I changed a few words to these famous lyrics “These hips were made for walking and that’s just what they’ll do, one of these days these hips are gonna walk to Malibu”. This has been my “go-to” mantra since 2008! Most of my life has been about walking, running, stepping, biking and any other physical activity you can imagine. As my dear friend from Howard Crull Junior High whom I recently was reunited with said, “I never saw anyone jump as high as you Kathy Kaehler!”. I’m beyond grateful for all the physical activity I’ve been able to do in my life.
Last October an epic surgery took place in downtown Los Angeles click to see where it took place to remove my pin and replace my right hip. Three weeks ago today, I had my second surgery and received a brand new left hip. Hip Hip Hooray! I know that sounds like a quick turn-around and a wham bam thank you ma’am, back on my bike headed toward the Pacific Coast Highway…in my dreams.
Here’s the deal. I worked really hard after the first surgery to get my right hip where I could stand on it without my walker or a cane. Go up and down the stairs without holding on and getting back to my favorite butt exercises like the wall squats and bridges with the big exercise ball. Although, it wasn’t easy I did it and I wanted to do more. It felt so good to be back and doing something that made my muscles burn and create a little panting. I love exercise so much, however my left hip was not a happy camper. I was in agony and it was causing me to compromise my brand new hip. I had no idea that I would be back in the hospital going under again and starting over.
I won’t repeat the surgery story since it is almost the same as the first one, short of cutting into my femur and removing a pin. Instead, I want to tell you the interesting things that I have discovered during my recovery and what it has taught me.
First, I have a few photos for you to enjoy. My favorite is my scar comparison shot. Totally awesome don’t you think?
1. Break a sweat. If you can exercise get out there and do it and I mean it. Don’t waste one day not getting your muscles pumped up and heart rate zooming. I am counting the days until that coveted drop of sweat starts to roll down my back. Exercise is the key to a long happy energized life. If you need help with this call me click here to call
2. Count your blessings. Sounds cliche, however when you need your friends and family during your time of need, WOW it is way more than just home cooked dinners being brought to you door! Being stuck in my house for weeks on end has given me some precious moments with my posse. To talk, tell stories, play cards, look into someones eyes and even laughing at pics in old photo albums. I wasn’t doing any of that before. Rush, rush, rush goes the day of chores, errands, pick-ups and drop offs. Take time, we all have it. Stop to smell the jasmine thats blooming, sip some coffee with a friend or your mother in law! Don’t think…I’ll do that later when I’ll have more time. Life is happening right now!
3. Embrace the age. Let’s face it we all are aging. Right now after reading this blog you are a few minutes older, sorry about that. We can’t stop it or change it or reverse it, however we can embrace it. I am not going to be my high school weight again, that’s ok. I am not going to have the totally tight lifted toned legs that I grew accustomed to, especially now with those scars, maybe a cool tattoo? My boobs aren’t as perky, but so what. I am looking for my waist and hopefully once I do start exercising again it will make an appearance and if it does “WOO HOO” I will get out my belts again. I have a different looking profile that my youngest likes to point out as I drive him to and from school, he once filmed me with his damn phone. Can you imagine!! So yes I do spend a few minutes in the bathroom doing these cool neck exercises however, “elective” surgery is not on my list. Let me know if you want my neck routine. With menopause heading towards the back door and my new hips getting stronger and stronger everyday I feel like I am psyched up like never before. I like being 53 it’s cool!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Eat some green organic food. Take a walk on the wild side.
Until next time…
Kathy
Broke my left femur/hip 14 weeks ago so your photos look very familiar to me. I am still working to walk without my walker and cannot wait to work out again. When you have always been physically active it is quite challenging to your psyche. You are very much an inspiration to me, and have been for many years. Thank you for sharing and for all that you do.
It’s pretty radical. I hope you are fully recovered. I am still slowly getting there but adding new exercises regularly. Thanks for reading my blog.
Best,
Kathy
Thank you for this post Kathy! I’m about to turn 51 and I’m so excited for what is ahead. Reading about what you’ve been through, are experiencing now, and how important it is to keep my body moving…is inspirational! Bless you!
Hi Sherri.
Thanks so much for your nice message. It is exciting to be at this time in lives and I believe part of it is the mindset of acceptance. Glad you are here and hopefully our paths will cross.
Best,
Kathy
You go girl!!!! I am always here if you need a little help.
Kathy
Kathy, thank you for sharing! I appreciate hearing and seeing what you are going through because I will most likely need hip replacement surgery in the future. Keep working towards a sweat, Kathy! You inspire me to do the same! Happy St Patrick’s Day! I would love to get your neck exercise routine, too! Best wishes!
Thank you so much Gail. All I can say is if you are in pain don’t wait. The other side is honestly so good! I am so anxious to get back to exercising but all in due time. Have the best day.
Kathy
Thanks Gail so much. I haven’t broken a sweat yet but I feel it coming around the bend. No pun intended. Look at your newsletters for the email to request and I will get it out asap.
Best,
Kathy
It is very true how we get so caught up with life. I know I take my health for granted and should exercise more often. I’m 54 and would really love to have your neck routine please.
Thx,
Tamela
Hi Tamela,
Neck exercise routine is coming next week. So many are interested so I am happy to share. Everyone on my email newsletter list will be gooble-less gals!!!!
Best,
Kathy
Hi Tamela,
Did you get the neck routine??? If not look at your newsletters from me and there is an email link to get it.
Thanks for the reminder I am doing one at my desk right now.
Best,
Kathy
Thank you Kathy and Congratulations on your awesome new scars! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your attitude and your message! You inspire me to MOVE!!!! Thank you for that! At 67 I am wanting to love my life for as long as I can and as healthy as I can! You are a constant source of inspiration to me! Thank you!!! Yes, thank you, again and again!
So sweet Dyann. Thank you for your support it means so much.
Awe Dyann thanks for your kind words. So nice to see you here. Yes it is about attitude. It is about forgetting the numbers and just being open real and authentic. There are days that are good. Today is one of them but there are days that really suck and I just want to hide. But I can’t so I lift up these legs get moving to the pool. I feel better and inspired. I hang with positive people and let that rub off and it works. Coming here to read these heart warming comments is also how I am coping.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
Best,
Kathy
Kathy – Thank you for being transparent; for sharing your challenges; for choosing not to give up. You demonstrate that big surgeries do not have to be the end of good health. Thank you for sharing your scars. I have had two eight-hour and two three-hour surgeries and one more eight hour to go. I’m pursuing exercise, good eating and good health through it all. Thank you for the huge encouragement of how you live your life.
Sherry you go girl!!!! We can survive and empower. I love what you are pursuing and wish you the best.
Thank you so much for your support.
Kathy you make me realise nothing is impossible keep smiling and before you know it you will be wearing those belts again. I had knee surgery 10 weeks ago and I’m feeling great
Hey Jill,
Way to go on your knee. WOW that is awesome news and especially that you are feeling great. There is nothing like pain and the energy it takes to deal with it.
Glad you are doing so well.
Best,
Kathy
I love this blog!! You made my day!! It is so true life moves on whether we accept it or not!! Such a positive attitude and we need it when facing the body changes in menopause, like you walk by the mirror and go “wow who is that!?” I can relate to everything you’ve said but enjoy what we have and be thankful we can still move!
Hi Debbie,
How are you doing? I love that you are identifying with me. It makes me feel good that I am not alone and I feel like you feel the same way. We are going through this together and thankfully a place to come to read or write and get support from each other. Feel free to set up a time to call me. It’s on my site.
Best,
Kathy
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you. too! There is no keeping you down, Kathy! On to recovery, and yes, you will get a lot of your look back. Why, because you expect the best, you give your best and you do your best!!!! Oh, and about that scar, when the healing is done, if you are still thinking tattoo, my daughter is one of the best. She does hand-tap and machine. Let me know, I will hook you up. 🙂
You are too funny. Now with both legs scarred up I would have to come up with some really cool designs. We shall talk when I see you.
xo
Kathy
Thank you for sharing your story, and yes; please do share your neck routine!
Hi Susan,
Did you get the neck routine? If you look at your newsletter you will see an email to send to me.
Kathy
Awesome, Kathy! You courageously faced a second surgery even though the recovery of the first one was slower than desired. And, I LOVE the scars. They tell a story that is yours! <3
Yes I have had to dig very deep into the pocket and courage. I am coming out the other side and getting back up to speed however, my patience is tested daily and if not for all these incredibly supportive comments yours included I would have a very hard time.
Blessed.
Kathy
Very inspirational! Kind of being there… Attitude and faith is more than 50% of your recovery. Wish you a very fast one! Thank you very much for sharing!!
Thank you so much for your support. I really do appreciate it. I am getting more and more faithful.
Kathy