The plan was set: each day I would spend a few minutes on the elliptical followed by deep, relaxed stretching. Not much later, in conversation with YD and after consulting a PT friend, I had a change of heart.
The celebration for YD’s 40th birthday a few years ago was in preparation when she chose to prove her youthfulness and climbed onto the trampoline with C-boy. A miscalculation in timing snapped YD’s knee resulting in a memorable day at the hospital and months of recovery. (The celebration continued after ED barred the doors so that guests would eat some of the abundance of food before leaving).
Although our knee injuries were quite different, her experience informed me. Giving myself some leeway and absolution from guilt, I am taking it easier, allowing more time for natural healing.
Working in medical institutions, it was not uncommon to see physicians excellent in their field who did not see past the immediate recovery into the implications in daily life. Neurologists often declared their patients ready to return to work or school while we, the therapists, detected gaps in cognitive recovery that would leave the patient struggling and prone to failure.
The surgeon who replaced my hip and knee came highly recommended. Among staff, he was praised as the preferred surgeon. I do not doubt his surgical skills. But post-surgery, I floundered. It may have been helpful if I had not discontinued the physical therapy due to COVID concerns. Perhaps if there had been complications, the surgeon would have been proactive. In any case, I am stepping back, taking anti-inflammatories, icing, and resting. YD was cautioned to allow at least three months for healing before addressing strengthening. My PT assured me that two months out was still early post-surgery.
I should have learned from my hip recovery which did not take off until I parked myself in the recliner for a few days. The stories of people who were up and back to normal within a few weeks disheartened me with the body slow to heal, guilting me into unhealthy practices.
And so I sit here, allowing the good vibes of the universe to heal me. Enjoying the time to write, sew, make music. Healing my body and soul.
You have a good reason to do nothing. The rest of us have no excuses. So enjoy it while you can.