The "Birmingham experience"

For those you who don't know me that well, I don't exactly walk like a "super model".

After the 10 years as a fitness instructor and water ski racing competitor has left me with arthritis in my right hip which was diagnosed eight years ago.

Over the last year the pain has increased and I thought it best to get an X-ray to assess how bad this has become.

You know it's bad when the radiologist personally escorts you back to the doctor for diagnosis.

The doctor told me that the arthritis was server and an immediate hip replacement was needed. The only problem is, the possibility of time off the water if not to retire from moth sailing as the traditional hip replacements will not allow the agility needed to sail these boats with the risk of dislocation.

The thought of having to give away sailing was tough.

Today, I had an appointment with Dr. Lawrence Kohan an orthopedic surgeon.

He told me that it was stuffed, there is no doubt about it.

Thanks to Simon Nelson I asked about the Birmingham Hip re-surfacing, and I CAN HAVE IT.

This is not a replacement, and I can go for a run (which I have not done in seven years) go for a ride, a ski and it will out last me.

This for me is great news.

People with arthritis know exactly what I mean. You can't sleep, you doze. watching your kids run around with other people because you can't takes the cake.

An important lesson I have learned, Always get a second opinion by a specialist.

All I can say is 2011 Aus worlds bring it on.

Once again, Thanks Simon N it's the best advise I have EVER heard.

Thanks for reading

Grant