WHAT DO THESE FOLKS HAVE IN COMMON??????

Ok, two out of three are/were professional athletes and the other, well she's my 83 year old Mom.. You may ask, what is she doing there??? Well, Bo Jackson and my Mom had hip replacemant surguries and now Floyd Landis discloses he will have one once the Tour de France is over!!! Mama Mia!!

From what I know from helping my Mom pre and post her hip replacement, the pain is excruciating. (and she is no weakling for pain) This old school hard working woman went as long as possible dealing with the pain and stiffness before she become incapacitated and finally consented to sugery. Both Bo Jackson and Floyd Landis had tramatic sport related accidents that led to avascular necrosis (a disease resulting from the temporary or permanent loss of the blood supply to the bones). Bo returned to professional sports after a year off and still had great power but apparently had lost his blazing speed. So, what about Landis???? Will this be his last year as a pro cyclist?

Besides my Mom, I've known quite a few others (most 50 years old and up) who've had successful hip replacements, but in no way are they capeable of hardcore athletic training. However they all say it was the best thing they could have done and their quality of life has returned.

Hmmmm, I hope Floyd wins the TDF so at least if he is forced to retire becuase of his hip, he will have the accolade of a Tour de France Champion.....Obviously he can endure pain. Hey, I guess we can look at it this way: a titanium hip saves weight and could give him a better "aero" position :)
Good Luck Floyd!