By Jackie Deal
“There is no joy in Mudville, mighty Casey (Jackie) has struck out.” (Or something like that.) No “Hip, Hip, Hooray.” No “Whoopi!” Maybe just a “Whoo”. You see, I‘ve just had my six week check-up after total hip replacement and had been counting on all restrictions being lifted. Not so. My orthopedic surgeon says, “No, I keep the restrictions on for three months.” Three months?? No, No. No bending over. Can’t pick up things off the floor. Can’t reach down and pet Amber when she throws herself on the floor, tummy exposed, asking to be petted. That’s the worst. ‘Cuz I can’t explain to her why I won’t pet her when she so cunningly invites me. For how many more weeks? (My mathematic abilities fail me). I have to impose on my friends to do all the things I can’t do for myself. Like empty Amber’s litter box! I hate it.
But the other half of “Whoo/pi”, I can drive! Oh joy! Having to rely on others to drive me everywhere is like grounding a gooney bird. The doctor says, “Do you feel like you can safely drive?” I didn’t tell him I’ve already driven once when I goofed and didn’t have a driver for a Physical Therapy session. I did fine.
Nobody likes restrictions: changes. They say that cats don’t do well with changes. Amber has done just fine with strangers coming in and out, in fact she seems to enjoy it. She has even jumped up onto laps and allowed a measured amount of petting. She isn’t an overly affectionate cat so I’ve been amazed and pleased at her reactions.
By the time I’ve completed that three months restrictions I’ll be ready to have the other hip replaced. Yes, arthritis is an equal opportunity invader. I don’t relish the thought of six months of incapacitation. But I do appreciate that the operative hip no longer pains me.
I am so blessed to have good friends who have rallied round to do for me what I can’t do for myself. I don’t deserve all the help I’ve received. There’s no way I can ever repay them. All I can do is say “I’ll pay it forward.” So for another few weeks Amber will enjoy the attention of her new friends and she will continue to repay them with her unexpected affection. Maybe she understands that sometimes change is necessary.
I’m sure Amber is enjoying every minute of your forced inactivity. She will pretend otherwise, but she will welcome all substitute petters. She will then lord it over you with a “well, they love me even if you don’t “attitude to make you feel bad and give her more attention.
Jackie, of course you deserve it! Everyone knows that you’ll pay it forward. You always have! Thankful that you have good friends there to help. Take care & please continue to follow doctor orders. Defiance could add another 3 months to your sentence! It’s not worth the risk. God bless.