Recovering from my surgery has been slow but steady. Not there yet, but on the right track, which is good. My husband has been good - with hardly a complaint (okay, a few complaints) - about doing things to help. He is adamant that I shouldn't do too much too soon. I think when it actually registered that my blood count had been dangerously low, requiring blood transfusions over about 14 hours across two days. he got a bit of a shock. To be fair, we both did, though more in hindsight. So he is keen for my recovery to go smoothly. He claims he's adding up all the favours I've asked of him, and is looking forward to me repaying them. I said he has to put them in the bank as insurance against some time when he will get sick/need surgery, and I have to be the chief driver/cook/bottle-washer/errand runner/muscle.
So I've been doing very little. The odd bit of cooking or making lunch, tidying up the kitchen a bit (though no bending allowed which makes it harder), walking around and around the living room to get some gentle exercise (if I go out I have to climb, and that puts too much pressure on the abdomen and pelvic floor), catching up on recorded TV (making my way through House of Cards Season 1), binge watching Season 2 of The Bridge, and ... an indulgence ... binge watching Season 1 of How I Met Your Mother (because I've never watched it before). I will be watching the rest.
I thought recovery would be no problem, because I would have the internet, and I could use the time to write. But sitting here at the computer in my office is not entirely comfortable, and I'm not supposed to do it for too long because of the pressure on my abdominal muscles. And reading ... well, I didn't anticipate the severe brain fog from the anaesthetic (hence all the TV watching). Just this week it has lifted, and I've been at last able to read a couple of books, and may return even to The Luminaries.
And it made me realise how much harder it would have been if I had had children. Being able to take it easy, concentrate on my recovery, and sleep when I need to sleep is, I suspect, something that many women in my position can only imagine. That said, many women my age have adult children who can help out too, so I guess it goes both ways. Still, I'm thankful that I am able to concentrate on me at this time. I don't think it's selfish, I think I am lucky. And right now, I need to see the advantages of my situation.
Glad to hear you're on the mend. Rest up and take it easy on yourself. You've been through a lot.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on the recovery... Those quiet and long moments of recovery when you are too awake to sleep but too foggy to do much, well I personally find those tricky. Hope you are on the mend, and if they are your thing, I found audiobooks and podcasts to be godsends during my various recovery periods. Close my eyes and just listen, often till I feel asleep. But whatever works for you, may you have it in spades!
ReplyDeletedear Mali,
ReplyDeleteI wish you a fast recovery.
Great... you have time to watch The House of Cards. I liked it! Can't wait for the season 3.
XO,
Good to hear that you're taking it easy and your husband has also helped you in the process. You're not selfish at all. Self-care is important.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are feeling a bit more like yourself. From what I know (from friends & relatives who have had the same operation), though, it is a long, slow process -- so don't rush it! My mother had a procedure that was supposedly less invasive (when she was in her late 50s) but it still took her a good 6-8 weeks to feel like herself again. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're doing better. Take care!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to be limited! I hope your recovery goes quickly and you are soon back to your normal self. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteHope you are growing stronger by the moment. Glad to hear you are taking it easy!! All best to you...
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