Take a seat. . . . .

You're sitting comfortably I hope, so I'll tell you what's happening in

my world. I understand if you don't like reading about health issues, medical 

procedures, the downside of aging etc. . . . . especially when it involves someone 

you may not know well, have never even met in person, or really don't care

to know personal things about. I don't blame you, that's a normal reaction, and 

if you don't wish to know and are leaving this page right now, believe you me 

I quite understand. However, don't want to alarm you here so be assured 
the news is good!

That said however, over my almost eight long years of blogging I have made

many wonderful friends around the world. Some of you might want to know what's 

going on, especially if I was to go missing for a bit. Quite a few of you I've met 

on my travels. For the great pleasure of meeting you I've sometimes made changes 

in my itinerary, or direction, just so I could get to see you, hug you, and spend 

some time with you. . . . and it has truly always been worthwhile. 

Well there is news!  Good news and better news! 

 I do not require a hip replacement or any hip surgery whatsoever right now. 

I'm still in a lot of pain and having difficulty sitting, bending, lying down. Getting out 

of bed and moving in the morning finds me at my worst, but once moving for an 

hour or so, I can walk/stand almost pain-free, for that I am very grateful.

After more tests, including a second MRI, we now know the pain is emanating 

from my lower back, not my hip. Yes, these aging lumbar vertebrae are playing 

havoc with my spine and compressing the nerves going through my left hip, thigh, 

all the way to my ankle. 

Historically arthritis in all its miserable forms has hit most members of

my family on my mother's side, so my diagnosis is not a huge surprise.

I was scheduled for major spinal surgery Thursday of this coming week. I will

save you the gory details of the procedure, but admit I was more than scared!

Having already missed the trip to Kenya this month, but with a still busy year planned 

with many things to do and places to go, I was also concerned there was not enough 

time for the weeks required for recuperation between a surgery and a trip. On Monday 

my primary care physician insisted I get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon.

Yesterday I did just that and, lo and behold, surgery is now on the back burner, 

instead I'll be trying a more conservative approach with an injection and physiotherapy.

Now that I feel a huge burden has been lifted, I already have more energy and am 

ready to do what I can. Gardening, lifting and other 'back breaking' chores will not be

in my plans, but I will also be walking more, eating better, hopefully lose a few 

pounds ready for Spring, and in April taking an exciting international trip with 

hubby and friends.