Hi
I've been noticing how all us hippies have our good and bad days. I'm nearly 5 weeks now, and find the days stretching out. I wake up full of good intention and do a few chores that before op would have taken 5 mins but now take a couple of hours.
I then sit for a bit, trying not to turn the TV on! Radio 4 is great. I go for walks, chat to neighbours.
I was used to being busy, worked 3 days a week in a lovely but demanding job. Now I feel my confidence draining away and its a scary feeling.
I'm writing this because this is the only contact I have with people who understand. all our after care, Physio etc is geared up for the physical side of recovery. But should there be something that supports us emotionally. i keep hearing about mindfullness but not sure what it is and would it help me sort my rather down in the dumps head out?? Is it a therapy?
Sorry for rambling on, must get up now and start those chores........
Barbara x
Hi Barbara, I know exactly what you are saying. My confidence def took a dive. I am now 9 weeks and it is coming back. It's strange feeling when you are normally quite independent. Some days I had to kick myself up the bum and get on with things. It does get better, honest! Onwards and upwards xx
Hi Barbara!
By serendipity, see my post an hour ago mentioning mingfullness!
Only when you are ready, I encourage you to find folk or a group who won't be hippies like us, but would have an affinity with the mindfullness side of things and healing. In my case it is Tai Chi today and Alexandra Lesson, for you something different, but yo, go for it!
mic
x
Hello Barbara, yes emotions can an do flutter. I am at my lowest ebb first thing. Partly due to bad nights and waking with general stiffness. My first hour is spent wondering is it worth it and when does one get to the stage of wishing I had done it sooner. Hmmm that will not be today then. I am keeping a daily record and it is helpful to re-read it to see my progress. Yesterday's walk was 3 miles with a half way break for pedicure and foot massage. The morning personal skills take an age. Great to see the sunshine but frustrating not to be able to rush out wherever I fancy. Expecting ups and downs for a few more weeks. I am not yet 3 weeks in. On an 8 week recovery due to osteoporosis so a way to go. Hang on in there. Get feet done, nice little treat, will have another in 2 weeks. If you live near me we could hobble out. Guildford in Surrey
Hi Barbara...yes the emotional impact isn't really addressed and it certainly does exist. Google mindfulness and find a couple of free downloads...sort of a positive focussed meditation. We also do some mindfulness colouring once a week in work ...google mandalas and print them out....if you have some felt tips or pencils its very therapeutic....Amazon have some books too....Diabolically Detailed I think...helps relax and mentally focus on positives...it really does get better though...I'm 14 months post op and 1000% back to normal...well as normal as I ever was!!!....
Hi
onlytoday have I written a text ref feeling out of it. I am not a depressed person and hate this attitude of mine. The weather outside is beautiful and I am recovering from an operation which some people have to wait for ages. I shall look on the web re mindfulness.
Hilary
Hi Barbara a s others have said we all have ups and downs
I found I was much more relaxed after being on the list for 15 months .
Try and tell yourself you are on holiday , you can't do what you really want to so enjoy yourself . I live alone now and am very independent but a messy house didn't matter because visitors understood . It's worse when you are feeling better as you still have to be careful .
if you drive you will soon feel better as you will be able to go out even for an hour.
chin up
11 weeks tomorrow and feeling much bettet
mary
Thanks chrissy. I completely underestimated the effect this would have on me mentally. Concentrated on preparing for the op from a practical point of view.
It will get better, I know. And that puts me in a much better position than other 62 year olds.
Normal? Not sure I know what that means either!
Xx
Hi Barbara, I too feel the same! I am my Hubby's full time carer and am going to ask social services for more help as I am struggling! I also have a very swollen right knee! Having just had my right hip replaced! I still can't put my right sock on!! Regards Amanda
Thank you Ann
I live in Gloucestershire so not very close!
I did have feet done but lovely girl came to my home. I'm afraid 1 mile is my limit at the moment.
Good luck, I've heard Indian head massage rather nice!
Xx
Thank you, glad it isn't just me x
Thanks mary. I have my 6 week check at 7 weeks (?) so another 3 weeks and hopefully driving again.
Like your tip about pretending to be on holiday. Can do that now the sun is shining!
I had a few projects like sorting photo albums etc so will keep going with that
X
Hi Barbara, know the feeling ng at 5 weeks you feel you can do thung s but you don't have the stamina, it will come don't wordy about it when gradually over the next few weeks you will see more and more improvements.
I'm 10 weeks last Friday and on the Sunday, I changed both double bed sheets, hoovered upstairs and downstairs, cleaned bathroom and cloakroom, dusted both bedrooms and did some washing also had a bath and washed my hair because I could.
I think between 5-6 weeks your stamina needs building and yes medical staff don't mention how this op affects you emotionally which is where this site is great, cos when we think we are falling apart we find out we all feel the same, so don't worry, let it go, as they said before pretend your on holiday, enjoy and everything else will come. I'm back at work, went to my sons wedding Monday, to my grandaughters 1st birthday yesterday and at work today. Got my life and my independence back.
Thank you so much Christine.
Now having a weep from all these kind words that people have taken the time to write
Xx
Mindfulness matters....
simply to add I am also a quaker and sometimes go on sharmanic ritual meetings...
all spiritual experiences and are wonderfully healing for me
Mic
x
I have to agree with everyone here. I also was crazy busy working at our local Medical Center in the very operating room where they did my surgery. I was mentally prepared for the surgery it's this recovery part that has gotten me down from time to time. Thank goodness I f this group to help me with the emotional roller coaster. Also I'm fro the U.S. and couldn't find a,forum here in the States to get tips and share problems with. Ok I'm rambling here now. This place has been my lifeboat.