Hello February! I swear January felt like one of the longest months on record. I always say I’m not one to wish away time, but I’m a tiny bit happy to have January in the rear view mirror. There was a lot to push through! I’m sitting down with Coco, Deborah and you for a catch-up session over a nice hot beverage. Ready to get started?
Is This the End of the Road?
Over coffee I’d tell you about the doctor’s appointment I had for my angry hip. After a couple of quick manipulations that caused considerable pain, the doc promptly sent me off for x-rays. I took the liberty of reviewing the x-rays on my own before the doc returned to the exam room. Even my untrained eye could see the differences between the two hips. Uh oh. While I was hoping to hear I’d merely strained something and a little rest would have me back up and running as normal, sadly that was not the case. My right hip joint shows early stages of osteoarthritis and the cartilage, according to the doc, is “flaking away” While it is not bone-on-bone, it is degenerative all the same and is not something that will heal. Although I am not a candidate right now, the term hip resurfacing came up. Well isn’t this special?
He highly recommended a cortisone injection, saying it “could” give me relief to the point I’d be able to run again. The other option would be to stay on Ibuprofin to reduce the inflammation that’s causing the pain. At the moment, I’m not a huge fan of either one of these options, although I’m leaning toward the cortisone. Why is this happening? Osteoarthritis happens due to overuse, aging, genetics, and joints that are not formed correctly. In my case I have shallow hip sockets, or dysplasia. Arthritis and joint replacements are in my family history as well. So there you have it, I can check all the boxes. It’s a lot to take in. Aging has a way of constantly giving one new issues to contend with.
Is running over for me? The doctor assured me that plenty of people run just fine after hip resurfacing. I have friends who are running with knee replacements. It all feels so geriatric so, to help myself feel better, I googled famous athletes who had hip replacements:
Tennis star Andy Murray
Football and Baseball star Bo Jackson
Pro Surfer Laird Hamilton
The list goes on.
Right now I’m still in a state of shock. Despite doing my best to stay active and do everything “right”, here I am. I’ll figure it out, one way or another. For now I’m doing what I can: Strength training like a mofo and I’ve added in more yoga and lots of stretching too. I’d love to say this too shall pass, but really it won’t. I’ll just find a way to make the best of it…eventually.
Let’s move on to something lighter
Over coffee I’d ask you about any goals you had for January. Running and fitness streaks are popular, as is Dry January. You know about my self-imposed push-up challenge, which I decided to continue. What I may not have mentioned is something I’ve done in previous years. NoSpenduary. It’s all about recovering from the holiday shopping/buying frenzy and not spending money on non-essentials. I was doing so great from December 27 until January 23…so I made it almost a whole month. It was the week it was so frickin’ cold here, I broke down and bought myself a full-length down coat. Of course I already have a variety of jackets and parkas, so did I really NEED it? The answer is yes. Yes I did.
And last I’d ask you if you have any races coming up. While I don’t race anymore, I certainly coach people who do. I’ve got athletes heading to Tokyo soon, two of which will be earning their 6th World Marathon Majors star. I’ve been coaching both since before they ran their BQ races and I could not be more proud!
What would you tell me over coffee? Any travels coming up? Any injuries? Purchases?
I’m also linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn and Zenaida, for Fit Five Friday.
Oh no, Marcia, this is definitely not what I was expecting to read! That’s a lot to take in.
I agree, neither cortisone nor ibuprofen sound like great long-term solutions, but I can see how the cortisone could at least give you some temporary relief. It’s encouraging to hear that so many runners come back strong after hip operations! I have a friend in Canada who just had a full hip replacement last month (she’s 62), and she’s already back to walking, biking, and the elliptical—planning to ease into running soon.
So exciting about your athletes! Earning the six-star medal must be an incredible feeling. I hear Paula Radcliffe is going to run in Tokyo too—it’ll be interesting to see how she does at 51!
Ugh. So sorry to hear this. A fellow former Brooks ambassador, who is the same age as us, had a hip replacement last summer. I am happy to report that after 6 months, he is fully back to running. His Ig is dissac3 if you want to check it out. Hopefully, this won’t be the end of the road for you.
OK my running friend Ollie (fun fact: we met on the first day of university and would never have thought we’d be committed runners 35 years later …) has had both hips fully replaced and is still running and for quite a competitive running club. Another friend, Susan, had her hip stress fracture during a marathon, had it redone and is running again. Another friend broke a hip in an accident not to do with running and is running again. So there’s that. Good luck with it all!
Aging does have a way of throwing fun obstacles and surprises at us. I hope you can figure out how to ease your hip pain. I have accepted not running as much and I’m ok with it for now. Sometimes a little retail therapy is needed!
Ah Marcia…sadly I know this road…I’m sorry as I know that news hits hard. I am encouraged by others I see getting “back in the game” post surgery, including a group on Facebook – let me know if you want the info. Sending you hugs and lots of good vibes as you decide what’s next!
Sorry to hear about your hip. I guess body parts can wear out — or at least need refurbishing. 😉
LOL, yes, yes, you did need that coat!
I am so sorry to hear about your hip. January 27, 2024 was the last time I went out on a run. Now on my walks I’ll occasionally jog across the street. It’s better than nothing, but it’s not running. I’m thankful my husband got me into cycling again about 5 years ago. It’s been a godsend for me since I love cardio so much. Hope you find something else you love.
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear about your injury and the outlook. I can’t imagine what you may be feeling. Hopefully, you can find something else to do – I know cycling, and elliptical isn’t the same, but hopefully, you can get some answers and something else you can do. When I was injured recently, I turned to weight lifting and surprisingly have stuck with it. I love how strong I feel when I do it!
I have friends who have had hip replacements and they all continue to be very active – running, tennis, golf, etc. It’s part of aging for many. It’s actually a much easier recovery that knee replacement surgery. Or so I’ve heard from friends who have had both. You’re up and walking after the operation.
I’m off to Fla on Tuesday… can’t wait. Nothing hurts… at the moment.
Wow, that sounds so frustrating! Sorry for the not-so-great diagnosis. Ahh, the joys of aging. Even doing everything right, there are still nasty storms to weather through. Hugs to you <3
That’s not great news to receive, and I am so sorry for that. It stinks, but I’m glad there are options and I hope you find one that works for you.
January was long and ridiculous and I am so glad it’s over.
I’m not on an official no spending kick but I am boycotting so many places right now, so I haven’t spent a dime, other than groceries and gas. And even then, I feel like I’m barely leaving the house.
Oh, Marcia, I am so sorry to hear about your hip. Have you decided when you’ll get the cortisone shot? That is great about your athletes! Good luck to them!
Somehow I missed this last month (how did that happen??) I’ll echo what a lot of previous commenters said- lots of people run after hip replacements! I hope you’ve found a good solution to mitigate the pain for now. Good thing you love strength training- that can only help.
This will all work out, in the end.