Sunday, May 22, 2011
Post-op Day 20: All is Well
After almost three weeks since surgery, I'm driving, walking without assistance, riding a stationary bike, and generally feeling much better. The doctor released me for work beginning tomorrow. Although I still need an occasional short nap to restore my energy, all is well.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Post-Op Day 10: Better, but slow
I went into this surgery with expectations of bouncing back in a flash. Funny how expectations set me up for frustration, disappointment. Fact is, I am improving each day, but it's a slow process. Right now my typical morning is consumed by very few activities: eating breakfast, doing exercises, taking a short walk, resting--and by then it's lunch time! Challenging my sense of productivity.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Post-Op Day 5: Surgery is Violent
The pain, swelling, bruises, and raw incision so much a part of these first few days of post-op remind me that surgery is inherently violent: A surgeon’s job is to cut, saw, rip, and otherwise dismember the human body. I know the "end justifies the means" rationale—that is what allowed me to give consent last Monday. But even though the procedure serves a greater good, the actions themselves are forceful, intense, violent. So I'm curious about who becomes a surgeon? Or, asked in a slightly different way, who is this person when being a surgeon? What is it like to perform actions that are unacceptable in any other arena? And how does the dehumanization that must be necessary to effectively do this work affect the way the surgeon experiences him(her)self and other human beings outside the OR?...
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Post-op Day 3: Rehab
I made my first visit to the physical therapist this afternoon. When I returned home took a crutch-supported walk down the sidewalk in sunshine and fresh air. Neighborhood kids on bikes crossing sidewalk, making me a bit nervous--dislocation must be avioded!
New Hip
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