Hi Everyone,
I just thought I'd post an update. It's been a little over two years since my surgery. I feel terrific, and am 100% pain free. It just amazes me, after struggling with the arthritis for so many years. I am now able to drive long distances to visit friends and family again. I took a trip up to Russian River and had a blast with my very close friend from elementary school. We went kayaking, paddle boarding, and inner tubing. I was a little shaky standing up on the paddle board, but she held it for me, and I did it. I don't know that I'd do it again, though. Something about the position going from being on all fours to standing scared me. I couldn't feel my muscles. I loved all the other stuff, though.
I recently took a couple of master classes from Maurice Hines, (Gregory Hines' brother,) at Debbie Allen's studio. It was intense. I did everything, and was still at the top of the class, but I don't think it's a good idea. (Too much jackhammer motion.) I was very tired after those classes. They were super fast, and nonstop aerobics. I wasn't sore or in any pain, though.
I started a blog, and it's going very well. I initially thought I would attract people wanting to read about life after hip replacements, but most of my readers want more articles on gardening and soapmaking. I have a little of everything in it. It's really fun, and I am surprised at how many people in different countries are reading. With Google Translate, it really gets your work out there. My goal is to write a book and have it published.
I have been riding the bike for about thirty or forty minutes every morning. It's such a joy. I remember thinking that I wouldn't be able to do that anymore, either. I also walk my dog each evening, and then do yoga or pilates at home. I feel thirty years younger, now that I'm healed. My Etsy shop is doing very well, and I am working on an alpaca blanket for the director of a publishing company in NYC right now. He is an old friend from the European Tour of "42nd Street".
I did fall a couple of times, but nothing big. I'm not sure what happened. I was picking pomegranates, but I wasn't even on the ladder. I split open my toe and deeply scratched my leg. I landed on my poor, elderly, arthritic German Shepherd. Poor thing. I was concerned about soil born infection, because of what I had read here. I made sure to keep it clean, and it healed well. It's really weird how quickly you can fall. I look like I'm in great shape, but I still know that I still need to be cautious.
I hope that everyone here is doing well. I love reading the updates. Thank you again for all of your kindness, help, and support. It was invaluable.