Christmas Photos

Jogging

I have been sooo busy...back to teaching in August...and yes...still wearing my high heeled shoes EVERYDAY!!! Still exercising.....biking, walking, jogging, elliptical......
Got a crazy thought that I wanted to train for the Disney 1/2 marathon in Jan.....doesn't look like its gonna happen.....this year.....maybe next year!!! I can jog for 3 miles....... and can't even think about doing 13!!! I could probably jog/walk the 13 miles.....but it is my goal to jog/run the whole time.....so next year I will start training earlier than Nov!!!!!! Right now I am doing a 15 minute mile.....hopefully that will get better with time :)

MRI and Dr. Millis Appointment

We flew into Boston last Wednesday and had an MRI Thursday morning. After the MRI I met with Dr. Millis. He viewed my x-rays and MRI....and everything looks good!! The degrees that he measured were almost normal, and before the RPAO they were way off. We viewed the before and after - and he was pleased. After all the questionnaires I filled out, I came to the conclusion that the only time I am aware of my hip is when it pops (which it does daily but does not hurt) and occassionally when I get an ache (from the arthritis which is still there). My hip does not prevent me from doing ANYTHING!! I told Dr M that I had been jogging lately - up to 3 miles. He told me that he would not tell me that I couldn't - and told me that biking and elliptical are better. He also told me that if I was 15 and had the surgery - he would tell me I have no limits, that I could do what I want. However, I am almost 35, and he just told me to be careful. If my hip ever starts to hurt - I will stop the jogging. He again stated that it is his hopes that he has corrected my hip - for good. He also told me that if I had not had the surgery, I would have had 3 years tops on the hip before it would have been so deteriorated that a new hip would be needed. I am SOOOO glad that Dr M has fixed me.....I feel like a new woman!! I am on vacation in Cape Cod....and have been jogging 3 miles a day AND going for bike rides.....and feel GREAT!!!!

Follow up

So, I booked my trip to Cape Cod for this summer and I knew I had to have an MRI and see Dr. M. I called his office today, expecting to play phone tage for SEVERAL days/weeks before getting an appt. To my surprise, I left a message and got a call back within a half hour. The day after I fly into Boston, I have an MRI in the morning and them off to see Dr. M in the afternoon. I am anxious to see what he says about my "improved" hip. I hope the MRI shows a "normal" hip with little arthritis. We are just doing my right hip, so my left one will have to wait until she is causing me problems - which she is NOT doing at the moment.

Exercise

I have been struggling with trying to exercise as much now (that I am working full time) as I was when I was home. I exercised everyday when I was home....and now after a LONG day teaching, the last thing I want to do is workout. By the time I get the boys home and fed, it is usually too late to go for a walk or bike ride (plus Reilly goes to bed at 6 - 6:15!!). I do have an elliptical machine which I try to use 2-3 times a week.
I found a new exercise that I am excited about and it is FUN!! It is a type of dance class.....and yes...a pole is involved!! It is SOOOO much fun! It is a great workout - the first time I did it I was sore for DAYS!! I am able to do things after 4 classes that I didn't think were possible! My hip seems to be taking this class well. A few pops here and there...but that is "normal". I am not sure that Dr. Millis would quite approve of this.....especially when I am wearing "the shoes" dancing!! I will just be careful and make sure nothing happens to my "new and improved" hip!
I look forward to the class each week.....and feel good about myself after I leave...and that is the most important thing.

1 Year Post RPAO!!!!

I can not believe it has been 1 year since my surgery! I feel great! I sent Dr. Millis a "Thank You" email today...and admitted to him that lately I have been jogging "lightly" - pain free. I am able to exercise without pain during or after. The surgery has changed my life. When I look back now at the "long" recovery....it doesn't seem so long now. Yes I was using a walker, then crutches, then one crutch, then a cane...for over 2 months - but it was all worth it. I am excited to see Dr Millis this summer..and have look at my hip and tell me how wonderful and normal it is now!!