I am an STNA (CNA for non-Ohioans) who works mostly with the elderly and developmentally disabled. I am 44 years old. For fun, I go out to karaoke (I'm PHOENIX!!) and tear it up as one half of Smash Bros! I am a chess player, musician, carpenter, and super-duper nerd.

Recently, I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, a congenital defect usually found and corrected at birth. My hips were malformed and had caused uneven wear of the cartilage. The condition also caused my ankles to roll outward, causing extensive repetitive injury.

So, my hips are shot and have been replaced through arthroplasty. My ankles are next. These procedures must be done a few months apart. There is extensive physical therapy. The entire process is excruciatingly painful and slow.

During the process, I can't hold down a job. My wife (who is AMAZING) has been keeping our eyes above water, but she could use some help. Also, I want to spend this time away from patients getting my RN. I plan to hit the ground running when I get my legs back.