It all started with me not being able to run

When did it start? It is actually 5 years ago. I used to run a lot, but then I started feeling unwell while I was out running.

When I got home and relaxed a bit it was ok, and then I could go for another run when I felt like it.

Then suddenly one day it went really badly, my legs felt so heavy that I had to accept that I just couldn't go on.

Naturally I started getting worried and wondered why I couldn't run anymore, and why I was in so much pain.

I went to my doctor and got a referral to go for an X-ray, and one could easily see that my hip was worn down - but not so much that they felt I needed a hip replacement.

I spoke to my doctor about it, and he thought that perhaps there was nothing wrong with my hips at all, but maybe I needed to speak to a psychologist, because it could be that I was experiencing a mental block.

I was pretty sure I wasn't. I was sure it was my leg there was something wrong with.

It got worse and worse. I found it very tough.

I had several X-rays to see if it had got worse.

At some point about a year ago, I felt that it was about time.

But I was still too able-bodied. I was able to walk so well that they didn't feel it necessary, and it was suggested that perhaps there was something wrong with my back.

I had a back scan but it wasn't my back that was the problem. It was still my hip.

Then I booked for a hip replacement. Half a year went by from the time I was booked until my operation.

It got worse and worse. I felt that the 8 paracetamol I took per day weren't enough - but that's what I took.

It has been great to have the operation and get rehab. The things I am able to do today I can without painkillers, pain-free.

It has been good - I can't run anymore, but I can walk, cycle and swim with both legs, so it's wonderful.