Micky: Hello Birgit! Many thanks you the NY greetings. What was 2018 like for you then? 
Helen: It has not been a good year for injuries, I'm afraid.
Helen: My bad back (bulging disc) I have had for 30 years now, and I manage it pretty well most of the time. As long as I keep fairly fit (especially my “core” muscles), it is not a big problem, as long as I don’t stand or walk slowly! I can run, walk fast, cycle, kayak, swim anything really, and all of these activities are good for me, but standing still is a real trial.
Micky: How can you manage everyday life without standing?!
Helen: Most of the time I can avoid standing, and have no problems at all, but it makes visiting art galleries and museums, and parties, a lot more difficult.
Micky: One can give museums a miss, but not parties. How about carrying one of these portable folding chairs with you?
Helen: Got one! But I feel silly with it.
Helen: This year I pushed to get a proper diagnosis of a hip which has been giving me problems on and off for 3 years. It proves to be in need of replacement..
Micky: You mentioned that at Robert's do. When do you intend to have it done?
Helen: Not sure but I did a lot of phoning round of friends in the medical profession (doctors, surgeons, physios, nurses etc – 14 of them). With one exception they all said to leave it as long as possible. I also spoke to about 11 friends who had had the operation. Every one of them said it was the best thing they had ever done, and to book it in as soon as possible! So that was really helpful!
Micky: Don't you have one surgeon with an overview of your bones' condition? I've got one myself since the first symptoms of arthritis.
Helen: My GP said exercise as much as you can, and if it hurts, keep taking the painkillers! So at the moment that is what I am doing. I have decided to give it a year, and see how the land lies then.
Micky: Sounds sensible. I refused that my knee be operated on 2 years ago and I'm still going strong.
Helen: Exactly! They operate much too often. As long as I can practise sport and have my activities filled holidays I won't get under their knives.
Micky: <file_photo> It's me in the gym the other day. Talking about operations...
Helen: My point exactly!
Helen: <file_photo> And me on a cycling tour in Morocco earlier this year. We shouldn't complain!
Micky: Chins up!
Helen has problems with her back and her hip. She thinks about operation and talked about it with doctors and friends, who know the problem. However, she's not going to have her body operated, until she can't practice sports and other activities.