Progress Continues

Have completed 20 sessions at Sea Change NY, have my good days and not so good days. Still have soreness and stiffness in my hips but walking without a cane. Will continue to see Dr. Musso at Sea Change. Learning to not "overdo" which isn't easy when you live and work in New York City. Continuing to do the Pilates floor exercises I learned at Movements Afoot, every little bit helps. I hire an assistant when I go out on photography assignments, I can't carry heavy equipment. Learning to ask for help.

Progress

I have had 10 treatments at Sea Change, New York with Dr. Deborah Musso. Dr. Musso is a chiropractor and so much more. I can't begin to understand what she does and how she heals, but something positive is happening to me. My hips are still tender and I walk slowly, but without a cane. Progress, yet I am impatient. But when I "overdo", I have to slow down. I always took being upright for granted. Am trying to avoid surgery or at least put it off for a long time.

Update

Last week I saw a second orthopedic surgeon who confirmed the opinion of the first doctor, namely that I need hip replacement surgery for both hips. By now, the initial shock has passed and I am processing this information, not sure when I will do the first surgery. Meanwhile, I had another session yesterday with the Pilates instructor who is really quite a healer with gentle hands. Each morning I continue to do the exercises she has taught me this far, they can only strengthen my muscles which is to the good. Next week I have an appointment to see a chiropractor/healer whom a friend highly recommends and claims that she saved her from life in a wheelchair. My insurance doesn't cover these "alternatives" so I am paying out of pocket. Nothing is cheap!

Slowing Down My Head

Receiving the news that I need both my hips replaced was a shock. I have had time to talk about it with friends who have experienced surgery. I am slowing down because anxiety is my worst enemy. Fear of losing my job, fear of everything, one by one my fears have not come to pass. I don't know when I will undergo this operation, I want a second opinion. Will do the research. Meanwhile, I am uncomfortable but not impaired. Using the cane, walking, swimming (my lifesaver). Hanging in and keeping the faith. I would love to hear your stories.

Hip Replacement Surgery

I received the dreaded news from my orthopedic doctor yesterday, I need replacement of both hips. When I told the doctor that I live in a fourth floor walkup apartment, he advised me that it would be bad to deal with stairs after replacement. So I am feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of having to move, plus have surgery. And I am concerned about my job. My friends tell me to THINK POSITIVELY so I am trying to do this, but last night I had bad dreams. At this point I have to face the situation with FAITH.

Second Pilates Session

Yesterday I had a second session, one-on-one, with the Pilates instructor, showing me gentle exercises for my hips, upper body as well. The woman is so amazingly intuitive about my body and what I need. I never realized that I am so out of alignment due to scoliosis. I just have to keep practicing at home, getting up early to do mat exercises. WORK!

Pilates Session

I had my first one-on-one session with a Pilates instructor this week. I will call her a healer because she was so gentle and compassionate with me, scrutinizing my body alignment and posture and giving me exercises to help my hips and spine. I have been so rough on my body for so many years, sitting hunched in front of computers for hours on end, carrying heavy equipment and so forth. I just didn't realize how much damage I was doing to my joints. I always took walking and moving for granted! Never take anything for granted. I'm looking forward to my second session next week. I need to be patient with myself, Rome wasn't built in a day. Also, I bought calcium and magnesium supplements and have been taking those each day, 1200 mg. calcium and 500 mg. magnesium. I welcome comments from anybody!

Staying Afloat

I live a short drive away from Coney Island here in Brooklyn. Nothing makes me feel better than a swim in the salt water. The beach was beautiful today, the water calm and I was able to swim laps. Swimming loosens up those tight joints and stimulates circulation. With arthritic hips, I won't be running a marathon anytime soon so I will continue to swim. I would welcome stories about success with various exercise programs. What works for you?

Storm is Brewing

For some reason, I can't seem to comment on a comment which was left by Kristin, so here's a new post. I am so sorry to hear about a small child diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. Arthritis used to be referred to as the "old people's disease" but this is not true, it can affect virtually anyone. Today is especially painful for me, maybe it's the high humidity. It's very humbling to carry a cane but I thank God for it because otherwise I'd be stranded. I hobbled down subway stairs this morning and on my ride into Manhattan I did a mental gratitude list, grateful I can still take a bath, put on my shoes and socks, make breakfast. I have a roof over my head and the bills are paid. But I must ask people for help sometimes, not easy for a person who's been fiercely independent. My prayers go out for all those who suffer from arthritis and for their families.

Suggestions for Healing

Yesterday I had a talk with a Reiki master who suggested that I look into Pilates classes for my arthritic hips. She also suggested that I should supplement my calcium with magnesium since I have osteopenia in addition to osteoarthritis. I would welcome anyone's experiences with Pilates or any other therapy which has proven helpful. Any suggestions about supplements?

Staying Active

I am staying as active as possible. Swimming is especially good for me, I only wish I could stay in the water 24/7. I hope to hear from people about what helps them, i.e., exercise, diet, herbs.

Let Me Introduce Myself

You may know me from my other blog, "brooklynrocks", mostly I am a photographer. Last October I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hips and I find myself living with an unwanted companion. I just turned 64 and this disease hit me like a ton of bricks. At times very debilitating, I use a cane. Very humbling. On the subway home tonight, I thought "How can I get something positive out of what seems so negative" and it occurred to me to begin a new blog. Perhaps there are already many such blogs on this subject but this is mine and I welcome any and all comments, share your adventures with me. Doubts, fears, successes, therapies, exercises, diets, anything on your mind. I look forward to hearing from you.