Dance like nobody's watching

As I read a fellow Hip Sister's blog tonight, I felt a pang of compassion and a tug at my heart. No matter where we are or what we do, we Hip Sisters are connected in so many ways. So I felt inclined to write to her and also to tell you what I told her.

Go easy on yourselves, ladies.

Pre- or post-surgery, we need not beat ourselves up over our limitations. Getting back into a routine is hard after a PAO. At three months post-op, I'm still struggling to lift weights and dance the way I could before surgery.

In my dance class, I usually am in the front, leading the others and looking graceful and competent. The past two weeks, I've situated myself in the back. Because I can't do some of the moves and have pain, I feel discouraged. Same goes with lifting weights. Unable to lift as much as I used to, I feel that everyone's looking at me and thinking, "Gosh, she's weak."

I want to wear a sign that says, "I'm recovering from major surgery" so everyone will know how great I'm doing, not how ungraceful or weak I am!

But the thing is, it's not important what strangers think. It's just not. So do what they say and dance like nobody's watching. Think of how far you've come and celebrate the small stuff. It's discouraging at times, but if I know anything about Hip Sisters, it's that we're tough enough to outlast the tough times.

Comments

Brick said…
thank you for saying what I sometimes forget to say to my self.
HipSk8 said…
And now, the t-shirt! Yes, I'm buying one ...

http://www.cafepress.com/studiomiyabi/2720387

Thank you so much for understanding what I'm going through. Terri
JLynne said…
hey.. i talked to you about six months ago.. i finally got back on just to see how you were doing! im so glad your doing well.. about six months ago i was either going to have a PAO on my right hip or have hip scope done. I just had surgery december 23 and everything was looking up until about a week after the surgery when i was in horrible pain and diagnosed with RSD. Now my hip is worse than before. Im worried that a PAO is in the lineup. what advice do you have?
Anonymous said…
Thank you for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with hip impingement about a year ago, at age 16--as an athlete, I'm sure you understand how crushing that was. I had a reverse PAO at Children's Boston in May and I am going in next week for my right hip to be done. The left, an 8 hour surgery, was followed my tons of complications--I was in the hospital for two weeks. I just found out that I have to undergo reconstruction of both shoulders--they dislocate when I lift them more than 45 degrees. Now I am working with my doctors to decided which makes more sense to do first--repairing the shoulders does not guarantee perfect results where as I know what to expect with my hips! Its nice to know how many other women have struggled with the same surgery--and are currently doing so well! Thank you for your inspiration.
Cassie said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cassie said…
To J'Lynne:
I'm sorry I haven't attempted to give any advice till now. I'm sorry about the trouble you've been having. Did you have a scope in December? I haven't heard of RSD, you'll have to fill me in. Any more news about a PAO? Have you joined the Hip Women support group?
Talk to you soon,
Cassie
P.S. It might be better to e-mail me. I'm at cassie155@hotmail.com.

To the awesome 16-year-old: You've been through a lot, and I hope you can remain strong as you move forward with surgeries and recoveries. Feel free to e-mail me if you want!

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