We are back from the weekend celebration of Scott’s father’s 92nd Birthday. I’m so glad that I waited on the surgery so I could go. I know it meant a lot to Jim that I was there. It was a lovely reconnection with the family and I felt such loving support from all of them.
Many had good advice for me from their own joint replacements. Bob reinforced that it is really important not to do more than the PT’s tell you in therapy, because it will “set you back.” He helped Kay through dual knee replacements and his brother through a hip replacement this year. So, he knows! Jimmy told me, take a stool softener every time you take a pain pill. (That explains why they say 1-6 per day on the bottle.) He said that he did that last time and it worked great. “Only took me 9 surgeries to figure that out.”
I found myself having a most interesting conversation with one of Scott’s cousins. When I told him about my hip surgery, he winced. “Oh, I hate the thought of surgery! I went with my mom to chemo and about passed out. I don’t think I could do it.” We then talked about how you do what you have to do to keep living life. I told him about learning that I could be with my greatest fears: pain and disability, and still live a very full life. I described being instantly 90 and understanding what that was like and that there was much still to enjoy even though my range and my abilities had diminished significantly. “I watch flowers bloom, tomatoes ripen, the movements of the sun and the clouds, and I have developed a closer relationship with the cat.” He asked if I was afraid and I said no. Truly I have no fear, just a feeling of growing peace and utter confidence that this will all be perfect.
Now the surgery prep is launched in earnest, two more days. By honoring my new limits, my pain levels went back down. I am managing without ibuprofen or bud budder. I can take Tylenol and I think I’ve done a couple of doses. But mostly I’ve used wine. I was so afraid about giving up the ibuprofen, but I didn’t need to be.
Today in my morning meditation practice I felt such strong energy coursing through me, vibrating. I feel angels around me and the prayers and well wishes of so many. I am very lucky indeed!
Danielle, Dr. Shukla’s assistant, called this morning to tell me I’ve been placed back in the number 2 slot at 9:30 a.m. Check in at 7:30. There is some chance I could go home same day. We will see how it goes. I am surrendered to whatever needs to happen for the best outcome. I trust my team totally to make the best decisions and I will do what they tell me and nothing more.
At my pre-op appointment last week, Dr. Shukla said no yoga or swimming for 6 weeks. He wants to make absolutely sure that the implants have set in the bone and everything has healed securely before he turns me loose. Smart man. Just do your therapy and be careful. No sleeping on my back or driving for a month. Use the walker first 2 weeks, or as long as you need the stability. Then use the cane. Don’t be a rock star/cowboy. I intend for a perfect result and that requires my perfect compliance. Now that I have my head wrapped around 6 weeks, I’m ok. November 1st will come before I know it.