The New 'Hip'

HI Everyone, Anyone??
This is my first attempt at blogging and I am not really sure what to expect. I wanted to write because I am at a bit of a crossroads in my life and I am pretty sure I am not the only one. I am 55 and have recently been diagnosed with severe arthritis in my right hip which may, probably, almost certainly will require a replacement.
I titled this The New 'Hip' because the generation I belong to is a huge bulge of people called the 'Baby Boomers' and our upcoming retirements are going to create a whole block of people who are not only able to be more involved with things they love and may have never tried, but will also experience health issues, political issues and social issues, in ways and numbers never seen before.
I think that by sheer numbers my generation will be establishing the new 'Hip' or trends. It is also a play on my upcoming surgery.
I hope to run an ongoing commentary on things that interest me but may also be reflective of the demographic I belong to.
I was really surprised when my family doc told me I had arthritis to the extent I do. It was scary to think that at some point the top of my femur would be cut off and replaced with a stainless steel ball joint(or is it another metal) drilled into the centre of the bone. Yikes...!!!
I was equal parts grossed out by the procedure (which I researched with startling detail via the internet), afraid of the pain, and nervous about the recovery.
My day to day pain level is what drove me to the Dr. in the first place. I hadn't been able to do any casual walking or bike riding for a few years and my gait was reminiscent of Danny DeVito as the penguin in the Batman movies; waddling side to side and when it was really bad, throwing my right arm forward to get the momentum needed to walk. I was taking Tylenol extra strength and ibuprofen daily as well as a tylenol with muscle relaxant and still suffering enough to be unable to sleep for more than a few hours at a time. I couldn't tie my right shoe or clip my toenails, doing the dishes was a two part production and sitting or driving for more than a half hour caused so much stiffness that when I stood I had to pause and make the brain contact the limb for cooperation Ultimately the condition has driven me to EI medical leave with the hope that I may get in to see the surgeon on short notice and have the surgery quicly thereafter (fingers crossed).
The kicker is that for all those sleepless nights I had been blaming myself because I am so overweight. I put off going to the Dr. because I couldn't commit to weight loss and the combination of being ashamed of myself for letting my weight get so high and thinking I might not get the help I needed made me reluctant to complain.
I have a great Doctor. She is kind, a really good listener and supportive. I was sent for X-rays and by the time I went back to see her she had already sent my file on to the orthopedic surgeon. I didn't hear a thing about weight (although I know that it can't but help with pain). We talked about the diagnosis and the options (hip replacement) and ended with a hug (she really is so great).
The reality of the situation took a while to sink in. Basically I wasn't just fat and out of shape but I had a serious albeit treatable condition. I had been dragging myself around, punishing myself with self reproach and suffering needlessly. Imagine if I had gone to see the Dr. six months ago or even a year ago?..I may very well have had a new hip now.
It is a weird kind of realization when some of the illnesses that occur in old age start to appear. When I had to get bifocals the optometrist used the dreaded A word "Age" when he was explainging the need for them.
Do we ever consider ourselves older, or old? It truly is the next stop on my life's train. I am officially over the halfway mark of my life. I don't mean to say I believe the best is gone but 'the times they are a changin'. Every year from here on in leads me closer to a whole new take on time and living. No more babies for me, the best years of taut skin have passed, I'm not fussy on sleeping on the ground when camping (though my darling little van with the foamy in the back is unbelievably comfy) and I am staring to think about how much pension I might be living on. Many in my bulging generation will be single women, possibly never married so there will not be duo pensions and veterans or widows benefits to supplement the governments generosity(????)
I've worked in long-term care for just about 20 years and have seen the best and worst of outcomes, intentions and promises by governments and academics come and go. I admit to being frightened by what I've seen and having few role models for a happy, healthy, expanding older life. My intention is to establish these for myself and share knowledge and support with my friends. I am just starting to feel like an authentic life is available to me and I am not really interested in letting a new hip do anything but improve the odds. I can say for dam sure that I am not over wanting to have lots of fun, maybe a boyfriend or two (must like big girls), writing books, becoming a well known photographer and possibly taking to the folk clubs to sing (man I love to sing).
So begins the jorney of The New 'Hip'. I am interested to write and just as interested for genuine feedback regarding my ideas.
Talk to anyone reading this soon
Jane