Well crunch time has come! I eventually found the name of my original orthopedic surgeon who told me in 2010 that my hip was not ready for replacement yet and to come back when it broke and he would fix it. I decided to go back to him and tell him it was not broken but has been giving me almost constant pain for some years now despite regular massage, physio, pilates, personal trainer and paracetamol. He took one look at the xray and asked when I wanted it done. While I could have said next year, I just thought the sooner the better would probably be the best option.
So I am booked in for mid July to have a hip replacement.
The doctor I saw two years ago booked me in for one and was only going to keep me in hospital for one night then send me home to an empty house. I had thought that was a bit dodgy so called off the surgery. I'd forgotten the name of my original surgeon. He says 4-5 days in hospital then 1-2 weeks in rehab which I could do from home with a daily drive but as I will not be able to drive I am choosing to take the live-in option at the hospital for as long as appropriate.
This of course will cause issues for all sorts of obligations. My most disappointing one will be that I will not be able to look after Heather twice a week. This means she will start kindy but at least will be with Ivy. She would have started next year anyway but I just love having her and watching her grow. Geoff is about to start a new job and will not be able to take leave to look after her.
I'll be able to go back to collecting the boys after school as soon as I can drive so that will only be 6 weeks or so but Ellen is giving me 3 months.
In fact there would be no good time that would suit all the family so I'm just doing it. I hope to be back to almost normal activities by Christmas and look forward to joining the choir at church again in time for the Christmas music. Then I hope to enjoy a Gerroa holiday without the usual hobble to the beach. I am having to forego a singing workshop in Goulburn in August and my planned holiday to the Flinders Ranges in October which is another disappointment but I'm sure there will be other holiday opportunities in the future that I'll be able to enjoy properly.
As I will not be allowed to drive for 6 weeks after the op and then may not be able to drive for a while I will be a bit housebound once I come home from rehab. If you fancy visiting or having a pop-up sewing day just let me know and I'll let you know how I am faring. I think the things I might need help with might include pottering in the garden, dealing with washing, sharing a meal. I will have Arianne here at least two nights a week to help so that will be excellent.
I pray that I will have a good recovery and that it will not take too long.
1 comment:
Well Betty you certainly have been a trooper these past 8 years but now it's time to have a break & let yr surgeon patch you up so you can enjoy some well-earned relief ! Btw Prince Phil at 96 breezed thru his hip replacement .... well ok he might have had a few more helpers around him altho I believe he did crack his rib falling in the bath afterwards. So it's good idea to "be royal" & stay in rehab.... !
Best wishes ..... NZx
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