My first project since my hip replacement

I knew that I might like s fun and easy project to get back into my sewing after my hip replacement surgery. It’s been 3bweeks and I’m now graduating from walker to the cane. I did the artwork and got all the pieces ready before the surgery.

Today,  I felt like sewing and I put it together. All that’s left is to finish the inside and add pull tabs.

It will make a great knitting project bag.

I finished another easy sweater for little Gussie made with Lion brand, Ice Cream Cotton Blend and I love the feel of it. It’s machine washable and dryable.

They had a nice beach day on Friday.

We are hoping to see them in a couple of weeks when they come here to stay at a cottage next to my in laws.

I’m still having anxiety problems but it is improving. My doctor upped the dose of the medication this week and it makes me so drowsy until,I get used to it. I decided to take the increase dose at supper time today instead of the morning when I take the rest. 

I like to have some no brainer knitting on hand for resting times and I’ve found out that the volunteer services at our hospital will provide yarn and patterns for volunteer knitters.

This is what I’m doing.

When I haven’t been to shaky, I’ve been doing a little loose sketching of some of my garden flowers as I find it helps me to relax.

How are you doing in these times? Are things easing where you are? Do you find yourself nervous about getting out there as I do? If all goes well after my follow up in Moncton later in July, we may go for a few days to the Island. I’m sure I’ll be anxious before we go but will relax once there. We will have a private house to stay in.

Take care, 💜

After my hip replacement

It’s been 2 weeks since the replacement was done and I’m getting around well with little pain. I’m only taking Tylenol twice a day. I travelled the 2 plus hours to Moncton to have this method done (anterior) as it’s less invasive and they don’t cut muscle. I also opted for an epidural so recovery time is faster. We made the trip home fine, the only hitch trying to find a decent washroom that I could get into with my husband’s help.

This is my current means of transportation but only for one more week and I can graduate to cane for 3 weeks.

Tomorrow, I go to have the Staples removed and we’ll see if a shower will be soon.

What I have found very relaxing is utility’s stitching a baby quilt that a friend very kindly sandwiched for me.

I’m using masking tape as guiding lines along the diagonals using perle  cottons size 5 in a variety of colors. Today I set up at the dining room table as it’s easier on the back and arms.

I took a break to try a small sketch of some cornflowers.

In my last post I talked about the anxiety I’ve been suffering and my shakiness. I had to concentrate and relax to calm the hands.

So far, the anxiety meds have not helped, at least discernibly so. I will see the dr later this week and see if a bigger dose or perhaps further investigations may be needed. 

In the meantime I’m doing my best to follow my exercises, and do what I can to relax. Guided meditations are also helpful and there are lots to be found on you tube.

We’ll I’m heading to wash my hair in the sink as showering may not come right away.I’m lucky to have a high gooseneck and a shower head.

Happy Father’s Day to all the hubbies out there. I know I’ve been really appreciating mine for how wonderful he’s been in helping me out. I think the basic cook is learning to make meals!

Happy Sunday!

My absence

Some of you may have noticed that I’ve been away from my usual social media lately. I’m going to try to explain.

Several weeks ago I started having what I thought was restless legs and I found it difficult to sit still or relax. We tried treating that but things worsened. The restlessness grew. I started shaking. I had a hot ball of heat in my stomach that would radiate outward and then I’d get shivers. It was all very I comfortable and scary.

I ended up going to emergency where I was very well treated. They put me in the family room and I didn’t t wait very long to see a dr. He told me it was extreme anxiety hyper vigilance and I would need medication which was immediately prescribed. I would also hear from a mental health person in 48 hrs which I did and they’ve been in contact every couple of days. 

The medication takes time to work as it gets slowly increased and I have to take something else in the meantime. 

This snuck up on me as I felt I was quite content in my studio and my artwork, and I really have little control over it. 

I’m groggy and fatigued while I get used to the meds so it’s hard to do much. I’ve been knitting a little and trying to sew the odd bit as the days can be long.

Some days I put on e block together.

My 1 yr old grandson Gussie, is wearing a sweater I sent over.

 

The second sweater that I did and finished before this all started.

Then, I got called for my hip replacement which took only 6 months and was a complete surprise. I’m pretty anxious about that too as I’m traveling a few hours to and from the hospital.

So, it may be some time before you see me back here but I will be eventually.

I hope you all can truly take time to relax and look after yourselves.

💜