For about a month now, I have jokingly been saying that I have Barbie doll joints in my back and left hip. Meaning that, just as bendable Barbie doll arms and legs click when they bend, so does my lower back and left hip.
Well, about 3 weeks ago, I started having trouble doing my 1.62 mile walk around the neighborhood. My left leg felt like it was going to drop me on the ground. So I went to the doctor to get it checked out.
Turns out, I have severe degenerative and osteoarthritic changes to the head of the femur in my left hip (see diagram at the right). So, my exercise routine will be changed for now -- less walking and only using the machines at Curves that work the upper body. And I am in the process of getting in to see an orthopedic surgeon -- hopefully the same one who took care of my father's dislocated shoulder and also did his hip replacement surgery.
This diagnosis seems odd to me, since the possible cause which was noted is death of the bone tissue due to lack of blood supply. The only one of the risk factors I have for that is my age! The other risk factors are things like diabetes, steroid use, drinking to excess, broken bones or dislocated joints or being male or being an athlete! But I am resting in the knowledge that the diagnosis is not a surprise to God and that there is good that can come out of this. It is also good to know that I was not just being a baby about my hip pain!
Thank you for your continued prayers for my health. I hope to have some better news to report next time I post!
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