all I want for Christmas is my left front hip

Tonight Jude and I will attend a play rehearsal that I’ll fill you in on later.  Just after that she’ll take me to the ferry terminal.  I’ll walk on and be picked up on the other side of the strait by a friend who’ll put me up for the night.  The next morning, after she feeds the pets and lets out the chickens, she’ll come pick me up and take me to the hospital in Campbell River.

At 10:30 a.m. I’ll be admitted to have my left hip replaced.  I’ve been in queue for six months and would be another six months, but there was a cancellation and the hospital offered me the opening.  It’s terrible timing in one sense because of the holidays and play practice, but I’m looking at it as a Christmas gift.  It’s like I’ve been hurled into the future and I can immediately start addressing the increasing pain in my hip and back.

I probably could have waited to ferry over in the morning with Jude, but we’ve had weird weather lately that has caused sailing cancellations.  That plus countless other variables (including my anxiety) led us to this choice.  If, for any reason, I couldn’t get to the hospital on time, it would likely set me back months.

We attended a class at the hospital to learn what preparations were necessary.  There were four other “hippies” there with their family members who, like Jude, will see us through our surgery and recovery.  All four of them were in worse shape than me.  One fellow, already on two canes, has tried for five years to get a replacement.

After the class, Jude and I started procuring the loose clothing and equipment my rehab will require.  We’ve been splitting a lot of wood so she’ll have plenty until I’m functional again.  We have much to do today before rehearsal.  I’ll check in with you when I get home and can tolerate sitting.  Meanwhile, I’m trying to face my anxiety with humour.  For example, I find comfort in knowing that, since I’m having just one hip replaced, my surgery will literally be a half-assed operation.

Happy holidays, everyone!