Freedom

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I returned home yesterday, making only one stop in the eight-hour trip. I got a little uncomfortable after three hours, but I didn't have any problems driving. How fast I drove, where to turn, where to stop ... Every move was my choice, and it felt so nice to have my freedom back!

Today, with any luck, was my last day on crutches. Today, my mind raced with the possibilities of a life without mobility aids ... but mostly, a life without constant thoughts of hips, hip pain and hip limitations.

As I unpacked my things, I began to grasp what my life would be like without those thoughts. In a word: overwhelming. It's taken more than a year and two major surgeries for me to really believe I may be free from hip worry. For how long, no one can say, but I'm thankful for the possibilities that lie ahead.

That's true freedom.

Comments

HipSk8 said…
Welcome home. Now the future can truly begin for you! I am still 6 months away from my first of two necessary PAOs with Dr. Mayo, so I feel like my future won't really begin until after those ...

(Of course, life doesn't stop between now and then, but you know what I mean.)

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Terri
December 29, 2008
Anonymous said…
Cass - congrats! Came here thru one of the other Hip Chicks.

I was diagnosed with unilateral (right) Hip Dysplasia this past Tuesday. I have too much arthritis to have PAO, so it's a hip replacement as soon as possible.

All of you "hip chicks" and your stories have given me such hope for my own odyssey and recovery. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself in this way.
December 30, 2008
Melissa said…
I've been following your blog and really appreciate what you've done. I'm scared of my own upcoming RPAO this June and have found some comfort reading through all of the great info and advice you've offered.

I was just diagnosed this year after 8 years of being sent to the Chiropractor and PT for "muscle tightness". 8 years of pain with no solution. So now I'm 37 and facing this surgery.

Congrats on the freedom! BTW, which type of Millenium crutches did you use, the forearm or the underarm? Thanks!
December 30, 2008
Manda K said…
Welcome back to civilization! Just in time for the horrible wind :)

We need to get the girls together to celebrate! I'm back on desk duty on Fridays and Saturdays (looonnng story there), but we could go out just about any other night!

Smooches!

Manda
December 31, 2008
MY PAO STORY said…
Cass,
You are truly inspirational!! I am glad you are finally getting back into "your life" again!!
You are awesome!!
Beth
January 01, 2009
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