November 7: Visit to Duke University Hospital
After a good night’s sleep in my hammock, I woke up at 9 a.m., grabbed a quick shower, and got ready for my appointment at Duke University Hospital with Dr. Behman. My dad picked me up, and we headed out, both feeling hopeful that this visit might provide some answers to the unpredictable and intense nerve pain that’s resurfaced recently.
We arrived early and ended up waiting about 30–40 minutes past the scheduled time. I did my best to explain the intensity of the pain, how it flares up unpredictably, and the way it radiates from my hip down through my thigh, shin, and even to my inner hip at times. Dr. Behman didn’t seem to think nerve impingement was the cause, leaning instead toward muscular issues. She noted some pain with weight-bearing but ultimately couldn’t confirm anything without comparing new X-rays to previous ones. Unfortunately, the imaging system was down, leaving us with few conclusive answers.
Characteristics of the Pain
For context, here’s what I shared with Dr. Behman about my pain patterns and triggers, which I wrote in a letter prior to the visit:
1. Fluctuating Intensity: The pain can range from sharp, nerve-like stabs (level 9) to manageable aches (level 2). There are moments when I can walk unaided and fully weight-bear, only to be immobilized again by intense pain hours later.
2. Positional Sensitivity: Any movement involving hip flexion or twisting often triggers intense pain, especially when:
- Sitting or moving from sitting to standing
- Shifting weight, twisting, or moving the leg outward
- Lifting my leg to get in or out of the car, or putting my foot on a raised surface
3. Pain Location: It varies, radiating through the hip, shin, and sometimes down into the groin. There are times when I can only avoid the nerve pain by lifting my leg from below the knee rather than from the hip.
4. Episodes of Mobility vs. Flare-Ups: Some days, like this past Tuesday, I’m able to walk without pain, only for it to return unexpectedly during a transition or slight shift.
Dr. Behman ordered labs to check for infection. My CBC and CRP was normal while my SED rate was elevated. She also stressed adhering to the “90-degree rule” with no bending beyond a right angle at the hip to prevent further issues—a reminder I’ll have to take very seriously. She requested to follow up in two weeks.
We wrapped up and made the long drive home, stopping for a quick bite. By evening, I was feeling the effects of the day but managed to find some rest at home, relaxing and even gathering a bit of energy at my computer desk to round out the evening.
November 8: Physical Therapy Evaluation
Morning Physical Therapy and a New Book
This morning started with a bit of a scramble as I realized I had a 9:15 a.m. physical therapy evaluation I’d forgotten all about. After a quick call to let them know I’d be a few minutes late, I made it by 9:30, where I caught up with Brandon, my physical therapist. We reviewed the ups and downs of the past week, especially the triggers that seem to provoke my nerve pain, and discussed the doctor visit. Together, we focused on the importance of maintaining the 90-degree rule to avoid flare-ups. It was clear that everyday movements—like getting into the car or lifting my leg—could be setting off the nerve issues by pushing close this threshold.
Brandon noted that hip abduction remains my weakest motion, which isn’t surprising given the journey my hip has been through. Encouragingly, my other motions have held steady or even strengthened. We also talked through activities and safety measures, and Brandon agreed that I’d be safer on my motorcycle than a bicycle, as the bike’s pedaling would challenge my hip stability. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for the right moment when my body feels ready to take on a scenic ride again.
Once I got back home, my parents stopped by to participate in an 11 a.m. Zoom call they had scheduled. I handed over my iPad for their meeting and used the time to soak up some sun. For about an hour, I sat outside in the warmth of a November day with my cappuccino, enjoying the unseasonably warm 80°F weather. I started reading Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows—a book that had been referenced in No Bad Parts, which I’d recently finished. This new read feels like a perfect next step, diving into the dynamics of systems thinking and how we interact with them.
After a refreshing shower and a good 30–40 minutes chatting with my parents, I felt ready to head to work. Through the morning, I’d managed my nerve sensitivity well, keeping it at bay with slow, mindful movements and using my cane as needed.
Afternoon and Evening
I spent the afternoon catching up on some work at the office, managing occasional nerve pain. I decided to add extra padding to my desk chairs to help keep my hips aligned to the 90-degree rule, which provided a bit more comfort.
Later, my parents, niece, and nephew stopped by, and we enjoyed a spontaneous family evening. Jace and I tackled some fun projects around the house, including rearranging the breezeway and setting up a second hammock. As the evening continued, Sadie decided she wanted to stay the night, and my parents brought over a pizza for us to share. We all gathered outside, built a cozy fire, and laughed together under the stars.
After a bit, Jace started feeling unwell, so I offered to take him home. Once there, he decided he was up for staying over after all, so both he and Sadie gathered their pajamas, toothbrushes, cups for juice, and iPads—fully prepared this time! Back at my place, we spent some meaningful time connecting, sharing stories, and winding down together. By 10 p.m., they were tucked in, and I settled into my newly hung hammock for the night. When I woke up feeling chilly, I moved to the couch and slept soundly until morning.
Reflecting on These Past Two Days
These appointments and evaluations have reminded me just how sensitive my hip and nerves still are. The 90-degree rule will now be my new boundary, especially as I look to avoid any unnecessary flare-ups. Although I didn’t leave Duke with the answers I’d hoped for, the visit did reinforce the importance of respecting my body’s limitations. In the coming days, I’ll be paying close attention to how each movement impacts my nerve pain, and I’m grateful for the moments—no matter how brief—when I’m able to walk without pain.
Healing isn’t a straight path, but I’m learning to adapt with each step.
Thank you for following along on this journey. If you have any tips or similar experiences with nerve-related pain or post-surgery recovery, I’d love to hear them in the comments or through my Telegram group. This community is becoming a meaningful space to share, reflect, and support one another as we all find our way through life’s ups and downs. 
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu – May All Beings Be Happy and Free 
Yours is a good story, well presented. Good luck.
Thank you! I didn’t expect to hear from you on here, I head back to Duke tomorrow for a 2 week follow up from the blog post above!