Milestones...

Many of you know that on October 17, 2008 I had my right hip replaced. For the past 3 or 4 years I haven't been able to tie my right shoe, put my sock on, ride a bike, go up the stairs alternating feet, etc. etc. etc. I also limped when I walked and my leg hurt all the time.

After several visits to my regular doctor, chiropracter, & physical therapist, I finally went to an orthopedic surgeon. He recommended total hip replacement. So I did it. I have been amazed at my recovery. I used the walker for two weeks, then the cane for a week, and now I have been back at they gym for 3 weeks and doing machines I was never able to before surgery.

I actually tied my shoe last Thursday but today I did it without stretching out. WOW! I still have a hard time bringing my knee up to my chest but it is getting closer. I have to concentrate on going up stairs alternating feet or I do it the old way out of habit. I glide now when I walk. I can ride the exercise bikes at the gym. Before surgery I couldn't bring the pedal all the way around, my hip simple locked up because of the bone spurs.

I feel so blessed to be able to do such simple tasks. I'm working on deep knee bends. They hurt! It's been years since my body has moved is such ways, but each day I get better. I owe it all to my trainer at Gold's Gym. He encourage me to seek out the orthopedic surgeon. I started working with him last March. After regular sessions (3 times a week), we were getting no where with my right leg. No matter how hard we tried, it simply wouldn't bend or move certain ways. However, today it does! Thanks to Dr. Richard Jackson and my trainer Clint Friel.

So as I count my many blessings, today I'm thankful for being able to tie my shoe!