I’m 67 years old and I’m coming up on knee replacement surgery. I have no doubts that weighing 50 pounds more for a decade was one cause of my eroding joints, but I have maintained a much lower weight for years now. I have done myself a favor, maybe more than one. I choose to look at the behaviors that have benefitted me over the years such as regular exercise, a better BMI, and a diet that is bursting with nutrition. I can’t get away from the fact that my knees are “blown out,” but I can honor all of the good things I have done for myself.
As I face weeks of incapacitation, I will remember to continue to eat nutritious and delicious meals. I will move as much as I can, making my physical therapist proud. I will keep my head screwed on straight, knowing that my bionic knees will eventually be able to do things I have not been able to accomplish in years: Climb a hill, descend the stairs, step off the curb without pain. Three months from now, I will be saying, “Yes, I have done myself a favor” as I gracefully amble up from my seat on the floor to my full height, a physical feat I have not accomplished in years.
Stop Losing and Win 