The best things....

[bothdone]

I've just been out for an easy 15 minute stroll after my evening meal - part of my exercise routine.   While I was out I was musing about the benefits of having BHRs on both my hips.    I thought I'd share a few ideas with you all.

I had the first one done in 2004.   From experience, I probably left that one a bit late as I had trouble sleeping through the pain before I had the op.    I had the second one done this March (2008) so I've just gone through the nine month post op stage.

So, what about the benefits for me?

*     Being pain-free is great.  No more waking up in the middle of the night as the pain-killers had worn off.  Even before my second BHR I couldn't walk far.  Even a round trip half a mile for my morning paper could be tough on some days.    Just typing this makes me sigh with satisfaction.    Mind you, I still can get pain in my legs but it is nothing to do with aching hips - just occasionally over-doing it.

*     The simple joy of walking.   If I had to pick only one activity for the rest of my life I'd be quite happy to settle for walking.    I live within half a mile of coastal paths and country lanes.   It is superb to get out there and explore again.   Sometimes I switch the mp3 to play through all my music, other times I just go with my thoughts.   Wonderful !

*     The possibility of running/jogging again.   I've done a few miles "running" now.    At the moment - after a seven year break - it feels clumsy and hard work but I'll perserve for a while.  If I think it is possibly doing any damage I'll stop without regret - walking and pain-free are much higher on my wish list.

Anyway, that's my thoughts.

Hope you all have a great Christmas/New Year/Holidays whatever stage of pre-op/op/post-op you are... and thanks for being here.

Ed

[Pat Walter]

Hi Ed

Great post.

Glad you are doing so well with both hips.

Thanks for sharing your story.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Pat

[Mudpro]

Great story, Ed.  I've a long way to go to be able to walk again normally, but even at week 2 I'm estatic to be pain free in my hip and like you, looking forward to those walks.

My motivation is that I have a 12 year old boy who is a Boy Scout.  I was a scout as a kid and its the main thing my son and I both love in common, but the hip pain was keeping me from joining him on hikes, I simpily couldn't keep up any more.  I'm looking forward to this summer when I can strap on a light pack and head back out into the wilderness along side my son!

[bothdone]

Hi Mudpro

Very best wishes to you with your aim to get out walking with your son.   Sounds superb.

Ed