My PAO Recovery Journey
Recovering From PAO Surgery Doesn’t Have to Feel So Overwhelming.
Real-life recovery notes, weekly updates, honest symptoms, and the routines helping me stay grounded through a long rehab season.
Start Here
If you’re navigating PAO recovery, here’s where to begin.
My PAO Story
In 2018, at the peak of my fitness journey, I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.
To say I was devastated is an understatement — it felt like a core part of who I was had been ripped away.
This is the story of how I faced surgery, rebuilt my strength, and learned who I was beyond movement.
Week-By-Week Recovery
Follow my real-time healing progress, milestones, setbacks, and honest updates.
Recovery Essentials
The products, preparation tips, and practical things that made recovery easier.
My Diagnosis
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In 2018, at the peak of my fitness journey, I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.
The news felt like losing a part of my identity. Movement had always been strength, therapy, and confidence — and suddenly, it felt uncertain.
Why I chose PAO
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After years of managing pain and weighing options, I chose periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) surgery.
It wasn’t an easy decision — but I wanted long-term strength over short-term comfort.
What Recovery Has Taught Me
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Recovery has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect.
It’s forced me to slow down, rebuild patiently, and redefine what strength actually looks like.
This space is where I document that process — honestly and week by week.
Latest On The Blog
PAO Recovery: Week 3
Monday & Tuesday Pretty much the same routine both days: wake up, sit around all day, go to bed. I had visitors Monday afternoon and Tuesday evening, which genuinely helped break up the time. It was so nice to see people and feel somewhat normal for a bit....
Navigating PAO Recovery: First Two Weeks Experience
Day of Surgery I was feeling pretty nervous the night before surgery and barely slept at all. I had to report to the surgery center at 7:30am. Around 5:30am I got up, took my required shower with the special soap they give you, drank some black coffee (I was allowed...
From Fit to Fractured: My PAO Story
The Peak of my Fitness Journey In 2017, I was running farther and faster than ever before. I was teaching multiple fitness classes a week, chasing big goals, and challenging myself to things like running every half marathon in Ohio. I had never felt stronger or more...