Life is funny isn’t it? I have been thinking about this blog for months – in fact years, to be exact it’s been since 2010! Sixteen years after the very first blog was ever written by a guy named Justin Hall, damn him! Really…blogs have been around that long? Authoring seven health and fitness books didn’t pose an issue, I wonder why writing this blog has caused me such torture? Surfing the net for hours and starring at glossy, glamorous exposes of food, fashion, fitness, mommy hood, dating, travel – they all were pushing me deeper and deeper into a trance of not writing… not doing anything. I googled how to start a blog and it said choose a platform, I had that. Design your blog, check. Select the best plugins, what the hell are those? That’s when I started to panic. Write compelling content. ARGH!!!! Please make it stop.
My “platform” is health and fitness, always has been. I dabbled in teaching people how to eat better by setting up healthy food choices at the top of the week, I called it Sunday Set-Up™. ( by people I mean celebrities – FYI that’s another blog idea, Kathy) Nonetheless, spending all my time looking at these successful blogs and what the authors were accomplishing with them, I found myself more and more frustrated. I kept myself distracted while digging in my junk drawers, my closet, my garage, having yard sales doing anything that would divert me from writing this blog. Is that writer’s block? Why do I even have to write a blog? My husband gave me a straight answer, if you want your business to continue to grow you have to write content. You must be open and learn how this content is being put out there and it is imperative that you are consistent. The world of broadcast and print media has changed. You need to get on board with the new trend of social media. Then he dropped the mic with this, “You have had an incredible career with books, videos, personal training celebrities, TV shows, spokesperson positions and your list goes on and on so just because you turned 50, started menopause and your body fell apart doesn’t mean you can’t still help people”. Hmmm… that was three years ago and as much as I hate to admit it he was right. I just needed to get going.
So that’s what happened? SHIT happened! (sorry for the swear word) I got old, parts stopped working, my body changed, spent most days in pain and I was just pissed off. I guess that is why I haven’t been able to write. When your body has been your career and suddenly you don’t even recognize what is below your neck – oh wait neck included, what’s below your chin, let’s just say things have been a little rough and definitely tough.
With this blog I am going to take you back a handful of years to let you see where I have been, but before I do that the photos below will show you where I am today. By the way, no one except my close friends and family have seen these pics. They were taken right after surgery and during my recovery.
You can breathe now. I was born with congenital hip dysplasia in both my right hip and my left. When I was five (sure go ahead find out my exact age, I’m starting to be OK with it) I had an operation where the plate and screws in the photo above were put into my leg. My femur grew completely around the plate and once the cast was off I took off running, literally. In fact, I still hold my records at Avondale High School in Auburn Heights, Michigan for the 440 relay, 880 relay and the high jump. Let’s just say the operation worked. I graduated with a degree in Exercise Science and Dance Education from Hope College. I worked as an intern at Coors Wellness Center in Golden, Colorado. I created fitness programs for Jane Fonda on her private property in Santa Barbara, California where she ran a spa retreat for her entertainment friends. I then started my own celebrity personal training business with Melanie Griffith and Pamela Des Barres as my first private clients. I got myself on the NBC Today Show by writing a letter and landed a contract doing fitness segments with my pal Katie Couric for twelve years. Choreographed and starred in two supermodel fitness videos, one for Cindy Crawford and the other for Claudia Schiffer. I found myself on a cereal box, not Wheaties but Special “K”, how appropriate. Dated Warren Beatty oops… that’s not part of my career, except that I did teach him a step class. Did two infomercials that tanked. Had a cameo appearance on “Days of Our Lives” and another on “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”. Thank goodness my hips were working splendidly while I was building my career however, I knew my hips mileage would come to an end one day. That day came sooner than I thought. While writing my last book in 2010 the annoying aches and pains and other physical changes that I thought were going to go away decided to stay for good!
It was 2008 when I had my last period and my right hip started to bite me. When I say bite me, it’s like getting a needle shoved into your hip and then yanked out. When I say my last period, it was my last one, here one day gone the next. Menopause knocked on the door and there stood that uninvited guest that NEVER left. Between weight gain, mood swings, hot flashes, achy joints, biting hip and watching my existence from above wondering, is that me down there? I was starting a new chapter, one I didn’t want to read.
I’m going to stop for now. I will continue to share my story of going through menopause and the unbearable pain in my legs; getting ready for the surgery; dealing with losing my physical capabilities; recovering from the surgery and getting ready for my next one. Yup you read that right – I go under the knife again at the end of this month for a new “left hip”.
Hey, I actually have a lot to write about. Thanks Justin!
Amazing how you inspire sooo many and it seems like you might not realize it. Whatever you do I KNOW your suPer healthy, positive attitude will sustain. You are beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Hay thank you for this post it was just the positive inspiration that I needed to read. My four and agalf month old is asleep on the bed having her nap and she has DDH in both of her hips and we are waiting on her operation. It’s great to read what you achieved after your initial one ( I have moments of will she be able to ride a bike? Run with the other children in the playground? Swim? And it appears to be that the answer is yes!) and that you had the strength as an adult to do it all again. Here’s to raising a fighter xx
Hi Lucy,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I was getting ready for my second hip replacement when you commented and I am just now getting back up to speed again. Crazy that I have had two giant surgeries in 4 months but I am grateful. When I was little I am sure my mom went through all that anguish and fright about me and how would I ever do anything physical. Medicine is amazing today in things that are in the categories as regeneration, replacement, etc… I count my blessings and happy that my story will give you hope and confidence that if I could do it 48 years ago she will definitely be jumping around in no time. Please keep me posted. Kathy
You are strong and brave! And, just because you’re broken doesn’t mean you can’t help others. It starts with our faith, our belief, our attitude. I love that you’re getting back that attitude of gratitude and humility. Your faith will carry you through these hard times. I’ll pray for you.
Thank you so much for your prayers. I am three weeks from surgery and doing well. I hope you like my next blog. Getting ready to post. Thank you again for all your support. It means a lot.
So glad I opened this link to your blog ( yahoo congrats on it!) and Yes I too read to the end and will look forward to reading your next excerpt! This is powerful and inspirational information! You are powerful and inspirational with sharing honestly what has been and us happening to you! I’m 43, a fellow USANA associate and I have one of my older sisters 53 whom I can’t wait to share this with. I adore her and she has loved exercise her entire life (aerobic queen!) has suffered with body changes, hip issues ( has given birth to 3 amazing beings) and has a tremendous drive and mind like you, you’ll inspire her too! Thank you for that gift as I love her so! Thank you for the gift of you! Sending you love and healing strength! Xo Lynne
Well hi Lynn, Great to connect. I am glad you enjoyed my story and would love it if you share with your sister. We all can help each other as I point out in my new blog post. We are all on the same path and our experiences can help one another.
Kathy
Well, you’re simply amazing, that’s all. I needed this post today as I sit here feeling frustrated about how long it is taking for my broken wrist and broken foot to heal! Okay, I’m done whining and once again you’ve inspired me.
The strongest women I know are those who have not only survived unspeakable challenges – they share the lessons learned and wisdom gained. Thank you for sharing your strength and being so real. Sending tons of love your way!
Your blog will lift and inspire
Oh thank you so much Collette. You have inspired me for so long and you continue to do so with your journey, family, life and that super cute puppy. I am glad you were able to read my story and it does continue. I am just three weeks post surgery and have more of it to tell. See you soon I hope. Best, Kathy
As always Collette thank you for support and your kind words. You are the one that I find inspiration from!!
Kathy
Kathy, great blog post and I hope your recovery continues to be positive! I know of you from my dear friend Dori, so thought I would check out your post. I feel your pain! Just turning 45, already into menopause and some days I can barely roll out of bed from the muscle soreness. I feel like in 6 months everything about my body has changed. I’m still pushing to play tennis 3 times a week, through the pain. I figure at some point everything will all even out, right? Best of luck to you and I’ll keep reading….
Hi Suzanne, Thank you for your lovely message. I am recovering slowly somedays better than others. I totally know what you are going through with menopause. There is light at the end of the tunnel and what I reflect on is not to give up while you enter. Be mindful. Be accepting. Be patient. Love your body. Treasure rest. Eat real food as close to 100% of the time if you can. We must all stick together and share as much as we can. I am glad you are here.
Best, Kathy
Hi Suzanne,
You should call me. On my site I have a free call. Set one up and we can talk about how I can help you.
Kathy
Kathy , this has been a great read! Thanks for the realness! I went to high school with you and have happily followed your career. I know myself with with any struggle one faces … You need time to process and then move forward. Sometimes though it takes years to process! Be excited for the next chapter your life has waiting for you….. I’m excited for your next blog!
I am just getting over my second surgery. New blog coming up. HIGH SCHOOL????? Which one. Avondale? Northern? West Bend West? Yes I went to three. Definitely lots of struggles but the light is at the end of the tunnel and I see it! I really would love to connect. Send me a note or message on Facebook or email me I come back to Michigan often. kathy@kathykaehlerfitness.com
Best, Kathy
I remember cheering for you at an AHS assembly and I’m still cheering for you!
PS doesn’t it feel nice to be out in the open about life’s challenges? You are inspiring in your candor 🙂
Well my goodness do you remember me singing the SBB with Teri VanBibber as well?? Thank you for writing me. Are you still in the area? What do you do? Will there ever be a reunion? Kathy
I just love you Kathy! That’s really brave of you! Thank you for writing this blog! I still do your step video ( Julia Roberts fave) my husband transferred my old vhs to dvd ! I was discharged from my hip replacement surgery on the 50th birthday , ugh, but now, almost 8 years later I often forget I have a fake hip, (except for that huge scar & flatbutt that no amount of glut exercises will booty-fy ! Im looking forward to your next blog!!! You rock!
WOW scary flat butt. Oh no say it isn’t so. I have imagined how many step classes I have done in my life and praying that the butt muscles will remember to stand up at attention once this healing is done. WOW new hips are awesome. Being out of pain awesome but getting the muscles back is scaring me. However, I will do the best I can and be grateful. I do have some Fitness Systems DVD’s available if yours breaks. I have many who still have vhs players that just can’t give them up because of that tape. WOO HOO step!!!! Kathy
Good for you Kathy!!! I know the feeling of your body giving out. I had total spinal reconstruction in late Oct….I never knew my back was so bad. Am finally getting back but will be a process…I have two rods, 16 screws and a cage in my back (t11to S1). Am in out patient rehab and am making progress. My cousin Molly told me about you and am thrilled you are doing this blog!!!! You go girl.
WOW WOW WOW and I thought two hips with crazy parts!! The back is a whole other story. Hope you are doing well and back to your life and routines. Aren’t we grateful for putting on our underwear? You did see my sob story video????? Thanks for your support. Kathy
Good for you! I’m glad you finally started the blog and are out there (here) in the world again! I am sure many people can benefit from hearing about your journey.
Thank you so much for your support and kind words. I really truly do appreciate you reading my blog and taking the time to send me a message. Kathy
Hi Kathy loved your blog/story! I can relate I too have major hip issues just waiting to see if I need replacement. I have been terrified, but reading your story has definitely relaxed me!! Come what may, I will continue to keep in touch. I met you a few years back we were both starting miserable menopause and laughed together I purchased your book and loved it!, I have followed you and even chatted with you every year in “August ” keep strong all the best!
Debbie
Stay connected to me Debbie and I will support you all the way. I was terrified but now I am not. I am ready for my next as I know how good it is going to be once I am back to rock star condition!!!
Kathy
Hi Debbie,
I am just getting back up to speed since my second surgery. Hard to believe that I have had TWO in the last 4 months. I do remember miserable menopause and there are little symptoms still rearing their ugly heads but things are looking up. Kathy
Happy New Hip Kathy! EVERYTHING eventually wears out. How we maintain ourselves and adjust to new challenges defines our future. Wishing you much success with the replacement of #2. I’m confident your drive & determination will help you design the New Kathy and new challenges to take on.
DO GOOD ALWAYS! If you make it back to the Holland, Mi. area please let me know.
You will be the first to know when I get to Holland my friend!!! And you are correct things wear out but unlike our favorite jeans joints can get replaced !! Hippeeee!!! You are the best and I love reminiscing about our days together at Hope.
KK
Now I understand what’s been happening with you. I’ve noticed for a long time that you’ve been “uncomfortable” . . . Get better! 🙂 And continue your good sharing . . . I must say that I have NO joint pain and I attribute it to a goodly number of years of anti-oxidant protection. You have created an amazing life for yourself and be grateful for it! Love ya’,
I am sure you could see it in my eyes Eileen as I am just realizing now how deeply uncomfortable I have been. I also share in your dedication for anti-oxidant protection and take a plateful on a daily basis. We live in a oxidative environment both inside and outside our body. We must protect our body and now that I have my confidence and inside glow that we all know when it is shining back…I mean it when I wrote if you could see my smile now.
Kathy
Wonderful post, Kathy. Funny, honest, deep, real. Can’t wait to read more!
Thank you for being here with me.
Kathy
Kathy thanks for sharing your story so openly as I read this I am on my way to Sanoviv for stem cell therapy for my knee. It is hell when the body doesn’t keep up lol
Good luck to you and I can’t wait for the next blog
Have fun at Sanoviv. It’s one amazing place.
Kathy
Kathy : it was about 10 years ago that I read one of your books and I was inspired to make changes in my life that led to a physical overhaul, running 5Ks (which I would never have done otherwise), and re-evaluating my life. In that time I adopted two kids and in the last 4 years and I forgot myself. I need another physical overhaul. It looks like your transformation is coming at the right time for me. I guess that’s just the way it will be; look forward and be the best you can be. You’re awesome.
Let’s do this together. It is so easy to put YOU on the bottom of the list. I have done it and when you read my next blog you will see that it went deeper than that. It is hard aging and then emotional with your kids aging and most of us also deal with our parents aging. All I know to be true is that exercise of any kind, moving your body somehow some way gives us the energy the positive self esteem that we must have. I hope you get back to putting yourself first as everything else will fall into place just fine.
I’m glad you shared about your hip replacement surgery and menopause. I just had a total hip replacement on November 30th. At 51 I feel too young to have this happen, but when osteoarthritis came calling and wasn’t going away I made the decision my quality of life mattered most and went for it. 10 weeks post op, no walker, no cane and still a little muscle pain I am grateful that I did it. I hopefully will not have to have “new parts installed” in my other hip.
I am confident you will sail thru your next surgery, now that you know what to expect, but it stinks you have to go thru it all. How wonderful though that modern medicine has the ability to give us the opportunity to continue on with life pain free and restore our ability to move freely again. No more asking my 13 year old daughter to tie my shoes!
I have no doubt you will have inspired others by sharing your story.
As for menopause, girl, ugh, just ugh. But as with most aspects of women’s lives, we will get through this too.
Take care and good luck to you on the upcoming “hip upgrade”.
Hope you get to take a peek at my latest blog. It’s all menopause. As for your surgery wow we were close in time having our hips done. My countdown in on. Hippee!!!!
Enjoyed getting your email Kathy. I opened it on my iphone while I was trail walking my dog. It made me smile. Congratulations on starting over again … and this time with new hips! That is amazing. You are still so beautiful and inspirational.Your husband sounds like a wise man, you are much too talented to keep “you” to yourself ! If you ever fly to Toronto come visit us! We would love to host you. Thanks for sharing and all the BEST on this new journey with us all.
OH I love Toronto. I will definitely let you know when I head over to Ontario. Thank you for reading and supporting my blog. I love it that you were out on a trail walking your dog. So great. Kathy
You shared some of your story at the Sweet Retreat so now reading your blog, the day came when you had to face the knife! It is the pits when we are born with an issue! I have made it 10 yrs longer than some relatives who have this neuro muscular disorder (CMT) but now at 68 I am struggling hard to stay upright on my own two feet. It probably doesn’t sound positive to tell you “I envy your condition because you can have surgery”! There is nothing that can be done medically other than my own efforts which I will do everyday! Walking his huge, yoga keeps me strong but other sports are getting more difficult.
However, I have confidence in you and know you will be back in full force once both hips are fixed! Your energy is infectious and before long you will be motivating others to keep moving. You said those words on an exercise DVD of yours that I continue to use when we are traveling and away fron our exercise club.
I Wish you a full recovery and don’t forget your helpful, supportive USANA products that help you heal faster from the inside out!
Oh so nice to hear from you. I am so glad you are with USANA as Procosa has been a huge part of my recovery but also prior to my surgeries to stay active and be comfortable. I am glad to hear that walking is helpful and at least that is something you can do anywhere. I am on the mend. It is very slow and I have to keep my patience close by.
Hope to see you at an event in the near future.
Best,
kathy
Praying for you and so glad to get your message! Love and Prayers,Pam
Thanks Pam.
Kathy
Kathy, it is good to hear from you again. You are not alone in thinking your body has rebelled and seems to be fighting against you. Some women transition into menopause easily, but others have extended hot flashes, moodiness, weight gain, mind fogginess, and lethargy. Wishing you a swift and complete recovery from your hip replacements! We are pulling for you. I was a Sunday Set-up member and have your CDs, and have contemplated a knee replacement for a couple years. There are things I can’t do because of my knee. Please share about your recovery, for there are those of us who will face it, too. Your fans and followers will follow you into this new chapter and we can give each other encouragement! So we’re listening, when you want to share. Best wishes, Kathy!
I will tell you recovery was not too bad. I will be writing about a memorable moment which has carried me through this. How resilient our bodies can be as well as our minds. Torment and devastation one day joy and inspired the next. My advice is don’t wait!!! If you are compromised in anyway and surgery is in the future just do it. I could have waited on my left but I am done being trapped in a motionless body. I endured 7 years. 7 weeks or 7 months is not that long to come back.
Kathy
Oh My God, and I don’t use that name lightly. I did not have hip dyspepsia, but I started menopause in 2008. I worked out, mostly to your video, not even a CD, so you know how long I was working out with that DVD. I purchased it many years before 2008. In 2009 I began to have hip problems with both hips. I have been diagnosed with Vascular Necrosis and went for PT and shots….now on pain meds…..take very little as I hate them, but when you feel like your leg is being chewed off by a dog or something like that, you need to take something.
I am not sure what the doctor can do, as they basically wait until your leg is hanging off before they do hip replacement, NOT THAT I WANT THAT, but what are my choices with AV and chronic pain and osteoarthritis. I am 58 and can’t do anything but sit ups and weights…my thighs are larger than they were and I am at 140+ now, but I am sure there are many women worse off. I also went through breast cancer. I am ok, that thank God went well.
My life was exercise. That was my thing. No children , cats…………..but I feel lost. I can understand how you feel completely. I hope that together we can all help one another.
Wow Elaine. I see you have taken me up on my phone consultations. We have a lot to talk about. I look forward to hearing more about what is going on with you and how together maybe some ideas to help you.
Talk soon, Kathy
Wow! when I saw your email I was like I remember her!! it had been awhile. I’m sure you don’t know who I am but I signed up for your emails back about 5-6 years ago after attending a private work-out session at Hidden Hills, CA that I had won from a blog post by Healthy Coconut – it was a session for bloggers and members of her blog were given a chance to attend if selected and here I am.
I have to say what an amazing story and still more to come, I have to say what get’s my attention is real people with real stories regardless if they are fit and fabulous we all have struggles. I can’t wait to see your progression into that person you want to be, will certainly be following.
I also want to say that picture showing your surgery scar and legs well I have to give you a compliment if you are at 50 and have legs like that well I certainly want to know what you are doing. Knock’em Dead Girl you’re still fabulous at 50!!!
Best Wishes
Well that is certainly nice to hear and to reconnect. I do remember teaching that class, pre-hip pain!!! I am actually a little over 50 so I appreciate that compliment even more. Glad to get your comment. Kathy
Good Luck Kathy! Thanks for sharing… God bless you!!!! You’ll get back top notch!
Thank you for your comment. I am aiming for that top notch thats for sure. Kathy
Sooooo glad you’re back. This post is awesome, authentic and caught my attention till the end (I have ADHD so that says A lot). Thanks for showing up in my inbox today. Can’t wait to read the next pages of this new chapter. Oh, and the best vibes & energy for your upcoming surgery xo
Awe thanks Zarina. It took me a long time to get there. I appreciate your support and your good wishes. My intention is to be real and honest about what has happened and what is happening to my body and my mind as I share this journey.
Glad you are onboard. Kathy
Oh my that must be painful! Prayers for a speedy recovery!!
Thank you so much. The great thing is my new hip doesn’t hurt anymore. So that is a very good thing. Thank you for your support. Kathy