Arrived in Denver on Monday night and stayed at a lovely hotel downtown - the Curtis. Very hip, funky and fun with a great martini bar. It was a great way to start the trip. My friend, Lisa, decided to come with me as she has never been to Colorado and wanted to see what all the fuss is about (more on that later). We did a little exploring downtown Denver on Tuesday morning and then hit the road for Vail.
Did I mention snow? It was raining cats and dogs in Denver and never occurred to me that it would be snowing cats and dogs in the mountains. We got to Silverthorne and, of course, had to stop at the outlet mall (we are 2 girls you know). It was snowing so hard that you had to use am umbrella to stay dry. Unreal. The roads were decent. Some slick spots but for the most part they were good. It's also a joy to drive in Colorado where people actually know how to drive in snow. Yay!
We rented a beautiful house right outside of Edwards along the Eagle River and arrived here around dinner time on Tuesday evening. Our first stop was the Gore Range Brewery for some of their very yummy beer and food. I had forgotten how much I missed being out here. Home for a nice night's sleep to prepare for my big day at Vail Valley, Howard Head and Steadman Hawkins today.
I was a little nervous today to see Dr. Philippon. I can't really explain it . . maybe I felt like there was a lot on the line today. I have been pushing my hip hard for the past several weeks in anticipation of seeing him today. I started doing both mat and reformer pilates and spent last week walking miles and miles at Disney. By yesterday afternoon, I could barely walk because my hip hurt so bad. Perfect time to see him I figure.
I started with an MRI followed with some strength measurements at Howard Head and then upstairs to see Dr. Philippon. I know I have mentioned this before but at the risk of repeating myself, I will say it again - I LOVE Dr. Philippon.
So, here's the bottom line - i have developed a cyst in the bone of my hip (ugh), i have developed scar tissue and i have an extremely tight psoas. I felt a pit begin to form in my stomach because I knew he was about to say the "s" word.
Now let's add to this that he is now "out of network" for my health insurance until January, 2012. A deepening pit. So I ask if there is any way to manage this until my health insurance changes in 2012 and I can have surgery with him "in network". He says yes, I can have an injection today, another in 4 months and then surgery. Great I think. Problem solved.
Lie back he says, I'm going to give you a shot that should help with the pain. Awesome I think. I love Dr. Philippon. :-) My friend Lisa is in the room with me I should add. I'm lying back thinking good thoughts and Dr. P tells me that I will feel a pinch and then some pressure. Ok, I can handle that. Then I look at Lisa's face who is looking at the needle and there is a look of shock and horror which causes ME to look at the needle. BAD idea! I swear the thing was 3 feet long and an inch around. :-) It was a fairly intense but short experience and I am anxiously awaiting the full benefit of it.
So, I have a plan for the hip. I once again feel 100% better being in Dr. Philippon's care and am optimistic. YAY!!! I had a lovely dinner at Montauck's tonite with Lisa, Lindsey and Mike and a friend of theirs who is now a friend of mine. It's one of the things that I truly love about Vail!
And, about Vail - Lisa has fallen in love with it just like me. There is something about this place that brings a tremendous sense of peace for me. I just love it here. Maybe it's the scenery; maybe it's the people; maybe it's Dr. Philippon. I don't know what it is but I am enjoying it for as long as it lasts!
