The Early Years

This is something I never mentioned on here before but I thought it would be a nice, quick little story I could share. When I was about 4 or 5, my parents noticed I was limping a bit when I walked. They took me to the doctor who gave me some device to wear at night to help and it did. By the time I was 10, the limping came back and was more and more consistent. My leg also bothered when I played any sports. So my parents took me to see a doctor. It turned out that my right hip, for some reason, had not grown on par with my left one, resulting in that slight limp. It seemed that there was a blood flow problem that prevented it from growing or something like that, I don't remember the exact details. They told me that they had to operate, if not, the problem would get much worse as I grew. Being as brave as I am, I freaked out and I think I even cried. My parents had to calm me down and reassure me that it was a simple procedure. Of course I had to do it and I knew so. They needed to move part of my hip up so that it could grow normally and stick some screws there to hold it in place. I was told that I would have to stay on my back in bed for a few months to recover and that I had to miss school for 3 months. I was happy about that but it didn't last since they told me they would send me a tutor.

So in January of 1993 at 5am (I dont remember the exact date, somewhere in the teens?) , I was admitted into the hospital form my operation. I was very nervous and even though they didn't say I knew my parents were too. Even other family members where there, including my grandparents, my uncle, and my then pregnant aunt. I'll never forget being taken to the surgery room holding my mom's hand the entire way. We stopped right before they took me in and both my parents kissed me and blessed me. I didn't want to let go of her hand, but I had to. So they took me into the room where the prepped me. I remember that a TV was on outside, showing the news. They then told me to count to 10 and I started to. After that I don't remember.

I then woke up in recovery shaking as I came out of the anesthesia. I remember telling the nurse to please make it stop and she would tell me that it was ok. It seemed like it lasted 5 minutes. I later found out it was 2 hours. I then woke up in my room with my parents by my side and my uncle there too. I spent the next few days in and out of sleep to deal with the pain. I then begged them to stop making me sleep so much. Eventually it stopped. I then started doing physical therapy where they would stand me up by lifting the bed horizontaly. They also showed my Mom and Dad a special way to get me off the bed because my hips could not bend or move at all. I also was taught to walk on crunches. After a few weeks, I finally was able to go home.

Once I was home, I was spoiled infinitely. I got whatever toy, game or anything I wanted. I really couldn't enjoy it that much since I was confined to my bed. The best thing was that I always had at least one of my parents around, if not both, at any one moment. I also started seeing the tutor that taught me everything to keep up with school. My friends would also visit almost everyday after school and hang out with me. After the first six weeks, I had to go back to the doctor. Once there I was examined and they told me I would finally be able to sit up and walk around more, but no school and no weight on my right leg. So I was a little happier. I could sit outside in the backyard or in the family room or dining room. That was definately a change that I needed.

Two weeks later, I had another doctor appointment and they told me I could now put some weight on it. I was able to now use a walker to walk, yes a walker, but only for short periods of time. After another two weeks, I returned the doctor and given a pass to go back to school, which I depserately wanted, but i had to use my crutches. When I returned in April, everyone was so happy to see me back. My friends took cared of me and would accompany to each class. I also got a lot of attention from the girls, which I loved. By the time May came around, the crutches were gone and I was fully recovered. I could finally put it behind me.

To this very day, the screws are still in my leg and I still have a prominent scar on my right leg. It hasn't bothered me at all and it's been normal since the surgery. I'm very funny about touching that area where the scar is or lying on that side. I don't know why. It doesnt hurt or bother, it just feels weird. I wanted to share this to give you all a little more insight into my life and the things that made me, me. I realized how important my family and friends are and how they are there for you no matter what. Throughout the whole process, I was never alone.