First post--The History & 30 days out!

I'm 40.  Yes, an active 40, healthy but currently "broken".   Two years ago, I had 3 pins put into the femoral neck on my left leg in hopes to repair a severe fracture to a nearly 20 year old injury.  Needless to say, it didn't work.  

I've battled pain in it for over 10 years, pain that affected my walking for about 7 or 8 years, pain that affected my quality of life for about the past 4 years, and occasionally debilitating pain for the past year.   Truth be told, it sucks ass.  I despise not being able to do what I want to do.  I have active dogs that I've done dog-sports and shown them for nearly the past 7 years and right now I'm barely able to do that.   I work, but the past 2 years, even some of what I can do there is compromised.  I've always taken a lot of pride in how well I do my job, but even that has dwindled some.   Like I said, it sucks.

The purpose of this blog?  I know I am not the only one going through stuff like this, even at my age a co-worker my same age just had a total hip replacement about a month ago.  However, he's had some pretty severe spine issues for a few years, and other health issues.   Other than my leg, my other health issues are strictly compensation problems.   My spine is a bit twisted, my left knee hurts now & then, and my right heel is oftentimes quite painful from bearing the majority of my weight.   I've somehow managed to keep my weight down, and actually have lost weight the past year or so.  Despite the rampant heart issues and high blood pressure that runs on both sides of my family, I'm good in that department too.   So, I have the highest of hopes that my surgery and post-surgery recovery will be successful.   I have the utmost trust in my orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Thorsett, Silverton Specialists ) and fully understand the importance of rehabilitation physical therapy.   Even now, with the pain of arthritis in the joint, I am swimming or attending water aerobics three times a week to strengthen my leg muscles that have been ignored for far too long.

Please, share your stories, I'd love to hear how your surgery & recovery went.  Today is November 7th.  My surgery date is December 7th.  Which, by coincidence, is also my 41st birthday.  I suppose this could be one of the most important birthday gifts I could give myself. :-)