06/06/2026
After celebrating the successful release from my surgeon's care at 6 months post-op with a trip to the 37th annual Boston International Trauma Conference and making it through all of the walking and sitting with only minor aches and pains, it felt safe enough for my body to finally exhale fully and settle into reflection on the last year of my life.
As a therapist of 18 years, I have spent many hours sitting with and advocating for others. It is rare that I do so for myself, perhaps being fortunate enough to have had only minor physical ailments and often postponing my own needs. Either way, this past year has forced me into the healthcare system in the role of patient. I became familiar with the dismissive responses to individuals in this role all too quickly. After demanding, albeit terafully, voice and body shaking with rage and desperation, for the scans and care I believed I needed, I was able to force my way into the option for surgery and underwent a hip arthroscopy with acetabuloplasty, femoroplasty, labrum repair, and subspine decompression.
Though it took 6 months to get into the operating room and 6 months of committed rehabilitation with likely 6 to 12 more months of work on my own before hopefully returning to full mobility, I am painfully aware that this is the short end of the timeframe that it takes most, along with having the privilege of my race, education, and socioeconomic status to assist in the matter. The battle that I fought for a year, some engage in for their lifetimes. This is deeply upsetting and will require a part 2 or 3 when I am better able to articulate my thoughts and feelings. Until then, I hope that my story can help you feel less alone. 💛🍋
