When I first started experiencing hip pain, I was in my third trimester with my middle child. Like many moms, I was working full-time while trying to manage the growing demands of pregnancy and the intense discomfort that came with it. I vividly remember the days when the pain became unbearable, to the point where even moving seemed impossible.
In 2016, I scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN because I couldn’t keep pushing through the pain without answers. I was diagnosed with SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction), a condition common in pregnancy that affects the pelvic joints. My doctor assured me it would go away after birth, and in the meantime, I was advised to wear a belly band to alleviate some of the pressure. I was also given a doctor’s note requesting that I be allowed to sit in a chair while working at the Navy Exchange.
Unfortunately, my request for a chair was denied, despite the medical note. I tried to adjust by reducing my hours, but I was still stuck working close to 40 hours a week, all while battling constant hip pain. Like many moms, I kept pushing forward because, well, life. We don’t always have the luxury of slowing down.
When the Pain Didn’t Go Away Postpartum
After giving birth, I expected relief, but to my surprise, the hip pain didn’t go away. In fact, it only got worse. I lived with chronic hip pain for the next seven years, navigating life as a mom while trying to find a solution. I saw thirteen different doctors, none of whom were able to give me a proper diagnosis or a clear path forward. Instead, I received generic advice and temporary fixes that never addressed the root of the problem.
During this time, I got pregnant again. My third pregnancy brought more challenges, but I was determined to keep searching for answers. I visited a sports medicine orthopedic doctor, hoping for better guidance. He was helpful in managing my pregnancy-related pain, and while he provided temporary relief, he wasn’t able to pinpoint the exact cause of my chronic hip pain. Looking back, I now know that some of the treatments I received during that time actually worsened my condition.
The Turning Point: Seven Years, One Correct Diagnosis
It took seven long years before I finally found a doctor who truly listened. After so many misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments, I met a specialist who took the time to carefully review my medical history and pain patterns. Through proper evaluation and imaging, I was diagnosed with a labrum tear, pincer impingement, and cartilage damage—all conditions that had gone undetected for years.
In 2023, I underwent hip arthroscopy surgery to repair the damage. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew it was the right step for me. The surgery involved repairing the labrum tear, fixing the pincer impingement, and addressing the cartilage damage. A year later, I’m thrilled to say that the surgery changed my life. I’m now living without the constant, nagging pain that had defined my life for so long.
Pelvic Misalignment and My New Challenge
Although the surgery resolved a significant portion of my pain, I’m still dealing with pelvic misalignment and a tilted pelvis—issues that weren’t fully corrected during surgery. Now, it’s up to me to focus on strengthening my pelvis and continuing my recovery journey.
Through physical therapy, core strengthening exercises, and posture adjustments, I’m working on aligning my pelvis and improving my overall hip stability. It’s a daily commitment, but I’m determined to keep pushing forward.
Sharing My Journey to Help Other Moms
Looking back on my journey, I realize how important it is to advocate for yourself and never settle for living in pain. For seven years, I was told by countless doctors that my pain was just “part of being a mom.” But I refused to accept that. Now that I’ve found answers, I feel it’s my duty to share my story and help other moms who may be in similar situations.
Chronic hip pain doesn’t have to define your life. If my experience can help even one woman avoid years of unnecessary suffering, it will be a huge accomplishment for me. Whether you’re dealing with postpartum hip pain, SPD, or an undiagnosed condition, know that there is hope and there are solutions.
The Power of Advocacy and Knowledge
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you are your best advocate. If you’re experiencing chronic pain—whether it’s hip pain during pregnancy or postpartum pain that never went away—don’t be afraid to seek multiple opinions and push for answers. Your pain is valid, and you deserve to live without it.
I’m grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained over the years, not only from my own research but from the one doctor who took the time to truly listen. Now, I’m here to share that knowledge with you, so you don’t have to suffer in silence like I did.
Final Thoughts
Living with chronic pain for seven years wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and the power of self-advocacy. If you’re a mom struggling with hip pain, know that you’re not alone. There are ways to manage your pain, find relief, and reclaim your life.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I invite you to join Hip Pain Moms Unleashed, where we share tips, support, and practical solutions for managing pain and living a stronger, healthier life.