Go Butt Buzzers go!!!! LOL!!

It is frusterating thinking of all the things you use to be able to do. I went through those negative emotions many times and still have them occasionally. I wish I could still play competitive volleyball, have a work out that leaves me drenched in sweat and still want more, or be able to golf 45 rounds in a day but it isn't going to happen. I, too, have put on a lot of weight since the pain started but I am slowly starting to lose it as I concentrate on the things that I can do such as getting myself physically and mentally ready to join karate in September. For me, setting goals like this really helps. It gives me the focus and motivation to accomplish anything I set my mind to. However, if I don't quite meet the goal in the specified time, I don't get down on myself. I just continue with the same goal but with an extended date of completion. I remember my first goal was to be able to walk around the block without stopping. To anyone else, it seemed so easy but to people who have pain like we do, it's like climbing Mt. Everest. With a lot of luck and patience, I was able to achieved that goal. Then, I was able to set a higher goal and then another goal until I was able to comfortably walk two miles. Now, I'm adding a little running here and there but I've found that it is very hard on my knees so I don't like to do it that much. Before the pain, I was in the military running 3 -4 miles with no problems at all. Truthfully, I'm not heartbroken that I'm not running anymore as I really never like it!!! LOL!!

I wish you all the best of luck in finding what works for you. I still have a long way to go but as I was once told.....it is not the destination but the journey. It may not be an easy journey for some of us but hopefully we have learned something along the way. I know I have. Learning to slow down and appreciate the kindness of others, especially all of you here, is something that I am truly grateful for.