For many years, I suffered with groin and hip pain on my right side. I couldn’t move my hip without experiencing very sharp pain and discomfort. I saw two different doctors (gynecologist & general surgeon) for my issue, but neither of them could figure out why I was having so much pain.
I’m glad that I was persistent in my quest to seek the right solution for the pain that was crippling my life.
I am very active, and I like to work out 3-4 times a week; however, my hip pain began to increase to the point I was in tears, and the pain became unbearable. After additional visits with various doctors, I was finally able to get an MRI and it was discovered that I had a labral tear, resulting from hip impingement, with both cam and pincer deformities. Patients suffering from this condition are mainly young and experience pain when the hip is moved through internal rotation and adduction at 90° of hip flexion.
The initial, local surgeon I visited suggested a hip replacement. I really did not want to have a hip replacement since I’m only 33 years of age.
As the pain worsened it began to affect my ability to maintain my daily activities. It was at that time that I decided to get a second opinion, and was referred to Dr. Michael Ryan at Andrews Sports Medicine of Birmingham, AL.
Dr. Ryan was truly a Godsend! He suggested hip preservation surgery to eliminate the pain and restore my hips. On September 17, 2020, I had hip replacement surgery. My labrum could not be repaired, so I had a full 360 labral reconstruction.
Now, I can bear full weight on my right hip with no pain at all. I’m back to my active lifestyle working out and keeping up with my seven-year-old active son. Overall, my recovery was not too bad, and Dr. Ryan and his staff made sure I was comfortable and answered all my post-op questions. I would still be in pain if I never crossed paths with Dr. Ryan.
It’s important that we take full responsibility for our health and the health of our family. I’m glad that I was persistent in my quest to seek the right solution for the pain that was crippling my life.
I’m thankful that I found a doctor that made my medical needs a priority and provided me with options to live a quality and fulfilled life. I have a new lease on life and I’m looking forward to great adventures with my family.
