Read Blinky’s Full Story Here

November 8, 2016 – One year and a few days later

I flew to SC for my one year check up with Dr Gross. No problems, just wanted him and Lee to look at my X-rays and manipulate my hips. Well, and I wanted to take a victory lap, show them how well I was doing and then go celebrate.

The X-rays looked great and Lee was excited by my range of motion, strength, and the fact I am back to running again. Dr Gross came in to answer a few questions and give me the okay to go out and live my life.

I asked about my right knee falling in and what might be causing that. Dr Gross said probably the rotators that were detached during surgery, that it takes a while for them to come back, and they might not return to 100%. He took the time to do a bunch of testing on my movements and strength and told me to work with bands to get stronger. (I think the issue is pretty subtle, one of those things I am aware of and know could be a long term limiter for me, but well within normal range). I asked about going forward, what to watch out for, infection, etc. No surprises there, to take antibiotics before invasive procedures.

I let my husband ask the big question: should I limit my activity, especially running, to have the hips last longer. Dr Gross said no. He said in his data the very active and the less active have similar results ten years out, so to go for it. Music to my ears! (Of course, we will see what I am truly capable of. Just because I am allowed to run as much as I want doesn’t mean I will be able to. My other parts are aging as well.)

So where I stand now: running every other day 3-4 miles, looking to build to six at a time. Swimming all strokes four times a week. Riding my cruiser bike on errands, spin class as able to make it. And Zumba once a week! I decided to see what my lateral motion was like, not to mention pivoting and jumping on one leg at a time. I should confess that one of my ongoing issues is that as soon as I feel completely good and normal, I feel like it is time to test the hips a little bit more….run further or try a new activity.

Then we flew to Barbados to celebrate. Where I swam, walked, climbed, treaded water, and felt completely normal!