This is just a small message to say a big massive well done to all the mothers who have children from babies upwards that have somehow navigated this huge and life changing operation with children in tow with little or no help. It is huge, incredibly challenging and you don't even have the time to cry or to ask for help...so this message is for you.
I look back now and can not believe I managed with two children at 3 and a half weeks post op on my own full time - a huge 15 hours a day, I was still on two crutches and could not even get dressed or do the basics. How I did it is still beyond me....but we did! We all got through it!....
and to all those patients in the throes now...my biggest and best hug goes to you. We all have a long recovery, but cooking, cleaning, caring for others and trying to get better - it is nothing short of heroic.
So if you are exhausted reading this, know that other mothers have trodden the same path, cried the same tears of desperation but overcome all...to eventually play with our children once again as I did today. It is all worth it in the end...
I second that Rose!! I can't imagine having this surgery when my children were still young. I am blessed to have a family that would never leave myself but that urgency to nurture would take over. I also applaud all this that have wee ones and recovering!!!
Erika
Oh my - I totally agree! My husband and I talked about this and about single people living alone who have navigated this journey and stayed sane! Kudos to you all!
xxxxx
What a lovely post, I'm awaiting my rthr , I have 3 children aged 13,9 & 6 a fantastic supportive husband and its them that are getting me through this
Ich bin ein alleinerziehender Vater mit voller Sorgerecht für meine zwei Töchter. Es sind nicht nur Mütter. Ihre Mutter hat beschlossen, dass sie nicht länger Ehefrau oder Mutter sein wollte, und hat uns vor sieben Jahren verlassen.
This applies to mothers and fathers! It would be very difficult even with both parents, but with only one...I stand in awe of you, Chris!
Oh Chris - that just sucks. I am so sorry. Of course, this sentiment applies to all single parents as well.
Recovery must have especially tough for you and for your girls to see at less your 100% fatherness. There are several single Dad's on here including one with a very young son who was terrified to be apart from his Dad at first then very insecure with his Dad needing help.
I really hope you have a strong circle of friends helping you and your daughters.
All my best wishes for you and your daughters.
Linda
Hallo Rose,
Gut gemacht, das kann nicht einfach gewesen sein, allein Vollzeit zu arbeiten!
Ich habe gerade auch deinen anderen Beitrag gelesen, ich bin heute 10 Wochen drin mit einem zweieinhalbjährigen Sohn.
Es war manchmal schwierig, aber mein Mann war großartig. Du hast recht, wir werden alle irgendwann dorthin kommen.
Ich habe mir Sorgen gemacht, wann ich wieder richtig mit meinem kleinen Jungen spielen und mich sicher fühlen würde, ihn alleine spazieren zu führen (und ohne Kinderwagen! Ich warte auf die Worte „Hoch, Mami!“ 
– die habe ich jetzt endlich erreicht!!). Es ist schwer, sich auszuruhen und die Dinge langsam und vorsichtig anzugehen, wenn man einen Energielieferanten durchs Haus rennen hat. Aber für alle mit Kindern ist es wirklich möglich, anstrengend, aber ja, möglich!!!
Pass auf dich auf,
Laura X
Sorry it took so long, I never have a minute to come back on - you are right you are a parent before everything else, and so you get on and do it, but couldn't help but think of others in my position and hope they feel encouraged that you do soon feel completely better.
I LOVE the kitties thank you Hil xxx
People on their own, that is a tough one, I always hope they live in neighbourhoods with help and friends around, but there must be some that don't.
I found pre op really tricky - post op it takes longer than you expect but the pain is less (that was my experience anyway) I would set aside six weeks before getting back to normal(ish) at the earliest. Second time around this is how I will plan it. My husband was absolutely wonderful, but needed to go back to work after nearly four weeks off...and my family live a long way away. In hindsight I should have made more use of my friends! I would say not only is my marriage much closer after this, it seems to have deepened considerably, but my children also appreciate what I do a lot more than they ever did!
So I would say lots of upsides Michelle - and of course the ability to walk and enjoy life again, which goes without saying!
And to you, just reflecting as you do, then considering others, and hope they have lots of support at least on here if nowhere else xxx
Have you had your operation or about to have it Chris?
I am hoping you have lots of support from family and friends. You don't say how old your daughters are, but what I would say for daughters is that they may well love to help, I know I could not have managed at all without mine.
We are all here, and support you 100%
You are doing well 10 weeks, so you are really getting there (in some ways and not others I hear just what you are saying)
A little tot needs a lot of care, and you can't run either, so I guess you need to be very careful where you go and what you do.
It gets A LOT easier from 12 weeks, and by 20 weeks you are really feeling (almost) completely like your old self, minus the tremendous bone pain of before. I feel and look younger now definitely, but is a long old road!
Now my new hip can go anywhere and the other is holding me up!!
You are doing a great job 'running' around after a little tot, and soon you will be able to play and run with him, and there is nothing quite like that moment when it comes. I couldn't help but cry. I had waited so long for the moment to come, you have many happy days ahead.
