Hipcycler
05-29-08, 02:08 PM
I've put it off for several years now, but Friday I go in for X-rays of my hip. The total replacement surgery took place right after Thanksgiving, 2000. I first threw my leg over a Trek Navigator 400 in May of 2001.
In those seasons of riding to follow, I have put 20,667 on the hip (actually a bit more because a few rides were not counted in that time)
I know that there will come a day that things will be wearing out, and that I face the very real possibility of a second surgery at some point because of said wear.
But I made my mind up long ago that I didn't get this done to sit around and not do much with it. Still, I worry about the day I'll hear it from my surgeon...just hoping that I don't hear it already this Friday! Things still feel pretty good, but I can't tackle big climbs like I used to push myself through. The muscles around the joint bark for days after if I do.
It's kind of funny because when I started out and then sort of morphed into a roadie, I really didn't talk much about my hip. I didn't want THAT to define me. But now, all these miles later, I've changed about that. Now I am OK with it, and in fact sort of wear it as a badge of honor. I know I have helped inspire some others who have gone through it or were worried about it and what life would be like after the surgery.
Life's fine...lets keep it that way.
Oh, and you BIFNIC guys on that double dip dare deal this weekend?
You guys are crazy....in a good way of course!:D
In those seasons of riding to follow, I have put 20,667 on the hip (actually a bit more because a few rides were not counted in that time)
I know that there will come a day that things will be wearing out, and that I face the very real possibility of a second surgery at some point because of said wear.
But I made my mind up long ago that I didn't get this done to sit around and not do much with it. Still, I worry about the day I'll hear it from my surgeon...just hoping that I don't hear it already this Friday! Things still feel pretty good, but I can't tackle big climbs like I used to push myself through. The muscles around the joint bark for days after if I do.
It's kind of funny because when I started out and then sort of morphed into a roadie, I really didn't talk much about my hip. I didn't want THAT to define me. But now, all these miles later, I've changed about that. Now I am OK with it, and in fact sort of wear it as a badge of honor. I know I have helped inspire some others who have gone through it or were worried about it and what life would be like after the surgery.
Life's fine...lets keep it that way.
Oh, and you BIFNIC guys on that double dip dare deal this weekend?
You guys are crazy....in a good way of course!:D