Statistically, I passed middle age 18 years ago. 

Genetics has blessed me with a face and attitude that bely my age. 

The choice of career that I made, however, has taken a toll on my physical body. The combination of that along with genetics has wreaked havoc upon me.

Over 25 years of nursing hurts. Cement floors. Inadequate shoes. Kneeling down or bending over when I should’ve brought things up to my level. Moving and lifting patients that were way too heavy for my abilities. All of these things contributed to what I’m dealing with now.

I’m riddled with arthritis, especially in the joints that have served me during inpatient care – my hands, my shoulders, and most evidently in my knees. 

I’m doing my best to recover from surgery. I want to protect the left knee – that may mean not working as a registered nurse any more.

Thirty four days ago I had a total knee replacement. My orthopedist kept telling me how young I was, even as he told me I had stage four arthritis in my right knee… And the left was not far behind.

It’s a lot to take in.