This ones for the girls

It is an odd reality to get to know someone through this virtual world. The truth is that these hip women that I have been leaning on so much over the past year are so much more than a website.

The fact of the matter is that I have only seen their determination come out through their blogs...their sense of humor in their writing...and their strength so prominently displayed in their profile pictures.

We have learned to laugh together about the silly moments in the healing process, the times when we were walking through the hospital hallway with our gowns hanging open in the back for all to see.

We have been in awe of each others recovery, sometimes secretly cursing that one of us is so much farther along than ourselves and wishing that we could be there with them on that hiking trail. no? Just me? ;)

We have written kind words to each other for motivation when things were not so easy…knowing that the emotional turmoil can far outweigh the physical pain

And through it all, there are very few of us who have actually had the opportunity to reach out to one another and give an encouraging hug when we can so clearly see the tears welling up in the others eye from frustration, or laugh out loud together recounting one of our recovery stories that never seemed so funny at the time.

I count myself lucky for having this opportunity…and although I have always been on the receiving end of one of those encouraging hugs or phone calls…I hope that I can give that gift back to someone soon.

And given all this, it is still very easy to see that us hip women have far more in common then a congenital disease and reconstructive surgery…

I read a fellow bloggers post this morning and realized that very quickly.

Now to that woman…and I hope you know who you are…I have this to say. You have been an inspiration to me since the very beginning. You have displayed a strength I can only hope to aspire to. We have gone through very similar realities…and although I can not be there to look you in the eye and promise you that the future has someone very special out there for you…consider it a certainty.

The day is here...

I never thought I would be happy to report that my left hip is killing me...but alas...here I am.

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Atlanta and I decided to really take advantage of it. After a couple hours at the gym we took Aidan to the park and enjoyed the amazing weather. Soon after that we headed to the mall to pick up some new suits for work and for the first time in about a year...I walked around the entire mall with no significant pain. I'm not sure if it was the high of buying SO much great stuff for myself, but after three hours of walking and shopping I still didn't feel pain in my right hip.

My left hip did not fair so well.

This marks the first time I was able to walk far enough (without pain on my operated right side) that my left hip finally screamed out that the surgery in December is a good idea. As much as it upsets me that this surgery is a necessity, I feel better in knowing that I can finally count my RPAO a success.

I have only my trips to the physical therapist to thank. Since starting my weekly routine with Michelle at the Atlanta Sports Rehabilitation Center I have grown significantly stronger. I know there are a lot of 'hipwomen' out there that aren't sure if physical therapy after surgery is a good idea...I'm here to tell you...IT ABSOLUTELY IS.

If anyone out there wants more details about my physical therapy routine, please do not hesitate to drop me a note.