I have lived all my life with the knowledge that I was a backward infant and the proof was that I only started walking when I was a year and a half.  I think that this influenced my parents’ entire approach to me – perhaps to my advantage.  But today, while examining my history very thoroughly for physiotherapy, the orthopedist mentioned casually that I had DDH.  Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

I probably made the situation worse with my years of belly dancing, but it was alleviated by my hip replacements.  Unfortunately, the collateral damage caused before the operations can’t really be repaired.  But it helps me to understand that I was not only not backward as an infant, but there is a reason for the lifetime of pain, and a way to prevent further degeneration.   

Maybe I should be sad that I have a bad back and legs, but I’m kind of relieved that I’m not an idiot.