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!

7 Days of Gifts

Where my parents got this lovely tradition, I have no idea. For several years now, they have prepared a box containing seven individually wrapped gifts which they send to friends and family who are sick or having surgery, anything where the treatment and recovery are either long, scary, or both.

The gifts are small and fun - books, stuffed animals, chocolate, nice soap - whatever would cheer up a sick person.

The most interesting aspect of all this is the stuffed animal which they include in every gift package. Everyone so far has especially taken to the little fuzzy toy - young and old, business and professional people!

There is something reassuring and childlike about a stuffed animal that gives us all comfort.

I received my first gift box last week, this surgery being the first time I've needed such TLC since my parents have been doing the gift boxes.

And like everyone else, I'm enjoying the books and the chocolate. But I'm especially enjoying the stuffed cat which I keep beside me most of the time (it may not purr, but is vastly better behaved than our three live cats!).

I am recovering nicely, with the help of the cats - stuffed and live - and tons of support from my wonderful husband.