Hurting

[digitS']

That's okay @Smiles Jr. It isn't as tho' they built any memorial to the Hensley pioneers, beyond naming the township.

In fact, the town itself was named for British Admiral Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. I would have named the town Hensley .

It likely wouldn't even be the Wide Spot in the Road that it is today, with that name.

Steve

 

[Smiles Jr.]

I know, I know, it's been a long time. Sorry.
Here is quickie up-date on my hip and leg after the accident. For those of you who aren't aware . . . back in November I was involved in a freak accident here at PlayStation Farm. While we were handling 550# round bails of hay several bales rolled off a trailer which was 10 ft. or more away from me. One was rolling pretty fast and found me. It tried to roll up the side of my left leg and damaged my thigh and hip. I have been hobbling around here for many months now and after about 9 trips to doctors and specialists during December, February, and March, X-rays, MRIs, and Catscans, and some physical therapy it was becoming evident that surgery may be the only sensible fix. Several of my ligaments were tron to a point where they would not mend on their own and the muscle tear was worse than originally thought. My hip joint was splintered and the cartilage was damages as well. Extremely painful. I got three specialist doctor's opinions and, believe it or not, they all had two conference calls together and it was mutually decided that surgery was needed. I had a hip replacement and internal stitches to attempt to repair the torn ligaments on April 12nd. Thank goodness for pain pills as they carried me for three weeks after the hospital stay. I'm completely off all medications now and sometimes the pain keeps me up all night. The prognosis isn't as rosy as I would like but it is what it is. I'll probably have a very noticeable limp for many years and the typical aches and pains every time the weather changes. But I ain't dead and I prefer to focus on the positive.

I feel absolutely horrible about not being able to pull my weight here on the farm. Planting season is always a crazy time on the farms in the midwest with all the rain, wet fields, and equipment problems. I have elected myself as the shop keeper and I have been very busy with equipment repairs and maintenance for the past three weeks. I hope I'll be able to give 100% for fall harvest.

Seven months of pure torture and worry. Wow! And I was concerned about becoming dependent on the pain meds. but that worked out fine.

 

[Smart Red]

The doctors suggest that when pain meds are truly needed few people become dependent on them. The problems arise after the need for meds is past. Some complain they need the meds when they don't because they fear a return of the pain. Those are the ones who become dependent. Until that time, there is no body/mind association with feeling good, only the alleviation of pain.

I'm happy to hear you are doing better and see yourself as an asset to the farm even if you're not 100%. Healing is hard work. Push yourself just enough, but cut yourself some slack at day's end. You're on the right path now.

 

[baymule]

I am so glad you had the surgery and are doing better. It will never be "as good as new" but it will be much better than it was. My husband had total knee replacement in March, went through months of therapy and is doing much better. It will be a long road back to recovery, but it sure beats a lifetime of pain. Don't let the frustration get you down, it will get better.

 

[ninnymary]

Wow Smiles, you sure have gone through a lot! You are on the road to recovery and that is a plus. Keep your focus on what you can do and not on what you can't. It sounds like you are doing that. A year from now you will be better but like Bay says it will never be like before. At least you are still around to enjoy your family and for them to enjoy you. Wishing you a speedy recovery and a continued positive attitude.

Mary

 

[journey11]

Praying you have a quick and full recovery. Sounds like you'll have to find yourself a new hobby to pass the summer.

 

[Carol Dee]

Oh My @Smiles Jr. What a nasty 7 months! I am glad to hear you are on the mend and able to help out at PlayStation. Sitting and watching sure gets frustrating. Take it one day at a time. Stay focused. Stay positive and remember your TEG friends are pulling (and praying for you) stop anytime and vent if you feel the need.

 

[so lucky]

Well, I have been wondering about you. Last we heard, it sounded pretty hopeless. So glad that something could be done, and you did it.

 

[thistlebloom]

You've been on my mind too. I'm glad you gave us a update on what's been going on with your injury.

It's so easy to give advice, and I know how you must want to get back to helping out and working hard again. But just be careful okay?

 

[Smiles Jr.]

Thanks everyone. And your hugs are always welcome. Are those things called emojies or something like that?