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!