Ay Oh Let's Go!

 

It's been a year since my total hip replacement surgery, and it's hard to imagine where I would be without that little miracle of titanium and ceramic in my life.  From a physical standpoint, I'm feeling strong and am able to do everything I want.  Child's pose, deep squats, box step ups, lifting heavy weights.  I've even started tiptoeing back into running - just a tenth of a mile sprinkled here and there into some of my walks - and I am pain free.  

What's surprising is that I think the psychological outcome of this surgery has been even more significant than the physical outcome.  Yes, I'm doing all the things I used to do before the pain became debilitating, but more importantly, I'm feeling like the person I used to be before I was in all that pain.  And I honestly don't know how I would have survived what life has thrown at me over the course of this past year if I was also in that much pain and without my physical outlets.  

This surgery has been a reset button, and after a year of recovery and rebuilding this body's foundation, I'm excited about the road ahead.  I will resist comparing my current self to my past self - especially if this whole running thing sticks - and I will go forward with immense gratitude and the wisdom that can only come with experience.  The PA sent me off with the words "Go live your life!" I understand the assignment.