I am stunned by how well our immune systems eventually work, but how slowly the process seems to take the older we get. I had a total shoulder replacement the last day of April and within a week I was in the Emergency Room for what my Dr. feared was an intestinal blockage and turned out to be the morphine I took for 5 days post surgery. My system hates opiods and needs to rely on Tylenol ONLY going forward, in spite of the threat of pain.
So we were into June and my shoulder was beginning to heal, but the progress on physical therapy was further thwarted by a sudden failure of one knee to hold me up. I ended up back in the Emergency Room, hospitalized for a week. Nobody ever could figure out what happened, but I slowly got back on my leg and once more resumed healing from the shoulder surgery. Then in early Ocrober I started coughing and spent another 3 weeks with a bronchial condition that took my strength but finally subsided with home remedies and a 10 day course of Anti-Biotics.
At this writing I am still mostly homebound with help from my trusted assistant, my treasured housekeeper and a couple of marginal Home Health Aides. My physical therapy Telehealth sessions with Sarah at Harkness are going well and the use of the left arm is now pretty normal with more strengthening to come. I face these holiday months after a disappointing election, with gratitude for the ability to use not only my left arm, but also my mind and heart, and for the many friends and neighbors who continue to come to my aid as I push into my 80's.
The purpose of this long life continues to puzzle me, but I keep doing what I can to create a safe environment within which to age with grace, and, after 2 years of debilitating arthritis pain (now gone!) and 3 subsequent set-backs I have been able to excavate all closets, corners, drawers and shelves in my apartment - now sorted and re-imagined. Two weeks ago the Salvation Army truck came and carted away 14 bags of things along with some large items I never used - like an ironing board, a sewing machine, a standing bike, and a folding shelf/tray. Many clothes, kitchen things, and various and sundry accumulations have now been cleared from the space - all living areas re-created for maximum function.
I look forward to the peace and satisfaction that comes with a complete evaluation of the environment and making steps towards further improvement. Seems like a small thing, but the effect has been huge.
Wishing you all a holiday season with some hope, a lot of heart and the patience to cope with what is to come. If you find yourself in SoHO with a little time, please let me know and come visit. I have reached the age where the world must come to me, but I think about all the wonderful people in my life and miss our encounters and conversations. I would treasure your visit.
Yours in love and gratitude,
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