Lisa

I was 17 when I found out I had hip dysplasia.

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Before that, I just knew that my hips hurt.

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As a dancer and gymnast, I spent most of my week training. At first, I noticed discomfort after long practices, especially after jumps or flexibility work. I assumed I was overtraining or needed more rest. Everyone around me had aches and pains, so I figured it was normal.

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Over time, it became harder to ignore.

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I started having pain during things that had never bothered me before. Extensions were uncomfortable. Landings felt different. Some days my hips hurt before practice even started. I remember sitting in class and feeling sore just from being in the same position for too long.

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The hardest part was not knowing why it was happening.

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After several appointments and imaging, I finally got an answer: hip dysplasia.

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I had never heard of it before.

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When my surgeon explained that I would need a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), I was overwhelmed. All I could think about was how much time I would miss. I worried about my upcoming performances, and whether I would ever get back to the same level.

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The first few weeks after surgery were definitely the toughest.

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I went from spending hours every day being active to needing help with basic things around the house. Watching my friends train while I sat on the sidelines was frustrating. There were days when progress felt really slow.

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What helped was focusing on small goals.

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First it was getting through a day with less discomfort. Then it was putting more weight through my leg. Then walking without crutches. Every milestone felt huge because I knew how much work it took to get there.

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Physical therapy became part of my routine. Some days were great and some weren't, but I kept showing up.

As the months went by, I started feeling more like myself again.

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I was able to move more naturally. My strength improved. Most importantly, the deep aching pain that had been following me for years was finally starting to disappear.

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About ten months after surgery, I returned to dancing and gymnastics activities.

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I still remember how nervous I was the first time I got back on the floor. I expected to be scared, but mostly I was excited. After everything it had taken to get there, I was just grateful to be moving again.

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Today, I can do the things I love without constantly worrying about my hips. Recovery wasn't quick, and it definitely wasn't easy, but looking back, I would make the same decision again.

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If you're facing PAO surgery, it's okay to be nervous. I certainly was. Just remember that recovery happens one step at a time. There were moments when it felt far away, but eventually all those small victories added up.

For me, surgery didn't take away the activities I loved. It gave me the chance to keep doing them.