2024: That’s a wrap

Time to ring in the new year by having more surgery! You may recall me having my hip replaced in May (2023) and how it changed my life for the better… I got into fitness, big time, and have reached new heights in terms of capability, health, you name it. The sky finally became the limit - until I was taken out by a mysterious injury.

Rock radio announcer calls orthopaedic surgeons at The Ottawa Hospital the true rock stars, published October 2023.

It was a few days before we moved out of our Hintonburg house when I experienced a very intense, searing pain in my right ankle accompanied by swelling. I came home from work, sat down to take off my sneakers and BAM - I was out. I had to keep going though; we were moving. We have two kids who were about to be on summer break. I also work full time. ‘Not moving’ is not an option, no matter how much it hurts. This happened June 21st (2024). Some relief came within a few days when I felt (and saw) my tendons ‘pop’ and ‘snap’ near my ankle after forcing it to bend. It was later revealed through examination (by three doctors), ultrasound and MRI technology that I had some bony spurs growing along the back of my right ankle. They have likely been growing for decades but had become so large, they were now forcing my tendons out of place. The relief I felt came only after my tendons began to stretch to accomodate the new bones.

For someone who’s literally never been IN GREAT PHYSICAL SHAPE until this year, I can tell you that it friggin’ sucks falling OUT of shape. I had to change my routine from walking/weight bearing activities to doing a lot on the floor. The cool news is that I now have a pretty strong core - but the crappy news is that I am struggling due to this injury. To anyone reading this who has fallen out of shape; IT SUCKS SO MUCH both mentally and physically.

Per usual, though, there is hope. The light at the end of this tunnel is coming on January 9th; six months post injury, I will be having my bone spurs evicted (debridement) and right toe corrected (fused) at the Ottawa Hospital.

What went from a curious new ailment to ‘we know exactly what that is and how to deal with it” proves that we have world class doctors at home in Ottawa. I have been disabled since 1988 and have, over the years, been very lucky to have assembled a care-team of geniuses with heart. I don’t have surgery because I’m asking for it; I have surgery because my body will not function without it. Surgery is the last resort.

That said… 2025 is going to be brighter. I get to experience getting back into shape. What feels like a mountain to climb ris my focus. Falling out of shape for 6 months has inspired me to get back into it in 6 months, so let’s aim to catch up in June: a year post injury? Watch this blog space for progress reports.

You can also follow along on my instagram account. That’s where I’ll be sharing updates more frequently.

Reminder: I am not a fan of social media and I do not have a Facebook page/profile, nor any presence on Twitter/X. I am not very active on LinkedIn. Instagram remains the only spot where you can follow me: @amyvolume.

Dry feb: done & nearly dusted

Another year doing Dry Feb and I approached it the same as I typically do: with a ‘Let’s see if I can pull this off’ attitude. Well, these past few days I’ve been sick with a virus requiring medicine so I there is zero chance I’ll be drinking today - or tomorrow - or probably for the next several days/weeks. I’m considering that a win!

Did I have some drinks on Family Day Long Weekend? Yes. Of course!

The truth is (for me) that I enjoy social drinking and am in the best shape I have probably ever been in (in my life - thanks to this surgery you may have heard me talk about). This Dry Feb I challenged myself to stop drinking during the week and that, as it turns out, was pretty easy.

Every day is a good day to re-evaluate your dietary/life choices. Just as every day is a good day to check in with yourself physically and mentally. This initiative is predominantly to promote awareness and raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Over $50 million went towards cancer research through last year’s efforts. In addition to said research, funds also helped over 6,800 people get to their cancer related appointments through Wheels of Hope. To learn more about Dry Feb: Click Here.

That said, I have one day left in February and haven’t reached my fundraising goal. If you feel so inclined, you can donate (and get a tax receipt) by clicking the button below!

Thanks for reading & following my daily adventures.

Recovery

Oh, hi.

I decided I’d start a new blog for my recovery. If you missed the memo, I had a total hip replacement earlier this month.

So. How am I?

Rough. I’m rough. It’s a painful thing! I know it’s temporary. I know I will be better than OK when I have recovered but I’m still working on it. I’m getting used to a new structure. I’ve never had a healthy joint. How one of my surgeons explained it to me at my 2 week check-up:

“With arthritis, the joint forms as a T. With a healthy hip, the joint is more of a ⊢.” The doctor also went on to explain that the reason my leg feels a bit foreign (and sore) is because three muscles were interfered with during the operation and all of them were stretched to accommodate a proper, healthy joint structure.

Leg length discrepancy is a potential complication with a total hip replacement and I was initially worried about that. Now that I’m three weeks into my recovery, my worries are fading. I know my legs are a similar length and there is no complication there. It is a sensory trick my mind is playing on me because my muscles have been stretched.

It’s a weird feeling, feeling like I’ve been doing yoga or working out all day when I have literally been a slug! Why do my muscles feel like they’ve had a good workout? Because they have. They’ve been pulled. They’re getting used to this new, healthy structure the same way the rest of my body (including my brain) is!

I am very happy with the care I received at the Ottawa Hospital (General). I am grateful for the support I’ve received from my community! I am learning (always learning) that a total hip replacement in a hip like mine with 35 years of arthritis (OA and RA) and dysplasia means a harder recovery; a different path.

Everyone’s body is different and our abilities range. I’m thankful for all that my body has been able to do over the years, in spite of some difficult circumstances. This new hip takes away my extreme pain caused by the disease so what I have to deal with now, in the relatively ‘short term’, is recovering from the procedure. I will adapt to this new structure and I’m so excited to have a healthy joint!

I shared the image (above) recently to show off my scar. This was taken after my 2 week post op check-up where I had my staples removed. This bandage hides a large scar, where the joint went in. I shared it because I want people to see and understand that joint replacement surgeries happen to everyone at all points of life. The overrepresentation of my disease as something that only affects seniors is a huge disservice to all those who are diagnosed at a young age. I was 18 months old, so perhaps I was even born with it? I grew up with the disease AND learning how to navigate peoples ignorance.

Today, I am honoured to share my story with anyone who will listen. There are young people out there wondering what arthritis looks like OR how medical intervention can help OR what to expect with a total joint replacement. I want to be here for you and I hope sharing my experience(s) helps.

Summer's End

Fresh off of updating my Moto Camping blog post, I thought I’d write a little something else. A general update for those who follow me.

Had a positive appointment with my quasi-new (to me) rheumatologist. She is wonderful. My disease is still under control thanks to the drugs (almost 22 years on them, totaling approx. 2.2k injections and counting) and my x-rays indicate that my total hip replacement should take away my pain. She encouraged me to call both of my surgeons (foot one at Civic campus, hip one at General) to ask where I am in the surgical cue and to also ask about getting steroid injections to help keep the pain manageable until corrective surgery happens.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get through to the foot surgeon. That’s okay, my hip is the bigger issue. I was able to reach his office. That’s when I was informed that I am not in the surgical cue after-all. Some paperwork was needed and never issued due to the hospital’s on-again-off-again lockdown orders. The surgeon had issued me a standing order which exists in my online chart. They have ordered updated x-rays in prep for the surgery back in January. I strongly believed that I was in the cue and was hoping for a replacement this winter… Alas, Module O at the Ottawa Hospital did not push the papers needed to actually book me the procedure. I will be speaking with my surgeon in early September. I’m very hopeful that we can get this sorted. The time has come and though I am scared, I know that my quality life will drastically improve post-op.

These last two weeks have been particularly hard. I generally keep a positive attitude as I have been disabled my whole life. I am very used to pain, fatigue and the sometimes isolating thoughts that come with being chronically ill. To combat the mental lows, I’ve been forcing myself to do fun stuff with friends. That has been keeping me in a positive headspace, for sure. I’ve been super social and having a great time there, no problem. A side effect of that, however, is that it’s left me pretty drained physically so I am laying low this week.

Work is going well. I do find the stairs difficult to use but as long as I take my time, they remain manageable. I love my job and appreciate the ability to work from home when I need to. Haven’t faced too much negative feedback or ‘trolling’ lately but maybe I’m just getting better at ignoring it? There are difficult days where I like to just keep it basic: play music & talk briefly about light stuff in between said music. I am noticing a lot of nasty stuff on social media directed at other public figures/those working in media (radio, tv, digital) and I struggle with trying to find a purpose for that hate filled vitriol.

Is it to be edgy? Is it for likes? Is it for online clout? Does shaming someone for doing their job make others feel better about their life? Do they know they don’t have to listen/read/consume what the object of their hate is saying/writing/producing?

I just don’t get it. I guess the point is to maybe create division so we have a big ‘us against them’ moment but what’s the goal there? It’s tiresome going down that rabbit hole and those are just some of the thoughts I’ve had based on the more coherent things I’ve seen. Then there are the messages that make zero sense which act more as a flare, drawing attention to a severe mental health situation. Overall in my world, I’d say the vibe has been fairly positive.

My cottage rental season is winding down as we inch toward winter. Typically, we shut the cabin down mid-to-late October but with the new water system we had installed this year we may get more time in before the freeze. At the mercy of Mother Nature with that one, but some of my favourite moments there happen during the ‘off season’. Another great year hosting friends and family. Looking forward to doing it again in 2023. Due to some pretty big expenses (exterminator, well/pump replacement, new chimney, new BBQ, may need a new fridge) I am hoping to get more pop-up guests later into this season/early in the next if the weather permits. Cottage ownership is as expensive as it is wonderful.

I never find enough time to write. I mean, I should be exercising right now but after only 13 minutes I had to stop. This week it’s about listening to my body. Who knows what next week will bring?

Mid April Update

Back at work for my second week after having COVID. Seems the whole family is in good health now and I haven’t personally noticed any lingering symptoms or issues. Looking forward to meeting my new rheumatologist (rheumatoid arthritis specialist) next week (!!!) so there may be a few days of ‘wonky schedules’ to get through at the radio station. I’m thankful for the support I have and continue to receive at work regarding my health issues. Gotta take care of this body and this life while I’ve got it!

BIG NEWS: My birthday wish for the kids at CHEO is getting a signal boost from my radio station. For the next week or so, you’ll hear ads encouraging donations for the hospital’s child life department - they then give gifts to kids receiving in patient treatment. Something I’m very familiar with. This is my biggest cause that I love to support. If you’d like to contribute, please CLICK HERE.

COTTAGE NEWS: Some major expenses are on the immediet horizon, like: new chimney, water line (well & pump) corrections and a visit from our local neighbourhood exterminator! Woohoo! Now, before you judge me for hiring pest control LET IT BE KNOWN that I’m hoping to only have one inaccessible area of the cabin cleared out; the nightly scratch-scratch-scratching behind the head of my bed (in the wall) has GOT to stop! I’m not going murder-happy on the local fauna.

We’re hoping to get the cabin ready for guests earlier than May 24 weekend, so if you’re a pal & want to book some time at the lake - get in touch! Someone’s gotta help me pay these bills!

If you’re reading this, I hope you had a wonderful easter weekend. Sunny days ahead!