It has now been 20 weeks since my hip stem-cell procedure. I am still very happy with my decision and feeling stronger and healthier with time. But I’m honestly still having pain in both hip joints most days and sometimes feel frustrated with my progress. That’s not to say I’m giving up because I’ve learned so much on this journey about the root cause of the degenerative disease that started me on this path and realize I have to keep adjusting my lifestyle in order to fully heal.
CROSS FIT – One big change that is helping is my new love for Crossfit training. After returning to Alaska, I decided to start back working out in the gym where I discovered Crossfit. My friend and personal trainer, Lynn Reynolds at Denali Crossfit in Wasilla, has been a tremendous asset in this process. Every workout is unique and scaled to fit my abilities. It’s fun and challenging and I’m amazed at the things I am able to do. Lynn is helping me focus on correctly strengthening and keeping my hip joints flexible. And introducing me to lots of other muscles in my body that have been too long neglected because of my administration lifestyle. (too much time sitting and working on a computer.)
Most of the people in the class are 60 years or older and truly inspirational. All of them have suffered life-threatening injuries or illness and most can out perform me three times over.
Through this process I have days where I can’t help wonder if I’m once again having setbacks, but fortunately those days are getting fewer and are short-lived. I have now been at it for one month and I’m excited to see real progress. 
THE IMPACT OF FOOD – On the tough days I’ve really come to understand the impact food is having on the inflammatory response in my joints. The other night I had a big bowl of popcorn and the next day I could hardly get out of bed and walk. I didn’t sleep well that night and it took three days before I started to feel normal again.
I don’t think my body likes corn products or refined sugar. Ugh. Onward ho on my journey to health and fitness.