Bilateral Hip Dysplasia and Other Fun Issues

I've struggled with pain since the birth of my first child, almost two decades ago. My hips, legs, back... they all hurt... all the time. I've tried to pursue answers from doctors for over a decade but the healthcare system where I lived was a desert. I was never able to find answers and I was brushed aside regularly because I was "too young" and it must just be a pinched nerve, minor twist, a bruise - insert any excuse and I've probably been told it.

I moved to a new state and have now collected some major pieces of the puzzle. All thanks to one doctor who believed my pain and immediately sent me for tests, imaging, and specialists.

It was discovered that I have bilateral hip dysplasia, anterior pelvic tilt, and sway back. I'm only 39 and it is such a relief to know that it's "not all in my head", I'm not "making it up", I'm not a hypochondriac, I can't "walk it off", and "it's not that bad"... all words I've been fed for too long. There is real, documented medical proof of my pain - finally - and guess what... It's not in my head, it is that bad, and I can't walk it off.

I've had to learn to adapt to my new life with this news. I now have a cane, a rollator (named Mistress Agatha), a disability parking pass. I am saving up for a power wheelchair for long excursions. (Because, on top of the hip issues, it was also discovered I have arthritis in both my shoulders.)

The hardest thing to overcome with now needing mobility aids was my pride. On good days I "look" like I'm fine. I can walk without the mobility aids and can function like a regular 39 year old woman. However, some days I need my cane, other days I need the rollator, and if I want to go to functions like state fairs, concerts, or festivals I'll need a wheelchair.

I've tried to research bilateral hip dysplasia in adults but it's hard to find information outside of medical journals. Most of the instances of dysplasia I read about are caught in infants or children and corrected before the hip is full formed. There adults out there with this, but it doesn't seem like many people write about what it's like to live with it. The Facebook groups I've joined only talk about surgery - if they need surgery, scheduling surgery, recovering from surgery, and failed surgeries. No one is sharing what day-to-day life is like.

I'm going to change that.