I have not posted here on my blog for quite some time. I found that I could reach a larger audience on Facebook with the group I created called "Young THR". This group has been an inspiration to many as well as myself. I have learned so much and continue to learn from all the members in my group. If you find yourself alone and looking for a support group to help you with questions and to make friends going through THR.......I highly encourage you to join my group! Laura Here is the link and please ask to join the group! http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/358316260408/

Updates.......it's been awhile!

I cannot believe over a year has passed since my life changing operation.......my left THR. I actually FORGET that I ever had it done! The only time I remember I had a hip replacement is when (for example).....I accidentally slip and then I go into my protective mode and land on another another body part to avoid hurting that hip. The large bruise on my right arm I got from slipping on my motorboat's seat (chasing my 8 year old Mitchell who was taunting me as usual)...LOL. So..........yes, I am thrilled I am over the big hump and getting back to a normal life without the word "hip" being a daily/hourly/every minute thought in my mind.

Good and bad news....................the bad news first.....i got laid off from my preschool teaching position due to low enrollement :( Good news.............after sending out over 40 teaching resumes.................I got an interview and got the job for a head preschool teacher in a public school near Stoneham, MA! So.......twice as much money.........but the commute will be a bitch!!!!!! Over an hour each way (traffic in....no traffic home)......but, the good news.........I was chosen out of hundreds of applicants, so I can't complain.

We spent a week in Barnstable, MA on Cape Cod. Had fun.......lots of swimming, clamming and eating lobster. See pic of the view from our house above. Then, we headed to my lakehouse in Vermont and my best friend Debby flew up to visit for 4 days..........she's like my twin (born the same day, same hospital as me.......think the same thoughts). Went to the Cabot, VT cheese/dairy factory, laughed alot, swam and had a great time. I'll try to post more later......got to go pick up my daughter Maddie now who was just playing lacrosse in Maryland at the Club Championships. ....

to any newbies....

I've made a few new friends over at Hip chicks and I'd like to share my whole hip story with you...............all my posts are the very earliest ones on my blog (early 2009). They go from my hip story all the way through surgery and recovery. For anyone with CHD contemplating a hip scope..............please, please, please think very carefully about it and do your homework first. The more I know (and experienced first-hand)....scopes should not be done on those with CHD, especially if any arthritis is present. The outcomes are very poor for most. Lots of doctors out there are just not aware because CHD is not all that common and arthroscopy is so new to the hip world. I ended up with a total hip replacement due to lack of judgement by a physician in Boston who did a scope on me. I don't want to scare anyone, but I also feel the need to bring this subject to light because I have now read more than I care to about women like myself in the same boat.

Hip Chicks

I joined this new group called Hip Chicks.................yeah! Wish I had found them before my surgery.

hit with the flu..........

2 of my kids have the flu.......even though we all had flu shots. They probably have that pig disease I've been hearing about (lol). They just have fevers and feel crappy. I've been out of work all week due to illnesses including my own stomach bug at the end of last week. Hopefully, we can get all our "oinks" out of us before Thanksgiving and Maddie's play next weekend.

Just food for thought..........did you ever wonder if you can get transmit sickness from licking an envelope? I mean..........isn't it kind of gross to think that most people lick their envelopes and we then open them with our hands? I never really thought about that before yesterday. Hmmm.

Before & After THR Pics

5 months after THR Nov 9, 2009 (please ignore the lovely stretch marks)

June 5, 2009

hip update........

I haven't posted in quite sometime....and I apologize for not updating those hip friends of mine. For those weary of THR ......... as I was.....in the end, it's the best thing you can do for yourself if you have neverending hip pain. I am now out of physical therapy 3 weeks! I worked DAMN hard and am proud of it too. I have been completely pain-free for over a month and half. It's as if a fairy came down....waved her magic wand and everything was better. I have no limp and my scar is fading. It's still long and very apparent, but that will always be.

My journey has just begun.........while I hope for the best and that my new hip will last a lifetime, I have to be realistic that many things can happen over time. It may wear out or I may fall and hurt myself. For now, all is well and I do not think of my hip often. I am not reminded with each step that something is wrong. I walk like I did when I was a kid...............and that is truly a miracle!