Monday, October 25, 2010

Good news all around

Hi Everyone,
Well it's Fall..except Tuesday and Wednesday when it'll be back to summer. WHAT?!
It's New England, what you can do?
Today was my 2nd follow up appointment after my surgery and it went very well. Dr. S showed me the x-ray (and explained it...and I'll explain THAT later) and we talked about having my next one done. For those who may be new-I was born with hip dysplasia in BOTH hips and with the replacement of one I'm doing FABULOUS...#2 will go when I'm ready.
Traffic was a NIGHTMARE this morning and I'm so glad I don't have to do that every day. For those that do, I feel for you. Jeez. Am I living back in LA or what?
Dr. S let me know that Dr. S #1 (my original surgeon) is doing MUCH better and should be back to work summer 2011. You may recall Dr. S #1 was diagnosed with cancer one week before my surgery and, therefore, could not do my procedure. I just prayed he was going to be ok and Dr. S #2 took over with the help of Dr. R.
So, you may ask yourself (I know you're dying to know...) why I didn't see Dr. R (who was the lead on my surgery) for follow up? Well, as Mr. P&P says, he's a 'mechanic' (aka a TOP NOTCH surgeon) but the bedside manner? Not so much. He yelled at me at my first appointment for not using my crutches right and didn't really even ask me how my LIFE was after surgery...so I made my next appointment with Dr. S.
And, Dr. S was funny this morning-we're talking about my next (and hopefully last) procedure and he says, "Dr. R can do it or Dr. S #1 should be back...and if Dr. R. does it I will do your follow up, don't worry." I did NOT tell them I had a less than stellar after care experience with Dr. R...they just knew. It's ok-Dr. R is a WONDERFUL surgeon and I'd be lucky to have him again so, either way, I know I'll have great outcome when I decide to do hip #2.
My x-ray looks perfect, I'm healed (right on track) and he didn't ask me how long I'd been back at work...thank God! But, I've done everything we normally do and my new hip is GREAT. He told me to keep doing what I'm doing, because it's working to keep me fit and healthy and he'll see me in the Spring for a 'check in' x-ray of the 'old' hip just to make sure it's doing ok.
It's so exciting to be 'done' with doc appointments right now and just focus on my life and how much better it is with my new hip.
I did cry a little, telling Dr. S what they do is a miracle and I thanked him so much. He said happy tears happen in the office all the time and that's why they are there. Seriously, if you need ANY orthopedic care ProSports Orthopedics is THE place. Everyone in the office and hospital (NE Baptist) is wonderful and caring and I couldn't be happier. When it's time, I know I'll be just as happy with my next new hip...and I won't live in pain for years again-I'll get it done right away!
And, even better, Dr. S #1 is doing great and will be back to work, working his magic in the summer of 2011. I pray every day he's ok and he was the one I really bonded with. I can't wait to see him again and I am going to have him do my next surgery...to close that circle.
So, here's to a good news Monday-hope to see you ALL in class!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Social media, Columbus Day...

HI Everyone,
I'm enjoying the quiet on Columbus Day and, unfortunately, 2 nice folks showed up for our (canceled for today) afternoon class. They were both very sweet and once everyone is on the Corporate site, it'll be better on holidays/snow days!
Mr. P&P took the day off and didn't work at the Mountain today so we had a nice, quiet day. We had a big family breakfast, hung out in the AM and then headed to BJ's Wholesale to get a few items with Lilly co-piloting from the backseat. She loves to ride in the car and, basically, just be with us all the time. So...it was fun to go out, get iced coffee, do errands and head back home. They are home now while I do a few things at the Center and get ready to teach tonight.
Do you FB or not?
I do and initially I wasn't sure I'd like it but, honestly, I really do...I like being able to catch up with what my pals and clients are doing. It's really interesting to see what people post, their thoughts and what they do for fun. It's also a great place to lend support at tough times in life and it certainly shrinks the world and allows you to keep up with your loved ones, friends and colleagues.
In the last few months I've been able to catch up with some childhood friends I 'lost' when my Mother and Stepfather dragged us to Montana the year I turned 12. I typed that sentence purposefully. 12 is already a tough age and being taken away from every friend, family member, school and activity you've known your entire life (and for NO reason BTW) is just barbaric, ridiculous and selfish. Period. But, I digress...that is definitely a post (or 3) for another day.
I've caught up with 4 schoolmates from the Howard School in Montecito CA. I went to that school from kindergarten through 7th grade (then the 'dragging' occurred) and these people were folks I grew up with, went to birthday parties, sleepovers and played with for what I consider all my childhood. Our school, grades kindergarten through 8, had a total of 100 students so we were all very close. I certainly missed them when I was taken away and I am thrilled to be back in touch with them.
The last of the 4 was Julie M. Julie was my bestest little friend all through elementary school. I remember her middle name too, since her last name is very common and I didn't ever want to forget her. Of course when we were taken to Montana I didn't get to have her address, phone number or keep in touch with her and it always made me sad and I missed her a lot. Honestly, I never thought I'd get to see her again but every time we have gone home for vacation to SB, I've thought of her...and apparently driven right past her on the 101 on the way to our hotel!
So, I was on FB the other day and she popped into my head again-so I searched her first and last name. Then I put in the city in which she lived (not SB proper but nearby) when we were young and there she was. Maiden name hyphenated with her married name and still living in that city. So, I messaged her:
"Did you attend the Howard School?"
OMG-it WAS her and she was glad to hear from me and she knew just who I was.
WOW. She didn't forget me either.
She friended me on FB and I emailed her a brief summary of the last 34 years of my life (Gosh, as I write that it sure makes me feel old.).
She's really busy at work (she is a PhD) and sent me a quick "I didn't forget to email you back" email and she said, "I missed you so much and I'm so glad we found each other."
WOW again.
I cried happy tears.
You see, when you feel like you've had your entire childhood taken away-from your family, to your friends, to your school and even your WEATHER...having a piece of that back is like winning the lottery.
Seriously.
I heart FB.