Enjoy This Time of Year!

Well its Christmas and I am blessed for my health, great family and friends....and of course my new hip. I still can't believe how my life has changed since the surgery 9 months ago and how much more I can enjoy this season--and my workouts have really gained momentum. I've started doing that Zumba class everyone talks about. Its the fast paced aerobics dancing moves to that cool latin beat, with a littlebellydancing thrown in! Pretty cool--I like to mix up my workouts and keep my body fooled and working efficiently.
Lots of things to look forward to these next couple weeks. A new year, my trip to Ecuador with my medical mission Operation Walk Maryland; the second meeting with my ever-so-fun book club at Greetings & Readings called Better Health by the Book. I've given my current book, "Younger Next Year" to my dearest friend for Christmas...it is live changing! Hope you can join me there on Jan 12.
Wishing a wonderful holiday season to L. E. and Jerry, hope you all are doing well with the hip replacement recovery and don't forget to call me if you need me. Call me anyway so I know how you are doing. Merry Christmas and PEACE to all!

Christmas 09 --Total Bliss!

This time last year, all I wanted for Christmas was my new left hip! Well my wish was granted and there's a huge difference in every aspect of my life during this holiday season. I can actually shop more than 20 minutes at a time; bake an entire day; stand while conversing at all the holiday parties; and host a holiday party for my family which included all day cooking and serving a party of eight an entire 5 course sit-down dinner! And its only December 14th! Last year I shopped on line; baked only one batch of cookies; attended only one party,( my family's which was mandatory); and declined any invitation to host any holiday parties at all...and I was so cranky most of the time because I hurt and wasn't sleeping. If people only knew that this one surgery could make such a difference in their life, and I specifically mean the quality of their life they would not hesitate to get a hip/knee replacement. On well, on to my list of what to do next....

Good Luck to L.E. tomorrow--Here's to your new hip!

Well I survived T-Day, but still have the 3 lbs. I had last week, but no more. It was a great holiday and I enjoyed every bit of it. I'm keeping on the game plan being active and careful with my portions and drinking lots of water. Most importantly I'm reaching out to L.E. and sending you good hip surgery vibes, for your hip replacement tomorrow, Dec 1st. You will be so happy you did this! I'll be up to see you in a couple days when you will be feeling more human!

Speaking of hip arthritis, I'm about to walk in the 5K Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Walk/Run this Sunday at DuBurns in Canton. I've been the GSH Team Captain for several years now, but really look forward to walking PAIN FREE this year. Last year I was only able to cheer the rest of the team on from the sidelines because of my hip pain. This is the Arthritis foundation biggest annual fundraiser who's cause is to help find a cure for arthritis! Wow-wouldn't that be great! Thanks to everyone on the team this year and for all who donated!

Preparing for Battle!

Well its that time of year to really give yourself a good talking to and plan a manageable strategy not to gain weight this holiday season. I'm a little bummed at myself...having lost about 12 lbs. these past few months with Weight Watchers, I've managed to gain back about 3 lbs. by succumbing to my social calendar and eating too much at dinner parties, weekends away and Ravens games! Worst part is that T-Day is 3 days away. The 3lbs. has got to go! Here's my game plan: Exercise for 45 minutes everyday this week, even if in done 2/20 minute session, or a little here and a little there--AM, PM or whatever! Get drunk with water--its filling and great for your skin, and your bowels and bladder--keeps everything working-drink as much H2O as you can! So whenever you're hungry drink a big glass of water, first, wait 15 minutes if still hungry eat, but choose wisely--like an apple/orange, yogurt or string cheese! Brush your teeth and/or chew gum while cooking, especially on T-Day! I sample everything, but this year I'm not going to do it. After the big meal--take a walk, just a nice stroll, not anything brisk. Remember extra weight is horrible for your arthritis--causing the pain in your lowerback, hips or knees to worsen. We usually can't control that we have arthritis but can certainly can do our part to manage it; the extra weight and inactivity really do make it worse. Take charge and be responsible for your own wellness! Happy Thanksgiving and wish me luck with the weight war!

Fun with the Book Club

Long time no blog, still very busy....the Book Club started off with a twist! Only 4 people out of 32 read the book! So I kiddingly gave them a class score of D-! Since we couldn't discuss the book as a whole, we all engaged in a wonderful discussion about positive aging and there was some great sharing. People talked about what they want to do in this final third of their life and we had some real exciting responses; i.e- kayaking, learning Italian, volunteering. Some very tender feelings were exchanged about the joys of grandparenting and how surprisingly their grand kids are keeping them young and providing a new purpose in their lives. Overall, everyone there was very excited about aging, and in a very positive fashion....this group, I can tell already is not a bunch of "rotters", but a group of folks who really want to be alive and present during this milestone and continue to learn and enjoy life. So we will meet again on January 12 and hopefully everyone will read"Younger Next Year" by Crowley/Lodge; at least the first 4-5 chapters. The book has really inspired me and those who've read it to really get up and get moving...which I am ever so delighted to do with my new hip!

Where has the year gone!

Fall...my absolute busiest time of year...and this year I've got the stamina, and good will to get what I need to get done now that my hip no longer hurts. Work is crazy...can't wait to start my new book club, "Better Help by the Book", November 3, 7pm @ Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley Town Center. I've been doing lots of TV/Radio promotions to help get the word out about the club and its been great fun. I'm also real excited about my new Arthritis-on-the-Go seminars that I've been doing at communities libraries. In fact, this past Tuesday was really special mostly because I became reaquainted with an old boyfriend's brother and his wife, who is really hurting because of debilitating hip pain...being quite a young woman herself I really empathized with everything she is going through because of her hip arthritis. I was really touched as she explained that she's been following my blog which led her to the seminar that evening. We were able to get her in to see our expert orthopedic doctor and things will really fall into action. Don't worry, my friend, you will be feeling better soon and I am just a phone call away! Well, I'm off to my arthritis support group and then to teach tai chi class! Till next....

WOW! Six months since the Surgery

Lots of stuff to talk about since last post. I'll start with vacation Sept 4-Sept 10. What a rainy week down the beach! You can only play so many board games with your husband. Once we had our fill we decided to come home early--it seems our weather karma has been rotten. I really missed not bike riding down the beach...it's such a great place to ride and it's such a great diversion from my exercise DVD's. However, I managed to stay fit anyway. I'm also proud that I kept up with my Weight Watchers meeting while on vacation and only gained .4lbs, for a total loss of 6.6 lbs. on September 12. September 10th also marked my half-year period since my surgery. Hard to believe but I most often don't even know I had my hip replaced. Good Samaritan Hospital really did a great job with my surgery and recuperation!

Had tai chi training in Pennsylvania the weekend of Sept 12 & 13. Of course it rained again so I didnt mind so much being stuck in a classromm for 16 hours. I really enjoyed the training and really look forward to teaching an ongoing class at Good Sam to help people with arthritis feel better thru tai chi. It helped me, and still does with my recovery and staying strong and well-balanced both physically and mentally. I also began a new regular 10-week tai chi session at Good Sam and am amazed at the popularity of this class. Thirty-one students are in this session and they are very enthusiastic. I look forward to every Thursday evening now for 10 weeks.

We traveled last weekend, Sept 18-20 up to Albany, NY to a wedding and really had a great time. I did most of the driving up because I found that when I drive I'm less restless and less irritated than when my husband takes the wheel. Albany was lovely, as was the wedding. The best part was the dancing which I have missed for over three years because of hip pain. I danced, and danced and danced...for over 3 hours. All that dancing kept me from eating and drinking too much so I had almost a two lb. loss at Weight Watchers for a total loss of 8.6 lbs. My new hip really has helped me get my life back again, and its working just fine. My godniece is getting married tomorrow...the first wedding in the family, so I'll be busting some more moves I'm sure! The next 4 days will be a tremendous weight management challenge--rehearsal dinner, wedding, Raven's Game and Monday a golf tournament with dinner afterwards. Whew! I hope I have a good report next post!

Back to the Beach...but better!

It's been a long summer and our condo has been occupied by renters all season. This past Saturday morning the last of the renters checked out so we're headed down to enjoy the weekend at the beach, at last! Remember, I spent the last couple weeks recovering from my hip replacement down OC with all of the spring dreariness and performed much of my therapy at Northside Park. I have to say that I returned to Northside Park this weekend and it was most enjoyable. It was great walking 2 laps around the park (without a cane), then bicycling 5 times around the periphery, ending with a little mini boot camp of push-up, pikes and leg raises at my favorite bench where I did much of my seated PT. I smiled inside at the wonderful progress I've made since April when I could barely walk around once even with my cane. I've really been testing out this new hip, lunging, squatting, walking, bicycling---whatever low impact moves I can come up with. It was hard walking on the beach...too hilly due to the storms and eroded beach, so I'll try again next week. I am really giving this new hip a run for its money, sometimes to the point of slight pain but then I stop. I never do any high impact running, jumping, or leaping on land, just slightly in my aquatic classes. I tell myself that I elected for a new hip because of the pain, and to enjoy life again and to return to my active self. Well, you can bet that' s what I'm doing...and am returning to the beach this weekend for some more!

Turning 55!

I'll be 55 this Monday, an official senior citizen in most venues except the US government. Since I've had my hip replaced almost 6 months ago I now feel in my 30's again. I'm back to my energetic self; stamina is great, sleeping very well, continuing my full daily workouts and my presurgical weight training exercises to keep my leg strength up; swimming twice a week and training in tai chi to prepare for my new class session at Good Sam on Sept. 17th...and of course, playing my beloved golf at least once a week. Many folks have called me to talk about their arthritis. Besides being an arthritis nurse I now have the dimension of empathy when talking with them which helps me understand what they are really going through. I am often asked, "How did you know it was time for hip replacement surgery?". Here is my answer: If pain consumes most of your day, especially getting in and out of a car; you feel very unsteady on your feet and fear falling so you walk with a cane; your quality of life is dwindling...FAST, as evidenced by giving up the things you love; in my case, bowling, golfing, traveling, dancing and working out; your sleep is interrupted, either falling to sleep or waking up in the middle of the night due to pain; you become de-conditioned due to inactivity and feeling very, very old; if you can relate to at least two of these criteria then it is definitely time to consider joint replacement surgery.

I'm very excited to start my new book club called, "Better Health by the Book" on November 3 at 7pm at Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley. I really enjoy helping others and look forward to meeting lots of new people who like me, want to learn everything they can about being healthy and aging vibrantly. I took the first step with my surgery and am so glad I did!

New life...New ideas!

Four and one half months since the surgery and it keeps getting better and better. I'm totally off the Celebrex and working out on a regular basis. I'm back to my presurgical hip exercises with weights while lying on the floor to regain full strength in my legs. I also plan on taking a two mile walk this weekend and hoping to go the distance pain-free! I am just amazed how much better I feel. I no longer wake up or go to bed with generalized pain as mentioned in previous blogs. Moreover, I find it harder and harder to understand why so many people wait so long to get a total joint replacement. Arthritis is a chronic disease, like diabetes, heart disease, asthma & depression to name a few. The more a person learns about their disease, the better their confidence becomes is taking control of their activities, pain manaagement and all around medical care. Gaining this knowledge and being able to talk to others with similiar issues would really be great. These thoughts gave birth to a new kind of book club starting in November at Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley, called Better Health by the Book. Being an arthritis nurse and experiencing first hand how this disease hurts your joints and quality of life I really got excited about being able to help other people especially in my age range, let's say between 45-65. More to come about the book club and my continued reclaimed freedom!

Kickin it up a Notch...at 4months post-op.

Okay, many times I forget I even had a hip replacement so last Sunday I decided to do an hour and 30 minute really tough circuit exercise DVD--and am proud to say that I made it through all but 15 minutes of it and it felt GREAT! Two days later however I did take a Celebrex only because my hands were really bothering me but my hip felt great. Keep in mind that I am not doing any real ground pounding high impact jumping or jogging (that would be really stupid). But the workouts are really tough, with alot of sweataing and I am really testing the waters. I now wonder if there is any movement on that new ball and socket that's gonna get stuck. Does anyone out there with a hip replacment ever wonder the same thing? I got a full weekend planned, topping Sunday off with another round of golf and hope to keep building stamina. I've also decided to go on another Operation Walk Maryland medical mission to Quito, Equador this time and the team will be leaving November 12. Last year on our first mission to Lima, Peru I was in tons of pain because of my bad hip---but really look forward to this year with my new metal and plastic one! Its really cool to be planning and doing, again the things in life that I really love!

Off the Celebrex...Yikes!

Am I stupid or what that I've gone and gotten off the Celebrex...that wonderful little yellow pill that I've been on for over a year that takes all of my aches and pains away, has now gone away. Even though my regularly checked kidney and liver functions have been fine I know its in my best interest to discontinue the drug. Besides, my hip is now new and improved with metal and plastic parts so why do I need Celebrex? On really taxing days like last weekend when I hosted my niece's wedding shower for 30 guests, it sure came in handy. Its quite amazing how the hip replacement has relieved the hip pain, but the arthritis in my hands, knees and other hip are ever present especially without the Celebrex. Each morning immediately when I awake and right before I retire at night I notice generalized achiness since the drug been out of my system. Advil and Tylenol just don't have the same effect that Celebrex does. I've also noticed that when I do not exercise my pain is increased as well. Just another reminder that exercise is truly the majic oil that lubes the joint, muscles, bones and rest of the body.

I'm golfing again!

Last week I played two rounds of golf. On Monday I played in a tournament venue which really isn't as taxing on the body as individual stroke play, but over the weekend I completed my first 18-hole round since the surgery. It was a push but I did it and will continue to do it. I felt pretty sore all over the next day, but my hip was fine. I was glad I was sore all over and not just in my hip which would have told me I wasn't ready yet. The joy of the game and being out in nature for 4-5 hours was worth the pain. It's just amazing that if you keep up with being active and the exercises, I just get stronger each week. Most days I forget that I have a left total hip replacement because I'm living life again. And that is really awesome!

Checking in at 3 months post-op.

Well the nursing conference went well and my hotel was 6 blocks from the conference so I really got my walking in. Too bad it rained 5 of the 7 days I was in Tampa--they've sustained a 3 year drought until I got there. Traveling went well and the only difference is that I took advantage of the moving carpets in the airport this time which I do not usually do. I'm back to my beloved golfing, not quite a full round yet but will be this weekend. Week 10 post-op seemed to be a major breakthrough--I no longer was using a cane and my left let really feels stronger. My diligence in continueing my hip exercises as well as my tai chi has really paid off. I'm very excited that I am now doing my morning workouts for 20-30 minutes and currently teaching a tai chi session. Gary and I are going to walk this Sunday morning. The best part was walking on the beach this past weekend...without a cane! And I love passing people by in the hall as I walk around this hospital at almost my pre-bad hip speed!I feel 95% back to the old me...without that horrible hip pain. I just had my 3 month check-up and my surgeon is really pleased with me, signed me off and said he would see me in a year! He knows I will continue working hard with staying active, doing my exercies from PT and maintaining my normal active life. It feels great to be Karen again!

Back to work and lovin' it!

Well its Friday, May 15 @ 3pm and I'm about to wrap up my first week back to work since my surgery. On the average I would say I made it 2/3 of the way thru each day and feeling pretty good with only one set-back. This past Monday not only did I go back to work but I also returned to teaching my aquatic swim classes. Once I got into the 90 degree water it felt so good--I felt a little daring and since I was 8 weeks into recovery...so I started to let my guard down. I was sqatting, grapevining, jumping and running-- LIKE AN IDIOT! I woke up Tuesday morning and really was scared with the worse pain I have felt in weeks. I knew I overdid it when my non-operataive good hip was also hurting. So I have babied myself all week, not doing anything strenuous at all. Just maintaining range of motion with some tai chi, regular PT exercises, moderate stair climbing and short walks. Tomorrow I'm off to my annual nursing conference and can't wait to set off the airport security gate with my new high tech metal hip! My hotel is 5 blocks from the conference center so I'll be getting some good walks in and plan to pack my cane in my suitcase. I'll report again soon!
p.s. It's great being back at GSH seeing my friends and co-workers, and meeting lots of new faces too! Everyone has been so warm & welcoming.

The Operation

The Morning of Surgery

My New Hip: Exiting recuperation time...re-entering normal life!

Back from the beach...down there 2 1/2 weeks with only 4 days of sunshine but it was great! Spent alot of time walking, exercising and enjoying the new OC library. It is now 7 weeks since my hip replacement. Had my 6-week check up and I am now released from the imprisonment of those hip precautions! Feels so good to cross my legs, bend over, twist and not sleep with a pillow between my legs. I'm so much stronger now...exercising religiously has really paid off and made me stronger--just doing the prescribed exercises from the hospital takes about 40 minutes each day but it is so worth it. Weather permitting I am walking about a mile or more each day...not up to 2 miles yet! I even rode a surrey bike on the boardwalk last week for an hour...but that might have been a bit much because I had quite a bit of pain the rest of the day. My normal life is returning at a normal pace now. I am back doing exercise videos (the beginner wimpy ones but that's okay) and even walking 75% of the time without my cane! My t'ai chi training has really served my well in my recovery period...the leg strength and balance has been easier to regain because of it. I am attending a gala this evening for a short time and may even try to dance just a little. If it wasn't for my afternoon fatigue I would almost be back to my normal self. But I have been reassured by my wonderful medical staff that it takes about 6 months or more before you feel yourself again. Well I am on my way and am almost ready to return to work for at least half-days on May 11! Welcome back me!

New scenery...new hip...new attitude!

Today I am leaving to spend a couple weeks down our ocean condo. It has been 4 1/2 weeks since my hip replacement and I really need sunshine and a change of scenery. I can't complain much though...the arthritis pain in my groin is gone--I have some surgical pain and fatigue each afternoon probably because I'm pushing myself too hard. Still just taking tylenol to relieve my pain when needed. I walked 7 blocks this past Thursday--boy did it feel good to move my body! Still using a cane and have a slight limp but that's expected. Tired of TV, eating, reading books and staring at my 4 walls. The beach will do me good...walking the asphalt trail at Northside park and even the boardwalk...nice and flat down there. Doing my advanced leg/hip exercises and upper body weights every other day trying to stay somewhat in shape. Cannot wait to do a full workout...cannot wait to bend over, cross my left leg over my right, sleep on my side and twist...but I must be patient. I am on my way to a pain free life again and can't screw it up! No computer access down the beach so I'll be back in 2 weeks or so...even more excited!!

"In sickness & in health... but will he shave my legs!"

Okay--gang its been 3 weeks today since my hip replacement surgery and not being able to twist, bend over 90 degrees or cross my legs is really beginning to annoy me! OH well I have become desperate and I had to humbly ask my husband to shave my legs this morning. Somehow we survived and after tons of grumbling we ended up laughing alot! Battle wounds incurred...only one nick which is bleeding pretty bad due to the blood thinners I'm on! Took my first shower today without the tub seat, but still need help drying, creaming the legs and putting those antiembolic stockings on. I am very, very grateful for my husband...he has been a real trooper during this whole ordeal! The sun is finally shinning, I am not nauseous and a colleague is picking me up to go for a ride this afternoon--it's a GOOD DAY!

It's all over now...or has it just begun?

WOW! It's been a month since I've blogged and boy are things different! Particularly, my brand new hip. On March 10th I had the replacement surgery and now I am in week 3 of recovery. Its all behind me now--thank god! The surgery went very well and my hospital stay on O'Neill 3 of Good Samaritan Hospital Joint Ex program was like being on vacation--well once the nausea and vomiting past. That was my only problem, really. My pain was being managed by the PCA pump, but I was so very nauseous from the anesthesia and pain meds. I also think I had some residual GI symptoms left over from the weekend before surgery. I am now off the narcotics and just taking Tylenol for pain. I"m walking with a cane for the most part, taking steps independently and even went out with my daughter today in the car for about an hour. The arthritic pain in my hip is gone! GONE! I only feel tenderness from the surgery, especially today with the dreary, rainy weather. My biggest challenge is to take it easy, not go overboard with recovery and exercising--so far , so good. Everyone has been so kind in sending their well wished via cards, flowers, reading material and fruit. I feel so very loved! I would love to hear from anyone out there who has had hip replacement surgery or is thinking about it!

Countdown to Hip surgery!

Well I am 2 weeks away from my total hip replacement and am getting even more excited...not scared but really excited about getting this underway and getting back to my life and my body! We traveled to California this weekend to visit friend... my husband thought it was a good idea before I went under the knife. It was, I guess, simply because I got to relaxed...but I'm sick of relaxing! I gained another 2 pounds, haven't exercised, attempted to play golf in sunny California but it was too painful! The entire traveling experience was very eye opening...for the first time I travelled with a disability and was unable to help my husband with the luggage. I was totally dependent on him for everything, but I did get to preboard and use the blue "disabled" sleeve for my ticket. Oh well, back to work today. Working a full day is really exhausting as is doing laundry, grocery, cooking and doing dishes. I am too independent for this and really struggle with all of these difficult emotions I am experiencing at this time--especially the anger and frustration. My only solace is knowing that there will be an end to this pain, dependence, and tremendously "old" feeling that I have. I truly do not know how people can put this surgery off and continue to live like this!

Quality of life countdown....more on the hip saga!

Tried to beat the winter blues this weekend when the forcast gifted us with a 60degree sunny Sunday with no plans on our books. Excited about our 11:40am teetime, so I got up early, worked out in the warm water pool and got ready to play some golf for the first time since last November! It was breezy and the last remnants of snow and ice were melting at the course we chose up in Fowlersburg in Carroll County. It felt so good to be outside, sun beaming on my face and actually playing some golf! I was hitting the ball pretty good for the first time out, nice and straight...what a blessing - this saved me from walking all over the course trying to find my ball. About an hour into the round I began to fatigue and my hip really started hurting...I loaded with some more Advil and Tylenol (now way past my daily maximum dose) and it was only 12:30pm! I tried to be stoic, especially for my husband whose love for golf far surpasses most men's love for their wives...but the pain became very distracting. We wrapped it up after nine holes and road home through the scenic wintry countryside soon melting from the warm temps. Oh, well we tried...another love of my life (golf) on hold until after the hip surgery...which by the way has been moved up a week until March 24 due to the surgeon's schedule change. I just pray I'm not too fat and too inactive by the time my recovery is over! Is anyone out there living my life?

Could have danced all night, but...

Another lovely cramp in my lifestyle happened this past weekend due to my hip arthritis. I invited my husband, brother, sister and daughters out to a local bar to see our mother's doctor who just happens to play lead guitar in a rock band. They play pretty decent dance music and I really love to dance especially when the music inspires me. Well, after a couple glasses of wine the second set came on which was all dance music from the 80's... I got thru the first song almost, rested...another half hour later tried to dance again and only made it halfway thru because my hip really started hurting and I could hardly bear weight on it...another 20minutes later the only slow song of the night began so I slowdanced with my husband (one of my favorite things) and payed the price all weekend. So most of the week I've been hobbling around with my cane and doing the absolute minimal. I am not a minimal kind of person. Can't wait for the surgery!

Edit on Curious Case of Kren K.

Let me correct my first post. I meant to loosely compare my woes of feeling so old physically, yet being so young psychologically to Benjamin Button, not Benjamin Brat, portrayed in the movie by Brad Pitt. Oh well, best to get my true self out in the open from the getgo, that's me Karen, Queen of Blunders!

Curious Case of Karen K and her bad hip!

This arthritis is a curious pain in the lifestyle. I'm 54 y.o. and will be getting my left hip replaced mid March (in 46 days). Yes--I'm quite young for this surgery but I can't believe how it robs you of your life--the fun and quality in your life. And I feel so old...kinda of like the flipside of Benjamin Brat when he was about 17 (mentally) but, physiologically he was in his 80's. Not that I go to the movies alot (too painful to sit that long), but I did happen to see that one. Anyway, I'm quite excited to get the surgery and rehab underway so I can get back to my life again! I've never blogged before but I had this on my mind and thought I'd write about it.