In exactly one week from now I should be (barring any delays) either in a recovery room or in my actual room at the hospital. I am simultaneously freaked out and wicked excited. It is high-time for this dysfunctional hip to go, high-time I tell ya. It's causing me to live I life I do no wish to live: house-bound, inactive, and in far too much pain.
I can't help but get caught up in the minute details of it all: how am I supposed to get in and out of a car/bed when my arms are destroyed by RA? How am I going to deal with all the damn stairs in my house? What if my ass falls off? (I am not actually scared of this, it's in reference to my new favourite - though now inactive - blog by Arley McNeney, fellow Canadian and youngster hip recipient. Part of her ass was literally unattached after surgery. Seriously).
But, I have been promising myself the past couple of days to really focus on the positive. I even have my own mantra, which I say aloud when my hip painfully grinds and pops its way into place:
"Smooth metal ball, shiny new socket. Smooth metal ball, shiny new socket. Smooth metal ball, shiny new socket". Oh yes, smooth metal ball and shiny new socket, you will soon be mine!
Stay focused on the positive and let it come your way. Sending lots of healing thoughts your way and excited to hear good news.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy! It is, indeed, good news :)
DeleteOk, I suggest surrounding yourself with the following arsenal for recovery: lots of comedies if they make you laugh, a good dose of dark chocolate if you can have chocolate, a furry friend (you have this covered already :-) and some good old fashioned planning like a helping hand or two for when you get home, all the necessary equipment that might be needed (walker, raised toilet seat, etc. etc.) Since I haven't had this particular surgery I can't give you a definitive list but planning ahead will surely help. And oh yes, gather the food delivery menues in one spot/near a phone :-) Keeping positive can only help get the good endorphins flowing. I like your mantra :-)
ReplyDeleteI have my netflix and will certainly have some chocolate (and chips! I am a salt fiend) at my fingertips! My little weiner-bug, Fran, will definitely be keeping me company and listening to me complain/ramble for sure :)
DeleteFor the first week I will stay in my mum's basement apartment, where everything is on one level, and extra help is nearby (and food, my momma feeds us a lot!). I already have crutches, and am waiting on the toilet seat and a bath grab-bar, and need to get another long-handled reacher...it seems like there is so much prep for this!
Thank you for your suggestions!
Wow, good luck Pony! Just think of all the things you'll get to do once you've recovered and stay positive. Thinking of you!! By the time I get back from my holiday you'll be hopping around :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Squirrel! I am envious of your holiday, but am looking forward to my own trip to Montreal later this summer when I am nice and healed :)
DeleteBest of luck, Pony! Can't wait to hear about you moving about with your new hip! Take care and all the best! :) L
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurie! I plan on eating pie and cupcakes as part of my recovery ;)
DeleteHi Good Luck with your surgery. I am also having hip replacement surgery in May. I have RA and I too wonder how I am going to support myself with my aching wrists and fingers. please let us know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteDANA
Hi Dana,
DeleteWelcome! I'm attending an educational session the day before my surgery that I'm hoping will provide me with some useful tips. I have a feeling patience and support from family/friends will be a major piece in this. I'll be glad to pass any info along. Also, feel free to email me at stephieflowers@gmail.com if you need tips/calming down once I've had the surgery :) Take care and let me know how everything goes for you!