Fix Colin’s Hip!

It's been 12 years now since my Mum passed away, and life has definitely had its ups and downs for me since then. Time keeps ticking along though, and it's time for me to take some action.

Those of you that knew me 10+ years ago know that I had a pretty active life. I loved going to the gym, and being involved as a competitor and organizer in Strongman competitions, Powerlifting etc. I enjoyed traveling, and just doing STUFF! I fell out of love with the gym life gradually after Mum died, but also because I had started having hip problems that have only worsened since.

As some of you know - I need a hip replacement.

I am in constant pain, and it impacts every aspect of my life. I take painkillers. I have trouble sleeping. I can't walk more than a few hundred metres, less on bumpy surfaces. Stairs are painful. Putting on socks difficult. Even getting in and out of cars is awkward and uncomfortable.

I am 42, but I feel like I am trapped in an 84 year old body.

When I was in the UK, my doctors advised me to wait as long as possible before having a hip operation. (I think they didn't want to do it because of my age, but also my weight!) My doctor here in Poland has a different opinion and I think they are right. Every day my hip is bad, is a day I can't be active, and my general health worsens. I am a diabetic, I take blood pressure medication. I had a minor stroke 2 years ago. I can't go on like this.

Both my parents died in their 60s, my Dad of a heart attack at 63, my Mum of Cancer at 62. realistically I've got 20-25 years left if I'm lucky. I'm not prepared to waste more of them living like this.
So I'm starting a project to turn things around - Operation Hip! (LOL!)

I am going to be trying to lose weight and improve general health in order to make the operation and recovery as easy and safe as possible. It is as simple as this, right now my weight and level of general health is not good enough to guarantee a good outcome. I need to reduce my bodyweight and improve both my cardiovascular health and the strength and flexibility of my legs and hips. I need to do some research and come up with a training and diet plan. As my walking is limited, and running /cycling are impossible due to pain, I think swimming and light weight training will end up being my main activities, certainly initially.

I need to be held accountable for my progress, as I know this is going to be hard, so I'm going to start a Youtube channel with updates on my journey, as well as regular updates both here and on Facebook.

I'm setting a loose target in my mind of 50,000zl. In the unlikely even I raise this amount it would easily cover the costs of hip replacement surgery here in Poland at a private clinic, including 2 weeks of physio and rehab after surgery, and cover my bills during the post-surgery period where I will be unable to work. I will also use some of this money on an ongoing basis to prepare for the operation, paying for medication, trips to a gym / swimming etc.

If you want to support me on my journey towards getting my life back - then THANK YOU!!!