I took one full week off from work, went back to work half-time the second week and was full-time by week three. The biggest thing for me was getting off the heavy duty pain killers before I went back because they make you both tired and fuzzy-headed. Your daughter is young (I'm 23) I think she will be fine going back to school sooner than 6-weeks. Hope this helps!

submitted 4/1/15 11:05am from Indiana

I was just diagnosed this week with left side FAI, labral tear and early onset OA. I am certain this condition is what has caused the OA and that sucks as I could have been diagnosed back in 2007. I am 49 years old. My doc is an FAI specialist and I am very comfortable with him. Wants me to start PT and have the injection which I have scheduled for April 8. Then back to him on May 11. I am not opposed to surgery but am a litte afraid he is going to say he can't do it due to OA. I have been active my whole life and an active runner since about 2000 until the last 2 years. Anyway, what intrigued me about your blogs and progress reports was the overlying theme of back pain. My lower back on left side is quite painful with sitting and standing. I also have the clicking and groin pain and stairs are Very difficult. I no longer lead with the left leg and go one at a time. I have done a ton of reading about all of this for the last 3 months as I was sure I had FAI and a tear. My initial hip OS said my xray and MRI were normal. Well they weren't. But do you think that the FAI and tear are the main cause of my back pain? Is is really low and actally probably more toward top of glute. I always point to it and say my lower back by my husband says 'that is your butt'. I am just soo sick of the back pain. I initially went to a spine guy in 2007 due to low back pain. They said xray and mri were normal. When I look back at that xray now I can see the cam lesion so I am pretty sure I have had this condition for several years. So what do you think about the back pain. Do you think surgery will fix that along with the tear and shaving off cam? I would greatly appreciate your input as you have been thru this twice.

submitted 3/31/15 4:52pm from Melbourne, Australia

I have been reading your most informative blog and am becoming more anxious. My 16 yr old daughter requires this surgery and she is also at a crucial stage of her schooling. Maddy is a sprinter and she is working hard at strengthening and doing whatever she can to assist her recovery. She wants the surgery as soon as possible but I am wondering if she should put it off until she has a longer break from school to recover. She cannot afford 6 weeks off school. Can you give me your thoughts?

submitted 3/31/15 12:10pm from 252

Hey Dave-I waited and switched insurance to allow dr. white to do the surgery-he really is considered the best of the best-he did his fellowship under Philippon-widely regarded as the top in the country. The standard is 4-6 weeks for return to a desk job...I just had the surgery a week ago and Im in what would be considered really good physical shape and the recovery is a full time job so far-Also I would recommended proaxis therapy downtown for rehab....hope that helps

submitted 3/29/15 5:50pm from Denver, CO

Wow lots of great information here. I have been advised to get FAI surgery on my right hip as I have considerable buildup on the head. As there are quite a few active users here I thought I would ask a few questions.

1. I am looking at doing this during an employment transition. How long did it take you to return to work full time and full attention? Looking at a desk job but just not sure how soon you could sit for 8 hours a day (with breaks) before pain gets too bad? How long on average did people take off from work?

2. Anyone here have experience with Dr Genuario in Denver? Brian White has been recommended but he does not accept my insurance.

Thanks in advance for any advice

submitted 3/29/15 11:39am from in response to 249

I too just had the surgery with Brain White Im not a week out......Im doing PT 3xpwk.....I feel so weak in the leg that was surgically repaired and recently found out the tear is also present in my other hip------it looks like your second week of PT is really difficult-are you doing HEP from PT as well?

submitted 3/27/15 4:33pm from Zh8K0syPJ

I have been searching the inrtenet to see if anyone has been through this twice. I had left hip scope surgery over 16 months ago and since then I have been in pain after I stopped PT over 9 months ago. I finally went back to my doctor at NYU and after another MRI he called me to say that they see another tear and need to go back in. I knew I had something wrong. I was so upset I went to another doctor also with NYU but has a private practice too. After he looked at my charts he stated the same thing and I am now scheduled for my second surgery next week. I am so scared but I just want to be able to sleep on my left side after three years and want to be pain free. However, the doctor did say this time around will be more painful and harder for me since going in on the same place is alway tufter because of scare tissue and all. I just hope this doctor can do the job. My question to everyone was how did this happen was it something that the doctor missed or something maybe the PT trainer did. I just don't know and I'm scared but at least I'm not alone in going through this twice. I am not a jogger or runner but I did tell my wife my goal for next year I want to run at least one mile. just one mile.. something in three years I could never do.

submitted 3/24/15 4:04am from Denver

Thank you for your detailed blog, it is so helpful. I had my surgery last week. Cam and pincer type FAI on left hip, with femur and acetabulum shaved, torn cartiledge repaired. The labrum was toast, and my surgeon (Bryan White, Western Orthapedics) actually replaces them with a cadeveric IT band graft, esp when mine just looked like tissue paper. I have a CPM machine, and an icing machine that I use 8 to 12 hours a day. PT today kicked my butt literally. I am using a walker rather than crutches and it is really more stable, and much easier to navigate with none of the armpit pain. Agree that shower chair and toilet bars have been very helpful. Trying to get down on the narcotics, the constipation is awful. I have been in pain since I did this on July 22nd, so am so glad to be moving forward. I think we'll probably have to do the right too, but I'll cross that bridge when this one is recovered. I know I still have a long road ahead of me but I was inspired to see you running again. I was a college athlete then big runner and haven't exercised since June. i have lost so much muscle and am so unfit, and can't wait to start getting it back. Thanks again for sharing, something nice to read at 3 am as I'm waiting for the next round of pain meds to kick in so I can go back to sleep. if your repaired labrum doesn't hold, you might look at getting a graft like I had, not that you'd want to through this again, but my PT had repairs initially, then recently had the grafts put in instead bc the repairs didn't last.

submitted 3/19/15 12:09pm from Pennsylvania

I am happy I found your blog today. I have been through an FAI surgery - almost three years ago. I was 49. The doc took pictures of my hip while he was in there. It was so bad that my own Orthopedic replaced that hip 2 months later. Here it is almost 3 years later and now my right hip has been bothering me. Did the Xray, MRI, steroid shot. Don't have to do therapy due to my past. Meet with the surgeon in a couple of weeks. After the first one went I knew I needed to lose weight because I knew the right one would eventually go. So after I healed from that surgery I started hitting the gym every day. I think I pushed myself into this tear. Although I am grateful that I am in better shape to handle this surgery. Reading your blog has brought back all I will have to contend with again. Especially the part of not being able to do anything. That too will drive me crazy. Especially having three kids and not being able to help out around here. I am already missing the gym. Although I do go to work my arms. Cheat and do some leg work. Hasn't caught yet. You are also right about the bending. I noticed that last time. I am noticing it now too. I feel like somebody upstairs is playing with me and making me drop everything. Frustrating. You also mentioned the pain you feel with a FAI. I too believe that unless you have or had one - you don't understand what it feels like. I have the groin pain, the outside of the hip hurts and the middle of the butt cheek. When that piece catches - look out. You have to love when the doctor's manipulate you. Ouch. I appreciate all the time you took to make this blog. It has a lot of information in it. A lot I can check back to and see where I fall in reference to your recovery. Thanks so much and hoping you are doing well.

submitted 3/14/15 1:45pm from Netherlands, Laren

Post op 3 days now. Labrum was teared apart, surgeon had to remove a piece of the labrum. Cam & pincer excessive bone is removed to the correct form to make sure there is no more impingement, a small loose piece of cartilidge is removed. No serious cartilidge damage so that is a good thing. I havent experienced any more pain then max 3 out of 10. Able to bike on the hometrainer for at least 10minutes without any pain at all now. Feeling better everyday and feel like recovering way faster than expected. I am having more pain in my left hip now wich has the same problem... So trying to plan the surgery for my left hip asap now.
This is a great website wich gives personal information and shares true experiences instead of the hospital or clinical websites that pop up if you google on hip FAI. Great initiave, thnx!

submitted 2/21/15 2:48pm from Rochester, NY

Has anyone ever had the surgery performed by Dr. Brian Giordano in Rochester, NY? He is a hip arthroscopist affiliated with URMC. I'm interested in his outcomes. Thanks.

submitted 2/6/15 6:08pm from Alaska

Hello Everyone. I am searching high and low for information/help with impingement/labral tear hip surgery. I had the procedure done in 2010. Long story short. When I was younger I would always notice pain in my hip which always felt like it was locking. I would try to stand and I normally would have to take time to move because it would be so painful.I started running maybe 3x a week and increased it to 5x a week. I have probably been running for about 15 years off and on. But before the surgery I was going to appointment after appointment, MRI's and was told over and over we cannot find nothing wrong with you. I finally had a melt down and said If you think I am here for your pain pills I am NOT. I am not asking for anything but a answer. I said I know my body and something is wrong and if you cannot help me find that answer then you send me to someone who can give me that answer. Was referred else where and with in that weekend I was in surgery for an impingement and labral tear. I also had some bone spurs inside my hip joint.I will honestly say some relief. Not as much pain. The same sharp feeling was there off and on but not as intense. But it was still there. I feel like it is still catching and now 5 years later. I feel I am back to the same place. Like there is a spur again. My Dr's last thoughts were the next step is a hip replacement. But He suggested I wait a while until I am older. I asked if it was normal to have to go back in again after a surgery. He said it was rare but it can happen. For the record....I feel like when I go see a Dr. and i explain my situation once again I feel like everything gets turned around and then I start to feel like I have to second guess the whole thing. If that even makes any sense. And I just want to say...I "really" do have pain. And it "really" feels like a bone spur or it feels like something is catching. So the question(s) is....can a tear happen again? can i get another bone spur in my hip? and if this happens again what is the next step? And here I go once again, second guessing because I feel like I have to even question not only within myself but the Dr. to just "look" to see if this can happen again? and if so. then what? Thanks for listening. I don't feel so alone with this frustration. If any of You have had to go thru this and had to do it again would help ease my frustration and mind:)

submitted 1/26/15 6:37pm from Austin, Texas

I was given a wrong diagnosis and had what was supposed to be a shaving off a bit of a herniated disc L2. Unable to walk at my 2nd week the surgeon had me given a Myelogram. I had those test results sent to a top Ortho specialist and he told me to come in immediately. I was scheduled the following morning,
it seems the original surgeon totally removed the facet joint and my discs had collapsed. So now my 2nd surgeon had to build and implant a titanium cage around L-2 and L3 . first bad surgery Dec.15, 2012,
emergency surgery 01/07/2013...2 weeks after that surgery I had incrediable pain and another Catscan which should that the "spacers" had come out and were against the nerv. So 3rd surgery opened back up, cage removed, spacers hammered back in and cage reassembled. I was in intensive care for 4 days because my body had not had enough time in between surgeries to remake blood I had lost and they could not get my blood pressure above 76.
I in March 2014 was told my diagnosis should never had been the L2 it should have been my left SI Joint. I had that surgery April 17, 2014 and had to pay 33,000 cash upfront because Aetnea would not cover. I have since 2012 done Everything from PT (even purchasing the same piece of equipment i used at PT, accupuncture, meditation. MY pain stays on a good day around a 4-5 Bad day 8 and I wish someone would just put me out of my misery. I have had a twin bed in my office since 2012 after Original surgery. I work and have since beginning because I do not have a no choice ...2 weeks ago my PT person was manipialting my left hip diferently on this day; within 2 days I could not get out of bed, I could not raise my pelvis...My concern was that the SI titanium implant had come apart.
After a MRI on Lumbar and a Catscan with Contrast, my surgeon called and said he was having me see his associate Dr. Heindrich (specializes in the HIP and Knee) because the scans show a large tear and fluid of the left Labrum that is all he would say.
I am devistated. He cannot see me until 02/05/15 and my pain is off the charts.
I was a very active person, work travel 2x a year and fun travel at least 4, my grandkidds were at my home all the time. Not after 2012, besides work, I am home ridden horizontal on coach or bed, my life as it was is over. I cannot fathom a 5th surgery when I have not even been able to recover from the 1st one. I am trying not to get ahead of myself until I see the doctor, but what you said about noone being able to understand what pain really feels like, along with not sleeping for over 2 years, that in itself takes a toll on your body, mind and soul. sorry to ramble, yours is just the first thing on web that states it like it is. thank you

submitted 1/24/15 11:19am from Ohio

This was extremely helpful to me. Thank you so much for sharing. Has anyone ever seen a tie with FAI in the hips & a similar condition in the shoulders? I have been diagnosed with FAI in both hips & plan to have surgery. I also have similar pain in my shoulders. Just wondering if that type of deformity could also be in the shoulder areas?

submitted 1/23/15 2:40pm from tennessee

I don't think I have fai but was glad I stumbled onto this sight. holly comment 196? I ,as a veteran only have health care thru the veterans administration. I was glad to see your reference about Dr. Thomas Byrd. since the V.A. does not do arthroscopic surgery on labral tears of the hip(which I have) I will be requesting that they send me to him. I am a 53 year old female who is so active that for the last 9months of trying to get care and find competent doctors I've been forced to sit and basically freak out about getting more crippled everyday or falling again from this issue. I hope he is as good as I have heard while researching methods. I live by myself in the middle of the woods in a basement walk up home I'm still finishing out. if approved by them(V.A.)I feel better knowing someone else close around me used him. as the initial person that wrote this about his experience and surgery recovery I will work like crazy to get back to what I love being active, building things and hiking again in my woods. this has been the most detailed and inspiring site I've found. best wishes to all who posted here for continued physical wellbeing . it has given me hope that no others have. sincerely :)

submitted 1/15/15 7:58pm from Ohio

@ #240:KLEIGH
My daughter, now 18, was a 8 year gymnast & softball player (pitcher) who also witnessed knee and back issues - mainly from gymnastics (year long activities). Knee surgery at 13 yrs old, back issue (bulging disc) at 14 yrs old - put her out of the gymnastics. Then at 17, hip FAI appeared; never had hip issues prior. I think they are inter-related given her sports of focus and activity level of the sports. Today, (9 months post op) she works out consistently, but mild hip pain comes and goes, but she is in a much better place than prior surgery! Can't run like she used to, but she keeps trying :) Hope this helps.

submitted 1/12/15 9:03am from Virginia

I am a 23 year old active (formerly very active) female who has been diagnosed with FAI. Did anyone present with anterior knee pain in addition to lumbar pain? My lumbar pain is chronic, but I have also had problems with both knees (and had surgery on both knees) since being a collegiate athlete. I THINK that my knee pain is a direct result from my hip issues, but I can't seem to find anyone who has similar problems. Thoughts?

submitted 1/9/15 2:47pm from Philadelphia suburbs

Yesterday I met with an orthopedist from the Rothman Institute- same doctor I saw in the fall of 2013, who diagnosed a tear in my left labrum due to excess bone in the femur. I knew that I would need to fix my hip eventually, but at the time I had only intermittent pain. About a month ago the pain started really intensifying so I went back to the same doctor. Because he does not actually perform the FAI procedure himself he referred my to his colleague- Dr. Parvisi. I am scheduled to see him in 2 weeks. Coming across your blog, I've now read it entirely- through both hip procedures, I feel a sense of relief. Not only are you specific about your recovery, you had the same doctor I will have. The big difference is that I am a 46 year old mom with 2 teens still at home. Fortunately, my husband works from home so I will have someone with me at all times through the initial recovery and rehab. My question, if you have time to answer, is related to the "rest of your life." Did you find that you had to limit or completely remove yourself from the rest of your activities during your early weeks of recovery? In my case I am concerned about how to manage the activities I normally take care of as it relates to my kids and home. Did you find that you were on mostly bed rest initially and, if so, how long? At what point did you feel you could maneuver stairs? I so appreciated some of your tips about the shower chair, getting into a car... I am trying my best to plan out as much as I can and I thank you for all the details you provided. It is such a help as I take these next couple weeks to get as much as I can ready for my surgery.

submitted 12/29/14 11:57am from utah

I had my right hip done four years. I can tell you when a storm is coming.

submitted 12/3/14 3:58pm from Dayton, Ohio

I am so glad I came across this blog.
I am 17 and have my FAI surgery in january for my right hip. *2 days after my 18th birthday, welcome to adulthood?!

My pain started about 6 years ago and I was just diagnosed with FAI about 2 months ago. For the longest time doctors just kept telling me to ignore the pain and keep playing soccer, so I did.
Well, it turns out when I was younger my pain started as me repeatedly pulling my right hip-flexer and sometime within the last 2 years part of my growth plate was broken off because of the repeated injuries. Now there is a piece of bone about 1 cm in my hip causing trouble.

The doctor will be removing that piece of bone, repairing my labrum and removing the calcification around it, cleaning out the joint, and removing multiple bone spurs.

I am quite nervous for surgery because he doesn't quite know the extent of all the damage within my hip. So it's hard for me to tell how long I will be using crutches (I go to a very populated school and its hard enough getting to class/up and down the stairs).

The doctor also told me that my femur is rotated outward too much. I'm not quite sure what caused this to happen, I don't know whether this caused the FAI or the FAI caused this. I will ask at my pre-op app at the end of the month.
But, In order to fix it they have to break my femur and fix the rotation by putting in a medal rod through my femur and screws.
This surgery is scheduled about 2 months after my FAI surgery. (I feel like this will be comparable to climbing up a tall tree and falling off 3/4 of the way up and having to start all over again)

I have FAI in my left hip too, *I am concerned how my left hip will feel while I am relying on it more (post right hip surgeries). I will probably have to have my left hip corrected while I am in college or after I am out.

**I am going to school for physical therapy.. how ironic.. haha
--also, does anyone else have a problem with their feet falling asleep? this tends to happen to me when I have my legs a certain way (...I guess it could be because of the femur being rotated too far)

I decided to share a little bit about my story because I just came across this blog and I have never met or talked to anyone else who has/had FAI or hip issues in general and I am quite nervous for the surgeries and afterwords.

THANK YOU!!!

submitted 12/3/14 12:49pm from New Jersey

Well...you stated in one of your posts "◦One year after surgery I am feeling great. When our atmosphere outside is unstable (thunderstorms, changing air masses), I sometimes feel my original lower back pain at a low level temporarily." I dont know if you remember me, but I did contact you a few times to ask you some questions before my surgery in 2011. I was 52 then, will now be 56 and 4 years post-op. I dont know how true this may be but, I have chronic tendonsis in my upper hamstring tendon and glute where the tendon attaches. I contribute this to the traction of the surgery and being older, and having probably tendinitis there before the surgery, thus making it worse. I totally agree with you as far as the weather. Last year's winter was the worst for me. I had pain in the lower back, glute, outside of the hip, hamstring origin and was totally bummed out. I felt relatively good in the spring, summer, and fall, and only moderately uncomfortable on days of rain. This week so far, with the temperatures dropping and rain, I feel like crap, and almost feel as if I have sicata, but I know that is not the case. Would I have had the surgery now knowing what I know? Hard to say...the pain I still have is very similar to the one I had before the surgery, especially on bad weather days. I believe I had more of the tendinosis pain than labral tear pain but, the MRI showed the tear and even when sitting I had pain. So perhaps it was contributing to a degree. With tendinosis, there is nothing you can really do, its a chronic tendon issue, no inflamation. I have to be very careful when I try to work out so as not to do anything to angry the tendons...very difficult to do. I look at it this way, the tear was there, and maybe by the grace of God I stopped the tear from getting worse and damaging my cartilage. Only time will tell, and by then, hopefully they will no longer have hip replacement surgeries but stemm cells to regenerate the joint. Take care and keep fighting...that is all that is left to do.

submitted 11/23/14 3:50pm from Alberta

Well I had my surgery! Everyone kept telling me it will be worth it. Unfortunately after surgery my doctor told me once inside they discovered i have very bad arthritis and he said I will need a hip replacement. Great. Feeling really defeated and depressed. I am in extreme pain, can't barely move on my own but I know in time it will get better. I had one of the best doctors in Canada so I know I will be ok just need time to move faster.
You definitely need someone to help you 24 hours a day for awhile. A raised toilet seat is another must lol! On morphine but only taking half the recommended dose but need it every 4 hours or extreme pain creeps in. I can't imagine only taking an Advil! Maybe I'm whimpier than most?! Hopefully this surgery will last me a few years before I need hip replacement. I do have a question. I am worried about how to sit and lie down. I'm scared my hip will not heal straight. When I do stand it feels like I can't keep my leg in proper position under me. If that makes sense. I have been propping it up from under butt down to ankle when sitting and laying down

submitted 11/20/14 5:47pm from Broomfield, CO

Thank you SO MUCH for this website / diary. I'm about to go through this surgery and just reading all of this is giving my mind some comfort. I wish I had the patience to document my experience like this!

I do live alone 1/2 time and I'm wondering if I should move in with friends or not (or have my 16 yr old daughter help me full time - might be good for her! :) )

submitted 11/18/14 5:36pm from Tennessee

Do any of you have any advice for someone facing surgery? I'm excited, nervous and slightly afraid to be facing this surgery. From so many websites I've read that my surgeon Dr. Byrd in Nashville is like a rock star in the FAI community. That really eases some of my worries, but I am still a little anxious. Is the Game Ready worthwhile?

Thanks so much!

submitted 11/17/14 6:38pm from Fredericton

Heather,

I am 13 days post op; I did not require a single narcotic after the procedure and only required ibprofen for 1 day. I know this differs from person to person, but I at least believe my experience shows not every FAI repair is debilitating. I am required to wear a Breg brace and use crutches for 6 weeks, but I am fully weight bearing and am already getting slightly bored of the crutches. To start I gave been given 6 weeks from work - and I don't anticipate I'll need any more than this. Moreover, your experience will be unique to yourself , but I would offer that there is nothing to fear with this procedure for whatever inconvenience a person may experience on an ephemeral basis post op - it far outweighs the implications of not addressing our hip issues. Should you want anymore specifics on the procedure and process at the hospital let me know (jeff_manley@hotmail.com ) best of luck!

submitted 11/17/14 5:58pm from Alberta Canada

I am having my surgery in two days and completing freaking out. Mostly from fear of the unknown. I am allergic to narcotics so I am fearful what they will give me for pain. Thankfully in Canada our healthcare is free so I do not have to pay for anything! I am worried about how much time I will need off from work. I was told 3-4 months? I was also told no weight on leg for 6 weeks but it seems you were given other advice. Very nervous for Wednesday to come....

submitted 11/14/14 8:56pm from Tennessee

You are such a trooper! I am having FAI surgery on December 1st. Your blog has been so helpful in answering a lot of questions I have. When I explain to people what I'm having done, they look at me with big sad puppy dog eyes and tell me that they are sorry. I am excited to have surgery! I'm 32 years old with two kids. The constant hip/lower back pain I've been feeling for the last few years kills my ability to get down and play with my kids like I want to. It has robbed me of functioning normally. I teared up a few times reading your blog. I'm so sorry that you went through that twice! I hope you are feeling better now and thank you so much for putting this information out there and sharing it with us newbies who are facing a similar diagnosis and surgery.

submitted 11/9/14 7:30pm from Nebraska

5 days out of left hip fia, went to the gym for upper body today, taking tylonal 3xs a day,
On crutches on doctors orders to grow cartridge with a pain level of 3-4, can't wait for PT!
My pain level was 5-7 before, so I'm excited to see what's coming.
Highly recommend if you have a qualified Doc,,mine was Dr Burt, omaha Ne,
So far the worst part was coming out of anthesia from surgery.
I'm a 54 old male very active/fit, tri-athlete.
Any questions eme @ tknightbiz@gmail.com

submitted 11/9/14 7:53am from Massachusetts

Thank you very much for putting together this very detailed and informative blog..! This clearly answers the questions everyone should have about taking on something like this, not as trivial as the doctors may make it sound. So we can understand that a lot of planning, finance and lifestyle adjusting is necessary. God bless and may your FAI be better soon.

submitted 10/29/14 4:37pm from

Did you go to Dr. White-I see you are in denver.....I too am processing the news of needing a surgery and wondering if my other hip has a tear-Im wondering why so many of us have tears bilaterally????

submitted 10/29/14 3:21pm from Denver, CO

Thank you for sharing this information. I just found out that I have FAI in both hips after getting an MRI for a tear in my right hip. I really appreciate the time you took to compile this data and your willingness to share it with others like me. I'm still processing the news that I potentially need two procedures. With a baby on the way in 6 weeks, I have much to consider. This site has helped me tremendously.

Thanks again.

submitted 10/27/14 6:41pm from jeff

totally makes sense....it is interesting as they really dont know what the outcomes of not having the surgery will be as I cant find any longterm studies...but you are right Ive kind backed off of everything to persevere my hip over the past 2 yrs..then with this recent flair up-the pain was unbearable-now ironically it has subsided to about a 2/10-so I was in yoga today thinking-do you get this surgery if you are limited and have to modify your life or do you get it when you are in pain-ugh-I spoke to a guy who had it done bilaterally (by Dr Sampson) and could not be happier-he says his days of marathon running are over, but can do 10K etc-so tricky-me Im scared Ill have the surgery and Ill have more pain or wont be able to walk normally-crazy no-I think Im the only one who thinks these things about the surgery! crazy me yes Id love the PT protocol....

submitted 10/27/14 3:28pm from Fredericton Canada

#223:EHHTE

DR Ivan Wong will be performing the surgery out of the QEII, he is considered a leader in hip arthroscopy in Eastern Canada.I consider myself fortunate to be able to have the procedure performed by him. Incidentally, the PT protocol was developed by Dr Wong and a team of physio therapists and bracing specialists that work in tandem. He is progressive enough to realize this is a holistic process in which the post op activities are as important as the actual procedure itself (i could email a copy if you're curious)

To answer your question on why...you're certainly correct that I would love to run and compete again. In honesty, I find all the activities that I listed abhorrent and only do them to stay in decent shape for work (military officer). But that's not the only reason. As Allen pointed out when he was considering surgery "Get busy living or get busy dying." I'm not going to spend the rest of my adult life wondering what kind of life I might have had if I only had went through with surgery. I'm also recently a father, and do not want to be a Dad who cant ski, play catch, or hike with his boy because of a bum hip. Finally, a tear doesn't heal itself, it gets worse. So invariably, this will likely become arthritic leading to the requirement for a replacement...probably something anyone should want to avoid.

So that's where I am at headed into surgery. In honesty, I've never "not considered" doing it and never looked at it as a choice per se, only as a second chance at a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Hope that helps

submitted 10/26/14 3:27pm from

Jeff-I was wondering if you are doing activities that you enjoy without pain why have you decided to get surgery? so you can run? just curious.....also I hear having game ready ice machine is imperative...just curious who is doing your surgery? I have been reaching a ton and wondering if you will be adhering to Dr. Sampson out in San Fran protocol or Dr Fillippon Vail, CO-they are so incredibly different for the same surgery makes me nervous-or are you doing a completly different protocol-check out blog GOODNIGHT NOBODY-she has been through the surgery and makes a list of things "to do" as to not make the same mistakes.....I am recommended for the surgery and just panicked about recovery and outcomes.....

submitted 10/26/14 9:03am from Fredericton Canada

Allen, all -

Great blog, I'm a huge fan. You're truly an inspiration to those out there dealing with these issues and who suffer from a lack of information about what to expect, and even better, how to keep things in perspective.

I go in for surgery for combined CAM and Pincer FAI on 5 November in Halifax Nova Scotia. In 2010, I was a 1:11 half marathoner and a 31-32 minute 10km guy (on a good day). Six mis-diagnosis later its been about 3 1/2 years since I have ran. Luckily and thankfully, I can do just about everything else - elliptical, swimming, biking, weight lifting (non-impact) with very little discomfort whatsoever. After looking at the MRI report, and considering I am still pretty active now, I am cautiously optimistic that with the proper PT approach I can re gain my former functionality

I have two immediate concerns for anyone who might want to offer insight. The first is preparing my house and family. I have raised toilet seats, grabber tools, shower chair, bed pans, cyro unit machine, hip brace, compression socks, stool softener, shower tools (i.e. rag on a stick) a stand up exercise bike and plenty of loose clothing. Is there anything else I need to be considering?

my other concern is post op, which is the larger worry. I realize I get one good chance at healing and do not want to blow this - so to speak. I've been read the riot act by the surgeon and PT, but if anyone can offer major things and considerations to avoid, or conversely, strategies and ideas which have facilitated recovery - this would mean a lot.

I'll probably look for moral support in the coming months because knowing myself, I'm pretty certain I will panic, fret and bemoan about any twinge of pain, any perceived setback or any residual discomfort. I predict that in those moments the support of people who have faced this thing and come out on top will be very important for my morale (maybe my sanity too :))

All the best, I look forward to any comments on my above questions

Jeff

submitted 10/24/14 7:59am from England

Firstly well done on writing such a detailed blog on this particular surgery. I am 29 years old and have had both of my hips operated on. I had FAI on both sides, labral tears (quite severe in the left)and cysts in my right.
I was unfortunately misdiagnosed with bursitis back in may 2013 which left me walking around for a year with a pretty detrimental problem in both hips. Thank god I met my surgeon at the beginning of the year who diagnosed me very quickly after MRI and CT.
I am now 10 days post right hip op, I had the left one done in May and I'm doing well. I was in so much pain before, and trust me i know what pain is, i've had a baby with no pain relief. I could hardly walk for around a year, i couldn't sleep, I was manically depressed and to be honest was ready to give up. I'm now excited for what life has to bring and out of pain (except post op discomfort) for the first time in around 4 years. Good luck to all of you that are awaiting surgery or those who are recovering, I couldn't recommend having this surgery enough, it's changed my life and I will never regret it. :)

submitted 10/20/14 8:31pm from denver

So this blog is great and so awesome for you to have tracked everything for all of us....my questions are----is the the new surgery that everyone is signing up for? I have a physical therapist say this when I told her two years ago I was diagnosed with and recommended for surgery....I feel like your recovery was pretty linear-do you think this is because PT is more fine tuned in terms of outcomes...Im feeling in 2009/2010 people were less happy with the results as compared to current outcomes....also do I read less haapyness of outcomes online because the happy outcomes dont post..then I looked at DR Hymans blod-out of Atlanta-and he has whole section of his blog for "reasons people still have pain after hip surgery" it is very nerve racking...just though I would pick your brian as you have been through 2 of these...ideas/insights/

submitted 10/15/14 7:58pm from Raleigh, NC

Thanks for your detailed recovery blog! This answered a number of questions I had. I have a labral repair on Oct. 22, next week and was having problems figuring out what to expect.

submitted 10/14/14 10:03am from

Hi all,

So glad I stumbled across this blog--what a great resource!

I had two surgeries on my left hip when I was 15: the first in May 2007 to repair a labral tear (before the cam impingement was diagnosed), and then cam impingement surgery in Jan 2008. It took over a year for the doctors to find the impingement hence the double surgery; the first surgery was painless but didn't achieve anything in terms of pain relief/increased ROM. I was in the hospital for one night after the cam impingement surgery and out of school for a week I think. I remember my hip being super stiff and hard to move the first couple days post surgery but it wasn't intense pain. I think the first night was the worst.

I rode horses competitively both before and after surgery. I think it took me maybe 8 weeks to get back on a horse and I can't imagine I used crutches for more than a month, if that. The surgery definitely gave me a greater range of motion and the pain decreased in frequency; I've been able to do just about anything I wanted to athletically including a half marathon, sprint triathlon, and I rode on my college Equestrian team. With that being said, there is still limited ROM and has been mild pain/stiffness off and on over the last 7 years.

I recently started Crossfit a couple of months ago which is where my question comes in: has anyone been able to achieve full ROM in terms of squatting below parallel? It's getting better and I can get close to parallel on a good day but it's a constant struggle. My limited ROM also shows up on the erg--I can't keep my left heel down when I close my hip angle--and doing burpees--again, I don't have the ROM to jump that leg forward because of the closed hip angle it requires. Just curious if anyone has had a similar experience and/or if there is hope for eventual full ROM if I keep working on it.

Thank you!

P.S. I would definitely recommend the surgery. As others have said, it's not a cure all but for me anyway, it was much better than the alternative of doing nothing. Before surgery, I couldn't lift my leg above a 90 degree angle, and actually had negative internal rotation; both have increased greatly despite not being 100% normal. Good luck!

submitted 10/12/14 8:26pm from Portland OR

Thanks for this site! It is very helpful for all us in the trenches. I had labral repair surgery and had bone removed for both CAM and PINCER FAI. It's been a month and I feel much better than before surgery but know there's along road ahead. I have one question I have not seen addressed. If people are willing to share--how much did your surgery cost? I just got a bill for $30,000!!! Is this typical? Still negotiating with insurance...

submitted 10/9/14 7:58pm from Austin, Tx

Hi, I'm so glad I found your blog. I had surgery in 2007 to repair a labral tear. I was also diagnosed with FAI at that time. My surgeon was not confident enough to do the FAI surgery and after the research I did I was kind of afraid to do it so I just put it out of my mind. I was pain free for a couple of years but my FAI started causing me some pain here and there (nothing to make me go to the doctor at that time). My hip (same hip) just recently started bothering me again, so much so that it was too painful to walk so I revisited an orthopedic surgeon. I found one who will do the FAI surgery...YAY!!! This surgery has come a long way since I researched it in 2007. Anyway, I really want to have this FAI surgery. My doc says I have a significant amount of arthritis in that hip as well and when he goes in to operate, if he notices cartilige damage then he will also do micro fracture surgery on my hip. That is a lengthier recovery but if it "saves" my hip then I can handle a longer recovery. Has anyone you know of had micro fracture surgery?

submitted 10/5/14 6:40am from Italy

Thank you for your words and your meticulous work.
I'm on my... 12... 14th week...
Having undergone interventions in the back in the past, I'm trying to assess the actual situation ... it was comforting to read about your experience ...
Do you know the case of someone who has undergone surgery for impingement after interventions in the back?

submitted 10/2/14 7:19pm from Seattle

Hello, thanks for the site! I'm a 33 year-old tap dancer and stand-up paddleboarder. I have FAI and labral tears in both hips. Right was diagnosed in 2010 the left in 2012. I've been putting off the surgery because while I had to give up running, I'm still able to dance. I've done cortisone shots and NSAIDs until my stomach said no more. I'm not in horrible pain but the ache never goes away and it's shortened my stride. Recently I had a day where my right hip and lower back on that side locked up so badly I couldn't get out of bed. My sports doc referred me to a surgeon who I will see on the 13th for a consult. But here is my question, do you really think it's worth it? I think most days my pain is at a 3 so it's not bad. The long recovery has me worried, as does the fear that I will end up worse off than I am now. I can still get around but more damage in the long run is what makes me think perhaps I should just bite the bullet and do it. I'm also concerned about how much work I would have to miss, as we're not really set up to work from home at my company. Also, if there is anyone here in Seattle who has had the surgery I'd love to hear about it. The names I was given bring up mixed reviews online. Thank you!

submitted 9/24/14 1:09am from Atlanta GA

Stacie..I had FAI surgery in 2011 by Dr Scott Barbour. He did a fabulous job. His office is in Decatur (University Orthopedic's)

submitted 9/16/14 12:41pm from Boston, MA

I am 24 and have been diagnosed with cam hip impingement and labral tear on my left side (along with a compression stress fracture in my femur...they have no idea how I managed both of those at the same time). I am a huge athlete so this has been a major hit for me as I haven't been able to do anything but swim since July. I have heard a lot about the surgery and feel as if it might be the best way for me to go but my current doc wants to take a conservative approach...has that really ever worked for anyone in the long term or has it always just resulted in delayed surgery? Being so young I am hoping for many more active years and don't want to keep wasting time with this.

submitted 9/15/14 2:47pm from Athen, Ga

Christine from Athens, I am in desperate need of surgeon and am hitting all walls. May I ask who you had seen? Thanks!

submitted 9/15/14 12:07pm from uk

Hiya,

Thank you so much for this. Would there be any chance we could have a short conversation on the phone. I have been told need surgery on both hips. If so pls let me know.

Many thanks

submitted 9/4/14 10:22pm from Alton, IA

I am heading into my 2nd FAI surgery next month. I'm sorry you had to do it twice also but glad to see I'm not alone. Any advice on handling it the 2nd time around? I am 36 and have 2 very active kids ages 4 & 6. I'm not a big fan of sitting still and hate pretending I'm old (my surgeon advised acting like I'm 60!). How do you handle dealing with being an active person with such limitations that this injury can create? Thanks for all the helpful, detailed information you have provided on your site.

submitted 9/2/14 9:55pm from Texas

I just found your blog. I had my FAI surgery 6 days ago. About two years ago, I'm 45. I started getting hip pain about two years ago while I was on the elliptical machine. Then I started to get pain when I was running. Then I started getting pain on long walks. I realized there was a problem and the MR showed a 15mm labram tear. I found someone who has done many of the procedures; it was a large help as well that my then girlfriend was a plastic surgeon. She did much of the research for me - what exactly is the issue and who is the best at doing this. The month before the surgery was scheduled I had no pain, of course I was not running, nor going on long walks. Other than the immediate pain in post-op I've had no pain. I'm still on crutches for another week. For me a win will be the ability to use my legs for cardio exercise and the ability for long pain free walks. A big win would the return to snowboarding without pain. Great blog.

submitted 9/1/14 2:34pm from East bay

I have to admit I was dreading the surgery after reading this blog, but three days post op and I can walk unassisted (I'm really trying not to, just in case) and I never had any issues sleeping on my side after the first night.

I have no pain, great ROM and I've been to the gym twice (upper body only) with no problems

I can't see me taking more than 2 weeks off work at most. I honestly feel like I could go back tomorrow but don't feel like the commute would be great right now.

It's amazing how different peoples experiences with this are. I had cam pincer and a shredded labrum which the doc had to trim back

My doc was William workman , in Oakland , team surgeon for the A's and apparently a lot better at this than most surgeons!

submitted 8/29/14 12:09am from Redwood city ca

First off thank you for taking the time to make such an informative blog. I read (several times) your first blog your wrote in 2010 and it helped me so much. Unlike yourself I knew what was exactly was wrong with me when I started to feel this pain way before I stumbled upon your blog. I have a good deal of medical experience (not a doctor) and I basically digonosed myself. Sadly it still took 9 months for a doctor to confirm what I knew was wrong with me.

I myself also have this genetic problem but it is was not the main cause of injury. Due to my high level of activity in the Marines I sped the process up quite quickly, yet it wasn't till I went to Iraq and was hit by a few roadside bombs that this tear occurred. I was in Iraq in 2005 as an infantry squad leader and the majority of our job was mobile assault so we took to the open roads and the uneven desert for months. My doctor believes since my impingement wasn't so bad that it couldn't have caused the damage he saw in my MEIs. He said that more than likely the explosions tore my labrum which makes sense. I remember after getting out of the Marines in 2006 always having this nagging groin pain. It caused me to stop running and being active for nearly a decade.

Finally last October the pain became more than a nagging pain and I knew it right than what was wrong. Honestly my wife said that I had become a different man. Which is true, I was always unhappy and easily angered. Work was almost impossible since I do a lot of driving, the pain was terrible. It took me till December of 2013 to get to see a Dr at the VA because well there is only 1 doctor per about ever 35 patients.

After going through the whole diagnoses process MRI, a MRI arthrogram, X-rays they finally confirmed my thoughts. A nasty tear in my labrum, a bit of extra bone on my femur and my acentabulm was in pretty bad shape as well. They finally gave me an appointment with a orthopedic surgeon in May of 2014. He confirmed the diagnoses by having me do his ROM tests. Once I said I had no pain when they injected me for the MRI arthrogram he said you need surgery. It was about that time I found your blog.

I was quite worried after reading everything you went through. I figured I'd be on my back for months which wasn't something I was looking forward too. Regardless I decided to go ahead with the surgery. I wanted to be fixed so I can enjoy the mountains again.

My doctor was a great guy named Dr. Abrams who worked for the VA Palo Alto and Stanford hospital in redwood city. I was really happy (even though dr Abrams is only a few years older than myself) to have a Stanford trained and employed doctor who was going to work on me. I went in and had my surgery July 28th just about a month ago.

I feel great! He fixed me up really good. He fixed my labrum and acentablum and while he was in there microfactured my femur cause it had just ever so little extra bone. I was off pain killers the evening after the surgery and was getting around pretty well. That might not be true for everyone but my pain was almost always a 5-9 with flares up to 1000000 (haha that's what it felt like to me). With in a week in a half I was able to walk around the house but had to remain on crutches for 3 weeks because if the microfracture. Here I am one month out and walk unassisted fine with almost no pain. It does flare up if I do to much but that's to be expected. Right now as I type this on my iPad I have zero pain. Amazing! I think my recovery has been so much faster because of the many many many hours I put in on the CPM machine I'm talking 8 hours a day for 3 weeks.

I can not wait till I am cleared to run and hike again. Sadly like yourself this procedure will in the future need to be done on my left hip. I had never noticed the pain in my left hip because I was in so much pain because of my right hip. Now I feel it clear as day but it's not that bad. It feels like what my right hip felt like after I got out of the Marines. So hopefully soon I can get this done before it turns into a bigger problem.

For anyone who is thinking about getting this procedure done I would highly recommend it as of right now. A few things that you may want to consider. Surgery should be the last option you use. Unlike myself you can probably shop around for a doctor so do your research. I had to use the VA because I couldn't afford it any other way (free for me threw the VA so thank you for that my fellow tax payers) so I got stuck with whom they had that could do the surgery. Luckily for me I live near one if the best hospitals in the world and go to a VA next to that same awesome hospital. Even so I still had 3 more doctors for various other hospitals who specialize In this procedure review my file. This procedure is getting better and better with every year that passes. Basically do your research, try physical therapy (it probably won't work), and get a great Dr who has been doing this for quite some time and his previous patients have had good results. Everyone is also different. Just because I was back in the saddle within 3 weeks doesn't mean you will be. Be patient the results will come.

Truly the worst part of my whole experience was sitting around doing nothing for 3 weeks.

Thanks so much for this blog boss, it was so very informative and helped ease my mind.

submitted 8/22/14 10:25pm from Reno, Nevada

To Chickweed,

I will contact you this weekend! Sorry to hear you had toe surgery.

submitted 8/21/14 8:39pm from Utah

Hi Lucy,

Sorry I've been MIA. Just had big toe surgery to remove a bone spur. You can contact me at: support76@southpawpress.com.

submitted 8/12/14 10:18pm from Reno

To KS,

My recommendation to you is to get a 2nd opinion before you decide on anything. Maybe even a 3rd opinion. And check out your surgeon. I am 4 months postop FAI surgery for a combined cam/pincer impingement with a femoral cyst under the cam bump and only now can I say I am happy I had this surgery. I am not 100% but I feel better than I did 16 months ago. Good luck!

submitted 8/11/14 11:14pm from India

I have been recently diagnosed with CAM impingement and cystic lesion formation in femur bone. It all started with pain near pelvis area in left leg. I feel this pain only when i sit on floor or try to tie my shoe lace or while stretching muscles before workout. Also i get this pain while i drive my car. I'm worried about this condition since my doctor suggests to get surgery done to prevent hip arthritis in future.

I'm 36 years now and have active life. i regularly run on treadmill and workout very often.

Is there any non surgical treatment for curing this condition? or shall i go head and get this operated?

Can i be able to lead an active life after this surgery or it will have any impact on my hip?

These thoughts are tormenting me. kindly request you to post your views and help me in overcoming this situation..

submitted 7/24/14 11:50pm from Reno, Nevada

I am now 14 weeks post op FAI for a combined cam/pincer impingement on my left hip. My labrum and cartilage were debrided due to my age and my cam was debrided as well as a cyst underneath. Chickweed, glad to see there is a fellow Nevadan following this blog. As I previously mentioned, I am an avid golfer, right handed which means (for those of you who do not golf) there is much pressure on the front of your hip at the end of your swing, i.e. my left hip. Just got cleared to gradually return to golf one week ago. I am being VERY conservative and hitting just a few balls every day, continuing my exercise routine (mostly stationary bike, some elliptical, CORE exercises, strengthening, stretching). At week 10 I felt great! I thought this is it...I am on my way to recovery. Then 2 days ago I woke up with the worse aching in my left glut. My surgeon told me I would have an up and down recovery and boy was he right! I am so glad to hear that others are going through this as well. I was told I would feel 80% at 6 months. Hope so! Hang in there everyone. It sounds like most rehabs are about the same. Trust your physical therapist. Let pain be your guide in your recovery, even if the protocol tells you to do something and it flares you up, stop doing that! I did. I am a physical therapist who recently retired and specialized in orthopedics. My PT and myself have learned a lot from my experience! Would love to hear from you Chickweed!

submitted 7/24/14 12:13am from Seattle,WA

Hi, posted day after my surgery on 6/13. I am now 6 weeks post op left hip (I had a cam-impingement, cyst removed, labrum was partial debrided because it was irreparable and split right down the middle, synovectomy) and doing very well. I'm a little disappointed in my post-op care. No physical therapy prescribed, just a few sheets with some exercises to do. I'm feeling good, more sore than painful at this point. I'm taking about 600mg ibuprofen once per day, usually in the evening before bedtime and icing when needed. I'm no longer walking with a limp, but sitting for long periods of time is still challenging. I have a desk job, and driving my car,(stick shift, surgery was on clutch side)causes pain after a lot of driving. Despite that, my pain and range of motion are much improved over where I was before this surgery. Having said that, I'm scheduled for FAI surgery on the right hip in about 6 weeks and I'm really thinking of postponing it. Per MRI I have a complex labral tear, however I'm completely asymptomatic, no pain at all. I worry about causing trouble where there isn't any at the moment.

submitted 7/22/14 8:11pm from Ohio

Daughter is now 3 months & 3 wks post op. Given the go ahead to run 3 wks ago, so far so good!! Pain free :)

submitted 7/20/14 10:26pm from Utah

Yours was the first personal log of FAI surgery I found on the net. And I've referred to it many times before and after surgery.

I had FAI surgery on my right hip in Las Vegas five months ago. I had cam/pincer impingement, significant labral tear and synovitis and two large cysts at 11 and 2 o'clock on the femur head. My surgeon trained with Dr. Phillipon in Aspen, Colorado.

I'm 61 and since I have minimal OA in the right hip joint, I opted for FAI instead of a total hip replacement, which I very much did not want. By all accounts, I had a quick and uneventful recovery. Did the continuous motion machine (CPM) for the first two weeks, a lot of stationary biking and finished PT in under four weeks. I've done yoga for 27 years and have taught for 15. I feel all those years of bending and stretching were a big help in recovery, and also may have contributed to the severity of my FAI.

Now I've found the side-to-side and twisting movements in yoga and aerobics aggravate the hip capsule, causing a recurrence of synovitis, which results in much pain and swelling. A recent MRI ruled out a new labral tear or stress fracture. I've also learned some surgeons advise against yoga (and running) after FAI surgery and having OA ups the risk for recurring synovitis.

While I value the progress I've made and feel fortunate to have had little hip pain since the surgery (except for this recent episode of synovitis), I am reminded my hip is still healing and accept these new limitations. I plan to return to stationary biking and try Pilates as an alternative to yoga.

I very much appreciate having this blog as a resource and hearing about others' experiences. Thank you, and Lucy if your still reading, please let me know by posting again.

submitted 7/19/14 7:54pm from Philly

Had my mini FAO surgery 7-7-14 with Dr. Parvizi. Woke with no pain. Went home with limited range of motion. Mild discomfort when moving. Almost two weeks post-op and still have not needed to take a pain pill. Range of motion is a little better every day. Down to using one crutch. Only because my husband insists. I am also unusually tired. Hopefully that gets better soon. Driving is not a problem. Getting in my Honda, Odyssey is a little tricky because I'm 5' 2 1/2". I do have to use my hands to lift my leg into my vehicle. When walking sometimes it feels like my hip catches. Not sure if that is normal post-op. So far so good I think. The staff at Bensalem Rothman are top notch.

submitted 7/16/14 11:53pm from

Hi all,

I'm a 21 year old female, 22 days post-op on a left hip scope done in Nashville, TN by Dr. Thomas Byrd. It's so heartening to hear the stories of others who have gone through this difficult procedure. It was difficult enough just to find a dr who could tell us why I was continuing to have pain in my joint. Before I was diagnosed with a labral
Tear back in 2010 (and told surgery was not a good option at the time and to basically kiss the sport I loved goodbye...), I began trying to limit my physical activity. As I had played competitive, division 1 year-round soccer throughout junior high and high school, this proved increasingly difficult, and it took a huge strain on my physical as well as emotional well-being. Finally, more than 3 years later we discovered dr Byrd, who was able to tell us I had both labral damage as well as FAI.... And upon going in for the surgery discovered severe hidden cartilage damage as well. I'm on crutches for the remainder of this week and am still in some pain, working twice a week with the physical therapist to gradually increase my range of motion. Hoping it will prove successful.....

submitted 7/15/14 9:40pm from Nevada

Thank you for doing this blog. I am 13 weeks postop for a combined cam and pincer FAI in my left hip. Unfortunately the surgeon found cartilage damage under the labral tear. He debrided both due to my age. I was 64 at the time of surgery and am now 65. He shaved the cam bump and found a cyst underneath which was also shaved. Due to my age the surgeon did not do a repair and due to the cyst I was on crutches for 3 weeks with very limited weight bearing. I asked if I should have a replacement due to my age and he felt that due to my active lifestyle and good joint space this surgery would be the best. At this point in my rehab I know if I needed this done in my right hip I would absolutely say no way. I gave up running about 15 years ago. Now I am an avid right handed golfer and I enjoy hiking and walking. I have not been cleared to golf. I can walk on level ground 30 minutes, not at a fast pace. Is there anyone out there who is about my age and had this done? I would like some moral support!

submitted 7/13/14 6:12pm from Kentucky

Thank you for writing this blog. It is very helpful! I had right labral tear surgery in April and now my left hip labram is frayed. More than likely I will have surgery in October. I am nervous about having both hips done especially while the other will be six months post op. My left hip flexors feel really tight and ache. Any thoughts on having both surgeries since you did? I feel like I just stay in constant pain. My obliques are always sore as well as my back. Thank you so much and good luck to you!!

submitted 6/29/14 8:31am from north wales, uk

i found your article after finding my own method of climbing up and down stairs by keeping my left leg straight and taking the weight with my good right leg. i am going to take time to read your diary. i have recently been diagnosed with FAI and am on waitlist for an appointment with a surgeon.

i think i will keep a diary too as it is so useful for other people who have been blown away with the pain, and the not knowing anything about what will happen following surgery.

thank you for your article.

submitted 6/28/14 1:07am from Nevada

I am almost four weeks post op and your blog has been very helpful. Also, reading other people's comments has somewhat alleviated some fears I have since I also have to have the other hip done. Thank you!

submitted 6/21/14 7:05pm from Allentown

Decisive- Agreed. My surgery was yesterday and I did not have a nerve block. I've only been taking half of my percocet 5-325 allowable dosage and I think I'm going to go off it tomorrow. I rode the exercise bike for 7 1/2 minutes and didn't even really feel any pain.

Good luck all.

submitted 6/21/14 1:53pm from NY

Travis, Good Luck on your surgery. I had surgery in January. Only took pain meds the first day, and I don't really think that I needed them, to be honest. Everyone is different, but I filled the prescriptions just in case. Just remember one thing, keep icing the hip, it kills the pain and really helps to elevate your leg.

submitted 6/18/14 5:56pm from Allentown

I'm 34 and having a right hip FAI/ labral tear surgery in 2 days on 6/20/14. Great blog and very motivating.

It appears that we are very alike. My surgeon is concerned with keeping me reigned in during recovery and not pushing too hard. I'd like to run another Tough Mudder in the Fall.

Thanks again for the blog.

Obliterate what makes us weak.

submitted 6/14/14 3:49pm from Seatle,WA

HI all. I've been following this blog for awhile, since I found out I needed to have this surgery done on both hips. Today I am just less than 24 hours out from my first surgery on my left hip. Much to my surprise I was bearing weight immediately after surgery, with the assistance of crutches. I had minimal pain due to an injection of a pain cocktail into my hip that will last a few days before as my surgeon says, "You'll really be feeling it." My restrictions include not bending, twisting, squatting, carrying more than 5 pounds of weight, however there are no restrictions on flexion, extension, or abduction of the hip. I had a total labral debridement as my labrum was so shredded there was nothing that could be done to save or repair it. I had bone spur shaved down (pincer impingement) and a large cyst removed. I have to admit that I'm feeling much better than I expected at this stage. I think a huge part of this is my surgeon is very proactive about pain control immediately after surgery. I have the numbness in my hip from the pain cocktail but I am rotating through oxycontin, ibuprofen, Tylenol, and vistaril (an antihistamine that works as a sedative and controls the horrible itching I get from the narcotics). I had my surgery done in Seattle, WA by Dr. James Bruckner. So far I am very pleased.

submitted 6/9/14 9:32pm from Wisconsin

I am amazed at the differences in what patients are allowed to do and not do after surgery. I am 5weeks out as of today and they still have not allowed me to put weight on my operative leg! I am so frustrated. I had fai, labral tear and they removed a spur as well. They told me 2weeks after surgery I would return to work. I am doing everything they want me to do and not do. I just can't believe this. I had a lot of pain for about 2 years before surgery and wondering if that had anything to do with it? I also feel that groin pain every now and then and freak out that I am not healing. Oh, they hadn't seen the labral tear in my MRI, so I suspect that changed my initial recovery time?

submitted 5/29/14 6:07pm from 'Merica

Surgery! June 23rd! Finally! Such a long wait to get to this point, almost 10 months of knowing and just waiting. I have some questions for anyone who has been through the surgery already. How painful is it post-op??? Do you think it would be possible for a person to get through the recovery w/o any pain medication other than OTC Tylenol and whatever anti-inflammatories they prescribe? For me, they just aren't a great option, but neither is living with this hip pain. So I would like to know what thos eof you who have been through this already think and if you have any strong recommendations for any alternatives. Thanks

submitted 5/28/14 3:29pm from Bailey, CO

Update: I'm 4 weeks post-op as of 5/27. I'm rid of the crutches and full weight-bearing for the last week, with some minor pain, especially if I try to walk too fast. Some days are better than others. I bike 1 hr per day on the stationary bike and have stretches and exercises to do from my PT. No more CPM machine either, which I think helped quite a bit for the first few weeks. Things seem to be progressing well. No medications at all, not even Advil, so the pain isn't terrible. I do ice quite a bit. Still no walking on hills, which is difficult not to, considering I live in the mountains, but I'll get there.

submitted 5/27/14 12:24am from Wisconsin

I am glad that I found this blog. I am 3 weeks out from FAI and labral tear repair. This is the best information I have found and it helps to know that some of my recovery is like others. I do get these short spasms, like a quick jerk, especially when trying to sleep and mostly on my surgical leg. It will wake me up. Does anyone else get this? Also, I was told I would be off from work and complete non weight bearing for 2 weeks. After surgery, non weight bearing was changed to 4 weeks and off work for 6 weeks. They found the tear during surgery . It didn't show up on the MRIs I had. I am having more pain the last few days and am starting to worry that I am not healing well. I keep telling myself that it takes time.

submitted 5/20/14 10:21am from Philadelphia, PA

Hi Mike from Hong Kong -

I have no doubts you will be able to take a one hour flight one week post hip surgery if you have someone with you for the flight. It will not be comfortable for you, but I doubt you will injure your repaired hip. It would be wise planning to have someone with you to carry all your luggage. Your body is going to be compensating already for your recently treated hip. It does not need the burden of extra weight. I have a feeling some people take a flight in the USA to the state of Colorado to get treatment from one of the pioneers of this surgery, the renown Dr. Marc Philippon. In my opinion, my hip surgeon in Philadelphia, PA - Dr. Javad Parvizi is equally skilled and knowledgeable.

On a different note, you asked me how long I performed my recovery exercises. I was very regimen performing my left hip, abdomen, and lower back strength/stretching exercises during my rehab for about 14 weeks post-op. However, now that all the pain has stopped, I rarely do my recovery exercises. I generally do my revised 'regular' exercises now. Pain is a powerful motivator. Yet the more normal I feel, the less I invest my time in recovery. I know it would be wise doing more of my hip exercises to be cautious. What can I say? I lost my motivation. No hip pain, no motivation. Do not get my wrong - every time a low pressure weather system comes into town I feel my left hip. Nevertheless, it does not last long enough to make me do my recovery exercises.

I hope you find this helpful

submitted 5/20/14 4:31am from Hong Kong

You give me hope, and also raise some questions.

I slipped last October Post 20km Row. Smashed my head and neck in. COncussed too. I have to assume I landed on my hip quite hard. Went into a non-physical exercise period. During that time, I simply ignored all the symptoms in the hip (felt they were bruising from the fall).

I row a lot. Correction. I used to row a lot. I was on the water 6 days a week. 15-20km a day.
Like you, I'm now 34. Same height, but now 79kg. Time of the above incident I was 70kg. Historically (as a teenagaer, I was a fat F*ck and was 109kg). Dropped down to 74kg 7 years ago.

Once I started getting active, the problems started
I can click the hip doing an IT Band Stretch
IT Band Syndrome
Piriformis Tendoitis
SI Joint Dyfunction
Illiopsoas Tendonitis and Illiacus Tendonitus.
I actually tore the right psoas off the femur (avulsion fracture) - 6 weeks on crutches thank you very much
Lumbar issues in L1.
Then Lumbar Issues in L4,L5 and S1.
Lateral curtaneous femoral nerve pinching in the right leg.
Sciatic trapping in the piriformis and at the back of the knee.
Finally they just diagnosed me with FAI.

It seems my hip was in a "Bend but don't break" situation and the fall just pushed it over the edge.

I've been concerned over two things
-The sheer cost of this surgery. I don't have insurance. Private care is $$$ here. The public system is very good, but you got to wait (anywhere from 6 months to 2 years). Thinking about going to Manila to do it. Based upon your experiences, do you think I could do the 1 hour flight 1 week post surgery?

The lenght of rehab. I notice you were disciplined. How did you not stray from the regeime? At what point was your rehab done and the rest was regular exercise?

submitted 5/19/14 3:37pm from Wyoming

Thank you for your entries. My 21 year old daughter is facing this surgery due to genetics (her dad and grandfather both had very early hip replacements before this surgery was around). I appreciate your tracking your experience. This will help her prepare for what might be in her near future.

submitted 5/19/14 2:00pm from Flagstaff, AZ

I've posted before - I had arthroscopic hip surgery on my left hip about 6 months ago to remove a cam lesion, clear out damaged cartilage, and sew together a torn labrum. After the surgery the doc commented that it was the most damage he had ever seen in someone my age (32). Unfortunately, I have not had much relief from my symptoms. I went to see my orthopedic doc a few days ago and he believes my continued pain is owing to sick labral tissue. He said a next step would be to try labral reconstructive surgery. I didn't ask, but I'm wondering if a total hip or a hip resurfacing procedure would be better. Additionally, I'm now beginning to experience pain in my right hip as well, and he recommended getting surgery on that before it becomes as bad as my left hip was. Does anyone have any experience with this or opinions on my options?

submitted 5/12/14 5:17am from New Zealand

Hi Allan - All. I noticed Allan in your comments What did I do to give myself "FAI" or along similar lines. No this issue is not congenital. It is injury related. I am going through a law suit now to justify this. The issue of FAI can be speed up by relatively deep hip sockets in 15% of the western world population (they are normal). Work that out if you are an active person you will or can get it if you are a couch potato you will not. I have used this blog before and had bilateral operation June last year. I was on crutches for 6 years unable at times to walk. I now can run 5km's with a brace on my right side. Pretty good for a fella the said would never walk again. Yes I also in the term of this blew out L3 -L4 disc into the spinal cavity due to the FAI stiff hip's. I had disc replacement in Germany but hey the disc's are made in the USA. Not bad from all the way around in NZ. The disc's are made to run on. One thing I cannot find a decent site for FAI persons to communicate on a sensible level to help other FAI persons out. I am looking into this and whether it is a good idea and not a money spinner. All the best FAI receipt-ents and good luck with your surgeons as not all of them can get it right.

submitted 5/4/14 12:18pm from Bailey, Colorado

I had my surgery on 4/29/14 and read this blog many times before surgery. I gained a lot of insight from the blog and comments and wanted to say thank you to everyone. I'm 45 and in excellent health and weight, aside from the FAI. My surgeon said my damage was much worse than he expected from the MRI and needed to replace may labrum with a cadaver labrum. He also noted a bit of arthritis damage and shaved down a few spots too. I felt limited pain my first day after surgery. I did have a leg block, plus general anesthesia. The anesthesiologist said it would cut down the pain by 50% with a leg block. However after 5 days I still have numbness in the groin area. I am pleasantly surprised at the lack of any significant pain though and I'm only taking a mild pain killer about half the recommended dosage. I am on a CPM machine 8h per day and allowed 50% weight on the leg when walking on crutches. I have a number of exercises to do 3x per day. So far so good.

submitted 5/1/14 5:16pm from Missouri

I had FAI surgery the beginning of January - had my bone shaved down as well as the labrum repaired. I'm supposed to have my right hip done June 30th, but I've been wavering due to the up down recovery. I am tired of not feeling well! My right hip is not as my left hip was which is why I'm wavering..., I just want to be able to do more and not pay for it later. I'm back to where sleeping is an issue... Can't lay on either side for very long... Just completely torn on what to do! Would you do both of thm ove again?

submitted 4/28/14 6:59pm from Ohio

17 yr old daughter had FAI surgery Tuesday, April 1, 2014. 3/4 of labrum torn, femur bone shaved down (that caused tear) and a few other ancillary things fixed. First two days post surgery, the hardest.. Suggest you get a shower chair, the kind that has a bench to sit and slide into the shower, for no weight bearing is difficult if not impossible otherwise. (let alone a safety issue)

By 4 days post op, off major pain meds and mobile on crutches. Left house on Saturday for a bit. If you can get an Ice Machine - GET ONE!!!

At post op, 10 days - one more week of crutches and hip brace. Today, 4/28 doing great overall - no crutches or brace! No pain, continuing with PT 2x wk. Walked a college campus this past weekend with no issues. Thinking her youth is on her side :)

submitted 4/25/14 7:11pm from Jersey shore - Sea Girt

I just came across your blog while doing my endless research. I too, have FAI and a complete detachment of the anterior/going into the superior labrum. Imagine my surprise when I learned, as I was reading along,that your surgeon was Dr. Parvizi. I am having surgery on May 6th with him. Your step by step recovery is very informative, as I
Ike to know as much as possible about this subject. Thanks for writing this blog. I found it very helpful. It mirrors everything that Dr P told me to expect.

submitted 4/22/14 4:49pm from Phila. Suburbs

Would you do it again. I was just diafnosed with FAI and am setting up an appt. with Dr. Parvizi.

submitted 4/22/14 12:24am from Las Vegas, nv

Great information supplied by all. I was just diagnosed last week with FAI. I recently underwent back surgery and I need an additional fusion L4-L5,L5-S1. My question for those who have had both back and FAI surgery close together. Would u do it again? Is it too much around the same time?

submitted 4/18/14 11:57am from Washington State

Thanks for putting this out the for all of us. Since dealing with my issues I haven't been able to actually talk to anyone else who is dealing with or has dealt with the same issue. The pain. The pain can be so great some times I really can't handle it. I am an avid tournament paintball player and this hip nonsense has done nothing but take that away from me, as well as, stop me from being able to perform what is necessary of me as a United States Army Soldier. Alot of these other people are right. Nobody else really understands what its like to be dealing with this. It has taken me so long to finally even get on the surgery list where I'm stationed. As of now I am scheduled for this coming July, which I am very thankful for but so bummed that I will continue to have to wait for another 3 months. I can't sit for too long, stand for too long, drive for too long, I have trouble reaching down to put my shoes on, it's hard to go from sitting to standing. My hip pops all the damn time. I don't know about any of the rest of you but this has definitely had an impact on my sex life too, just sayin'. Anyway I am very much looking forward to getting this all over with and moving on with my life. I am so tired of being in pain every day.

submitted 4/15/14 11:08am from Chicago

What a great blog! Thank you! My original pain started in my right hip. I had a tear in my gluteous midius and minimus. After taking a year to heal and be pain free the pain started in my left hip and has been horrendous for over a year now. I've had two injections - the second one in the bursa left me pain free for 4 weeks. My MRI showed a labral tear but my doctor didn't explain further than to say he had no idea what was causing my pain. After reading so many posts on the site I now have an appointment with a surgeon's PA next Monday and I'm praying they can help me. The pain has just intensified and some days I feel like I just can't do this anymore. I really want my life back. To go from being very active to being unable to walk without pain is so frustrating. And no one has any idea of the pain involved unless they have experienced it!

submitted 4/12/14 3:33pm from Minnesota

Hi Allan you are very brave. I am facing having my left hip done as well. but my right hip has had 2 FAI repairs one in 5/2010 and the other in 9/2011. The first surgeon did not have enough experience to deal with my problem. even though he said he could do the surgery. I had cam and pincer impingement with labrum tear and cartilage damage. I was 39 at first surgery and very active with sports and swing dancing. I have not been able to return to my dancing and that is what is the hardest to deal with. as you know how painful it is when you wake up and all the pain in your foot from that dang boot not to mention the groin swelling, but the first surgeon had to retract my leg twice during surgery to go back in because he missed some bone. I was on crutches for 8 months. and I had numerous complications from that surgery with my veins. we don't know if he did not clamp them correctly or not but they collapsed and I had to have my right leg re-vascularized because of it. After 12 months of constant complaining of pain, sticking and lack of rotation I finally sought out a second opinion with Dr. Chris Larsen who is one of the leading surgeons for this surgery. he was actually the MN Vikings team hip surgeon for several years. He gave me bad news....I still had too much bone in my hip and now my remaining cartilage was shot due to the continuous shredding. He was able to go in and remove the bone and smooth it out but not much he could do with the rest. My left hip will need this surgery and I am really happy to hear this one went better for you. have you found out from your doctor why that might be? Needless to say I am very reluctant to do this again. I do have one tip for you for therapy this time around if you can find a PT that has it but, it is an anti-gravity treadmill. you will be able to run without the weight of your body and it really helps bring back that muscle memory and get rid of the limping. I had a lot of success with this. Larsen is great and I would love to go back to him but my insurance is not allowing it and I can't afford to pay him. have you heard of any other good FAI surgeons in MN? best of luck to you and I hope you continue to be well.

thanks
Stacy

submitted 4/11/14 5:53pm from Athens, Ga

Hi Allen- Christine here. Unfortunately my January 28th surgery (labral debridement and FAI repair) did not work for me. Looks like the OA in the hip was just too far gone and my team agrees we can't save the hip. Too many years of martial arts, ballet, soccer, running, and riding horses have taken its toll (apparently an injury from one of these is to blame, but for the life of me I can't pinpoint the trauma date- which I'm told is not unusual for athletes). So, I'm getting a new hip for my 45th birthday (April 18th)! At this point, I am relieved to be getting it and wouldn't change the course of treatment that got me here. I mean, if they told me I'd need a hip replacement back in January I would have demanded we try the arthroscopy first (I'm a scientist- I work in a stepwise fashion and need facts and proof before taking out a body part that's been with me since before birth....I am very stubborn). ;-)

Anyway, I wanted to thank you for your blog and for taking the time to address me and my questions personally. Your blog got me through some tough times and I know my husband appreciated having a "go to" when I "lost it" one day (a moment of complete despair-crying from the stress of it all). I'd like to "pay it forward" and try to keep a blog that might help those undergoing THR and how recovery can be somewhat different for younger hipsters (I know my recovery protocol is much more accelerated than my 70yr old father's). I don't know how to get started (do I need to make a webpage and if so, how?). If you have a moment could you email me (cribare1@yahoo.com) or FB-friend me (Chris Henderson-Packtor) so I could ask you questions? Many thanks!

submitted 4/9/14 11:52am from Media, PA

I have been diagnoise with this as well. but I have a concern. I have other issues, and I do not want to go through this knowing that my other issues will bring on more pain. I have had back surgery done 9 months ago. Also diagnoise with scoliosis- mild. with me having week muscles in the ab/ hip/ back area, I have had other issues. Right leg is longer than the left, now wearing a shoe lift, but my right hip keeps tilting which causes more issues. So I think I have a lot of things to work on here so that I get the proper treatment. I have done aquatic therapy and land therapy, but nothing seems to be taking the pain away :(. I just want to be able to move in bed, walk, and other things.
Thanks for your blog.

submitted 4/6/14 2:54pm from las vegas

awesome blog I had arthroscopic surgery on my left hip last August 9 2013, I now am recovering from the same surgery for FAI on my right hip done April 2 2014. I am now on my 4th day of recovery. If anybody has any questions on this procedure ill be happy to talk with you, I know i had hundreds of thoughts and questions running threw my head before my first procedure. I will be happy to share my experience and what i have learned so far with you. contact me at jasstotts@gmail.com

submitted 4/2/14 9:40am from Tennessee

As I sit here reading your blog, I can't help but tear up. I will be having surgery soon to correct FAI and a labral tear in my right hip. I have been struggling with pain for the last 4 years. Unfortunately, like you, I have FAI in both hips. I am 31 years old, I am in excrutiating pain and it's hard because most people don't understand that you're in pain if you appear "normal". I have dealt with IT band syndrome, snapping hip, and Trochanteric bursitis for months, along with similar lower back pain that you describe. I honestly think what bothers me the most is the bursitis and the lower back pain. I can't walk for any distance without holding the back of my hip. Can't find a comfortable position to sleep in.. I have already been through one hip surgery, back in September 2013. Initially, they were going to go in and shave down the bone and clean up tissue that was causing my combined FAI. Once my doctor got in, he cleaned up a huge chunk of synovial Plica and stitched me back up. He felt that further surgery (shaving the bone down) would not be worth the recovery. I did well for a little while. Squats and the multi-hip machine were always excrutiating. I am disappointed that I have lost so much range of motion in my leg. It hurts to tie a shoe. I lost my job in February after my FMLA and sick time/vacation ran out. I am so ready to have surgery and at least be on a path to recovery. I have read your blog a couple of times. I read it before I had surgery last September. You are such a trooper and I hope that you continue to do well in your recovery. It has been a long, hard road and I hope that things improve soon. I really believe that you have helped spread the word about FAI and you have put out a lot of useful information for others facing what you are going through. Thank you so very much.

submitted 4/2/14 7:50am from Minnesota

I've also found this blog quite helpful. I had surgery on 11/12/13 by Dr. C Larson in Minnesota - and totally agree with the roller coaster ride of recovery. Some days are great and others feel as if nothing is fixed. Small movements, bending over at strage angles cause tremendous back and hip pain for no apparent reason. As a 28 year old avid golfer I am quite nervouse about being able to have a enjoyable summer season. Every day seems like a battle to actually fit in time for exercises, stretching, and icing.

Coming up on 5 months in just 10 days, yet I feel as if i'm still miles from being 100%. Hopefully the 6-8 month ah-ha moment comes.....

has anyone had success with various supplements aside from the Glucosamine/Chia seeds they would suggest?

thanks,

-E

submitted 3/29/14 1:14pm from denver

Sooner9 go see Dr Brian White at Western Orthopaedics, Denver on Franklin St. He's absolutely the best in our area. He's doing mine in 2 weeks!

submitted 3/26/14 6:39pm from In the living room lol

I can't tell you what a blessing your blog has been!
I was injured twice a year and half ago, had X-rays went through three separate physical therapist, and a total of 5 doctors. Still in a lot of pain, standing for more then hour is unbearable and laying flat virtually not possible ( i sleep on one side and need help turning over at night) After reading your blog I'm going to request an MRI to find out what's causing my horrific pain.
After reading through your blog and seeing your MRI, I now believe I can get some answers!
I will not let myself go through another day in pain. You've given me the courage to ask questions and I will not be afraid to stand up for myself with the Doctors who are supposed to care for me!
Thank you.

submitted 3/25/14 7:26am from Los Angeles, CA

First I want to say great blog and thanks for sharing your story. Tomorrow I'll be 4 weeks post op right FAI surgery (impingement, bone spur, labral tear, cam lesion) with Dr. Brett Shore at Panorama City Kaiser Permanente. He's a great surgeon with a great personality! I was taken off crutches at 2 weeks and walking with a cane here and there. I've seen my PT twice so far and will be seeing her again this Thursday. I didn't have any swelling nor bruising. I only took 5 painkillers 3 days post surgery. My surgeon was quite impressed :-). My incisions healed up great! With the exception of walking like a duck(lol), I'm coming along nicely which made me think I could do more than I should. I assisted a little with a friend birthday this past Saturday and I've been paying the price for it too. Along with my Husband and friends forcing me to sit and rest I still managed to continue to be the party photographer. I actually had severe pain in the opposite hip and think I may have a stress fracture from putting to much weight on the left leg. So with that minor set back, caused by myself, I'm trying to take it easy. I have to have the left hip operated on too but I'd rather wait just a few more months to strengthen my right hip first. Much continued successful recovery to you all! :-)

submitted 3/23/14 8:31pm from Boston

hello-
i just had surgery for Minor FAI on the left hip 5 weeks ago. i am wondering how long did it take before feeling none of the pain after the surgery?

submitted 3/23/14 8:24pm from Boston

hello-
i just had surgery for Minor FAI on the left hip 5 weeks ago. i am wondering how long did it take before feeling none of the pain after the surgery?

submitted 3/13/14 2:54pm from Eastern Caribbean on Royal Princess cruise ship

Hello all -

I have not posted my week 8 changes because I am away in the warm sunny Caribbean on the beautiful Royal Princess cruise ship. Warm weather really helps my hip relax. I am envious of all the people who have had this surgery living in warm winter areas. I will report my week 7 and week 8 changes on St. Patrick's Day, Monday March 17, 2014.

Allen

submitted 3/13/14 11:57am from Franklin, TN

Thank you so much for your blog, I have been searching for awhile to find detailed information from someone who has had the surgery. I will be having this surgery on both hips at seperate times, so all of this gives me a better understanding for what I will experience and eases a little bit of the nervous feeling going into surgery.

submitted 3/12/14 10:35pm from Australia

WONDERFUL blog.My 17 yr old had a labral repair in Dec/13 and has been astonishingly great since. Diagnosis was in Aug/13 and that was the end of the ballet classes. Luckily we got a diagnosis very quickly and could start pre-op exercises for strengthening (swimming and pilates). Mr Phong Tran did a remarkable job and she only has two very small arthro scars. No pain or painkillers since she left hospital. Home next day with Anti-inflams and an ice pack! 10 days of assisted walking with crutches to start. Now at 13 weeks post op, hydro 3 times a week and physio once a week. Daily exercises and careful practice of them will hopefully see her return to Ballet classes at 16 weeks post surgery. That is the aim for now. Re-assess in 3 weeks time. I wish i had found your blog earlier as it has been highly informative. All she feels now is quite a bit of fatigue mid arvo but we are putting that down to walking around school all day and combined with studying her final year at school and mixed in with her recovery program. Maybe she was just lucky, young, and fit and her surgery was faultless. I agree with you tho dont wait get it done do your rehab to the letter and after a while things will returen to as normal as possible. sometimes even a little bit better!

submitted 3/10/14 12:52am from henderson nevada

I had my hip surgery done august of 2013, left hip. I still have alot of pain but the catching sensation has stopped do to the bone being shaved down, I am getting my right hip done in two weeks. I just wantet to tell the people who have FAI and are worried or trying to hold off on surgery, DO NOT WAIT! I was very stubborn putting it off worried about missing work for about two years, during that two years my hip was like a miss aligned tire, every time my hip would catch it was tearing my cartilage. So now me being stubborn when i had surgery the doctor had to cut out a large amount of bad cartilage that could not be fix, even know the catching sensation is gone i still have little cartilage so my hip still hurts daily. I am only 29 and will probably have to have a hip replacment at a young age. Again do not hesitate to get it fix. I feel for you people to the frustration of being diagnosed just hang in there it will get better there are good doctors out there. it took me four doctors most of them saying im fine your to young to have hip problems.

submitted 3/9/14 7:47pm from California

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I am 8 weeks post op for my arthroscopic surgery for FAI of the pincer type - acetabuloplasty, synovectomy, and a labral tear repair. I only stopped using my crutches this past Monday, and am still having pain. The pain is different than pre surgery but definitely more than I expected at this point and it's very discouraging. My surgeon was very happy with the surgical outcome, and my physical therapist tells me that I'm making great progress. It just doesn't feel like it to me. I was hoping to be pain free by this point. I've been diligent in doing my PT exercises 2x a day and seeing her weekly. She now has me walking .5 mile every day too. I walk well, with only a minor limp when I'm tired but I am working hard on healing right.

As a runner, and an extremely active person this has been a frustrating time for me. My hip pain began during a marathon in Oct 2012 while running up a hill. It took many specialists, opinions and procedures to get me to the right surgeon to fix this. I am so much more hopeful for my future after reading your page. I can't thank you enough. My first doctor and surgeon told me I would never run again. The one who performed my surgery said that I might. It was that *tiny* glimmer of hope that I needed to press on. I saw your marathon finish pic and it gave me so much hope. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your story!

submitted 2/27/14 10:19pm from Austin

Denver, Colorado go see Dr. White (Western Orthopedics). He performed left and right hip fai surgery on my teenage daughter over a 3 year period. The recovery was long for her right hip that had been injured for 2-3 years. The left hip seems to be healing much quicker with less pain but we expect it is because the injury only occurred recently. We followed this blog three years ago and her journey is very similar in the recovery. At 5 months you think the surgery failed but then it slowly gets better. It took her 11 months before she felt really good but she did return to sports around 7 months. (Running at 5 months).

submitted 2/27/14 9:17am from South Carolina

I recently underwent osteoplasty for FAI and a labral repair. Though I am happy that after 3 years of pain, the problem is finally "fixed", I admit that the recovery process is tough. This blog is definitely encouraging and am happy to see my recovery time is not far off.

One thing I have noted as one of the worst Symptoms post-surgery, is the insane amount of muscular guarding. This guarding has a tendency to make you hurt all over. I highly suggest getting a muscle roller for anyone in FAI/labral repair rehab!

submitted 2/26/14 8:34pm from Ohio

Many thanks for this information! My daughter is 17, very athletic and an ex-gymnast for 7 years. She is currently diagnosed with possible FAI - going for MRI next week to confirm any Labrum tears, but definitely has extra bone density in rt hip. She initially was diagnosed with Snapping Hip Syndrome & went through 7 wks of PT and anti-inflammatory with limited pain relief... Our last visit to hip specialist we have now come to the MRI and possible FAI. Time will tell!

submitted 2/26/14 12:53pm from Upstate

I kind of just stumbled across this and all I can think of is "Where has this been?!" When I was 15 my right hip began to throb. I went to countless doctors to try and find the reason behind my pain. After 9 months I finally had an answer (FAI)! I found a surgeon in NYC at the Hospital for Special Surgery. And in late April of 2011 I had surgery on my Right hip. I was finally off crutches in the beginning of August! But then we found out that i needed the same thing done on my left hip. So in late September I had my second surgery. I had a hard time dealing with the wait that is the recovery time for the open surgery. In late January I fell on my left hip on the black ice, back on crutches and PT. But after that I worked my ass off to be able to play field hockey during my senior game. Eventually I recovered enough to be able to do almost everything, I still had issues with running. It wasn't until the past three months I have been able to run 1-2 miles three times a week. But because crutches love me so much, I fell again about a week ago and found out that I actually cracked my hip. So I'm on crutches again for 6-8 weeks with low weight bearing, and starting PT again in a week or two. I agree with you when you said the recovery time is all worth it, because that first intial step without pain is probably one of the best feeling in the world. So if anyone is reading this and you are wondering why you should even bother with this surgery, think of where you are right now. Sitting like a duck, waiting for the pain to leave, stuck in the world of limited to no activites, and the life of wondering if it will ever get better. This is everything that went through my mind as I was bedridden for a few months pre-surgery. Do what you believe is best for you and dob't let fear get in the way of your health and happiness.

submitted 2/26/14 9:34am from Denver

@Dan - who are you going to have do the surgery? I am looking at options in the Denver area. Thanks.

submitted 2/25/14 9:00pm from Castle Rock, CO

Thanks for the detail. I have been putting this off for 18 months, but can't take not skiing or running any longer. The two activities I enjoy the most have been taken away from me because of this condition. I was questioning how bad I wanted to do this, decided to do it, and just found this site. A little positive feedback helped me know i am heading down the right path. Hopefully, I will be back at Winter Park next ski season.

submitted 2/24/14 5:09pm from Denver

Sorry, just realized you answered my questions already in your blog. I read a lot of the posts from the first surgery and just scanned the second surgery blog before posting my questions. Thanks.

submitted 2/24/14 4:31pm from Denver

I'm a 33 year old former professional rugby player turned attorney, who needs this surgery on both hips. I've been having problems for almost 10 years, but did not get properly diagnosed until 2010 and was told by a hip replacement doctor to wait as long as possible. I saw an orthopedic surgeon who deals with athletes recently and was told I should not wait, and that I should have the surgery now. I've always been an explosive athlete with great quickness and a high vertical. I'm nervous to have the surgery because I do not know if I will ever be able to regain that explosiveness that has been a personal signature/identifier for me, but am tired of the constant discomfort and the additional problems that are starting to pop up that are evidently tied to my hips. Two quick questions after the long introduction:
1. How long did you have to be off work with the second surgery?
2. How long before you were able to drive? (I will have surgery on the right hip first.)
Thank you for your time and effort creating the blog and answering questions.

submitted 2/22/14 10:19am from Athens, GA

Oh, one more question.....my PT has an exercise that has me standing, holding a broomstick pole and rotating/twisting my hips/shoulders to right and left. Rotating to the left (unoperated) side is fine, but going toward the right is not happening (I get sharp hip pain that radiates to the knee). The only way I get close to twisting to the right is if I "cheat" and let my right foot roll to the outside. Does this loosen up or is this the range we have to work with?

submitted 2/22/14 10:01am from Athens, Ga

Approaching four weeks post op and had my first "real" outing (beyond going to PT and back home again). Who knew crutches could be such a pain on the hands (do they make gel handle covers?)? Felt great to be up right! Felt awesome to sit up right, in something other than PJs/yoga pants at a table with other adults talking about anything other than my hip (honestly, it gets tiring trying to explain to folks who've had total hip replacements why my healing takes longer than theirs- hello, you got new parts, I did not). Then felt great to get home and stretch out. I seem to be right on track with Allen's first FAI surgery in that I'll have a good day followed by a couple of bad ones. "Bad" being hip tightness and low back pain (across lower back- feels like tight muscles). Right about now I'd love to have my soft-sided waterbed back. :-). All-in-all a good week. Except for USA hockey- but that's another blog entirely.......

I'm an Immunologist and spoke to my surgeon about going on low dosage testoterone (androgens have been shown to accelerate healing). Has anyone gone down this path- if so did it help?

submitted 2/20/14 7:26pm from Philadelphia, PA

Charlie, I tried posting to your blog but there is a 300 character limit. I'm really sorry to read about all your troubles. I agree this hip operation is no cure-all, but I really think it's the only route to go. Your story really scared me... sports hernia, repeat operation, cortisone shot... I think it's awful that you have to give up martial arts. I have had two physical therapy sessions and my back is hurting and seemingly near the joint areas of both of my hips. I do not know what to say to you except good luck brother... Honestly, the functional movement screening pointed out a weakness in my hips that I kind of blocked out of my mind. I hurt myself pretty bad that day and I did not even want to practice what the physical therapist showed me. If you follow through with FMS testing, please be careful. Allen

submitted 2/20/14 8:09am from Philadelphia

# 134 Tammy

Tammy how are you doing ? Thanks to and all who commented! Tammy Im not sure as what do to now either but Id suggested from reading and researched over the past year is to pic the best surgeon you can and also chooses the type of procedure diligently as now I'm finding out from Dr. Salvo of the Rothman institute ( who is my second opinion ) that open and arthoscope are different. From what Ive gathered is during open procedure the femora is NOT!!! in full retraction there for the scoope can not go fully around the head as in Athro procedure its in FULL retraction ( aka the full head is visible and labrum there for it easier to see that the real problem is. My next step is Prolotherapy and or cortisone. Has anyone here gotten cortisone?

submitted 2/20/14 7:53am from Philadelphia

I read your blog and happy that your recovery has been great I see. I also had Dr parvizzi of the rothman institute do my surgery but not with the outcome like yourself. Any and all comments are welcomed here at my FAI blog 1bushidolife.blogspot. com I may have to do another surgery but not guaranteed to help the pain. How did you functional movement screening help you? and where was it located ?

submitted 2/18/14 10:40am from New York

Thanks to Christine (and other) for your valuable info. It does make me feel better to read all your inputs. I have been doing PT 3x per week and I must say that I feel better after ea. session. I have been doing various isometric excercises, bridge, pillow btwn thighs, squeezing buttocks, and cycling with no resistance, etc. They definitely have helped me to move; Now I can stand on the treadmill for 5 min. 3x per day without feeling shaky. I am beginning to think I can do more, and when I bend down I quickly remember that I will feel the aches soon enough. I am 60 yrs old and led an active lifestyle, I was a skier, bicycler for a few years..Most recently, I was walking/hiking about 4-5 miles per day before my setback. I enjoy reading everyone's personal challenges, and as you said about the Olympics , when I hear the stories of the challenges that the Olympians have overcome, I feel so motivated to keep moving on. Well take care and hopefully, everyone of us will come out stronger after this experience. I feel so grateful that we have been given the opportunity to have the surgery because of it's relatitve newness.

submitted 2/17/14 1:19pm from Athens, Ga

Hi Undecided,
We seem to be close on the surgery timeline so I thought I'd try to answer your question. My surgeon had me on crutches with light toe touch for 17 days and in a CPM (continuous passive movement) for 7hr/day so I was pretty much on bed rest until a couple of days ago. I, too, feel shakey when I'm up and try to walk without crutches. It's been a little disappointing to still have a slight hitch when I walk (can't fully extend at the hip yet) and yes, I kind of wobble when I'm at the sink brushing my teeth/washing my face. My husband tells me I'm expecting too much so soon, so I am trying to adjust my inner time clock on expected results. I have PT twice a week (well last week was a wash bc of the snow in our area closing the roads/businesses down) but the most we've done are theraband exercises and isometrics for core strength with light recumbent cycling (10 min. no resistance). Hoping to get to more walking type movements so that my therapist can see my gait and tell me if it's normal for now (or not). Did your doctor tell you much about swelling in the joint itself? I was wondering if maybe there is still swelling that affects my movement. Enjoy the Olympics- I know I am. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

submitted 2/16/14 8:20pm from new york

Well, I did it! I went ahead and had my surgery. I must say, this is the best time to have done it as I am watching the Olympics and snow outside my window every day. I am 17 days post op. Surgery was not bad at all, I had hardly any pain, just soreness. The ice machine is a must!! It is my best friend. What I am finding rather scary right now is trying to walk without the aid of crutches. When I wash my face and I go to grab my crutches I am afraid to put any weight on my operated side. Is this normal? My pt has tried to put me on a treadmill and I am so tense when I go on it that I am told I am going to create back probs.

submitted 2/16/14 11:12am from Athens, GA

Thank for posting such a detailed account. I am on day 19 post-FAI surgery for my right hip and visit your blog every day. I am 44 and have been active all my life (martial arts, soccer, running, ballet). My surgeon thinks I may have had an injury when I was in growth phase and my athletic lifestyle sped things up. I found your posts when researching recovery time when I was first told I would need this surgery. My husband and I really appreciate the helpful suggestions from your first hip procedure (especially the shower stool and stool softener (!!!)). The weekly updates have been so helpful and inspiring. When I get frustrated at how tired I feel! or discouraged when I have a set back, my husband hands me my iPad with your page loaded. It's just nice to have cyber-commiserating from your posts and comments from others who have been down this road. We've had some "ah-ha" moments with respect to what to expect with pain and rebound from everyone's contributions.

I was told my labrum was so shredded that debridement and osteoplasty were to buy me some time before a hip replacement. And the surgeon says I can't run anymore (that I can type that without bursting into tears is miraculous) and it was suggested I try swimming (fortunately, my husband stepped in and responded to the suggestion bc the response going through my mind was full of f-bombs- nothing against swimming but my rush comes from cross country trails). Like you, I'm watching a lot of Sochi Olympic coverage and am finding these athletes so inspiring that it's helping my mood and attitude. Please keep us posted on how you are doing- hoping speedy recovery for all of us.

submitted 2/15/14 6:16pm from Missouri

Thanks for this blog! I have been in severe pain since 2004, had disc fusion surgery in 2010, was better until 2012 & did not get any answers from any doctors until November, 2013 , when I was finally diagnosed with cam & pincer impingement bilaterally. I was told surgery wouldn't help due to my weight. He told me to try to lose weight & come back in April, but my pain is so severe I am seeing him Monday. I sincerely hope something can be done soon because I am to the point that I avoid activity of any kind due to so much pain. I'm happy to see some people are getting treatment & able to get their lives back!

submitted 2/10/14 5:27pm from San Francisco

Thank you for your blog and all the details. I am having Left hip arthroscopy for labral repair, acetabular pincer resection and trochanteric bursitis repair next week, and it is helping to prepare my environment post surgery. I have also ensured I enjoyed time out with friends and family in these last weeks before surgery day.

Not looking forward to the sit at home recovery process, but happy to hopefully say good-bye to the pain.

submitted 2/8/14 8:43am from Columbia MO

Thank you for your blog and your honesty!!! My hubby had surgery on his right hip 12/31/13 so we are almost 6 weeks postop now. The recovery process is such an ordeal and of course every ache and pain makes one worry. It is so reassuring to read your week by week description and realize that he is on track.

submitted 2/4/14 7:50pm from Des Moines, Iowa

#124 Charlie - my doctor told me the same thing, though I knew going into surgery there was a 40% (or some number like that) failure rate.

I am 37 years old and had FAI surgery, cam and pincer type, with a torn labrum just about 10 months ago on my left hip. I returned to my surgeon yesterday with left hip pain almost as severe as it was before my surgery and also with right hip pain, which I did not have before. My surgeon told me there was nothing that could be done for my left hip. My surgery was perfect down to the millimeter. My pain is due to the arthritis, which they found in my hip area during surgery, and it will only get worse. As for my right hip, after taking x-rays, I was told my right hip looks exactly as my left hip did before my surgery. I now have to make a decision; do I want to have surgery on my right hip? Does anyone have any thoughts on this? My surgeon also told me that I will definitely need double hip replacement in the future (it could be in 2 years, it could be in 20, it just depends on how fast my arthritis moves, I have a feeling it's moving pretty quick in the left hip if I am already in this much pain 10 months after surgery). I am leaning towards not having FAI surgery on the right hip since I will just have to completely replace it eventually anyway. Just not sure what to do.

submitted 2/3/14 8:21am from Philadelphia, PA

Thanks so much for this website. I was just diagnosed and am preparing to go through the pre-surgery PT and Injection before meeting with the surgeon (it is a requirement to try these before they will discuss surgery). This was very informative.

submitted 1/27/14 10:58pm from Flagstaff, AZ

Glad to see you made another blog about your left hip experience! Sounds like things are going as well as can be reasonably expected for you. Left hip isn't as bad -- you can still drive!

I am not a doctor, but would bet good money that the back pain that you experience is due to your hip and not a separate issue with your back. I most often experience my post surgery pain (now 8 weeks post op) in my low back, and before surgery I also often experienced pain there. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?

My recovery parallels your somewhat, but is taking longer than what you describe. I had a torn labrum and the surgeon performed micro-fracturing to stimulate cartilage growth. The surgeon described the condition of my hip as the worst he had ever seen for someone my age (32). The labral tear and microfacturing meant that I had to be on crutches for 8 weeks, toe-touch weight bearing only, So the past couple of days have been my first (crutch-assisted) steps, and it feels great to have my left leg take some of the stress off the rest of my body.

Good luck on your continuing recovery. I know you'll keep us posted.

submitted 1/24/14 9:03pm from Phoenix, AZ

Hello everyone. i recently had FAI surgery to fix a torn labrum and huge bone impingemen in my left hip. I was amazed at how long it is taking people to recover. I am 9 days post op, walking completely fine. I did NOT use crutches once since surgery, and I have not needed a single pain killer since the operation. I had my appt today to remove stitches and doc has already cleared me to start swimming and using an eliptical. I will be 100% cleared to return to activity in 6 more weeks, about 8 weeks from surgery. I participate in basketball and football leagues, but my main source of activity is training and competing in MMA cage fights, so its not like ill be doing light activity. Most people it takes to recover 4-6 months back to full activity. My doc will do it in 8 weeks. I asked him why online it says so long when hes claiming 8 weeks. He said its simply because of this relatively new injury, many physicians simply dont crank out as many of these surgeries as him. I could not believe how good i felt immediately after. Like i said, I didnt use ANY crutches and was walking out of the hospital.. More of a strong limp but still. Crazy.

submitted 1/19/14 4:03pm from Texas

Thanks for sharing. I was diagnosed with bilateral cam-type hip impingement in 2008 after 35 years of cycling and 25 years of military service. Now at 54 years old and after completing a 30-year Army career, I am delaying my only option -- hip replacements -- as long as I can stand. I can relate to your posts and your frustration, especially your desire to exercise (ride in my case) and your description of the burning pain that goes to the bone! Best of luck to you and keep us posted.

submitted 1/13/14 9:17pm from Milwaukee, WI

I'm so grateful for your blog. I'm 4 days post op and have referred to this blog when I have questions and you always have an Asher. Thank you for being so specific. If it weren't for your blog, there's a good chance I'd call my ortho 10 times a day.

submitted 1/12/14 10:05am from Philadelphia, PA

Hello Charlie, Rob, and Susan. It is less than 24 hours before my surgery on my other hip and I am nervous. Who wants pain? Just because surgeons fix our x-rays, does not mean we no longer have any pain. ROB_BOR5, most times when you visit your FAI doctors and/or physical therapists, they check your range of motion. You should get your full range of motion back when the impingement is removed through surgery. I learned on 12/30/13 that I can only lift my left leg comfortably to height about 15 inches (37cm) lower than my right leg. I guess my active labral tear and FAI in my left hip are preventing it from rising higher. I truly wish you all a full recovery to return to doing what you love whether it is playing with children, kick boxing, or breakdancing. In my case, I want to walk normally again without hobbling. Gosh, I am sorry for your pain.

submitted 1/11/14 8:10pm from SPOKANE

Thank you for sharing such a candid inside view of your FAI repair recovery. It is daunting but I can't stand the pain anymore. Will see ortho in 10 days. I hope I can make it that long. Couch potato due to pain. Miss crawling on the floor with my granddaughter. Have bookmarked your blog for future reference. God bless.

submitted 1/11/14 7:45am from London, GB

Hey guys, thanks for the article and your comments! I also have FAI, which really affects my hip flexibility and range of motion (as you all may know). Have those of you who have undergone the surgery noticed any difference in flexibility, post-surgery and after fully healed? I'm starting to get frustrated that I can't participate in many of the activities I would like to participate in (ie kick-boxing, breakdancing, etc.). Please let me know. Feel free to get in contact with me at rob_bor5@hotmail.com. Best regards to all!

submitted 1/8/14 4:19pm from New York

qB8S5B Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.

submitted 1/5/14 12:13am from New Jersey

I had fai surgery done 8 months ago with labrum repair and haven't gotten pain relief. I also had my surgery done by dr. Parvizzi when visiting withi him a couple days ago and I expressed my issues he said there was nothing he could do!? This wasn't what I was told before surgery or even after surgery but now I know you need to choose wisley. Not to mention I'm in extremely good shape before the procedure so I had a a lot to work with muscle wise.

submitted 1/1/14 12:27pm from Qatar

Thank you so much for writing this blog. I've had hip pain since March 2010 (I was 15) and had to go through 5 doctors before the 6th one finally gave me the right diagnosis (FAI cam effect, labral tear, cartilage delamination) in September 2013 (I'm 19 now) . It started off with the right side hurting me when I walk or run for too long, and now both sides are in extreme pain (painkillers such as Voltaren, ibuprofen and celebrix have stopped working with me and I havent been prescribed stronger medication). I'm not sure if people perform arthroscopy on both hips as, I've read, it's one hell of a journey. But i believe that this is the case for me. I've done everything from rest, painkillers, hot packs, cold packs, ultrasound, acupuncture, shockwave therapy and physiotherapy and surgery is the only option left. My follow up appointment (post physiotherapy) is this coming tuesday and hopefully I will be having surgery ASAP (really can't deal with the pain anymore).
This blog makes me happy to know that I'm not alone because my friends and parents sure as hell dont understand the pain im going through PRE SURGERY. So thank you for sharing that! and Good luck with your second surgery!

submitted 12/25/13 8:50pm from Flagstaff, AZ

Thanks so much for writing this blog! I had surgery to fix FAI in my left hip 3 weeks ago. Reading what you wrote gives me comfort that someone else who has had the procedure has experienced many of the same things.

Good luck with the upcoming surgery on your other hip!

submitted 12/18/13 3:05am from New Zealand

As my comment was month 3 this year had the surgery by the best FAI surgeon in NZ, June. Able to walk well both legs stairs (still groin pain right side) left is amazing. His comment was "I was a mission". Can bike without any strapping now across the hip. It has been massive hard work the rehabilitation and very complicated. I also had stem cell injection into the worst hip which who really knows may help. Still on recovery - rehab may be 12 months plus. Dominant pincer, bilateral operation. All the best for your surgery Allen and others do your home work! Cheers

submitted 11/21/13 7:37pm from scotland

Great support hearing your stories. 5 weeks post op cams on left hip but unfortunately surgeon found the hip was unrepairable. Already arthritic with little cartilage left. As a keen sportsperson and single Handicap golfer aged 35 it was the worst news. Had to quit pro sports 5 years ago with hip/groin problems which was diagnosed wrongly as osteitis pubis. Now struggle with spinal stenosis and pelic stress fractures which I believe are related to years of sport with cams impingement.facing an ucertain future of hip preservation and pain/activity management. Its rough but there are always people worse off.post up I was off crutches 16 days and have been walking short distances and biking 50min per day for last week. This is in addition to stretching/rehab. Plan to take up aqua biking and do some triathlons without run section! Heating/icing helps but only take mild nsaids. I feel telltale pangs in right hip also so I guess both hips will go at sometime. Really hope I can golf and surgeon reckons should b possible 10_12weeks ? I figure when I hand this body back it should have a few dents in it! My pt buddy gave me best advice ever.......he reckons use it or lose it!!! Good luck guys and if anyone has any experience of golfing after surgery please post I would love to hear how it works!!! @

submitted 11/19/13 7:29am from Liverpool, UK

A few people have been asking about pain that feels like it radiates from deep in the buttock. I'm 4 nearly 5 months post op now and I was panicking thinking they had missed something, spoke to my physio (who is amazing) and he said it's highly likely it's a condition called trochanteric bursitis. Basically a sack of fluid that helps muscles around the hip move can become inflamed due to the FAI and also the op itself can aggravate it. The physio you do post op from FAI treatment is meant to target that aswell but might be worth double checking with your physio.

submitted 11/15/13 12:07pm from Miami

Your blog is great. I had my right hip done in jan-11 for fai/labral tear. The left done nov-12. My right was never perfect after surgery, I have had issues with my hip flexor since two months after the surgery. My left feels great.

Like two weeks ago I threw in some wall squats into my workout. Not deep and with the big ball against my back. Since then my adductors, groin and even some pain has been radiating into the pelvis. Doesn't feel like 100 percent like my pre surgery pains, but similar. Very scary as I am super uncomfortable sitting at work. I think you make a good point of you will probably never have a normal hip.

I am staying off my feet all weekend, and taking dose of prednisone. Let's see if it improves

submitted 11/11/13 7:28pm from West Chester PA

Allen, I just finished reading your blog and it has inspired me to write one of my own. I am going under the knife on 11/13/13 for FAI surgery. I wanted to thank you so much for all of the information you posted about it. Made me feel a lot better about what I have in store for the next 6 months!

submitted 11/9/13 2:03pm from GB-West Midlands

Hi again,
Well just over 3 weeks post op and I find myself reading your blog and all the posts again- feeling a little down the last few days. Depending on people is hard for me, I am usually the one people depend on being a Manager and I am struggling with this in a big way.

If they had performed my operation in the close months after my MRI I would still have my cartilage!
Last December I only had a smell labral tear and was told that continuing working on my feet all day should not harm it further. How wrong they were. Have had micro-fracture surgery on left hip and recovery, so I am told, is now going to take up to 3 times longer.
Having more pain in my right hip now due to taking all my weight- not good when I have no hip joint at all and have to wait until my left hip has healed and the new cartilage set.
I will mention that since my operation my pain levels have been drastically reduced to a 0 to 1 out of 10 and would highly recommend to anyone undecided about having the surgery to JUST DO IT!!!!
Moan over
Anj

submitted 11/4/13 11:29pm from New Mexico

To Runner Girl #110

Yes, I have had the deep burning pain in my lower buttocks for years, esp after running. 1.5 years ago went to orthopod, said I would need surgery. Just had my left one done in March 2013. It looked the worst on xray. Everything went well with my surgery. Starting running at 5 months. Got the terrible burning in the right hip but not the left one that I had fixed. I have continued to increase exercise and the left one feels awesome. The one I haven't had fixed is not good. Going to have the same surgery on my right in about 3 weeks. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at w22christy@yahoo.com

submitted 10/30/13 7:04pm from New York

Thanks for posting this site. I was diagnosed with a Femoral Acetabular Impingement, torn labrum of my right hip just last week. I had an MRI which confirmed the tear, and also received a cortisone shot and anti-inflammatories to help with the horrible pain that I was feeling (about a 9-1/2 on pain scale). I am a walker/hiker about 5-6 miles every day until last month. My pain started mostly in my back and gradually moved to my groin. Now it is in my hip. The groin pain came on suddenly after overexerting myself on a hike. I came home to rest and found that I could not walk more than 3 steps without a horrible pain in my groin; I tried to lie down in a comfortable spot but could not find such a spot; I could hardly stand up or sit down as that was painful as well. I went to an orthopedic surgeon and was sent for an MRI. After the MRI confirmed the tear, my dr. referred me to another orthopedic dr. who was more experienced in this surgery. I think the explanation of my pain, as to the location of it was extremely important in helping the dr. recognize this as an FAI condition. He told me that when I mentioned that I could not walk on inclines and the fact that I had groin pain that it was most likely a hip problem. I am in my 60's and am afraid to undergo the hip arthroscopy. I would like to know if anyone has been in this situation, and when do you decide to just do it??? I am out of the pain that I had just 2 weeks ago. If you asked me then I would have said YES to an operation, but now that I have had a cortisone injection and been given anti-nflammatories the pain is 3/10. I am wondering how long should I wait. Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks

submitted 10/29/13 10:51pm from wisconsin

8 weeks post surgery for fai. Cam, pincher and torn labrum. Had it for 30 years with diagnosis of tendinitis.

I have poping, clicking and other when taking a big step or any karate kick. Also get sharp pain when pushing off and turning.

Did you have any of those issues?
Also IT band and hamstrings have shrunk.

submitted 10/25/13 11:33pm from Duluth MN.

To #111 Yes, you are young but, keep in mind this is not an older person's injury. If you have been dealing with it for a long time that is good, it's not like you only had the symptoms for a few weeks and then decide to go get surgery. The longer you have the symptoms the more it confirms it. I urge you - urge go get opinion #2 from another orthopedic OR find a surgeon who has done more than 1000 of the FAI surgeries and have him confirm it. My surgeon has done over 3,500 of the surgeries and confirmed it for me before I decided. There are only 2 surgeons in MN. So, there may not be many in Seattle either, whoever they are find them and ask questions and make darn sure you have FAI. It is a scope surgery so, make they explain that. Ask them about getting pregnant not people on here who are not doctors. I imagine it wouldn't affect having a baby that would be crazy it seems. If you need the surgery then it's inevitable go take care of it. Are you active? Most people who have this issue are very active.

submitted 10/19/13 9:12pm from Seattle, wa

I just found out 4 days ago I have fai, my doctor was able to confirm it by X-rays and I'm getting referred to orthopedics for a consult on treatment. I'm 29, and feel I'm too young for hip/bone issues, but most of all I'm scared. I've never broken a bone or had a surgery. Every website I've looked at about fai all says surgery, and depending on the damage leads to a total hip replacement. I've been in pain for quite a while now, it aches laying down, sitting, walking, bending down. I never told anyone because I didn't think it was important, I only mentioned it to my doctor because I thought sometime when I was running or exercises my hip/ leg would temporary dislocate and the pain I have all the time was just the results of exercise. I'm glad you made this blog, I've been searching for information from a patient who has fai to see what's going to happen, how long I can wait for surgery, if it gets worse...after surgery will life be normal? Your a guy and I doubt you would know but maybe if any other females reading this with fai could answer.. Will fai effect having or not having children? Thanks for sharing your story, it means a lot.
Dc

submitted 10/18/13 8:09pm from Duluth MN.

BUTT PAIN BUTT PAIN does anyone else besides me have deep buttock pain? I had FAI surg. May 2013 so, I am 5 months into my recovery. I had deep buttock pain for 4 years that really was my worst pain in addition to pain and stiffness in my groin. I also had a torn labrum. Had my surgery in Stillwater MN by a very excellent surgeon. PLEASE someone tell me if you had or have the deep pain in your BUTTOCK? It is a symptom of FAI impingement but, not a common one. IF you have butt pain and had surgery did it go away? My butt pain did go away for 3 months and just recently returned hopefully, it will go away again. Thank you so much for posting your experience here it is impressive that you put so much work into it and very helpful and encouraging for us who are still recovering wondering if we can ever run again or return to "our normal". I just wish the doctors wouldn't tell us we will be running in 3-4 months after surgery. I don't agree, I got up to 4miles and had a setback. This surgery is more complicated than a hip "replacement". Thank you for all your work in writing and sharing. I know I am in for a lot "more" work. I miss running it's tough but, want to do the right thing. Good to know what I am experiencing is in the ballpark even after 5 months. Looks like 5-6 months more to go.

submitted 9/8/13 1:22pm from GB- West Midlands

Hi,In a word- Great!
I am a 44 year old female and have bi-lateral FAI. I have recently joined a clinical trial to determine the benefits of physiotherapy against invasive surgery for FAI sufferers.
(Thankfully I was selected for key hole surgery)and go under the knife for my first operation in October. I honestly don't think Doctor's/ Surgeons actually appreciate the pain levels sufferers go through and all the information on the subject is the same, that is, until I stumbled across your blog. I have now saved this in my search history so I can hopefully plan my own recovery and keep me positive that all will be well again in the not too distant future.
While I am not looking forward to the long road to recovery I am keeping my mind focussed on getting back to work and playing with my grand daughter again.

Regards
Anj

submitted 9/2/13 1:14pm from Minnesota

Thank you so much for posting about your experience. My daughter is fifteen years old, and had hinge impingement. She had it for ten months before a Dr. found the problem. The fourth specialist we went to found the problem. She was diagnosed with femoral impingement, pincer type and a labral tear. Her surgery was August 22,2013. I will continue to read about your experiences. thank you so much for sharing

submitted 8/27/13 2:23pm from Pennsylvania

This blog is beyond valuable!! I am 3 weeks post op and trying to hang in there. Way harder than I thought! Crazy to say but I am envious of the people I know who recently had full hip replacements and are up and moving. To anyone having the surgery I have found the following invaluable : ice therapy system(mandatory for pain and swelling management t to the point where I only use pain meds at night), raised chair with handles for bathrroom(covered by most insurance), stool with handles for shower, grippers for everything you drop, and not to be too personal but take the advice about keeping regular with either the miralax ,etc. I wish I had been more prepared from my doctors for this recovery. I am very grateful for the staff at Dresher Physical Therapy for all there help. I would recommend them to everyone.

submitted 8/27/13 2:23pm from Pennsylvania

This blog is beyond valuable!! I am 3 weeks post op and trying to hang in there. Way harder than I thought! Crazy to say but I am envious of the people I know who recently had full hip replacements and are up and moving. To anyone having the surgery I have found the following invaluable : ice therapy system(mandatory for pain and swelling management t to the point where I only use pain meds at night), raised chair with handles for bathrroom(covered by most insurance), stool with handles for shower, grippers for everything you drop, and not to be too personal but take the advice about keeping regular with either the miralax ,etc. I wish I had been more prepared from my doctors for this recovery. I am very grateful for the staff at Dresher Physical Therapy for all there help. I would recommend them to everyone.

submitted 8/23/13 2:42pm from Albuquerque

I just found your blog, thank you!! I have had right hip pain since since I was 16. I always thought it was from a hard fall I took at that age jamming my right femur into my hip socket. I have never had it looked at medically as I thought was residual pain from the fall. I started having extreme pain in the hip 3.5 years ago and finally had an MRI showing a labral tear. I was told surgery wasn't really an option and with Aleeve, the pain subsided to a point I wasn't bothered by it anymore. Recently, the last two months, my hip has started hurting alot again, but I notice the pain was different, istead of sharp pain, it was a mix of sharp pain with a constant ache and feels like I have tremedous pressure in the joint. I got a new MRI with contrast and found out I also have FAI (CAM)along with the labral tearing. I'm shocked and feel guilty that I did not address my hip pain years ago!! I am looking for a surgeon on my area that can do the arthroscopic surgery I need. Has anyone here had the surgery under a nerve block rather than anesthesia? I have had surgery once and did not like the anesthesia. I have known a person who had an ACL graft done with a nerve block only, she was awake during the procedure and I'd much prefer to not be put under. Thanks for the blog, it really helps me understand what I may experience. I was worried and driving, sitting, sleeping and your blog helps!

submitted 8/15/13 11:47pm from florida

#97,98,99 from Colorado. I would love to connect with you privately as I'm also just behind you in recovery and want to get some reassurance here. I'm still partially on crutches at 9 weeks out and still having quite a bit of pain in my thigh, can't tolerate the amount of exercise doctor has recommended (and I was very active prior) and I feel like a big blob....seems like I was "golden" around week 8 and then went downhill. I'm discouraged and need to talk ?

submitted 8/13/13 2:56pm from Finland

Are you here, LL!?

As I am from Finland, too, would you be willing to exchange some private e-mails with me? Have had the first MRI, without the dye, no FAI diagnosis yet, going to the second MRI soon with the dye. Symptoms so similar to those of people with FAI so I fear the worst. Am 43, female, have been running pretty much all my life, have played floorball, now play ice-hockey. I participated in a 33 km run last October, which was when these hip symptoms began. I would love to ask who is you doctor and a lot of other things. You can contact me at my hotmail.com account. The part before the at sign is elina29.

And thank you, Allen, for this blog! I have spent most of my work day today reading it.

submitted 8/12/13 7:32pm from Liverpool, UK

I am 20 years old and as of today I am three weeks post op from my hip arthroscopy. I have a few different health problems, however, what brought me into the same boat as many of you was a nasty injury. Frustratingly, I wasn't doing anything extravagant to cause it, I was walking in a straight line on tarmac with mountain boots on, then bam! Shooting pain down my right leg and I just assumed I'd trapped a nerve. A few hours later, however, I couldn't move. Went down to accident and emergency and they agreed with me, however, 4 days later when if anything it had gotten worse I ended up in emergency room again, long story short it took two weeks in hospital and many perplexed doctors to initially diagnose grade two tears to the obturator externus and internus. They then sent me home as they had never seen it before and had no idea what to do with it. I went to see roughly 10 different surgeons between January and May, none of whom knew what to suggest and during this time I saw no improvement in the pain and remained stuck on crutches. Then miraculously a surgeon was suggested to me who might be able to help, further scans were done and it appeared that the muscles I'd initially damaged were on the way to healing, however, I now had a labral tear and impingement cyst aswell. So it was decided an operation was in order. When that was finally completed two and a half months later (my surgeon was unlucky enough to break his foot-hence the delay)it was slightly worse than initially thought. The labral tear was bigger than expected, but now corrected, there was a badly scarred ligament that was debrided and then the impingement cyst had a bony overgrowth on it also. He managed to correct all of these issues and I stayed for two nights in hospital due to issues with pain management as I have tolerances for a wide spectrum of painkillers, not fun! :(. I guess my main question to you all is...anyone who wasn't particularly physically fit at the time of surgery... how long did it take you to recover? Although I'm a geology student who was mountaineering and hill walking regularly my athletic days are back when I was a child. I was forced to stop the majority of sports at around age 12 due to increasing joint problems- essentially arthritis. I'm just so lost at the moment as I'm a Geology student who is already suspended temporarily from University due to all of this and because of the delay in getting the surgery I'm trying to work out whether I need to suspend again :/ Please can anyone who has any advice from the patient's side of the coin please e-mail me at bexbehan@hotmail.co.uk I could really do with some tips. From a rather lost student, Rebecca

submitted 8/7/13 11:34pm from jupiter, fl

This has been sooo helpful ! I am 8 weeks out from arthroscopic repair of FAI,capsule tightening of loose ligaments, very large labral tear. I'm almost off the crutches but I can tell you, it has been much more difficult than I ever expected to recover. I'm 40 years old and have 3 small children... 2 year history of pain in my leg with sitting and have been scanned/injected/examined by 5 orthos before accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Tips: get the shower chair, you need help for at least 2 weeks (you can't put on your shoes/socks alone !, use the "GAME READY" ice machine and pay for it out of pocket- it's the BEST, take Miralax for prevention of constipation starting day #1 post surgery, find a surgeon who does a minimum of 3 hip scopes per week, expect stretches of good days and then a few bad (2 steps forward and one step back). Follow ALL insstructions from doctor and PT. TAKE A NAP EVERY DAY !

submitted 8/1/13 4:34pm from Houston

Thank you for such a detailed pro/con recovery site. I just had ACL replacement surgery 7 weeks ago from a skiing accident in Feb(also tore MCL). My surgeon noticed my limp on the opposite side before surgery so took an x-ray to find extensive arthritis and most probably FAI from my complaints. In 6 weeks he will send me to a hip specialist to talk over my options. I now know how strong my knee has to get before my next surgery, and hopefully a full nights sleep. lib

submitted 7/21/13 6:13am from Colorado

MY female PT has had labral repair of both of her hips. She also has ligamentus laxity (Most common in females)which causes hypermobility which I also have and helped cause the labral tears along with the FAI. She said that a lot of her patients that have longer recovery times are those with this condition. She herself said that the KEY to recovery from this is make sure that you DO NOT aggravate the hip joint too much in the early postop period to about the 6 month period.
She herself had difficulty with her first hip repair-took about 9-12 months to get better and learned that by taking it easy with the next hip, the second hip got better faster. She said that most ortho docs that do this procedure do not know that much about ligamentus laxity and the NEED to keep from aggravating the hip joint.
Anyway, FYI she also told me that any female having hormonal changes (from menses to menopause) can expect to have the hip hurt more during those times and she was SOO right. I am guessing that it gets worse in pregnancy too due to hormonal changes and also found studies on it too.

submitted 7/21/13 5:59am from Colorado

A swivel seat- fairly cheap, you can buy them at walgreens, walmart, etc. Best thing to put in the car for on the way home, for driving anywhere, for when you first get to drive f you have a rt hip done, etc. Can use in your chairs at home. BEST thing I ever bought for recovery with this surgery! I am gifting it to my dad after I have my other hip done.

submitted 7/21/13 5:54am from Colorado

I am 50 yrs old, 12 weeks out from surgery (ligamentous laxity, FAI-> I had a femoral osteoplasty and 6 anchors for labral repair of right hip- doc said this was the worst hip he ever saw and his record is 7 anchors on one pt). Doc says that now he wishes he would have done a hip replacement- No way I say!- with people living to at least 100 yrs on both sides of my family, I am too young!)
I am walking by myself-sometimes with a cane or hanging onto my husband if I go for kind of long walks. REALLY stiff when I get up from sitting and walk with a lurching limp when I get tired.
What bothers me the most is I used to have SO MUCH ENERGY just like the energizer bunny- but cannot believe how the energy has evaporated after this surgery! I am always exhausted! Does it get better?? Will the energy come back?? if so, when?? (I forgot to mention that I also had an L3-L4 hemi-laminectomy on my back for a herniated disc about 4 and 1/2 months prior to this surgery and was on my back for 6 weeks- so maybe too many surgeries in such a short time is affecting me energy wise as well? I get the low back pain too.)
I also cannot sit cross legged on the floor like I used to prior to surgery. I need to have the surgery done on my left hip but doc won't do it right now. I know my left hip is at least as bad as my right hip. Anyway, thank you for writing this as it has helped me to see that maybe I am not as bad off as I thought.
Tell me about your energy levels anyone- when does it get batter?
Thanks in advance!

submitted 7/17/13 8:46am from Warrenton, VA

Well after 2 years of dealing with this (aka denying how much pain I was REALLY in) I decided to tackle my problem.

2 years ago it started with my hip flexor, thought I had strained it. Tried all the usual rest, ice, stretching, it got the point where sitting was unbearable! And after a 3 hour plane ride and tears I went and saw an Ortho. I was told it was hip tendinitis and that I needed to take a month off from the gym. ( Yeah, say that to an avid Crossfitter). Ok, so I did take one partial month off and felt better. And over the next 2-3 months worked back into it slowly. Then it started again. I thought it was my piriformis and used to release that ALL the time, and said well it's tendinitis I am just going to have to deal with it. Plus I could still do EVERYTHING.

Ok, so fast forward several months....and here I was,still at the gym nut could no longer ride my bike. Then one night I went to deadlift I couldn't pick up 65lbs w/o excruciating hip pain. It was my ahhhh haaa moment. Somethings not right...so I did what any good athlete would do, modified, rested a few days and ignored it and began to WebMD myself to death. Several months earlier my coach had said I may have a labrum tear but nope, couldn't be, the Dr. said it was tendinitis.

Then came the day I fell off my bike and onto my right hip....Memorial Day! OWWWW!!! It was such a weird feeling in my hip I wanted to vomit. So off to bed with ice and pain meds I went. After that the pain started keeping me up at nights. And I was missing more than a couple of days at the gym a week. That's when I did more research on Labrum tears I was convinced, so back to the Ortho I went.

The PA at the Ortho was amazing. She was in room with me less than 30 secs and said Labrum tear. And then said we don't handle them but you need to go see this Dr. I am so glad that she was honest with me. She then set me up for the MRA. We were on the same page!

So a week later MRA was done, and the silly hospital gave me a copy of the CD. So 2 hours of searching google images I found a hip that was identical to mine and I now had my radiology degree thanks to Google!

A week later I met with the surgeon. I knew where the conversation was going to go until he started looking at the MRA, FAI, CAM, Stress Fracture and tear....4-6 weeks of downtime....long recovery....but I've done 1500 of these....it was one big blur once reality sunk in.

I did do the cortisone shot, last maybe a day or two but my hip is back to the point of tears in my eyes on most days. And I count the minutes until I can take the next hit of aleve.


However, I can still go to the gym :) I modify a lot of my workouts and my coaches have dealt with Labrum hip tears before. I want to keep fit before surgery and work on core muscles, stretching, and arm strength. B/c I know in the long run it will help me!

September 13th is surgery. And it's a Friday! Go big or go home right. I have helped lined up for the first 4 weeks (thank you bloggers for your tips). Have a shower seat lined up. And want to find out the ice thing and continuous motion machine.... I'll be calling the Dr's office today.

And just like the rest of you, there is very little info on this and I am hoping that on vacation next week I will start my blog on my long road to recovery. But as nervous as I am, I can't wait to get this fixed and really find out what my body is made of!

submitted 7/14/13 8:25pm from Pennsylvania

I am 4 weeks post surgery....starting to have doubts that I did the right thing. I am 52 years old. I now went from groin pain to severe bone on bone pain. However, I got rid of the walker after 2 weeks and the cane after week 3. After reading your blog, I was so inspired and then I realized we actually have the same doctor. Maybe I am just expecting to be perfectly fine asap. However, Dr Parvizi told me I would be back in the gym in 10 days. Jokingly, my husband said...maybe he meant just standing there.

submitted 7/8/13 4:28am from South Lake Tahoe, CA.

I'm 51 and a construction worker.just got preliminary diagnosis of FAI in right hip 7/5/2013 and seeing surgeon on7/10/2013 to discuss situation.Seriously concerned about potential for recovery at my age. Dealt with and worked through pain for almost 2 years.Cost of surgery and income loss during rehab and recovery not major concern due to excellent union insurance plan and disability combined with CAL SDI, but live alone, uncomfortable with imposing on family or friends and wonder if at my age pain management and PT a better way to go especially if hip replacement and permanent disability is inevitable. Looking for input and advice/ experiences from someone in situation similar to mine before making a decision on surgery or not.

submitted 7/2/13 5:12pm from California

Thanks so much for keeping this info updated. Even though our surgeries were different, this has been a wonderful thing to find, and you're really helping people out with the detailed info.

I had bilateral arthroscopic surgery for FAI, labral damage, and acetabular cartilage delamination in mid-May, and I doubt it could have gone better - and it's still rough! I'm in my late 30's, with a long history, and am hopeful at the moment :). I won't share all the details here, but if anyone has questions, particularly in northern California, I'll do my best to answer them or commiserate :). My email is the name/alias above at gmail.com.

submitted 6/28/13 7:54pm from Wildomar, Ca

In January 2013 I had FAI surgery on my right hip. My amazing surgeon found more damage when he got in there than he had expected. I felt very little pain after the surgery during my recovery. I spent 4 weeks using a walker (not talented enough for crutches) adding gradual weight as tolerable. Then I used a cane for the next 4 weeks. Five months later I had the same surgery on my left hip. Surgery took 4 hours because of all of the damage. There was also a tear that had to be repaired. The surgeon had to take so much bone that I ended up with a fractured femur. This means 4 weeks of no weight baring at all. I still do not have nearly the amount of pain that I had prior to surgery. Recovery takes a long time, but I believe it is all going to be worth it.

submitted 6/24/13 10:49pm from Richmond, VA

Thank you so much for this blog. I was diagnosed with FAI in both hips recently, both Cam & Pincer. Mine came on quite suddenly, although I have had pain on and off for years, which I thought was muscular. But, in May 2013, it started and got worse by the day. I am to the point where I need a walker 2-3 days a week, crutches other days, and if I'm lucky, just a cane. I had my arthrogram and MRI today. I go back to the surgeon on Thursday for the final results and to schedule surgery.
I have been searching for information about recovery, and was thrilled to find your blog. Most of the "medical" sites just say 3-6 months. But, I wanted the real story, and I feel I got it from you.

submitted 6/18/13 12:45pm from Philadelphia, PA-Surgeon:Javad Parvizi

Thank you for posting this very detailed recovery blog. I have worked myself into a frenzy over remaining pain im feeling at 32 weeks post-FAI surgery and this has helped to put my mind a little more at ease.

I am now 30 years old and was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my right femur following an olympic distance triathlon (May 2011). Following an entire summer on crutches, my orthopedist informed me that my stress fracture was due to the presence of a tumor in the marrow of my femur. This 6cm tumor was removed 8/24/11 and found to be benign (benign cartilagenous enchondroma), but left me with a 10in titanium implant in the neck and uppermost portion of my right femur. The following January 2012, i resumed training (running, biking, swimming) but the second week of February i woke to an excruciating pain in my right femur. After several trips to my local orthopedist and the oncological surgeon who did my first surgery, I moved back to Philadelphia and visited the Rothman Institute (8 months post-onset of pain). There I finally got a diagnosis of FAI and had the surgery with Javad Parvizi on 11/13/12. I was back to my old self (running and swimming, i also had/have a fear of biking which is what set off the FAI the most so i havent gone back to that yet) in February. Now here we are in June and im in a considerable amount of pain (5-6 out of 10) and discomfort. In addition to the hip/groin pain i associate with FAI, ive also been experiencing pain in my femur that radiates the whole length of the long bone. I have been fearful that the tumor has grown back (i was told there is a 5% chance of this happening) which is putting pressure on the titanium implant and causing the radiating pain in my leg/hip. I go to see the oncologist at Rothman again tomorrow (6/19/13). I have an appointment with Parvizi on July 10 as the oncologist is not a 'hip guy'. Im keeping my fingers crossed that this is just similar to some of the setbacks you encountered during your recover. I appreciate your willingness to share your story with all of us. Its encouraging to know that other people have gone through something similar and regained (most) of their athletic ability.

submitted 6/15/13 3:22pm from Manchester

I had serious groin pain for years i couldn't step over anything without pain ( motorcycle shows were hilarious to my brothers ) . I struggled to compete at sport due to the fact my change of direction was slower ( smaller gate I guess ) and wondering why my flexibility was so poor compared to everyone else's yet I was still a good athlete I could run fine in straight lines stop and start quickly no probs so my complaints fell on deaf ears .

Eventually it became ridiculous and my father agreed to send me private because I could find no similar symptoms on the Internet and the constant stretching that I was doing was just making it worse. I knew if I went to physio or gp I would just get fobbed off because my symptoms were just unheard of and I needed to be taken seriously .

I was diagnosed with fai in both hips after an MRI scan which was causing the overwhelming groin pain and flexibility of a corpse ....

This was 3 years ago . I had keyhole surgery on the right hip only because that was the worse and I can't afford the other yet
The operation went great and I have made significant improvement

But to be honest it's still painful at times some more than others and I'm afraid I think that's the way it's always going to be ...

I think it's about time athletes were finally told especially in amateur sports that high impact training six times a week at 15 years old can have serious consequences in years to come . There are many things out there now I know are just physically impossible to me and it sucks guys ( I'll never be able to do some yoga or martial arts kicks that I once could )

To all u fellow fai er's I feel your pain ..... Good luck!!

submitted 6/2/13 8:04pm from Kimberley South Africa

I am 40 years old and had my op on the 17 May 2013 so I am just over 2 weeks post op! I had cam and pincer debridement and a laberal repair. I have been fortunate that most of my swelling has gone down in my left leg. I have been suffering from a severe burning in my left thigh since 1 week post op. Apparently this is quite common. My knees are achy too. It may be common but it sure is unpleasant. I have to echo your sentiments about having someone around who is patient that can help look after you. I may have been na?ve but I just didn't quite get how big this op was until I woke up after surgery. My Dr has had to remind me that although I have two small incisions it is major hip surgery. I was on the bike 1 week post op and it was painful in the extreme! At the moment I have a Dori mentality - just keep swimming, just keep swimming.........
Thank you so much for your site and sharing your experiences. It has helped me immensely.

submitted 5/31/13 1:43am from

Thanks for all the info. Can you comment how you hip is doing now, as of May 2013? I think some people reading this should understand however, that you are not the average specimen. You are a super active (or are at least trying to be in lieu of the pain) that most of us will never even attempt. I'm not a doctor but I would have to say that some of the reoccuring pain could be from your long list of physically demanding activities. Maybe others who are less active after the recovery phase may do better, but then again unless everyone documents it like you have here, we may never know.

submitted 5/29/13 6:03pm from Ireland

Just been reading comments from the bottom upwards and see I gave almost the exact same greeting as #17. Sorry Dave Oz!

submitted 5/29/13 3:01pm from Ireland

Phew!

What a great resource to stumble upon (pardon the pun) for those of us with FAI. Like many others I have found it difficult to read anything as detailed and as realistic as your blog.

I had no idea what FAI was until the results of my scan were sent to my GP. What followed was a 5 week wait to see a consultant surgeon who informed me I had FAI of both hips. My left at an "advanced stage" and I am now near the end of a 7 week wait for my first surgery. At this time I just want to get the first surgery done and know the full extent of the damage. Then get on the rehab road to surgery number 2 and try and stave off hip replacement (which the surgeon mentioned is a very strong possibility for my left hip) as long as possible.

I'm 38 and have not played contact sport for many years and have done no haevy impact exercise since developing sciatica 5 years ago. The physio I attended back then had no idea what could be wrong with my hips. This really is a condition that not much is known about. Reading reports from all the comments has given me a very realistic idea of what to expect post op and more importantly may help my wife to be what is in store for her!

So thanks for the blog and to all who contributed comments. I'll be sure to keep checking back and also to add my experiences in recovery.

Be well!

submitted 5/28/13 10:54am from Nevada

Thank you so much for this post. It gives me a personnel idea of what to expect. My 16 year old son, who plays elite junior tennis is going to have this surgery in a week. He is very nervous because of what his goals are. The doctors, which I believe we have great ones, say his prognosis is great as long as he follows all orders. He is extremely active everyday so the worst part will be the mental part of laying around a lot. But at least with your post I can guide him when I see any of this happening.

submitted 5/14/13 8:44am from Ohio

Thank you for writing this blog. I am in the beginning stages of being diagnosed with FAI. I am 37 years old, extremely active, and have had symptoms off and on for a few years. The pain has recently gotten really bad while training for a Warrior Dash. Surgery is not an option for me as I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 9 month old baby. Reading your blog solidified that. I can't just take that much time off from being a mom to very young children who need me. I am hoping upon further testing that I, either don't have it, or there are other treatment options that can control the pain for a few years until I can potentially consider surgery. You are right about your hip never being the same. I had foot surgery 4 years ago and it has not been the same- less pain, but not the same functionality. Best of luck to you and any words of wisdom on other treatment options would be greatly appreciated!

submitted 5/13/13 6:06am from Scotland

Your blog is an amazing achievement in itself. Thank you! I had my right hip arthroscopic osteochondroplasty on 7th May, 2013. I can compare this to the open osteochondroplasty of my left side that I had in December 2007. There is NO comparison on the level of pain I experienced with the open operation, not to mention the recovery period I will have. However, that said, I know that I must follow orders and not jeopardize the good that my surgeon has achieved. Sadly my left hip eventually caved last year. I had my grade 4 arthritic hip replaced in July 2012, so I don't expect the right one to last forever. My hip problems come from a childhood developmental disorder called Slipped Capital Femoral Ephiphysis. This caused a large anterior bump on the femoral head on both sides. As the condition is still relatively new in terms of awareness, many doctors still don't believe you can be suffering such pain. I am so grateful to my surgeon for believing me after being told my hips looked normal. Sorry, there is nothing normal about my hips! SCFE does not encourage normal growth. It's an awful feeling when you hear "Well, your joint space looks normal. So, I don't understand why you can't run a marathon!" So, to those surgeons who don't understand our FAI pain, up yours and I hope that you have symptomatic FAI in the near future!

submitted 5/8/13 4:18am from Mooresville, NC

Thank you SO MUCH for writing this blog and updating it. I am a runner as well and so I sense the same frustration. I am eager to run a half marathon but am NOT looking forward to this surgery. I have been so afraid and upset and crying I will not be able to run again but your blog has given me hope. Thank you :)

submitted 5/6/13 5:01pm from Richmond, VA

Very informative blog! Thank you to the author. I'm currently one week post-surgery, and things are going really well so far. There are a lot of negative experiences out there, so I wanted to share what has been, through 6 days at least, better than I anticipated.

Some of the things written on this blog, I can relate to - difficulty getting around on crutches, using the raised toilet seat, etc., but others I cannot. Fortunately, I haven't experienced any swelling through 6 days, and I feel more stiffness and soreness than actual pain (probably from all the Percocet, but even so...). Time will tell regarding getting back to my prior activity level.

Anyway, you can read my experience at anotherfaiblog.wordpress.com. I read a lot of blogs about this condition and outcomes prior to having the surgery myself, and I am really hoping to be able to provide a positive experience for anyone who will do that same. It's still early for me, but so far, so good.

submitted 4/29/13 7:11pm from California

LL
Thanks for the feedback. I sure hope it recovers. it's only been 3 weeks and still no sensation. I'll keep in mind that maybe I should measure progress in months. I don't know how many palms worth of numbness, but it's pretty much all my girly bits :) I appreciate you writing back.

submitted 4/29/13 11:53am from Finland

Audra:

I had numbness/hypetsensitivity in my right lateral upper thigh/pelvis. The Dr said the same thing about traction. The area was the size of maybe two palms to start with - now 5 mths after operation it is less than one palm (of hand) and not as numb or hypersensitive. So it is getting better but seems to take a lot of time - I wouldn't worry about it if it gets better per each month...

The second hip I experienced no such a thing, so it may noy only traction but also how the scopes have pressed the nerve(s).

submitted 4/28/13 8:47am from UK

Good day to all of you, hope this finds you well.

I have just found out that after 5 years of what I thought was chronic lower back pain, is actually CAM impingement in both my hips. The right is worse and I think the doc said I only had 95 degrees hip flexion where it should be 130 degrees.

I'm 31 years of age, used to enjoy weight lifting and some social sport, but mainly my jobs (gardening and working in a theatre) have kept me physically fit. I've struggled these past 5 years and am glad that I finally know what is causing all my problems, but very frustrated that medical practioners and gurus failed to diagnose this earlier. 2 NHS doctors asked me whether I thought my problems could be psychosomatic! I have been mentioning hip restriction for the last 2 years, but my pains have mainly been lower back and a lot of tightness in my hamstrings and achilles tendons, particularly on the right side (which now makes sense).

I'm waiting for an MRI so the hip specialist can determine the amount of damage and then we will discuss my options.

I feel for everyone who suffers with this condition and it has been a dark cloud over the last 5 years of my life. I really hope it doesn't now ruin it and that the damage is manageable. I will continue to update my progress on this blog and my best wishes to all of you.

submitted 4/24/13 2:18pm from California

I am 38 years old and 2 weeks post-op. I underwent surgery for both Cam and Pincer type FAI, chondroplasty with microfracture, and labrum repair with sutures/anchors. Everything seems to be going okay in terms of pain management and ROM. My concern and question is in regards to the complete numbness I have in my pelvic area. I have no return of sensation in that area at all. Going into my 3rd week, I'm a little worried. The surgeon said perhaps it is due from the extensive time period I was in traction, but is unsure. Has anyone experienced this problem and did it resolve?

submitted 4/18/13 4:07am from Finland

Matt: good to hear, my situation is very similar and in my Dr's view more common than having issues during the recovery. Was able to drive a car in day 3 no problem, now day 7 no pain, can workout selectively (upper body, leg curl/extension in machine etc.) in gym,, also I have close to full range of motion already now. So I think overall in the web there is a bias towards the more complicated processes, usually this is not a big deal to recover from. The main challenge is to cope with crutches for 6 weeks with two small kids even with my wife helping, alone I would manage easily.

Question to you Matt: I have the same reason for crutches as you, to let the cartilage heal itself after the microfracturing. What instructions did you got? I can put some weight on immediately and was promised to be able to start walking short indoor distances in week 4 onwards. No restrictions to range of motion, allowed to use stationary bicycle with no resistance immediately. Basically only weight and impacts to hip joint limited. 3 months restriction to heavy sports and extreme sports for 6 months.

submitted 4/15/13 8:42pm from Chicago

Wow Matt thanks for making me feel a little better. Oh Maria I also live alone . I assume he had someone to help him get out the car and it still took 10 min. I might be 1/2 hour cause I'm alone and live on the third floor. I can do it I'm wonder woman. Oh yea I'm 35 already and kinda fat. So wish me luck. I wish you guys luck.

submitted 4/15/13 8:35pm from Chicago

This is to Maria in New York. I have the same problem but it is only in my right hip. I
Let me first say thanks a million for the great lay out of your healing. I'm still sort of nervous. Maria I understan exactly what your talking about. I will not have any income if I opt to have the surgery. I go on May 7 for the injections to see exactly where the pain is coming from. I'm going to get fired from my job to be able to pay some bills and use up every dime in my savings. I am also trying to apply for temp disability. They told me if I'm not off of work for atleast a year they can not help me. I think that sucks seeing as thought I get this letter every year letting me know how much I would get if I became disable. I think he say he went back to work after 6 weeks, so I'm going to start early looking for a new job.I'm going to take his advice on accepting the operation and dealing with the healing. I want you to know i understand your finicial burden. I don't know how I'm going to deal with this because I will not have a job to go back to. Plus I hope I get approved for the unemployment.

submitted 4/15/13 8:35pm from Chicago

This is to Maria in New York. I have the same problem but it is only in my right hip. I
Let me first say thanks a million for the great lay out of your healing. I'm still sort of nervous. Maria I understan exactly what your talking about. I will not have any income if I opt to have the surgery. I go on May 7 for the injections to see exactly where the pain is coming from. I'm going to get fired from my job to be able to pay some bills and use up every dime in my savings. I am also trying to apply for temp disability. They told me if I'm not off of work for atleast a year they can not help me. I think that sucks seeing as thought I get this letter every year letting me know how much I would get if I became disable. I think he say he went back to work after 6 weeks, so I'm going to start early looking for a new job.I'm going to take his advice on accepting the operation and dealing with the healing. I want you to know i understand your finicial burden. I don't know how I'm going to deal with this because I will not have a job to go back to. Plus I hope I get approved for the unemployment.

submitted 4/15/13 1:56am from Nebraska

So I read this blog before going into surgery and I must admit it had me a little worried. I was constantly told by my doctors that they did not expect complications but would not commit to any sort of recovery timeframe because every patient is different.

I was worried I'd be home-ridden for weeks, unable to work, etc. In truth it hasn't been as bad as all that.

I have to stay on the crutches for 6 weeks in order to allow my healing cartilage to re-grow and all that. but i can put weight on with no pain. Full range of motion isn't quite there yet, but I could definitely have been getting around without crutches since about day 4 if not for doctor's orders.

submitted 4/12/13 6:35pm from New York

Hello and first off thanx a million for your info about FAI. Unfortunately i was told just today that i have it in both hips w/ labrum tears :( OMG I live alone and dont know how i would even consider to have the surgery if i wanted to. Even if i could get around enough to get food etc being alone how would i pull this off financially? I do currently have medicaid so they might cover the surgery if i opt for it but im talking about my rent/car payment/bills I would be out of work w/ no income right? Would i automatically be covered somehow under temp disability or something do u know?
Thanks so much - hope to hear from u soon.

submitted 4/11/13 4:58pm from Finland

Reading many of these comments I must repeat what someone already said below. You must understand that the operation may not fix you to be as good as new. You may not be able to come back to a life where you can freely choose your sport and level of exercise. That is even likely. But you can prevent or at least slow down early severe arthritis and lead a normal life. And still have a lot and lot of choices to pick your cup of tea. Serious long distance running is not unfortunately among the list but you do not need to stop running, you just have to limit the amount and distances. In my opinion the most important gain is and has to be prevention of premature need for prothesis. Everyone makes their own choice but it is good to think a bit further than a few years. These are often the facts, depending on the severity of FAI condition of course and without being rude or offensive it is accept or be miserable. Or continue as before and pay the price later, to be a bit dramatic. So look at the upside, it may help. FAI sucks I fully agree but think 10-15 years back - the FAIs then walk (and only walk) with steel hips today. That is why I consider FAIs today being the lucky ones.

Now that being said to the update: 4,5 mths after my first hip scopia. From Jan 1st done cross-country and downhill skiing, played ice hockey, dead lifts etc. in the gym, cycling a few times. 10 - 30 km runs depending on sport. No problems during the actual sporting, later sometimes felt slight pain, no need for painkillers. I suspect it may take easily a year before there is no pain, I am not in my twenties anymore. So very good recovery in my opinion. My Dr recommended to limit running, I figured to play it safe and choose other sports totally. After 20 years of pause it has been a blast to play ice hockey again - and I am only as young as Teemu Selanne and from same city so the choice was obvious! I am glad the decision to retire from mc racing was done shortly before my FAI was discovered but now I am experiencing some withdrawal symptoms, the season will start in few weeks. That's why I bought myself a killer cool carbon framed MTB a week ago :D. The superficial nerve issue is still slowly recovering, now maybe 1/3 of the original area.

So my second hip was done this morning. Pretty same thing as the first what comes to pain and all. Labrum was better than in the first one but unfortunately there was parts of cartilage torn from the bone. So they removed the torn off pieces, microfratured the bone below and now it is 6 weeks with crutches to give a new cartilage/scar cartilage development a chance. Not very nice but it would be relatively short sighted to ruin the potential result not following the instructions. So I will take it easy for sure, need to leave the MTB alone for more than anticipated 2-3 weeks. No nerve problems now, strange...?

Now it is 12 hrs from surgery and lying down no pain with mild codein based pill. Going to bathroom causes some movement apin which is totally manageable. Very similar with first one so I will close on my behalf my FAI experience here.

Good luck for all and concentrate on the upsides, there will be some pain for this gain but in the long run it will be worth it for sure.

submitted 4/10/13 2:05pm from Michigan

THANK you soo soo much for keeping your commitment and keeping this updated. I have followed your blog since before I got my hip done. I am now 7 months out from my FAI surgery. I have good and bad days. Today is bad, last week was good. Do you think the weather effects you a lot? It seems more humid today so maybe that could be a factor? Most of my pain is STILL in my groin. Did you say you have groin pain from something else involved in the hip, but not a labral tear? I have had prolotherapy and PRP on my opposite side SI....AND it Definitely does help...I am a big believer in it, as I don't take and haven't in all my years of hip pain taken anti inflammatories , I take fish oil and eat a diet high in good fats and low in sugar, seems to help ?! Anyway, thanks in advance for answering!!!! AND again, thank you for keeping everything up to date!!!!

~P

submitted 4/8/13 11:46am from Phoenix, AZ

I am 31 years old and used to consider myself highly active. I had my right hip scoped in Nov 2011 with Labral repair/debridement, removal of both the cam/pincer impingements & PRP. I went to a world renowned doctor in Colorado in hopes of giving my hip the best shot of recovery. My recovery has been riddled with setbacks. I have yet to make it to a place where I felt at least as good as when I went in to surgery much less better. I have had extensive PT (over 120 sessions), 3 Kenalog injections, and went back to crutches at one point. I am thankful for this blog as at least many people on here can understand I am beyond frustrated. Recently it has flared up something fierce and I find even doing simple things around the house like cleaning out my garage to be punishing. I am trying to get into my doctor for another follow up but scheduling with him for post surgery care is a huge challenge in itself. I have tried numerous anti inflammatories (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltaren), I switched PTs at one point, tried dry needling, Astymm, cupping & acupuncture all giving various levels of temporary relief. I wanted to reach out and see if anyone had experienced this level of setback and if there was anything that helped to overcome.?
I apologies for the down mood of this post but I am currently feeling beat down by this process. Please feel free to email me directly at danny.estavillo@gmail.com

submitted 4/5/13 2:13pm from Wayland

Thank you so much for your thoughts. What is the best way for me to send you my e-mail address? And thank you for the advice. I thought I should stay the extra week. My son will two FAI surgeries, one on each hip.

All the best.

submitted 4/3/13 8:08pm from Philadelphia, PA

Hi Pauline from Wayland -

I recommend you stay the fourth week with your son in Shanghai. Unfortunately, I cannot respond to you individually without your email address. I try to keep my website comments section locked down to try to avoid people getting your email address and trying to sell you medicine related items. I do not know if your son is getting hip surgery on the same hip a second time or getting the other hip repaired. However, I am sure he needs the emotional support. The fact that you love your son enough to spend a whole month with him while he is healing is touching to me. Wish him luck for me - Allen

submitted 4/3/13 2:31pm from Wayland

First off, thank you for the detailed reactions you had to FAI surgery.

I wonder if I might ask you a question regarding my son in his late twenties in Shanghai. I'm going there from Boston to help him out as he needs. My time there is for 3 weeks, though I could stay for a month. I'm presently scheduled to leave three days after his second FAI arthroscopic surgery. I realize you're not a doctor, and that each case is different, but it seems to me I should stay the extra week. Would you agree? I prefer this not be posted, as It is not regarding myself and I don't think any information is necessarily valuable to other people.

Thanks very much.

submitted 4/2/13 11:29pm from California

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your experience. I am 38 years old and in the past I was a competitive gymnast and later ballerina. I am going in for FAI surgery this upcoming Monday. Your journal is on my ipad home screen as I type this :) I too have torn labrum, Cam and Pincer impingement , two cysts, arthritis, and damaged cartilage. I have not been able to read everyone's comments, but apparently I'm having micro fracture performed. Did you receive that? Or know anyone who has had it? I'm actually so blessed to have found you. I'm thinking now I should get a shower chair. I also have 18 stairs leading up to my bedroom, maybe I should move a bed downstairs? I didn't really realize the recovery was as intense. My surgery is outpatient and I will be going home an hour later. My poor kids and husband. Thank you again for sharing your story.

submitted 3/24/13 12:17am from New Zealand

FAI hips. Very good information. Take it easy. Your hips may never be the same again or look at it this way you could make them worse, if you over do it. I have had this FAI now since 2007 and in both hips. It is very painful and I lost my job due to the disability. The list is too large to comment on how I ended up with this or how successful the fix is going to be. I will be very happy if I can walk pain free in life as I have been on crutches for the last 5 to 6 years. I have been to see a massive amount of specialists in NZ and have been told different stories. It got that bad I blew my L3-L4 disc out due to compensation in my back. I now have 2 Spinal kinetics disc's L3-L4 and L4-L5 from a German Surgeon which have helped the back pain and degeneration. Also an operation of the Right Labral tear but the real issue is the hip sockets are too deep. So 5 mm has to come off each side of my cups. I am willing to jump on the operating table tomorrow due to the disability it has caused me in life. So if you guys can run or ride a bike or even walk your doing well. I am lucky I have a surgeon that is willing to help and knows his stuff about this as I have had so many scans, X-rays, it is unbelievable. Good luck with any surgery and make sure your surgeon knows his stuff or don't consider it. All the best Karl.os

submitted 3/21/13 8:27am from London

Thanks for posting this blog, it has helped me understand im not the only one ! I am a 24 year old motorcycle racer in the uk, ive have had bikes all my life for fun and never had any issues, i completed the london marathon in 2010 and this is when i believe things went downhill. After the marathon i couldnt run properly for a good year without pain and to be honest the sight of another long road ahead was not too appealing, in 2011 i eventually caught the fitness bug again and took up kickboxing, i tried so hard 3/4 times a week stretching as instucted but the groin pain was just unbearable, i just thought i was unflexible and stiff ! during 2011 i started to get into motorcycle racing and i was very competitve from word go but i suffered tremendous groin pain trying to sit on the bike let alone move around while racing! Just my luck at the end of 2011 i was picked up by a top team and thrown into the deep end for 2012, this was meant to be a dream come true however it was quite the opposite, i had to suffer in silence all year and i am not one for excuses and it was hard to explain this groin pain as i didnt know my problem, i tried a million physios including loughborough university and they all put it down to tight hip flexors or tight something else, its not untill one physio suggested an xray to have a good look incase it was a structural problem, i proceded to go to my local doctor who then reffured me to a specialist, had my xray and he straight away identified it as a hip impingement, i was releaved to finally find out what was wrong however slightly left in the dark as the doctor basically said, you have a few options, stop racing bikes, or get surgery, he said if i choose surgery its a year out, one hip at a time and 6 months in a wheel chair and to me thats not really an option, so i left his office a bit confused and lost about the whole thing, since then a carried on the the year in 2012 racing but the pain just got so bad along with the team pressure to win i was dosing up on ibruprofin every race weekend ( im not one for pain control either) but it helped my hips from locking up after a race. I have now had to declare an early retirement from bike racing as the pain has starting to occure just normally day to day life even sitting down ! I am searching for an answer as to what i can do, my mum is totally against me havin surgery but after reading these posts im feeling more positive about it, i am young enough to hopefully have a full recovery and not suffer later on in life and hopefull start racing again !! Any advice would be gratefull ( www.wespearceracing.com )

submitted 3/21/13 2:51am from San Diego

Finding this site the day before my surgery is a blessing. I am 30 years old and my hip issues started back in 2005 when I fractured my hip. Life has never been the same, I have constant pain with all my daily activities . If I stand its a problem, if I sit its a problem workout to long or push myself like I could before and I am out of commission for a couple days. This diary of recovery kind of gave me a since of normalcy and a look into something that not many can explain. My doc has performed the surgery many times over and on another Sailor i work with, but I am still scared because he said I am hippy and there is a possibility that he could cause more damage. If I don't heal And rehab i will be put out out the military. I am ok with it because at my age and walking like a 90 year old lady is not fun so surgery is my last resort. if it doesnt work then at least i know i tried. Quality of life with this injury is non existent and until you do something you know nothing. Good luck to all of you who are currently rehabbing and to those of you who will have surgery in the near future. I will post updates after my surgery this Friday .

submitted 3/10/13 6:24pm from Asia

To Glowbugsgirl
I had very little pain after the surgery.
I took the prescribed meds for a few days to " stay ontop of the pain" but really, I felt pretty good.
You only wear the brace when walking....not resting or sitting or on CPM machine
I wore loose track suits, and the best footwear was my sneaker, with the lace removed, so you can just slide your foot in and out.
I found sitting in the bath easiest.
Sit on side of tub, lift both legs in together, lower slowly
Or, get a stool to put in shower.
No one told me about possible flare ups.
At 3 months post op, I had severe pain and immobility...back on the crutches.
I was sure the op had failed, or that I had a strss fracture, but it was a " flare up " so be prepared for bad times now and then, just when you think you have healed
I wish you speedy recovery.

submitted 3/10/13 6:17am from Asia

I had FAI surgery for mixed impingement in the US over 14 months ago
I went to one of the nations best hip surgeons, but, sadly, my recovery has not been good
I still have much pain, and limited mobilty, despite many PT visits and daily exercises t home
I am vety discouraged, as every step is painful
Plus, I have FAI on the other side, so am reluctant to go through it all again.
Doc says it could be scarring in the joint, and another surgery may be necessary
not happy.

submitted 3/9/13 9:57pm from San Diego, CA

Hi!

I was diagnosed with FAI in 10/2012. First I was 6 months in pain and with a doctor telling me that anything the pain was, it would heal on its own! :| Then my doctor had to move (which was great!!) and the new doctor was much better. He sent me with the neurologist and orthopedist. By the way, I found out (during the MRIs) I'm claustrophobic hahaha :)

Anyway, when I finally met the hip surgeon, I took me an x-ray, and with that he did the diagnostic in 30 sec. I already had 10 months in pain and had to be more than 4 months in waiting list for the surgery, and finally had it more than 2 weeks ago.

I'm a bit worried about a few things. First the doctor told me it was a pretty quick thing, and I could go back to work in 1 week. I was out from work for almost 2 weeks (12 days after the surgery), and came back for 2 days, and then the third one, better worked from home. I'm supposed to have the crutches for just 3 weeks, and then nothing else. I'm thinking of using a cane (which I used before the surgery). I'm worried that the whole problem is being minimized and that the surgery might not be a success because of a 'too relaxed' care. It was supposed to be 3 smalls hole arthroscopy, but seems like something broke so I have a bigger one (2 half inch and 1 about 2 inches), but that's not really a big deal for me.

Since I began with he problem, my thigh muscle gets very tense when I'm not walking ok, and that still happens.

I'm not much of exercise, like running marathons or anything like that, so the FAI seems to be something I was born with and just gave me problems all of a sudden.

I do have a pain in the back (mostly after being sleeping, standing or sitting for long) and in the hip and thigh of the surgery. I can't stand my chair at work. :/ Oh! And I found out I'm allergic to hydrocodone, codeine and oxycodine. So, deal with it Acetaminophen!

I just hope it works...
Nice sharing this with someone aside my (poor) husband :)
Thanks!
ADS

submitted 3/9/13 8:53pm from Minneapolis

I am 48 yr old female - clearly out of the norm for this type of surgery, but not willing to give in to "pain management" and a less active life style. I limped across the finish line in 2011 Twin Cities Marathon knowing I was injured. It took an entire year and 4 surgeons to finally be diagnosed correctly. I had FAI surgery 9/2012, both cam and pincher, plus sports hernia. I am 25 weeks into recovery. Day-to-day, I'm pretty much pain free and can live a normal life. I started swimming at week 3 with a buoy and have worked up to 20-30 laps (buoy free!) 3-4x per week. Graduated to treadmill 3x per week, 15 minutes walk/run combination. Cycling is good. I still flair up and I'm not running at the frequency or distance I thought I would be. I constantly come back to this blog to compare my recovery and know that my pain is silent to the world, but heard LOUD and CLEAR here!

submitted 3/6/13 3:46pm from Des Moines, Iowa

Thank you so much for your blog. I started running a few years ago and just assumed the annoying back pain I was experiencing was because I had degenerative disc disease and a few herniated discs (I had back surgery 18 years ago) and the groin pain was a pulled muscle. I was finally diagnosed with FAI last summer. Unfotunately, things have gone down hill and I am scheduled for my surgery March 27th. I will be having both the femoral head and the acetabulum shaved, my labrum repaired, and possibly my socket area tightened if needed. I really did not know what to expect and your blog has given me an idea of what I will have to go through. My surgeon tells me I can go back to work in a week and I will only be on crutches 3 weeks (I am now finding that doubtful). Oh, and thanks for the tip on buying the shower chair. Oddly enough, that has been my biggest concern!

submitted 3/4/13 9:24pm from Philadelphia, PA

I want to thank Becca from http://fiercelygraceful.wordpress.com/ for her thoughts on FAI. I enjoy reading everyone's comments and I usually feel your pain and frustration although I do not always respond. I am waiting for the axe to drop when I hear the results of my MRI that I had on Friday. It took Jefferson 4 tries to get the contrast dye correctly through my scar tissue into my hip. (no big deal, 4 tiny needle pricks) No matter what - no regrets on the surgery and I'll do it again if it comes to it or living without enjoying fitness.

submitted 2/24/13 12:58am from Calgary Canada

Thank you so much for your story - I hope this finds you progressively better.

As everyone else here, I have just been diagnosed - finally - after over 3 years of begging doctors to listen to me (thank you Canadian health care system).

I was running marathons, enjoying triathlons when I noticed that I was experiencing a never ending ache after training, my stride was getting shorter, I was getting slower and I was developing a limp. Eventually the pain was so bad I couldn't sleep.

My Dr. told me it was in my "head", I was depressed, blah blah blah. Eventually, i stopped all my activity...and the pain still never subsided. Finally, after begging my dr. for help again and being told it wasn't possible, I paid for an MRI myself. The next day she called - "oh, maybe she should refer me to an orthopedic surgeon".

Unfortunately, in Canada, there are only a couple of Dr.s who perform this surgery and just two weeks ago - after being on his list for over a year - I finally saw him. It took him all of 30 seconds of looking at my xrays to diagnose me :(

Unfortunately, my sedentary lifestyle has led to a significant weight gain and he won't help me unless i "prove to him by losing weight" how badly I want help. Now I feel like I'm being held hostage. :( Then he said "i don't know how you're going to do that with hips like that (exercise)". Nice.

Anyways, your blog gives me hope.

Steph

submitted 2/21/13 10:01am from Phoenix, AZ

AMAZING BLOG!!! Thank you so much. I had the FAI scope done in NOV, 2011. Recovery has been an absolute bear. There has been a few good weeks and the bad ones. I have felt healed followed by crushed. I am currently back in intensive PT trying to beat a bad case of psoas tendonitis. I have yet to be able to run more than 1-2 miles at a time. A huge disappointment considering I was ave 40-50 mile before the laberal tear and impingement break. However, your blog give me hope to keep plugging along.

Thanks

Danny

submitted 2/20/13 5:40pm from LpNrqopYTwdemoIF

Vivian,Your blog provides me with some level of sainty because my dr doesn't like PT for this type of surgery and I've been all alone LOL in this recovery. there are days when I feel like I'm never ever going to recover fully and that's frustrating. I think the comment high highs and high lows is correct I seem to be in a low right now after feeling like I've done really well. I've been trying to jog on the treadmill walk 3 min run 30 seconds and then move to 2 min run 30 etc. and it just depends on the day most days feels good (weak but good) and others I'm like something doesn't feel right so at least now I stop, whereas prior to the surgery I would have kept going. It's a long process. I just keep telling me slow and steady and hopefully this time next year we'll be back to the activities we love maybe just at a different intensity level. I joke the 80-year olds on oxygen at the gym are moving faster than me!! I see the ortho in June for my 8-month follow-up. I may just have to kick him with my one good leg out of frustration

submitted 2/19/13 10:58am from burke, va

I really appreciate your blog and updates. I am currently 16 weeks was having a fairly uneventful recovery until I went for a easy 4 mile hike at 12 weeks. Two days after the hike, the entire hip was angry and the mild groin pain and stiffness with sitting came back again. I still have the groin pain now. Although I can walk on flat surfaces again fine, I am not biking because it seems to make it worse. I thought after 4 weeks of rest and ice it would be better - starting to think I messed something up. Also, I still have some pain and tightness sitting cross legged on the floor - didn't have this before surgery, but has been a problem since surgery. I was a runner my whole life up until 4 years ago, had an injection for the hip that worked for a long time and primarily focused on run/walking, hiking, biking, elliptical. I really want my life back and to be able to play tennis and ski. You give me some hope that things are still able to be fixed at 16 wks and over. I had mixed cam/pincer repair, labral repair (3 sutures), and ligamentum teres repair.

submitted 2/18/13 8:28am from Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I am 6 days post arthroscopic hip surgery and so far so good. I was part of a study and they gave me a nerve block before the surgery and that has greatly diminished my pain throughout this process. Yes it is frustrating to be unable to do a lot of things, but I just keep focusing on the positives, and what this means for my future. Heading out to the gym today for my first time on a recumbant bike (its considered non-weight bearing exercise so I've been given the a-okay). 2 days till my first physiotherapy session.

Very grateful for this resource. Despite our stories being quite different it was good to see SOMEONE talking about it as the complete absence of understanding of what this procedure would mean both short and long term was a big part of the anxiety in having it.

So far so good and hoping to continue with the rehab.
Cheers Liz
lvanderkleyn@gmail.com

submitted 2/17/13 9:45pm from United States

I am scheduled for FAI repair in early March 2013. The information here is so helpful! I have questions about some of the practical aspects of planning for recovery. I'd like to be able to take care of as much as I can beforehand and would be interested in suggestions regarding any of the following:
1. The brace: Do you wear it while the passive motion contraption is on? When resting or only when vertical?
2. Clothing: Any suggestions on what was most practical/comfortable?
3. Shoes: I am thinking that it will be helpful to wear something light on the foot of the affected leg/hip. Crocs? Or do I want something more stable on the "good foot"?
4. Showering: This must be quite a challenge on one foot? What's the real deal?
5. Hospitalization: How long we're you hospitalized following surgery?
6. Pain Control: What pain medicine was prescribed to take at home? Helpful or no? Trial & error?
7. Children: I have a 4 y.o. How can I best prepare a child of this age?
8. What did you wish you'd known to prepare for?

Thank you!

submitted 2/7/13 9:24am from Ireland

This is a great site. Thank you so much for all the information. I was diagnosed with FAI with a labaral tear last September after 2 years of being refered to every consultant and physio. I had completed a physio programme pre the diagnosis. This did not help with the pain and they refered me to a consultant who finally did an MRI arthorgraph. The result was FAI hip with Labaral tear. I have since got married and it had progressively got worse. I am no at my wits end with the whole thing.

I have booked myself with another physio seeing as i now know what it is but i have read that it wont fix the underlying problem but it will help me maintain the pain. My work is seditary and i wont be able to take 3 mths off to recover or more.

I was wondering how you coped or anyone else with recovery time .

Thanks in advance for your advice
Ann

submitted 1/24/13 8:34pm from Minnesota

I am 21 years old and had FAI surgery just over 2 years ago. I started dealing with this problem when I was 13 but never really knew what it was. It affected my everyday life. I struggled competing in sports that I loved and sometimes couldn't even make it the 2 blocks I had to walk to school without limping. I spent part of middle school, all of high school and half of college trying to figure it out. I think in total I went to 12 different people (PT, chiropractors, neurologists, acupuncture, etc.) and FINALLY found a PT who referred me to an awesome surgeon in Wisconsin. I am very thankful for the having the surgery and like you feel blessed to have a working body again.
I have found that with cold temperatures and stressful situations I tend to tense up and my hip can be very painful. I have been experiencing that this past week and I was beginning to worry. I am thankful I found your blog to know that I'm not the only one that suffers from this frustrating condition. You have given me encouragement and I hope that this little flare up goes away quickly. Again, thank you for your blog.

submitted 1/8/13 5:29pm from Ohio

Btw I am 39 years old, love to run, used to run marathons before the hip acted up starting over a year ago. I went back to work 3 weeks after surgery, 7 hours up and down and walking, no crutches. Aches a little, but each day getting stronger and better. I am dying to start making training plans for triathlons and 1/2 marathons for summer and fall. I also recommend the ergonomic Smartcrutch as these did not cause me discomfort like regular crutches.

submitted 1/8/13 5:23pm from Ohio

Allen, thank you for putting your recovery out there for others to see and be encouraged. Nina, I just had the surgery 4 weeks ago and am already glad I did it. I attribute my rapid recovery to using compression hose from toes to waist (like very tight pantyhose) that my husband assisted me with putting on in recovery. The nurses wanted to put on an Ace wrap instead and did not want me to put on both. I was wheeled out of the hospital after eating my crackers and drinking sprite, and hopped up into the minivan with my aching hip. After we drove 1.5 hr home, we put the ace wrap over the compression hose and i fell asleep. I rewrapped the ace the next day from the ankle to the hip and the swelling in my leg was gone in 48 hours. My physical therapist was quite incredulous when I had no noticeable swelling and was able to walk a little without my crutches 3 days after surgery. I really believe that getting the swelling out rapidly took a great deal of pain away and allowed me to start recovering faster. I am debating about starting a blog to help others with getting a jump start in rehab. Good luck to others trying to get back into an active lifestyle!

submitted 1/8/13 6:22am from Denmark

Great site, I've been looking for any information on what to expect from hip surgery, and your site and diary is very informative and comprehensive. But I must admit it makes me a little nervous about my up and coming surgery.
I have a pincer hip joint and labral tears. It took the doctors a while to find out why I was experiencing pain, but now I have a diagnosis.

I?m a 35 year old woman, who is usually very active, working out 3-4 times a week. In December 2011 I experienced pain for the first time while running. I took a break from running, and kept up on my favorite activity: spinning. Next time I took a run, a couple of months later the pain returned. I spoke to my doctor about it and she sent me on to a physical therapist who told me I probably had snapping hip syndrome, and got me started on stretching This pattern continued for several months, and eventually I also started experiencing pain after biking. I returned to my doctor who sent me to an orthopedic surgeon. After X-rays and ultrasound scans I was told I had an injury on my IT band, and also labral tears. I was given a set of exercises for rehabilitation of my injured IT band. After a month of doing the exercises I started experiencing pains even when I wasn't doing anything.

I ended up speaking to a new surgeon, an expert in hip injuries. He took a closer look at the X-rays and gave me yet another diagnosis. Hip impingement, from a protrusion on my hip socket, and labral tears.

It is now 14 months since I experienced groin and hip pain for the first time, and 5 months since I stopped doing any exercise at all. I can't walk for more than 10 minutes without experiencing pain after a few hours, I experience pain while sitting down, I can't even sit on the floor to play with my children, I have to sit on a chair instead. It?s getting progressively worse. I'm basically sick to death of not being able to normal stuff. Your line ?Get busy living or get busy dying? really hit home for me.

I'm not looking forward to the long recovery time, but I'm looking forward to getting out on the other side, and being able to be active again. It's soooo difficult to keep the kilos off :) And I really miss the kick from my active lifestyle.

submitted 1/2/13 1:59pm from Philadelphia, PA

Hi Allen - I had written a few months ago after having surgery and now that I'm 2.5 months in I'm having some doubts about my progress. Did you ever have groin pain while sitting or flexing the hip? It's been bothering me for the last 2 weeks and doesn't seem to be getting better. Dr. Parvizi said to expect groin pain, but this is pretty constant. I'm nervous that I've damaged the labrum again and am going to talk to my PT tonight, but was just wondering if you ever had this type of pain during your recovery.

Thanks!

submitted 12/22/12 11:11pm from Idaho

Its been really interesting to read your blog. So thank you for writing it!!

I'm 24 years old and have been dealing with impingement since I was 11 years old. My right hip is the worst, but my left hip has some symptoms too.
I was only diagnosed at the age of 19. In 2009 I had open surgery to clean up the socket and cartilage and get rid of the bumps on my femur. (I'm not sure what surgery they did with you, but my surgeon cut through my femur and then screwed it back together so I was off my feet for some time).

Fast forward to 2012 and I am back to being in pain. Some days I don't notice it and others it hurts me to walk/sit/lay down. It is becoming frustrating. I've also noticed that if I dance or do anything other than minimal movement, my lower back feels almost as if the bones that should be moving are fused together.
The past few days i have noticed a slight cut/sore on my scar (which is HUGE, maybe about 9 inches long?) and it is very warm to the touch. I don't know what it means, but being a stay at home Mom and living in the USA (when I had my surgery in the UK, I immigrated in august) Just worries me. I've never met anyone with FAI and when I spoke to my GP about it he looked at me like I was speaking in another language.

I dont know if i need to have another surgery or get an mri done. Sorry to rant, If you experienced anything like this please respond! i'd appreciate it. I feel like I am an old lady in a young person's body.

submitted 12/20/12 11:56am from NYC

I am 2 years out from my FAI surgery/labral tear repair on my right hip. I am 37 yrs old, female, fit and petite in size. I really never recovered. I used one of the best doctors out there so don't fault him. I don't have the same groin pain I had previous, that is gone, but I have overall aching in my hip and low back that never goes away as well as a click in my hip that came post surgery and never went away. I have done extensive PT, worked with an ART therapist, medical massage and will be starting rolfing in a week. My life has changed dramatically in terms of my level of activity. Now, the bad news is that my left hip is having that same deep groin pain that I had on the right side pre-surgery. I know the FAI is there, so I now suspect there is a tear. Not sure what to do really. I do feel that this surgery set off my alignment as a whole which is why I am going to try the rolfing now. My PT who is very honest and has seen patients who have had FAI surgery from 2 surgeons in NYC says he feels the surgery is hit or miss. He has one patient who did it on one hip and had a great recovery and then did her second hip and it's been a nightmare for her. Thanks for sharing your experience.

submitted 12/9/12 9:45am from Finland

2,5 weeks from surgery. Been walking inside without crutches for a week or so, occasional NSAIDs but now none for days - outside I use crutches due to longer distances and snow. There's a constant slight uneasy feeling in the hip, not pain but more like numbness. Unfortunately I think I have some issues with my lateral femoral cutaneous nerve since I got a clear numb palm sized area laterally just under the posterior incision. Feels irritating and is known complication mainly due to traction. What worries me that it feels there's no improvement to situation, the skin area feels the same as after surgery...have to bring this up on the 19th of Dec in the first control. Sometimes it takes weeks to recover, rarely it is permanent. I do hope this is not the latter case...

Otherwise everything's ok, driving a car with no problem almost a week now, will start working tomorrow at least part time. I started stationary cycling more than a week ago and can do 30-60 minutes easily with some resistance. Upper body exercise and light lower body exercises including legs work as well.

Besides the nerve thing everything went much better than expected. The operation included previously mentioned + resection of labral tear here and there, no fixing tough so I was able to put on weight to leg immediately. Recovery from the nerve damage will eventually dictate if this was worth it and decision to proceed with left hip pending on the same outcome as well.

submitted 12/7/12 1:20pm from NYC

Great blog and much appreciated. I would like to add that it isn't necessarilly as tough for people as it was for you, it seems like a few of the more recent posters had better experiences so i thought i would share mine with people to get some more balance.

I think I was at your week 12 at the end of week 3. Very little pain fortunately straight afterwards so I was able to be off 2 crutches after 10 days and on no crutches 3 weeks after surgery. I still can't walk very far (recomended no more than 3-4 blocks) but am currently (week 4) doing 10 mins cycling, 10 mins elliptical and 5 mins sideways inclined treadmill walking twice a day so far without too many issues. I am sore after the exercise and also if i sit too long in a chair without standing up.

One thing for people to appreciate, and the bit that I have found hardest is the sheer amount of time the recovery / rehab takes. 2x a week with a PT and then 2hrs a day on my own (one hr morning, one hour evening).

And one last random observation, from an admittadly small sample size it seems to me that very fit / light people have a much harder time with recovery than more normal / larger sized people. I wonder whether with your asccess to more people's experiences that seems to eb the case too ?

submitted 11/29/12 1:14pm from Los Angeles, CA

I have a right FAI with a labrial tear. I am 34 too. Im overweight at 320lbs, but am 6'4. How hard do you think it will be for my hip to support a guy like myself?

submitted 11/22/12 11:40pm from Finland

1st day after surgery of right hip. Turned out to be both CAM- and pincer-type FAI which was fixed in arthroscopy. If I understood correctly the cartilage damage was not that as bad as anticipated, haven't seen the papers yet though. Operation took 2,5 hrs. When recovering from anesthesia for the first ten minutes the pain was ridiculous, but that eased up pretty quickly (5-10 minutes) with some opiates. I think it was due to traction used during the procedure as it was more cramp-like pain.

The day and first night was easy, some pain only when moving. Now practically no pain when laying still and I've only used NSAID's at 4 pm and 9 pm yesterday. Slept approx. 6 hrs so that's ok as well. Moving is painful but it is not sharp pain, more bruise-like pain which is much more tolerable. Of course I am not doing squats but moving like an 90-year old lady, very very slowly with limited movements...

So it looks good so far, now I just got to take it easy not to start excercising too early. However I am allowed to start exercising in two weeks! That was not expected...

submitted 11/18/12 9:54pm from CA

Thank you so much for doing this! I just had surgery on Mon 11/12/12. My leg is so swollen, I can hardly believe it is my leg. I have also always been in good physical shape and have always been very active with weights and dance. I did not expect the swelling. I will check in with my dr tomorrow, but reading all of this helped ease my mind today. thanks

submitted 10/31/12 6:51pm from Philadelphia, PA

Claudia - your pains in your groin area the first couple weeks after surgery are NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL! Many people have written to my personal email account asking the same question. Heck, I still get those pains briefly from time to time. I am no doctor, but I believe you just had an operation that upset and caused trauma the whole hip area. In the short term you're going to doubt the operation's success over and over again. I'm still running and Alexander Rodriguez of the New York Yankees who had the operation in 2009 (at 34 years old) hit 18 home runs this 2012 season, three years after surgery. He has a baseball contract with the Yankees through 2017. (5 more years) I guess that means the doctors think his former FAI symptoms are not going to stop him playing into his early 40's. Give it time Claudia - we all had to endure it!

submitted 10/27/12 8:57pm from Philadelphia, PA

Hi! I just had surgery with Dr. Parvizi after finding your website a month or two ago. I am in week 2 of recovery and although week 1 felt pretty good (minimal pain, yet minimal flexibility), this week is really kicking my butt. I was wondering what exact type of pain you had in your first couple of weeks? For example, I'm experiencing groin pain and outer hip pain and am nervous that I've done something to aggravate or delay healing, but am hoping this is just something that other patients have experienced. Any information would be helpful! Thanks!

submitted 9/27/12 8:54am from Toronto, Ontario

Its official. I'm having hip arthoroscopy surgery on February 12th, 2013. My surgeon Dr. Murnaghan seems quite good. He said he'd done 30 of the surgeries this year with good results.

I'll be reading this page more thoroughly in preparation as I want so badly to get back on my skates and start playing roller derby again.

Any suggestions in the lead up? Any vitamins I should be taking?

Would love to hear how you're doing today. As its been some time since your updates. Any reoccuring issues?

lvanderkleyn@gmail.com

submitted 9/26/12 4:53pm from Finland

Short update: after summer vacation and series of work related trips I finally met a hip specialist. He put me straight in line for surgery, hip arthroscopy. First hip hopefully in a month or two and the second 3 mths after that. And after that my hamstring rupture needs to be operated to remove scar tissue since it has not healed optimally. Pretty interesting year ahead with three surgeries given I have had only my tonsils removed as a baby in 42 years ;). With hips the recommendation was clear: without surgery the process damaging cartilage will go on and get worse over time. The decision to have surgery was a no-brainer. I'll share how it went in due time.

submitted 9/24/12 8:07pm from Calgary, Canada

Hi,
Thank you Captainapplesauce for the website, thank you all the visitors for their contribute. I literally found out a couple of days ago that I most likely have FAI, type Pincer. I'm a 32 years old female.
The last 2 months have been awful and last weekI eventually had to be taken to the hospital completely paralyzed .Even though the x-ray clearly shows FAI type Pincer and no SI joint inflammation, the doctor at the hospital treated me for a SI joint inflammation. I discussed the results with my amazing chiro and through her I seem to be on the right track now.
I'm trying to schedule an MRI as soon as possible.
I used to be a high level athlete until a couple of years ago, a sprinter and running is my entire life. I am still trying to deal with the fact I won't be running for a very long period of time.

The things that scars me the most right now is still the lack of answers. What happens if I only manage to have the surgery in 4 months from now? Will my labrum is be completely damaged? Will that make any difference?

Like Captainapplesauce mentions, our pain is invisible to others and reading about other people going through the same helps immensely. Thanks again.
I feel so overwhelmed right now?.

Thank you all,

sv

submitted 9/22/12 5:41am from San Jose

Thank you so much for your FAI diary. I read it months before my surgery and it really helped me have realistic expectations of the healing process. I am only 7 days post op now but I feel prepared for what to expect. I do have a comment about the crutch issue. I was surfing the web actually trying to find a way to make my crutches look a little more fashionable. I ran accrossed this sight www.crutcheze.com. They have padded crutch covers in plain colors and in fun styles. They made my crutches not only look better but they are a lot more comfortable to use. I don't suffer from that chaffing and bruising I've had from using crutches in the past. They also have an attachable bag that fits your cell phone, wallet, water bottle etc.. So everything was always accessible wherever I was in the house or when I went to the doctors office. They were easy to put on and machine washable too. I always seem to need a water bottle with me as I'm always thirsty. So this was nice to have.
I think right now I am most concerned on recovery time because I work in a hospital and am on my feet walking at a steady pace 8 hours a day. I was in great pain for 8 months waiting for diagnosis and finally surgery. Now I am hoping I will be able to keep up with my job demands 8 weeks out. I know it's still early in my recovery, but I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts on this. Thanks

submitted 9/19/12 11:03am from Maryland

I'm two weeks out (Sept. 5) from FAI hip surgery (left side, no microfracture!!!). I feel that I am doing remarkably well. 75% off of crutches (still use them if walking more than a few minutes). Doc had me on my bike (on my trainer with no resistance) the day after surgery. I'm up to 30 minutes now and it has gotten better/easier each day. Doing PT 3x/week as well. I'm anxious to get back running but have 12 weeks of PT followed by an 8 phase (8 weeks) "back to running" plan. Still a long way to go but I am optimistic based on the first two wees. Need the other side down as well and hoping to have it done in 3-4 months.

submitted 9/15/12 9:55pm from Switzerland

Thank you for your story. I have had the surgery done back in February this year and undergo the same psychological problems as described by you. It is strange to realize that the brain sometimes is the restricting factor. For instance I was not finishing the stretch to the back while walking due to pain until my doctor said, "just stop doing that"' "just finish the stretch". And funny enough ,it worked. No more pain while normal walking. Due to this issue I have also used my muscles all wrong and experiencing pains on other parts of the body as wel. Lower back pains, pain on the chest and front of the shoulders.

But it comes and goes. I have the highs (I am cured, I can do everything again) and the lows (damn its back again, will this be the rest of my life?). The good thing is that if it does hurt the pain is not less intensive but the duration is very short. Where as before the operation it could last the whole day it is now gone in minutes. That is a mayor improvement!

I am still happy I did the operation but I should have prepared psychological better for this. I was to much focussed on the pains and not on being fit mentally.

Reading your blog did explain the swings I was feeling from euforia to the depressing feelings. It helped me a great deal knowing that I was not alone in this.

Thank you!

Best regards,
Alexander Scholten

submitted 9/15/12 9:38pm from Philly suburbs

I, too, looked all over the Internet for useful info on the FAI/FAO surgery, both before and after my recent procedure on 9/4/12. Since 2007, I have been battling with hip pain. As a former distance runner (in my 20-30's), I became a competitive squash player in my 30's. I love the sport, and have remained competitive with a serious training regime. I am now 53 years old, and for the past FIVE years, have been trying to get to the source of my hip pain. Squash entails lots of explosive running, turning and lunging, and I think the lunge for my right forehand shot did the damage to my left hip. What a relief, this past July 2012, when I was properly diagnosed with a labrum tear. My prior visits to orthopedics, chiropractors, GI and OB/GYN docs didn't reveal what my rhumatologist finally suspected and diagnosed.

Last December 2011 I began to have groin and lower back pain, not knowing that this could be associated with hip pain. I saw so many different specialists, and had so many different tests. What a nightmare! I continued my physical activity, playing squash 4-6 times per week with pain, but I knew this was not going to be sustainable. Also of concern was the probable onset of arthritis. Squash can be a lifelong sport if the player adjusts his/her game to their physical ability and limitations. I played through two pregnancies, so I know this to be true. There was no choice but to fix this tear and get on with my game.

Thei surgery described in this blog mirrored mine, right down to the same surgeon, except in left not right hip. I was desperately looking for info, after getting home from surgery, to find out what was "normal". Lots of things are going on that they didn't pepare me for, much of which is documented on the blog. I would like to add a few more:

1. The idea of not breaking 90 degrees needed to be put into context. Every time you lean forward to get out of a soft, low chair, you break that angle. Same with leaning forward to reach something on the table. Think about your motion before you do anything.

2. The burning sensation in my quadriceps during the night is intense. Traction during surgery causes your entire leg to experience trauma. So while you may think hip and back will be the likely sore spots, my biggest problem has been tightness and pain across the quadriceps. Ice helps tremendously.

3. I am not big on pain meds, and stopped taking them after day 3 because I experienced terrible headaches and was frequently lightheaded. I also feel that it is hard to know what's really going on in recovery when it is masked by drugs. I still take the prescribed anti inflammatory and aspirin, but found ice to be the best for managing pain.

4. Crutches ..... Just awful. First time in my life I have ever needed them and the instructions given by hospital PT/OT we're not adequate for me. I am really unstable on stairs, and had a fall on flat grind simply because I lost balance on flat ground. I am really concerned that inexperienced crutch-users, like myself, could potentially screw up the surgery by not being adequately trained.

5. Doc said stationary bike within no resistance was ok at day 6. He said to let pain guide how long, but really, if you are already in pain, how long is too long? I am very happy to be moving around, loosening up the leg muscles, but do worry about overdoing it.

I am only 10 days post-op, so I still have a long road ahead. I was grateful to read about a similarly athletic and motivated person in this blog and thank you for your detailed, honest and encouraging entries.

submitted 9/9/12 3:25pm from Ontario, Canada

Allen, your Sx was arthroscopic, while my son`s was open, invasive. His cartilage was worn through. I am not sure if he was CAM/PINCER diagnosis - I do know his surgery was 4.5 hours! Post Sx he was 6-8 weeks non weight bearing- and keeping his hips parallel, then toe touching only (10% weight only). Do you know of others who could also share their open surgery experience?
Again, please contact me if you want to share. My son would like to connect with someone about his challenges now. - he is in college and thinks of his health last! so Mom is creeping the blogs!
pattipriestman@hotmail.com . We are outside of Toronto, Ont.

submitted 9/9/12 2:57pm from Ontario, Canada

Hi All.
great site! I commend you Captain Applesauce! You were very wise to document right from the beginning. I am sure you have made many many FAI patients feel less alone!

Glad to hear some FAI surgeries have been so successful, and physio recovery long lasting. Be kind to your bodies - by allowing rest days too!

My son had FAI RT hip Sx at 18 (2 years ago). He had been athletic (competitive badminton, rep soccer), and struggled with the intermittent pain for 12 YEARS before being properly diagnosed. I believe he is better - but still in significant pain, physically has little mobility and mentally stressed about it. I would love to see him connect with some of you, who he could talk to - who really understand (ie who have been through it unlike his Mom!)

"Dad with the 15 year old LaX boy".... any interest? others? The daily struggles are mentally exhausting, as it is for my son to try to put on socks! He can not bend his hip much.

He suffers bouts of frustration, depression due to his inactivities/inabilities. He has told me that he would like to talk to someone, compare FAI info. I am sure it would be therapeutic. Please email me if interested, I plan to send him a small package (he is at college) with some connections that he can follow up on at his convenience. pattipriestman@hotmail.com thank you so much!

submitted 8/29/12 8:17pm from Portland, OR

Wonderfully detailed diary. I have to second the suggestion someone made here to slow down a little. Your exercise regimen would leave even most non-hip impaired people exhausted. A cautionary note to those newly diagnosed with any of the FAI variants: 1) this is still a poorly understood and understudied condition that has been "recognized" for a relatively short period of time; 2) many live with no or few symptoms with these conditions for years and, moreover, suffer no significant tissue/joint destruction; 3) one recent Norwegian study examined the hip x-rays of 2,081 young adults and found that the majority, on at least one x-ray pertaining to each, could be diagnosed as having FAI; in short an X-ray finding of FAI is, to put it mildly, insufficient to justify surgery; 4) one of the few long-term FAI studies showed that, among 43 hips with cam impingement, only 28 showed any progression in osteoarthritis over a ten year period; 5) undoubtedly, carefully selected individuals benefit from FAI surgery, but a review of the available data from a large number of studies leaves doubt as to overall efficacy. Bottom line: if possible, delay surgery, get your x-rays and MRIs and let them serve as benchmarks for comparisons over a period of time to determine whether your FAI has any genuine clinical significance.

submitted 8/23/12 10:05am from Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What a phenomenal resource. I think the one thing you said that totally rang true to me was..."Your pain is invisible to everyone else. I do not think anyone will truly understand how your body feels inside or what you are going through. You will be frustrated before and after surgery for months".

I'm a 31 year old woman who has been playing roller derby for the past 6 or 7 years. nearly 3 years ago now during a practice I took a hit, my skate jammed in the track barrier and my hip was dislocated. It was the most painful and hearbreaking experience (at least I thought it would be) and I rushed back to get on skates, not taking my injury as seriously as I should have. 2 months after the dislocation I was back on skates and playing my first all-star game. I wanted so badly to be back to normal.

However over the months since its only gotten harder to keep up with the pack. It hurts to skate some days, and even to walk/sit/stand up. When I go to the gym I keep triggering something that has me in pain, and I become fearful to go back to the gym out of fear or re-injuring/causing myself more pain. I went back to physio in January of this year (nearly 2 years post-accident) and have now run out of benefit coverage for physiotherapy. I do the exercises on my own now and hope that building muscle will help me get back to anywhere near where I used to be. 4 months before my accident i was voted MVP for one of my games. Now I'm lucky if I make it on 1 of 6 line ups, and I don't feel I am the best teammate I can be as I'm struggling to make my body work the way it should.

I've been diagnosed with FAI, still waiting on a treatment plan, but I feel like in reading this, I am pro-surgery. I'm not willing to slow down. I'm only 31! I want a long healthy, ACTIVE life. Heck I want to be around to see roller derby in the Olympics and beyond! I want to be like my leaguemate G-Force, who is still going strong in her derby career into her 50s!

Thank you for this website. I'll know on August 29th if surgery is in my future and feel like this will be a great resource should this be the route I go.

submitted 8/15/12 7:23pm from Michigan

HI!! OMG, I love love love your site!!! I havent read it all but skipped right to the end (hahah yeah, I usually do that with books too) lol . ANYWAY, I just found out yesterday I will have to have surgery on BOTH hips...both with FAI. I saw a surgeon (Shane Nho) and I really really liked him. I have seen a couple others and I wasnt impressed. Dr. Nho is in Chicago. I found him through google (lol..yeah, yeah, AND FB...I'm a stalker!)haha. He studied under Dr. Byrd and Phillpon(Colorado), the one that did Tyson Gays surgery and a few other olympians.

I am scheduled to get surgery Sept 12th. IF all insurance goes through correctly. I have had symptoms since 2008 , I was diagnosed with sports hernias and had them repaired (bilateraly) in 2010. WITH NO relief. FAST forward to 2011, I was getting Prolotherapy for my SI joint, that doctor (dr. Krasnick in warren, Mi) suggested I might have a labral tear. Well, I sure did. on BOTH sides.

Dr. Nho said I have a LOT Of soft tissue damage in Adductor, etc....so I will have a longer recovery than most. NOT looking forward to that, BUT I am looking forward to finally after four years of suffering getting my life back together. I am a personal trainer and healthcoach and former national level figure competitor. My husband owns a crossfit gym , so my life is surrounded by fitness.

SO, thanks for the reassurance!!! Keep us posted and I cant wait to share my success!!!!

God Bless!
P

submitted 8/8/12 4:13pm from Florida

Hi Fellow fai's
I'm 6 weeks out from right fai sugery with mirofracture. I have just started putting some weight on my leg. Doctors orders, I also need my left done. I was wanting to do my left hip 4 weeks out but that would leave me with no legs to stand on. Man this is taking longer than I would of wanted. I have job that requires me to walk for 12 hours at a time. I've been out of work 3 months now and have no idea when I beable to return.
Good luck to anyone else going through this

submitted 8/5/12 5:08pm from Phoenix, AZ

Hi Allen,

Wow! Your website/diary on your FAI experience is fantastic and so informative and helpful. You are correct that there is very little information on this topic, much less what to expect after the surgery. As anyone that is or has experienced FAI knows how frustrating this is since it has only recently been addressed in the medical field and very few doctors have any experience dealing with it.

I am/was a very active person working out 3 ~ 4 times a week sometimes with a trainer using weights and strength training exercises and running 6 miles 4 ~ 6 times a week. But in the last couple of years I was becoming less active due to hip and back pain. I would stretch, get massages and just work through it. I went to MANY chiropractors, physical therapist, and of course doctors trying to find out why my right hip and back were hurting and was told many different theories. I also had many x~rays, MRI, and tests. My last MRI in January of this year indicated several things one being FAI in right hip. After several steriod injections (which I wish I hadn?t had), more PT with no success, I have decided that I need to see a specialist and possibly have surgery. I see my Sport's Physician on Tuesday and will be requesting an appointment with Dr. Jimmy Chow here in Phoenix who is one of the only doctors in town to do this type of surgery but apparently one of the best.

I am worried about the amount of time I will have to take off from work as I am a flight attendant which is a physically demanding job and of course being gone. In your opinion, how much time would you estimate I would need to take off from work? I can do physical therapy when I'm home and on the road in my hotel room but I'd like to have an idea just so I can be prepared. Any information you can offer would greatly appreciated.

I wish you the best in your recovery and thank you so much for posting your experience. I will continue to watch for updates and use it as a guide if and when I do have FAI surgery.

All the best,
Debi

submitted 8/2/12 1:45am from Australia

Wow! what a great resource Ive stumbled across here! I am going in for FAI surgery with labral repair in 6 weeks on my left hip, and 4 weeks later I'm in again for my right hip.

My pain is reasonably manageable, but my flexibility and overall range of movement has really suffered, my back in particular. Did you find that your range of movement improved after surgery?

submitted 7/14/12 10:19am from Florida

Thanks for site. I had FAI and mirofracture surgery 3 weeks ago today. No weight bearing 6 weeks. Then I need surgery on left hip if this one works or they say I will need double hip placement. Before I dx I was having stabbing pain that knocked me off my feet when running. I have been a runner for 20 years. Then after couple days I would feel ok and repeat until I was unable to walk or work. Sabbing pain, went to doctors they told me I was compensating for knee. I fell 3 years ago playing soccer, probably because of my hips, and tore my ACL. Started having hip pain when going through my recovery phase. Therapist and Doctor told me this normal pain. So of corse I try running with pain until I was unable to function.

Glad to be recovering...hope it works. I would love to run, walk, be my active self again

submitted 6/29/12 1:17am from Finland

Hi, thanks for the great site. I found out yesterday I have Cam-type FAI with grade 3-4 (that`s bad, 4 basically means there`s no cartilage left) cartilage damage in upper rim of acetabulum (narrow section of about 5 mm). I am 42 yrs old male and have been active all my life, never heard of FAI until yesterday when I read my MRI scan results written by radiologists (he mentioned the head of the femur are significantly eccentric(?) on both sides). I`ll see my sports Dr (ortophedist) next week and of course he will brief me where we really are and about the options but naturally I am quite eager to find out more asap.

I`ve been racing with motorcycles for approx. 10 years (national level road racing) and have not sustained any injuries but have had strange quickly passing hip pain on rare occasions - thought they where cramps. Then played baseball 14th of June, tore up my hamstring and during hamstring/pelvic MRI they found the FAI by coincidence. Lucky thing I guess but now of course I`m very worried about the future level of activity that I can sustain. This season with bikes is over anyway with hamstring which most likely needs to be operated but that does not worry me, gr 3-4 cartilage damage worries me a lot. The riding I would have stopped anyway after this season due to lack of motivation and feeling too old & family-orientated for all the hassle that goes with "hobby" taking all your time and money -the decision was made during spring and this FAI episode totally confirms the decision. However I would like to do other things besides swimming later and I am not that keen on getting hip protesis quite yet. Riding bikes seriously for over 10 years could have contributed to damage (the movements over the bike are like riding a horse but with more strain and stretching I guess) but the damage is done, it could have been worse with high speed sports anyways. My questions is that have you or anyone you know experienced FAI with cartilage damage? Any ideas of recovery or level of activity recommended. I know becoming a couch-potato is one option but that is not for me...

Funny thing is that I ride a bicycle a lot, go to gym, go jogging and occasionally play different games such as ice hockey, baseball, tennis etc. and I can`t recall of having any unusual hip or lower back pain. The only strange thing is the cramp type pain during riding on the track.

Also I need to say that it could be worse, they could have found sarcoma or something, but of course being very active I can`t help myself of being kind of worried about this anyways.

Once again thanks for the great and informative site!

Cheers

LL, Finland

submitted 6/24/12 10:36am from Philadelphia, PA

Hello "Son had FAI Surgery"

Your son is too young to be having these types of problems. I'm so sorry to hear it. I guess much younger kids get leukemia, so it should not be too odd that your son had complex FAI labrum tears at 15. I have to respond to your comment about the acute knee pain. I have gotten injured with right hip pain in my surgery repaired hip three times since my surgery two years ago. Every time I enter recovery stage, I get a dull pain seemingly on the outer front lip at the top of my lower leg bone behind that location inside the knee joint itself with heavy exercise. I notice it more AFTER my running, bicycling, and swimming workouts than during. I always have written it off in my mind as a movement pattern I am following to protect my hip while it's still recovering. Yes, I guess this in both knees although I only had 1 hip treated for FAI. It always goes away as I get further in my recovery. I did not know if it has anything to do with FAI. I thought my knees might be going from years of pounding on the asphalt or my custom orthotics. I have gotten used to this TEMPORARY feeling in my knees that it hardly even phases me anymore. Here's the pattern 1. I injure my hip a little 2. I get this familiar odd dull pain that seems to be in my lower knee 3. my hip healing continues and it eventually the dull pain (pain is 1 or 2 out of 10) goes away. I could be over thinking my symptoms, but i wanted to give your son a little bit of hope this pain may subside as he recovers. I'm glad he's backing off the treadmill a little bit. One day at a time... I hope when he gets older he will be 100% and earn a Division 1 lacrosse college scholarship! Regards, Allen

submitted 6/23/12 9:17am from New England

Allen - remarkable diary of your progress and we are all greatful for it. Per below, perhaps you could comment on one of the post-op symptons our son is having in his knees. But first, sincerely, my best wishes to you for a total eventual recovery. I do echo one responder's thought though that it might be good for your system to let up a little on the work outs, if for no other reason to simply see how the aches and pains react. Keep us posted.

* Our fine son is 15 1/2 yrs old, a great athlete (lacrosse a passion for him) and was diagnosed with hip impingement in both hips when the bad pains started Oct. 2011. After alarmingly fast deterioration, he was bedridden by the first week of December 2011.
* The New York Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) did his left hip in late December 2011 and right hip in late January 2012. You know what all this has meant to him and we his parents, yet a few weeks ago he said, "Dad, I'm glad all this happened because I wouldn't be the guy I am today if it hadn't happened". Wow, amazing kid. Courageous. Brought a tear to my eye.
* His recovery has been going very, very well, although back pain originally and now acute knee pains have come during the post-op PT.
*Here's my question: You've mentioned knee pains at a number of times in your diary - did you have sharp knee pains that began at roughly the five to six month point? Roughly cooincides with when the workouts became more intense. In PT, he'd gotten up to 90% weight on his legs during gravity aided treadmill work. Sincethen they backed off to say 80%.
* It's sharp pain seemingly on the outer front lip at the top of his lower leg bone and, he says, behind that location inside the knee joint itself. He said that the torsion when shooting a locrosse ball particularly aggravates it.
* I've wondered if the pounding during intensive treadmell work inflamed ligaments or other soft tissue. Acute inflamation is very painful yet not a long term problem after it calms down. Treadmills are bad on my knees, in particular shin splints if I run treadmills hard over a few weeks.

Allen - does any of this sound familiar in your own recovery? Best wishes and thank you for your thoughts.

Dad of Son w/FAI

submitted 6/12/12 9:48pm from Melbourne, Australia

Hi, thanks so much for your honest information.

I am 43 and have suffered with my left hip impinging for about 10 years. I had a left hip athroscopy 5 years ago to repair a torn labrum, but it didn't help.

Earlier this year I got the ball rolling again to find out what was wrong, and was referred to another surgeion who said I had FAI. Apparently this is a relatively newly discovered condition, which is why it wasn't picked up the first time??

I am due to go in for surgery in 2 weeks time, and I believe the Surgeon is the best there is here in Australia, as he is training other surgeons for the procedure.

I am really grateful for your information, knowing that there are others out there. Wish me luck.
Thank you!

submitted 5/30/12 4:55am from Dallas

My name is sam and i am a 17 year old male football player who will be playing football in college in two years. your blog is a great inspiration to me as I just had fai and labrum repair surgery last night, I know I'm in for a rough trip and reading your blog has mad my recent panic attack go away. I have fai in both hips but only feel symptoms in one hip(my right one) which the surgery was performed on. I just wanted to thank you for keeping your blog up to date and thank you for being honest

submitted 5/15/12 7:55pm from minneapolis

I forgot to mention i had cam and pincher impingement. With large labrum tear. My labrum is now after 2 attempts to fix is still fraying apart. Thank you for writing and sharing. Very helpful. My left hip also has FAI but after 2 years of this recovery im going to wait as long as possible...

submitted 5/15/12 7:33pm from minneapolis

I am 41 and recovering from FAI 8 months post op from 2nd surgery. The first one was not sucessful. Also after 1st surgery my vein was badly damaged and i had to have my vein removed. Not happy at all with that. I am in so much pain daily that im not sure i can make it. 2nd surgeon Dr. Chris Larson wonderful talented and really knows his hips fixed 1st surgeons mess ups but im so frustrated that im not back to pre surgery im losing my mind. Surgeon just told me that i might need to take 4-6weeks off to really push hard at PT. Dont think thats possible but i want my life back. I was a west coast swing dancer. Help with any advice please. My leg is very swollen,foot turns purple if i sit too long oain shoots from hip to groin then down leg. Im tired of being in pain prob a 6-7 everyday. You think thats normal?

submitted 5/9/12 1:48pm from New Jersey

Alan, I came across your site again just to see if you had updated it. I'm sorry to hear you are having some pain in the hip again. Here are my 2 cents. It seems you are doing a tremendous amount of training ( I know, you are much younger than me ), but it just seems to be a bit too much. Try cutting back, or taking some time off. If the hip pain goes away in your normal daily life, then it may not be the labrum again. Give it a shot man! Let the body rest. Wishing you the best!

submitted 5/3/12 10:58am from

My apologies, Alan.

I was reading the comment below and titled it "William". My error.

But again great blog.

Just to let you know I am new to the running world. I grew up overweight. Then in 2009 I dropped 100 pounds. I began to enjoy being healthy and active. But in 2011, I developed symptoms in my hip/groin area. After countless research, I presumed it was "lactic acid". And after giving myself 2 weeks to recover the symptoms continued. I sought the care of a specialist. He was no help. But did confirm FAI after taking an x-ray. He ultimately gave me the run around and said I should continue to run. After discussing this with a friend, she gave me the recommendation of Dr. Bryan Kelly out of The Hospital For Special Surgery.

After waiting six weeks to see him, he advised me on what to do. We tried the conservative approach (PT). Initially it worked but in due time I regressed. He then recommended an injection. The injection determined the issue was coming from my hip and not my back. It sucked but since we knew the issue my next step was to schedule the surgery date. I waited until Christmas week to get the surgery. It sucked but that was the only option I had (career and education wise).

Physical therapy has immensely helped. But as I mentioned I have had good days and bad. But I try to block out the bad. In March, I returned to the gym. And it felt great to be back. Of course it was a journey. My physical fitness took a major hit. At this point is to get into shape as I prepare for my next surgery.

I truly wish you the best and love the blog. I look forward to reading more about your progress. And again I do apologize about the mix-up.

Regards,
Jorge

submitted 5/3/12 10:38am from NY/NJ

Hi William -

Great blog. At the recommendation of a fellow FAI patient on twitter, I got a hold of your blog. 4 1/2 months ago I had FAI surgery on my right hip. Like you, I developed great days and bad days. This afternoon I am scheduled to see a knee specialist. A few nights ago on the treadmill I developed a pain in my right knee. It was discouraging. After doing countless research I narrowed it down to "runners knee", "jumpers knee" (which can also effect runners) or a sprained knee. But after reading your blog it may also be due to my recovery. Nevertheless, I still intend on seeing this doctor and getting to the root cause. For the interim I stopped running and focus on the elliptical. But I do have issues in my quad, glute, and lower back. I suppose it is due to the recovery (sans back). After reading your blog, I may see a sports medicine specialist.

How did your consultation with the doctor turn out yesterday?

I am already planning to have the same procedure on the my left side at the end of the year. The recovery was not as bad, but as I mentioned I have good days and bad.

Please keep us posted.

Regards,
Jorge Briones

submitted 3/30/12 9:12pm from Philadelphia, PA

Hi William ?

You obviously care a lot about your fitness and well-being as I do. My FAI surgery was one of the most serious events in my life and I am currently experiencing some groin discomfort as I type this post. I foolishly tried using a pair of pseudo-minimalist shoes, the Asics Speedstar 5?s, hoping to run a personal best in a 10-miler in May. From past experience, I believe it will be a few weeks till my hip returns to ?normal.?

Enough of my rant - I am sorry to read about your ?life-long? groin pain. For all of us FAI patients that feel/have felt it, I think we can sympathize. Honestly, I know nothing about Iliopsoas Tendinitis or the snapping hip syndrome. Something in my surgery treated hip still snaps from time to time. I feel no physical pain when it happens. I get strange knee pains, especially in times of deep stress. However, my IT band rarely causes me any trouble and I try to use a foam roller when I rack up heavy running mileage. Sorry to read about your deeply ingrained maladaptive movement patterns. When I initially went to surgeon, he and his student prot?g? were intrigued by the tell tale signs of FAI by the movement patterns of my legs when he pushed down on my right leg and I adjusted away from natural downward movement. I am kind of surprised that 2 years down the road you?re having so much trouble. I could only imagine doing the movement on your stomach with the band to strengthen your psoas for so long before giving up. Reading about your discomfort and your efforts to heal yourself are inspiring, but I cannot think of anything valuable in my experiences to share on strategies to prevent Iliopsoas tendonitis. Fortunately, it seems like I?m going to dodge that bullet.

submitted 3/30/12 5:58pm from Portland, OR

Outstanding site, I'm truly delighted to have rediscovered it since the move.

I have a number of thoughts I'd like to share and points/descriptions you make that must be noted and praised.

But first, a question.

Can you speak about any issues with or precautions taken to prevent Iliopsoas Tendinitis?

I've read Philippon's 2011 paper on rehab protocols structured to prevent/limit psoas stress and/or tendinitis. The paper was published 18mos after I had arthroscopy for FAI w/Labral tears (refixation recq'd 6 suture anchors) on my right side.

During rehab sessions with PTs in the operating hospital's physical therapy dpt, the "protocol" I was instructed to follow was to use bands to active & strengthen psoas. The exercise is performed by securing end of band to immovable anchor point (at home I used double-knot behind closed door). With opposite end looped, lay supine at a distance allowing for band tension through-out knee pull-up movement from full extension of affected leg to to point where knee was close to but not past 90-degrees.

I'm male, 46yrs @ time of surgery and had "life-long" groin pain, "classic-C"/illiac-crest region pain, knee pain that reads nearly word for word to yours, everted affected side foot position, as well as several other pain symptoms you describe having. I was an athletically active kid, playing ice hockey by 7, baseball, basketball, football and soccer until settling on soccer in HS through military service and after. Was a 25m+/wk runner from age 32 - 40. Again, the comment you made regarding knee pain was the "data point" that prompted me to write this post.

So, almost 2 years post-op, I'm still dealing with gait abnormalities, G. med/min atrophy, IT band recruitment and iliopsoas tendinitis (tendinitis diagnosed by ortho surgeon at different hospital). Current PT and ortho believe deeply ingrained maladaptive movement patterns & muscle recruitment evolve from mis-treated psoas activation/re-training protocol.

Whew! That's more than I expected to "spew".

I hope my question makes sense if it's not lost within the body of my mini-rant.

More soon.

submitted 3/22/12 7:53pm from CA US

This site is the only realistic recovery FAI site on the net. Thanks so much for the info and keep posting. I am still considering the surgery but worry about gaining full strength back. Thanks again

submitted 4/13/17 2:14pm from Philadelphia, PA

Please note my site has separate sections for my left and right hip FAI surgeries. Admittedly, my 2010 first hip surgery on my right hip, has a lot more information and it's more interesting to read. However, my 2014 left hip surgery was more recent. I was more savvy and curious about my whole 2014 FAI process. I share different FAI related pictures. I post my current hip (and possibly hip) related incidents on the 2014 page.

submitted 2/13/17 8:14am from Philadelphia, PA

Thank you for your interest in my site. Everything shown here are simply my opinions. Your situations may have some similarities, but it will certainly be unique based on the FAI damage. My site is home-grown. I am sharing what I felt at the times I indicated. I hope you find something in these unthreaded comments helpful.
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