A week today, I was feeling somewhat apprehensive totally petrified, as it was the day before my surgery. This operation has been a long time coming, which has resulted in me having far too much time to think about it.
It was a little like running from a mouse; the mouse gets bigger and bigger, until it takes on a monstrous form and you run faster and faster. In the end, you just have to stop running, take a deep breath and turn and face the monster, only to discover it’s only a mouse.
I spent two nights and three days in hospital, the saving grace was having a room with a window, AND patio doors, which connected me to nature. I could see the sky, hear bird song and even had my very own tree. The nurses were not happy about the leaves blowing in but loved the breeze. I spent little time in bed, instead I soaked up the air like a sponge from a chair next to these doors, and tried to forget where I was.
Coming home was good, but of course home suddenly became a new landscape, given my sudden limitations, which was somewhat daunting initially. The endless list of do’s and don’ts can be overpowering.
Thankfully, dogs never figure on medics lists, and given how intuitive they are, they have just gently adapted to this new, strange me, this me, who clanks everywhere on crutches, who yelps if the sore side is touched, who sits on a chair with a huge cushion by herself. Dogs are good souls, and are very forgiving, truth is, they are more adaptable than us,
So the days have passed, for better and for worse. Today I’m amazed at what I can do. I can make tea, lunch, and get around fairly easily. A bag on my shoulder means I can be more or less independent. Gadgets grab the things I drop and hubs does all the things I can’t.
The best part of being more mobile was getting out into the new back garden. It’s so easy to walk around there on crutches.
But even better, I can now sit in my little courtyard again. There was sunshine in between the rain these last few mornings. What a haven it is.
And finally…
Here’s to blue skies, and blue sky thinking.
Reading about your allotment neighbour has cheered me up no end, I will be delighted if I’m back to normal in a few months. Thanks Caro.xxx
Hi Dina, I’m catching up with your posts, so sorry to hear that you’ve had a hip operation but it will all be good in the end. My allotment neighbour had a hip op last winter; he was awol for a couple of months then returned to his regular allotment visits and got cracking on tidying up his usually immaculate plot. I’m sure that all will be well with you sooner than you realise but, in the meantime, I wish you peace and sunny days to enjoy the autumn. Take care. Cxx
PS. How fabulous to have those patio doors and be able to breathe in fresh air! The saving grace!
Hi Rosie, I’m so glad it’s finally over with. It was marvelous having a room with open doors, the difference that made!! I am really looking forward to being able to walk without pain and cycle again……sighs….hope all is well with you.xxxxxx
oh blimey…. just catching up… Hip operation… you poor beast but glad to see you are obviously recovering well. I am so glad you could sit at an open door and feel the breeze and be outside-ish….and not just stuck festering in a stuffy room.
Hope you recover fully very soon and are hopping about and cycling too…. all the best… lots of love xxxx
I shall certainly obey the rules, patience is the key. You do make me laugh, what with those strange toes, bones and head! I can imagine how hard it is to adapt to being single. I hope all is well with you.xxx
Do please obey all the rules as impatience ruined someone I know who had foo surgery.Meanwhile, I am becoming a monkey.My big toes are rotating as they want to be thumbs.As I no longer climb trees it’s a bit annoying.I believe I have Celtic bones and a Vining head so when they pay us to go back where we came from I will have a choice!
I recall waiting for my nose op.It was hell and now three years have gone so fast.Still adapting to the single life.Who knows, maybe I will marry a woman next time! So glad ytou are ok Kathryn
There is definitely progress, steady and slow, but still progress. A garden is a great place to heal, birdsong and greenery soothe the soul. Animals do have great instincts, they certainly know when their humans are under the weather. Thanks for the magical hummingbirds and good wishes. Love and hugs to you.xxx
I am reading this at least one week since the op…and so hopefully you will be progressing well. Thank goodness you have your beautiful garden to come home to and of course Hubs and the furies….and isn’t it wonderful that they sense your need to be a little quieter 🙂 Animals are like that – amazing.
I will be sending you hummingbird hugs and willing you to recover well and quickly. Meanwhile loads of love Janet xxx
So glad you have got your hip op out of the way, I can imagine it must be awful having it hanging over you. And the weather has been lovely the last few days I hope you have been enjoying your pretty courtyard. I wish I could pop in for a cup of tea with you.
It is a relief to finally have surgery over with. Our weather is very mixed at the moment, some days have been lovely though. Hopefully we’ll get to sit out together one of these days. Thanks Chloris.xxx
So, so pleased to read that you’ve had your hip op and are now at home recovering.
I always think your courtyard garden looks a lovely place to sit a while.
Here’s to more good weather and you being able to sit out and enjoy the Autumn air.
My good wishes for a speedy recovery … but please do as the Doctor asks.
Sending you a virtual cuppa or something stronger if you’d prefer!
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan. I will do exactly as I’m told! I do hope we all get a lovely autumn, being able to sit out makes such a difference. Thanks for your good wishes, I’ll take you up on that virtual drink.xxx
Judy had a hip replacement a few years ago. It was a pain (literally) but definitely worth it. She is far better off now. Hope your recovery is quick as possible!
I’m pleased to hear that all went well with Judy’s op, yes, it is a pain but I’m hoping it all settles down soon. Thanks Jason.xxx
I think you describe the fear of surgery / illness/ fear of the Unknown/ … very well!
Good to know all went well … & from reports from my friends … It gives you a new lease of life for a long time…. Thank goodness we live in a time of preventative medicine..💕 Pets are very intuitive aren’t they? But don’t let enthiastic Buddy accidentally knock you off your feet.!
Thanks Gerrie, I think we’re all afraid of surgery, I am glad that’s over with. I’m looking forward to having a new lease of life, I do love walking and it had become so very painful. It is amazing what can be done these days, I’m certainly grateful. I shall certainly keep a close eye on Buddy, he is the one to watch.xxx
Recovery is always a drag but the result will be worth the hassle. So glad you have a new hip and a new garden!
Yes, being able to walk pain free will certainly be worth it. When I get tired of it all I will just have to remember how bad I was before surgery. Thanks Casa.xxx
Phew. Done and over. A hospital room with a window and a tree? Hard to imagine in this country. I suspect you will find that recovery is surprisingly speedy. Let’s hope so. Snuggle those doggies, relax, and enjoy your new garden! And let’s hope that you will be back to normal soon.
It’s so good to have the surgery over with, a huge relief! How lucky was I winding up in that room, being able to look outdoors does take your mind off things. Here’s to getting back to normal. Thanks Brenda.xxx
Well done…superwoman! You’re doing so much already.
I know what you mean about the sensitivity of animals….they’re remarkable companions.
Love and very best wishes for a speedy recovery. Xxx
I certainly don’t feel like superwoman! Everything I do takes such a looooooooong time! Yes, animals certainly sense when something isn’t quite right. Thanks for your good wishes. Love to you.xxx
Oh, Dina, I’ve been thinking of you and hoping all went well…I remember last summer how hard it was to sit for weeks with my leg raised on pillows, watching the garden grow (and the weeds!). I am soooo happy you have your beautiful,even and smooth courtyard to enjoy and I hope it will help your quick and deep healing! Then therapy? You’ll be dancing in no time!
Sending love and hugs…glad those precious dogs are there to love you through, along with your dear daughter and husband!
Thanks Kitty, things are going as well as they can, I have to be patient I suppose. It’s the little things isn’t it, lying on your back, trying to get comfy in a chair etc, I don’t know how you put up with it for three months! I’m hoping to be able to do a lot more once I’ve had the six week check up. Getting into the garden is just fantastic, just being able to listen to the birds soothes the soul! Love and hugs to you….always.xxx
Glad that you are on the mend. We are coping with a giant mouse at the moment.
Thanks Sue. Here’s to sorting that giant mouse.xxx
Dearest Dina, as I just wrote in my blog: now you’ll get better, day after day…
Maybe this will help you when you’ll be completely rehabilitated! I’m organizing in Ticino a workshop with Dr. Ingle (I met him in Rishikesh last February, he did get my brother back on his feet after being paralyzed in bed with two disk hernias).
Hugs and love from the whole “band” :-)c
https://youtu.be/l1BvtEZhBrM
Sounds utterly fascinating.xxx
Thanks Claudine, I do feel like I am making progress, slow but steady. Dr Ingle sounds amazing! I will check how soon I can fly when I go back for my six week check up. Love and hugs to you all.xxx
A big glass of wine called for … medication permitting! Very pleased that nature has kept you sane (as she does) and that you’re mending well. Hugs xx
Thanks Gill, I hate painkillers so got off them as soon as possible so I can certainly indulge in that glass of wine now! Thank goodness for a garden to sit in.xxx
I:glad things went well for you, we are going through giant mouse times too at the moment.
I do hope all is well, hopefully neither of you are dealing with health issues/possible surgery. I like to think it may just literally be giant mice!xxx
Whether you planned it or not, having the garden redone before your surgery was pure genius. Clearly, it will be easier for you to get around there, and being able to be outdoors amid all that beauty — and the blue skies! — surely will speed along the healing.
A friend who was returning to Houston after evacuating for the hurricane fell and broke her hip when she was only halfway home. While her surgery wasn’t the same as yours, it’s been amazing that she’s already had her staples out and is medically ready to come home, as soon as the therapists allow. The new techniques today are a marvel — I can remember when hip surgery could mean a month in the hospital. Home always is betting — hooray for you being there! (And yes, I laughed at your title. I see they didn’t remove your sense of humor while they were at it.)
Glad you liked my title, you have to laugh don’t you….Sorting the back garden has made a huge difference, I didn’t plan it, it’s just lucky for me that the dates worked out as they did. Being able to sit out makes such a difference doesn’t it? Oh, how I feel for your friend, what an awful thing to happen, I hope all goes well for her. Surgery has come a long way hasn’t it, the thought of being in hospital for a month has my blood running cold. Thanks Linda.xxx
The garden is looking splendid. Good place for a speedy recovery. You’ll be back in the flow of things in no time. Best wishes.🍁🌼🌹🐝
Thanks Karen, gardens certainly soothe the soul! I’m hoping to get better each day now, once healed, I’m looking forward to being able to walk properly again. Always good to hear from you. Hugs.xxx
Oh, I’m so pleased to hear that you have gone through the surgery okay and have had what sounds like a gentle reintroduction to life at home. I’m sure you timed all that garden (re)construction to complete before you took care of that hip.
I’ve never heard of a hospital room with windows that open and patio doors that let in leaves and breezes! But that sounds absolutely perfect for you to speed healing and promote rest (or as much rest as one can get in hospital).
Just love that photo of Hubs peeking out. Is that stephanotis blooming under the eaves?
Thanks Anne, I’m so relieved to have the operation out of the way, it has hung over my head for far too long. It was good to come home, especially when chairs etc were adapted to my needs. That room made such a difference, I certainly didn’t expect a room with patio doors, I sure made the most of them though! That vine is a potato vine, solanium, it’s areal beauty, it flowers from spring to late autumn here. It needs cutting back but I can’t bear too while it’s flowering. P.s…..you must email your new mobile, I mislaid it while on holiday in The Lakes.xxx
Potato vine does well here — a wee bit too well! But irresistible when in bloom, I agree. Glad we are reconnected so we can share the odd pic (i.e., Your Boy being adorable, etc.). Hope your dogs continue to mind the more delicate you.
Bless you. So pleased your surgery went well and I hope you make a speedy recovery.
Dogs are wonderful.so intuitive. I understand your need for nature, I am the same.
Time to heal…..you will soon be running around that garden.
Thanks Cheryl, I’m glad to have the surgery over with, that’s the worst bit. Hopefully I’ll get better each day now as the wound heals. Those doors certainly helped me, at times I almost forgot I was in a hospital. I do need to be close to nature. Here’s to running around the garden!xxx
A good post and lovely pictures. I’m glad to see that all went well, and I’m sure it won’t be that long before you’re fandangoing again.
Meantime enjoy armchair gardening. Take care. xx
Thanks Flighty, oh yes, here’s to fandangoing again, I shall certainly enjoy armchair gardening. xxx
It’s good to know that the op is over, you’re home and able to get out into the courtyard garden when the weather allows. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Lxx
Thanks Linda, as you know, getting out of hospital is always good. I am so grateful for the new back garden and my little courtyard, hopefully we’ll get a good autumn so we can all sit out.xxx
Excellent! Pleased it is all over. May you make a full recovery…Blessings and All Good Wishes. Love and Hugs!🤗🤗
I’m delighted it’s finally over,now I just have to stick by the rules until my first check up in six weeks. Thanks Bushka, love and hugs to you too.xxx
Glad you’ve got it all over and done with and now you’ve just got to look forward to getting back to normal. Glad it all went well.
Thanks Jo, hopefully it’s upwards and onwards now. Sometimes you have to get worse to get better. xxx
Yay! I had an operation about 10 years ago (gall bladder removed) and can remember being really apprehensive as I’d never had an anaesthetic before. Well done you then for facing a much bigger op and recovery time. Your hospital room looks rather lovely with its little tree and as for your garden – heavenly. Well done to the doggies too for being so sensitive. Here’s to a speedy recovery and freely moving joints! xx
Gall Bladder ops don’t sound much fun! I think we all rear surgery, it’s always the risk, however small of something going wrong. My hospital room was fantastic, I’ve never had my own room before, and was astonished when I saw those doors opening out onto a small garden. The dogs are being little angels, bless them. Thanks Veggiemummy.xxx