2009 Comes to a Close...Thank God!!!

2009 has been both a long and interesting year. For me, it started with one of my last few semesters of school, as well as ROTC. Unknown to me, it also was going to be the start of a long recovery process. Last January I was diagnosed with moderate, bilateral hip dysplasia and was scheduled for a RPAO. It was the result of tearing ligaments and cartilage during an ROTC basketball tournament. Little did I know how involved and intense the surgery and recovery would be. As a result of that I was diagnosed with depression. My path in life has also changed. A year ago I was on the path to commission as a U.S. Army Officer in May 2010, but now will be postponed indefinitely due to the hip condition. Through my hip injury and recovery I have a new-found passion in health law and reform and am now pursuing a law degree with a Master's in Public Health. I will also be re-classing as a medic in the Indiana National Guard and will currently be staying on the enlisted side of the house.

I have also moved into a new apartment on the southside of Indianapolis, which has been a beautiful place to live. The complex is full of military personnel, so I feel right at home! I was also able to get a puppy, thanks to my boyfriend Andrew, and she has been a true blessing. She makes me smile everytime I think about her and she pushes me to heal, so that I may play more with her! She gives me kisses and loves on me and can make any day that much brighter. She has been a great part of the healing process, as well as a great companion.


My boyfriend, Andrew, has been very supportive through the healing process. Although lately we have hit a rough patch, I hope that things will be resolved and we will be better because of it. I am not sure what I will do if things do not work out, but I do not know if I can handle more sadness. I love him very much. I just don't want 2010 to start like 2009 did. I want a fresh and happy start to a new year. I am pushing for a positive outlook.

My family has been amazing. I can always count on them for advice, guidance, support and love. This year has not only been hard on me, but them as well. We have endured job loss, as well as the blessing of a new, great job for my dad. My dad is currently my roommate because of it! lol Rolls Royce is a great place for my dad to work and I greatly enjoy seeing him a lot more. My mom has been a great supporter and cheerleader for all of us. My older brother, Michael, is still pursuing Chaplaincy and is currently working in a hospital. He graduated with his Master's of Divinity; what a smart cookie! My little brother, Aaron, graduted from high school and started pursuing his career in computer technology; he is a smart cookie too! My Auntie Dena has been great support through the hip diagnosis and I can always call her just to chat!! All around, my family is very close and supportive and couldn't be more grateful. I am very blessed.

Through researching my hip condition I came in contact with other women with the same condition. This too has been a blessing. Being able to share the experience with others has been a critical part in healing. It has been wonderful to get to know some amazing women and be able to lean on and cheer on eachother. We truly understand eachother and it makes it easier to get through all that is involved with hip dysplasia. I love all the hippie girls (Marcie, Shelly, Annick, Jen, Jessica, Courtney, Sabrina & Stephanie)!!!

Jessica, Me & Shelly

This year has been full of ups and downs and lately I feel as if it has been more downs. I feel like I have been kicked over and over this year, with little room to breathe. I can not even imagine if I didn't have my family and friends where I would be. God has been looking out for me, even though this past year, I pushed him away in anger, he just hugged tighter and made sure I was taken care of. He is an amazing God. I realize how much I need him in my life and that nothing is possible without him! I am renewing my relationship with Christ and have learned through my trials and tribulations that he is always there for you, even when you push him away.

This year has been nothing short of challenging and has tested me in every aspect of my life. I feel as if I have failed at times, but then I realize that I am still standing and still pushing. I look forward to a new year, new resolutions, new experiences and new relationships/friendships, as well as completing my undergraduate degree and pursuing graduate school!!! I am ready 2010!!!

Only if our doc could see us now...he would probably cringe!!! LOL

6 Months Post-op!!!

Today I am 6 months post-op. I also reached another milestone; being able to do 35 minutes on the elliptical. It has been such an accomplishment, but there has been many battles along the way. I think about where I was 6 months ago tonight. I was just out of surgery, recovering from a long surgery and beginning the recovery process. Its hard to think that I am already 6 months into my recovery. I can not seriously start thinking about doing the other hip.

Today, my hip friend Marcie, had her surgery and she begins the recovery process. I have quite a few hip friends that will be having surgery here shortly: Courtney, Sabrina, Jessica and Shelly will all be having their hip surgeries in the next month or so. Sooner than they think they will be 6 months post-op and astonished at all the progress they have made. I am going to be there for them through all the ups and downs. It is a hard process, but I do believe it will all be worth it when fully healed!

The more I keep pushing myself the more I ache. I guess that is part of the recovery process. My muscles have not been worked like this in awhile and they are readjusting to the routine. It is so nice to be in the gym on a regular basis again! I am starting to drop the weight. I gained a total of 20lbs. and about 12 inches throughout my body. So far, I have lost about 5 lbs and 6 inches from my body. I am starting to fit back into my clothes, but still have a ways to go. It feels good to see progress. It was such a bummer to gain weight on top of the hip problem :( I really don't think gaining 20 lbs was helping my hip problem either. Well on that note, neither is this crappy weather. My other hip is also acting up and I get nervous thinking about doing this process all over again. This time I am better prepared and know what to expect. It still doesn't make it easy, but I have a lot of support to help me through the recovery.

I am looking forward to the holidays and spending it with family. The only thing in my way right now is a week of final exams. BOO! I am having a movie night this Friday to spend some time with the hip girls! I am looking forward to it. Good food, great friends and some entertainment too! Last week, we got together at the Olive Garden and were there for about 4 hours laughing and having a ball. Our waiter left before we did! LOL I am so grateful to have these amazing women in my life!