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Hey girl... first thing you need to do is get with a sports-medicine clinic where a physician can assess your condition and how your injuries (past and present) will play on eachother as you work-out or participate in sports.  With the kind of history you're describing, you will need a physician to get you started with a list of do's and don'ts.

Once you get that in place you should start out light for at least a couple of weeks.  Nevermind anyone who pokes fun because you're doing "light-weight" exercises or "girl" push-ups.  Pay attention to what your body needs first and what your ego needs (that's probably anvice mostly for us guys though) secoond.  Take your time.  Phase in over a period of weeks and build up to the levels you want.  It's worth the hassle of being patient to get control of your life and your pain.

Never give up!!!!!

I'm thinking along the same lines-sports medicine doctor/physical therepist. Nothing at all wrong with light weight high reps and how is riding a bike for you, have you tried it?

What did he give you? Cortisone should not do that.

I had a Cortisone shot in my hip a few years ago and it stayed swelled up for a couple of weeks. It was tender for over a month. I have had them since but I refuse to get another one in the same location.

Hey amlee, Its good to hear you've taken the advise offered. You may want to try glucosamine, and even rubbing down with eucalptuses.

listen to dches.... a lot of people in are department have really gotten into great shape training with him....

 If you go to a GYM they usally have trainers that can help you out. I work out at the local Ymca here and they trainers on staff that help people in all shapes. A trainer should me core traing and worked with me because I have had 7 sugeries on both knees, a shoulder injury, torn ligement in my ankle. I runno more 8 times a month n a treadmill all the other days I do mywarmup cardio on a Natilus stationary bike made for low impact I like the eliptical trainer but it hurt my knees. Keep with your sports medicene doctor but find you a trainer that specializes in low impact injury work out programs. I have gained alot of my old fourm back by going this route.

amlee,  I have broken my back twice, blown both knees, broke my left hand in eight places which required plates, broke three ribs, and crushed my left foot which required extensive recontructive surgery. I am still able, through sheer will power, to get up every morning and run at least 4 miles, train in muy tai and kickboxing, and I am currently a Motor Officer and spend 10 to 12 hours a day on my bike. If you want to get back to full duty.....DO IT!!  I have been called the Admiral of Light Duty!! But to this day...not a single officer in my department will roll with me. I guess I am trying to say......you have to have the "Warrior" spirit and never give up. I am not saying you are giving up, you just need to dig down and find that little something extra and just go. Listen to your body and work hard!!