About

I created this blog when convelescing after hip replacement surgery in August of 2025. For three and a half years prior to that, I had been struggling with an arthritic hip that started with an injury while riding my mountain bike. Needless to say that injury never got better and evolved into a chronic condition that would not go away. I did improve, through lowering inflammation, bringing my type II diabetes completely under control, losing 50 pounds, strengthening muscles and continuing to ride my bike.

However, it became evident that the pain, although getting better, would never go away completely. I didn't want to wait until I was much older and it got worse over the years. The surgery would be more involved and complicated and would take a much greater toll on me at an older age. Instead as time continues to move forward (time does that) I would be able to enjoy all the activaties like hiking and biking stat I have enjoyed my entire adult life (except for the last three years - no hiking at all) as the years roll forward. 

I seriously contemplated hip replacement surgery over the last year, and during that time I became interested in an epic hike or pilgrimage through Spain to Santiago, which is known as the Camino De Santiago. I lost my mother last October (2024) and I wanted to dedicate my efforts on the Camino to her and complete the journey in her memory. However, I couldn't even walk to the end of the driveway let alone 800 km across Spain. So this notion of completing my pilgrimage also became my motivation to complete hip replacement surgery and get myself physically in a condition to complete the Camino.

Over the last year I spoke to various people who had hip replacement surgery with Dr. Anthony Yun in Beverly Hills. All had a good result and rebounded quickly to resume all daily life activities. I thought total hip replacement was a radical approach, however, these days it is quite routine and our medical community has this procedure down. Its like changing a tire. the surgery is minimally intrusive, and as you will read, or have already read in my posts, the pain is minimal, but it takes a lot of work to get back in condition.

I would hope this would be an inspiration to those thinking about a hip replacement and those who seek to put matters in order through a spiritual journey. I consider my hip replacement as the first step on my Camino De Santiago pilgrimage. Without the surgery there is no Camino for me. My first post was the night before surgery. I am progressing through rehab and I will continue writing until I reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where the remains of the Apostle St. James were laid to rest.

So Join me on this journey. I welcome those who will read along and hopefully experience the healing and hiking that are in front of me.