by loraine

My Challenge


A Hippie's Journey

After two years, 111 weeks to be exact, of waiting for a total hip replacement due to Osteoarthritis...

Covid: NHS Wales hospital waiting list hits record 538,861

My sister, my angel

Living with arthritis is challenging. The effects of this condition are widespread, touching not those that suffer the pain, fatigue and isolation that it causes but those of our loved ones, and that, sometimes, is more unbearable.

Pain is often hidden behind your eyes

...the day for surgery finally arrived! A bright shiny new hip awaited me; its promise to rid me of pain and to a enable me to live a better, or more 'normal' life once again.

some matching pants and reading material!

Even my loo seat was prepared!

I was more ready than you'll ever know!

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And before I knew it, here was Hermione! Carefully placed by the wonderful Mr David Edwards MBBCh, MRCS, FRCS Orth @https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/cardiff-and-vale

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There was definitely a plus side to my hospital stay!

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After 4 days of the best possible care it was time for home.

where I was looked after so well, my days were bright...

My days were bright and I felt so special

I even tried out a new mode of transport!

There were improvements and changes every day!

And I started to be able to do things that I hadn't been able to in years!

I was even able to meet a short term goal of walking on the beach with my 'littles'

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So (with 'Physio Dan's approval) it was time for a challenge and to give back a fraction of what i had recieved

My bike was set up inside, to build confidence and to enable me to keep a more consistent pace

The Tee shirt was ironed and my fundraiser shared

Versus Arthritis

https://cwmtafmorgannwg.wales/new-physio-service-for-bridgend/

It also meant that I could cycle in my PJ's if i wanted!

No set goals, just to do my best every day!

Versus Arthritis August Cycling Challenge
Week 1