When something is broken . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . the road of life can take a different turn.

There are often bumps, some so large they look like mountains.

Can you climb and reach the summit, plant your celebratory 

flag, then start back down and live life again as it 

used to be?

The not so nice things aging brings demand strength and positive feelings. 

When one has to overcome a physical challenge, we know we 

can't become that bonnie bouncing baby again, or the falling toddler 

jumping up, dusting itself off, and running away to play despite a scraped 

knee and perhaps hurt pride.

Are we able to regain the life we had perhaps 

just a short time back? Isn't that really all we want, expect?

ScreenDoor Antiques, Asheville, North Carolina

I do not have a broken bone, however a quite unexpected large tear of 
the labrum of my left hip has been diagnosed - courtesy of several x-rays and 
a classical music/jack-hammer playing MRI machine. 

This past month much time has been spent in doctors' offices, and in the 
competent hands of a physiotherapist who contorted my body in ways I've not 
experienced in years . . . . . but did nothing to alleviate the pain. 
However, pictures from the magical MRI machine tell all.

Last Thursday the orthopedic specialist questioned whether I've been 
playing too much ice hockey or dancing en pointe! This is often an injury found 
in athletes and ballerinas who do strange and beautiful moves with their hips.
Or, and here it comes, could I just be getting old and wearing out - yes I think 
that hits the nail on the head as I've not been in an accident or sustained a recent fall.

Last Friday, very early, and I mean before dawn, I dragged myself to the radiologist 
and my hip was injected with anesthesia and steroids. My pain has become 
intense over the past three months, sitting and lying down is awful, sleep difficult, 
walking not so bad thank goodness. I was able to enjoy the trip to Asheville with 
plenty of rest between the walking.
So what's next? 
I fear it will be either arthroscopic surgery with staples and thread, or perhaps a
complete hip replacement. 

Have you ever had hip surgery or a hip replacement?
My diagnosis is - Large Labral Tear of Left Hip.
Later, when I find out just what I may be facing, I'll be really interested 
in chatting with people who have undergone anything such as this. 
To date I have no bionic parts, but it's likely that might change soon.
 I'll be grateful for any info which might assist in making the right decision - this 
old gal wants to get her life back.