No Place Like Home

Home never looks so good as it does when we've been away for awhile. Add surgery into the mix, and that's true after only three days.

I am happy to report that I came home last Thursday after hip replacement surgery on Monday morning - no moss growing on me; hospitals won't allow that, for sure.

The surgery was successful and recovery is nicely underway. I am remembering how to use all of the equipment required to prevent dangerous movements for the next three months:

The walker -


Less stressful than crutches and easier on the arms. Crutches work well for going out.


We'll see this time; last year, I developed quite a callous on the hand opposite to the operated side which took several weeks to go away.

The reacher - a truly versatile tool. I can take get a jar from the top shelf of the cupboard and pick up a dime from the floor; put on pants, get things too far away horizontally.

I have the same kind as Bill on The Little Couple!

The sock puller - kind of self-explanatory.

The hospital food was worse than I remembered it - and damned if we didn't have toast and cream of wheat the first morning for breakfast!  I would have appreciated Judie sneaking in treats. One of my friends did offer to make some meals for me, but my appetite wasn't much to speak of. Now I have lots of fruit, chocolate, and my husband's great cooking.

Thanks to everyone who sent best wishes and prayers - they worked!

Hip, Hip, Hooray - The Second Time Around

Nearly one year ago - eleven months and seven days, to be exact - I had total hip replacement surgery. On Monday, I am having the other hip replaced.

What I wrote then is still true. I am elated to start the process that will allow me to move more freely; aprehensive about any procedure involving needles, saws, hammers, and scalpels; resolute about the rehabilitation which is very precise, involved, and fairly lengthy.

A repeat surgery is an odd thing. I know what to expect, so have less anxiety about just what will occur.
But, I know what to expect, so have more anxiety about just what will occur.

And I'm sure the food in the hospital is no better than it was last year. It was interesting to see how bad even simple things could be - I will avoid the toast and the cream of wheat. Still, far better to have the food be not so good and the quality of care excellent, which it was.

So, here I go again. I'll be dancing soon!