With any recovery there comes a point when you hit the wall, the point at which you feel you aren't improving anymore. What they don't tell you about is week 3 & ½. I had always know there was going to be a point where my progress slowed down and wasn't marked by those extremely obvious milestones, the first steps, climbing the stairs, getting yourself dressed, but I hadn't expected to get this frustrated.
By nature I am very determined, I have never let my hip hold me back, but I also know this is the crux of my frustration. Being told I can't do something only makes me want to do it more. In some situations this is a very good quality to have, come 6 weeks post op when I can start pushing those physical barriers it will be fantastic, but currently at week 5 abiding by my two post-hip replacement rules is testing my patience.
Anger is often perceived as a very negative emotion but when defined,
"the feeling or state of being annoyed; irritation or hostility"
provided there is no hostility, I feel it can be turned into a very positive emotion.
I will walk pain free. I will run. I will get back to sport. I shall not be defined by my hip.
I have decided to look for the mini milestones, as Mary Englebreit said, "if you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it". Last weekend I managed a few hours shopping, even though I had to stop half way through the two hour trip, I did it. This Saturday I completed my first days work, I was on my feet on and off for 7 hours while I photographed a ballet show, it felt fantastic to be getting back to normal.
My hip may quite literally carve my path as I walk through life but I refuse to let it stop me.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Confucius
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Ps. Thank you for the messages over the past weeks with words of wisdom and support. I am so pleased my blog is meeting its original intention to help others in my shoes.