Your Hips Don’t Lie
Have you heard the song “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira?
… That might just be one of the theme songs of my life.
I was born with deformed hips - severe congenital dysplasia - at birth. Not only did I have multiple surgeries as a child, but also learned a secret love for doctors, nurses and the smell of a hospital after living there for months at a time during my young childhood.
I had two hip replacements in my young adult life post two babies (bone to bone pain so bad at age 27 that the replacement was the only option). Still, my hips were deformed.
No joke, I still light up like a Christmas tree when I go through security because of how deep they drilled the titanium down into my femur. And through this time, I have spent years re-learning my body, experiencing the pain of pushing it too hard (because I finally could for the first time in 30+ years), and continue my annual checks most years.
PLOT TWIST: Here is what happened unexpectedly at my most recent visit.
Last week, I went to get my hips checked. This was supposed to be an annual check up with my hip specialist, but due to covid it had been 3 years. That’s a long time with two hip replacements one of which is 22 years old - the same age as one of my grown children.
This time however, I did not go because I was in pain, but as a precaution approaching the big 5-0 this year, my Doctor suggested I get all parts checked out: OB, mammogram, hips, bone density, and colonoscopy (oh, the joys of embracing this next decade☺️)
So, back to my hips.
As routine, I went in for x-rays first for both hips and now both knees since I am so convoluted on my left knee. Everything went as expected… until the doc walked in.
“JENNIFER, I have not seen you in a while! Give me a minute. I just looked at your x-rays and want to call the team in if you don’t mind.”
“No problem,” I said as I’m more than used to these “special case” series of conversations where my deformity is discussed as if I am not in the room.
However, this time the conversation went much differently.
This time SEVEN doctors entered the small room (3 in residence). My Doctor opened 5 screens- images of my hips from 5 specific years - the years which mattered the most for comparison for the eager young doctors in the room.
1973- My first films as a baby at 6 months, in traction for 6 months at Stanford Hospital.
1981- My first successful surgery with a Steinman pin to hold the hip joint in the socket.
2001- My first successful hip replacement with 2 babies at home and long long recovery!
This surgery was special in that it gave me LIFEGIVING YEARS OF NO PAIN in my left hip for the first time ever!
2015- My second hip replacement.
Over the years (and there have been a lot of years) when a crew of doctors would enter the room and talk about the shape of my hips, they would go on and on about the deformities.
WELL TIMES HAVE CHANGED BABY!
When the doctors lined the room THIS TIME my doctor energetically pointed out my muscle striation. He was astonished by how much work I had done to protect my 22 year old hip!
The Doctor raved about the important work that I had done to protect my body and let me tell you this:
This work is all linked to the regular routine and continued consistency I have implemented over the years with movement and nutrition. Because of this work, I am protecting my bones with lean muscle tissue.
The phrase, “I’ve come a long way, Baby!”, might be the new theme of my life. I may just have to write a song with that title some day!
Today, I am a Functional Health and a Master Nutrition Coach with over 15 years of experience working with 500+ clients.
I share this glimpse into my life because I am on a mission to help EVERYONE understand, embrace and learn that
OPTIMAL HEALTH is POSSIBLE at ANY AGE!
Trust me, you don’t need to be born with a perfect body to live your best, healthiest life!
What’s your story?
I would love to hear your story and connect with you about your next step in taking control of your health and wellness - one meal, one move, and one b1ehavioral/mindset shift at a time.
Grab a spot on my schedule using the button below, so we can chat and find out what is the best next step for you.
And next time you hear the song, “Hips Don’t Lie” think of me and get moving!
