Released from PT

I saw my physical therapist for the final time today. I have been feeling ready for a few weeks now and she confirmed what I suspected -- no tender spots, internal and external rotation is almost the same on both my left and right sides. I have pushed myself on many fronts -- biking, walking, rowing, kayaking -- and have had no issues whatsoever in the past 2 weeks. I would say that I am about 90% back to normal. The external rotation on my left side still has some relaxing to do but I think Dr. Philippon says that it can take up to a year to be 100%. I really don't think it will be a year since I am so far along at 6 months but I have now completely relaxed about everything. No nagging doubts that the surgery really didn't work, no more beating myself up over whether I am doing too much or not enough and no more thinking about every single that I do and whether or not I should be doing it and whether or not it will flare up my hip.

The physical therapy place where I go also has a sports performance center. Many of the Indy car drivers use the athletic trainers there to prepare for the season. So, when I was released today from pt, I looked into some strength training classes there. They have a class than runs for 8 weeks starting the end of the month and I am pretty sure that I am going to take it. It has become nearly impossible to see my personal trainer that I have worked with in the past so I am thinking this will be a reasonable substitute. Sharon also recommended that I take a yoga class to help with stretching so I am looking into that too. It feels great to be able to use my body to its fullest potential again!

To all of my "hip" friends -- thanks for your words of encouragement and support! To my friends and family -- I could not have made it through all of this without you so THANK YOU! And, to Dr. Philippon and staff, Lindsey and Lauri at Howard Head and Sharon at St Vincent -- You guys ROCK!! Words cannot express how I feel at getting my life back.

I don't know how much I will actually write about this now. Maybe from time to time when something significant happens or I am feeling especially good or bad. :-) If anyone needs info, email me at almcz@aol.com. In the words of the Grateful Dead, "What a long, strange trip it's been."