Wow, this has been a challenging recovery from surgery! Thank goodness my mom was able to come back to Ohio to take care of me during this time. I just flew her back to Florida last week, and I spent some time down there with my sister and her family, and their hot tub and pool. I just got back and will be celebrating Karen’s birthday tomorrow here at home, privately.
I didn’t want to tell folks, but before the surgery the surgeon told me only that I *should* be able to return to work (no guarantees), and that I might be able to do things like ride my tractor again, but that I’d have to be able to face the probability that I couldn’t do most of the things I was used to being able to do after the surgery.
I independently chose to do some physical therapy before surgery because this increases the likelihood of an optimal recovery. I also pushed the surgeon to allow me to resume my therapy after surgery about a month and a half earlier than most opt to do so. I’ve been pushing myself really hard.
My physical therapist said that I’m doing as well as it’s even possible to do, months ahead of most people, and that he thinks I’ll have a full recovery. I spent the morning weeding my garden (which is unplanted as of yet) and riding my tractor, so I think he may be right. I’m extremely sore, but it was worth it!
I’m going to have a birthday party for Karen at our house either next weekend, or the weekend after. It will be potluck, though I’ll get a ham and hot dogs. I’ll nail down the date within the next few days. I hope to see you soon!