It’s day thirteen of the rebirth. The restoration of my right hip joint!  Thanks to the Grace of God and the skills of my wonderful surgeon, the-faithful-but-worn-out-old hip-joint, that has served me well for 69 years, is laid to rest. A “bionic” joint now resides in its place, eagerly promising to serve me well as I go forward into the next chapter of life……..

My recovery is under way and even though I am {reluctantly} under the influence of minimal pain medication {and feel somewhat loopy once in a while} it’s time for me to emerge from my foggy silence and share my “hip” experience with those who may be interested. 

I am an avid student of “life” and an advocate for living life to the fullest. {Apparently I’m succeeding in the latter at some level, since I managed to wear out my hip!} Actually I just played too hard when I was younger!!!  Life is a wise teacher to the receptive student.  Valuable lessons emerge from unexpected circumstances and experiences….and this latest episode produced some that I’ll share.  

But first let’s travel back a few years.

In 2003 on the beach in San Diego with a fast-walking friend, the pain in my right groin hurt so bad I couldn’t keep up the pace! It was frustrating ….. I thought I’d pulled a groin muscle. You should you know how many times over the past 10 years I blamed a pulled muscle for that recurring groin pain! Today, I know better! I realize this was the onset of my hip degeneration. But little did I know at the time it was the FIRST clue …. back then I was clueless. 

I also missed signs from other painful muscles. An overly tight hamstring frequently shrieked at me, my quad would tighten up and I could feel knots in it the size of grapes to golf balls. And then there was the continuous lower back pain and restricted range of motion and decreased flexibility. Then later, the referred knee pain. Remember I said I was clueless? I dismissed the aches and pains and just kept on going, hoping the pain and related symptoms would disappear on their own. I took NO pain medication whatsoever.

3 years ago X-rays revealed my right hip joint was osteo-arthritic, bone-on-bone and at least one bone spur was causeing significant pain. But it wasn’t constant pain, so I kept on pushing ahead and attempted to ignore it. Here is where I thank my support team of amazing health professionals {chiropractor, massage therapist and personal trainer} who have loved me, cared for me and skillfully performed their area of expertise on my body to keep me strong, mobile and flexible for such a long time. I believe their level of knowledge and experience in their chosen professions, along with an abundance of my Shaklee protein and supplements, kept my level of pain to a minimum.  

I learned to live with it. The pain. I tuned it out. The thought of finding out I might need hip surgery was actually more painful, because it meant I’d be incapacitated for a few weeks – and then what would happen if my elderly parents in England had an emergency and needed me at just that time? 

That “fear” held me hostage for 3 years!!! How about THIS for a lesson! 

Lesson #1: Sometimes you just have to let go and let GOD! I know that! How many times must I learn THAT lesson over? Let go of irrational fears and replace with FAITH! 

Then there’s Lesson#2: Take care of yourself so you can be there for others!! What a novel idea!! I teach that to others everyday! Time to take my own advice!!!

So we proceeded. A date was set. I came to terms with my decision.

I actually had already arrived at a place of peace mentally and spiritually a couple of days before surgery. But that was after I went to HIM! To my Lord and Savior to seek HIS wisdom and comfort. For a couple of weeks a whole bunch of wonderful caring friends gave advice and opinions as to what I should and should not do re my supplement regimen before and after surgery, blood thinner decisions, pain medications and you name it.  All the suggestions came from a place of love.  It’s gratifying to feel so loved, but can also be overwhelming and contribute to confusion when information is conflicting.

Lesson #3:
Wonderful, well meaning friends and acquaintances volunteer “advice”
and opinions that can sow seeds of doubt and confusion in the most confident of people during times of stress.  I allowed myself to get overwhelmed and confused with too much input from too many sources, so I retreated for some quiet “alone” time needed for clarity and confidence! I did it in the best way I know how! I gave it all to Him! I immersed myself in HIS wisdom! God! You’ve GOT this! “When oceans rise my soul will rest in YOUR embrace, for I am yours and YOU are mine!”

Home day three and the weekend ahead to recover some sleep – then starts the physiotherapy, the nurse visits and the healing and recovery process continues with my participation. The pain meds and the accompanying brain fog 🙂 Small price to pay for the reduction of pain for sure! 

And Lesson #4: Yes I’m doing the pain meds even though I swore I probably wouldn’t. Crazy to suffer and stall the healing, so I took the advice of experts and swallowed the pain meds.  I  decreased to half strength rapidly as pain subsided.

Lesson #5: It takes me 30 minutes to mentally prepare for a 30 second shot in the belly fat! This is the blood thinner shot for 20 days to reduce the risk of DVT clots. Something thats I hadn’t bargained on having to do for myself – but what the hey!  I’m learning! I’m doing it and I’m halfway through!! I can DO this!

So progress is taking place. Tomorrow I see my doctor for a two week check up. Stitches will come out! One more milestone to check off the list. For the most part I’m walking around the house unassisted. 

I’m learning a lot about myself too!  I’ve always been patient, but I’m having to be extra patient. Anxious to get back to full speed, but understanding that healing takes time and it doesn’t pay to rush things. Also excited to get back to my Shaklee business – so many ideas to implement, people to see, new products to promote …. but all in good time. Patience Anthea. I’m learning to let go of being Miss Self-Sufficient – to let others take care of me because I really need their help right now and I’m joyfully accepting their gifts of love.  

I’m so grateful for my devoted hubby and wonderful family and friends for all their support and encouragement. For the cards and flowers, texts, emails and phone calls. For the visits, for the greatly appreciated meals. Especially for the powerful and persistent prayers from so many. Thank you all for your love and support!

Thank you Lord for your grace and faithfulness.