April 16th, 2023

​I have to say, getting prepared for my hip replacement surgery (that I put off for over a year) and my overly optimistic view on my recovery has taught me a lot!  And I feel that what I am learning fits into many other parts of my life and anyone can apply my lessons to their own lives.
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I was so sure that after a week I would be pretty much normal, just not allowed to drive yet.  Although I am recovering very well and quickly the reality of this recovery is not what I thought it would be!  I am learning patience with myself.  I am learning to be gentle with myself and give myself time to heal.  You see I had all of these big ideas about all these things I was going to accomplish right out of the gate; paintings, cleaning, reading, glass work, rework and plan my business plans.  Well, it took me two and a half weeks to be able to paint.  And working on these paintings I cannot do on the floor like I normally paint.  Partly because five days after my surgery I fainted and fell and hit my head, knee and foot and my knee is taking it’s time healing, on top of my hip!  So I can sit and paint in spurts because it is important that I move a lot and also do my exercises. 
Today I painted and did some glass work and of course my exercises.  And everyday I have been going on my walks.  Trying to go farther each day. I have to remind myself not to get frustrated with the fact that my muscles get tired rather quickly. 

I am grateful for friends and family that check in on me.  I stayed the first week at my sister’s home.  She was so great making sure I ate well and took my Tylenol and Ibuprofen on a regular basis.  She made sure that I really paid attention to my body mechanics so I can walk like a normal person again.  And now that I am home she gets me groceries in between her very busy schedule.  Even my two and a half year old grandson has been super careful and loving.  And I have a friend that has had both of her hips replaced and she has been instrumental in helping me know what to expect and to just chill out and accept the pace of healing.

I have a hard time with asking for help and with accepting help.  So this is another thing that this has all taught me.  It’s o.k. to ask for help.  It’s o.k. to accept help.  It’s also important to remember that there are people that love you and care about you and it’s o.k. to let them be there for you. 

I feel that all of these lessons are things that you can apply to many situations throughout your life. When difficult things happen in your life you might just be surprised by the help and love that will be offered to you and if you ask someone for help they will gladly be by your side.

I will be overjoyed when I can get in my own car and drive myself to where ever I am needing to go!!!!