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My Left Hip

After several years of near-constant pain and impaired mobility, I had my right hip replaced in February, followed by a new left hip earlier this month. I’m relieved to have both surgeries behind me.  To pass the time, I cropped a photo of one of my new joints, added a pair of eyes, and created a less clinical image of the new joint.

X-ray image of a hip joint replacement with a smiley face added for a whimsical effect.
Screenshot

Today, my in-home PT assessed my balance using the Berg Balance Scale, and I scored 47 out of 56. A score of 41-56 indicates low risk and independent walking. I’ll take it.

Over the next four weeks, I could dislocate my hip if I move it past a 90-degree angle, which, in garden-speak, translates to averting my eyes as the weeds sprout. After an unusually mild November, we’re finally seeing true fall weather, including rain. All those weed seeds have been waiting in the wings for their grand entrance. 

They’re unlikely to go to seed any time soon, and the wet ground will make removal easy when I can finally kneel in the dirt, so for now I must bide my time.

As I heal, I’m able to take photos from a standing position. Mike’s also taking me on daily drives for a change of scenery. Nature is a balm.

From the car window, I watched a crow enjoy a slice of sidewalk pizza in nearby Los Gatos.

A crow standing on a sidewalk enjoying a slice of pizza, surrounded by fallen leaves and greenery.

I snapped this view of Silicon Valley in the misty fog at the top of Harwood Hill in San Jose.

A foggy view of Silicon Valley from the top of Harwood Hill in San Jose, with greenery in the foreground.

Heteromeles, commonly known as toyon, are native to our California coast. Not only do they provide food for birds, bears, and coyotes,

“The plant has been used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease by indigenous people of California, and recent research has found several active compounds that are potentially beneficial to Alzheimer’s treatment. These include icariside compounds, which protect the blood-brain barrier and prevent infiltration of inflammatory cells into the brain.” Source Wikipedia

A close-up view of bright red toyon berries contrasting against lush green leaves, with a textured grey wall in the background.

The brilliant red berries brighten autumn’s grey days.

These Canada Geese were impervious to the rain outside the Cambrian Community Center. It must be nice to have a built-in raincoat.

Two Canada Geese in the foreground with several others in the background, surrounded by fallen leaves on a rainy day.
Two Canada Geese standing on green grass, with patches of fallen leaves in the background.

Closer to home, a neighbor’s cat named Thor visited our front deck.

A fluffy cat with blue eyes sitting on a wooden surface, surrounded by green plants and purple flowers.

This potted alstroemeria recovered well after a broken pipe nearly drowned the plant. Once the roots dried and the heat of summer passed, it made a full recovery.

A potted alstroemeria plant with green leaves and a single pink and white flower blooming, set against a natural garden background.

I plan to follow in the plant’s footsteps and make a full recovery as well.

35 thoughts on “My Left Hip”

  1. I can sense your impatience to get past 90⁰ but you’ll soon be able to play in the mud and get back up again more easily than you have been doing for a while now. 😉 I just love Thor’s grumpy face. X

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  6. great pictures, the daily drive sounds like a healing experience. Those weeds will just have to wait for you, let them grow while you get better. Sending you healthy, healing thoughts filled with sunshine and rain.

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  9. My whole comment disappeared again. Head shaking here. I have opened a tab with the link you placed about Alzheimer’s to read later. So happy to hear your healing is going very well. I’m pretty sure I understand why all the neighborhood cats want to visit your house. They know where love lives.

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    • I’m so sorry to hear that, Marlene. I’ve had that happen many times over the years. It’s frustrating.

      Thor thinks he owns the place. I came home one afternoon to find him relaxing on our garden bench. He’s discovered the self-seeded nepeta as well.

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  13. It’s good to hear that progress is good but it must be so frustrating seeing things that need doing and being unable to make a start. But rushing will only cause problems later so please continue to have patience. It is good that you are getting out in the car for a change of scene.

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    • Thank you for your good cheer and practical advice. Weeding has zen-like qualities and practicing patience can be meditative as well. Mixed with those weeds I’m seeing emerging California poppies, so lots of things to enjoy when the time is write.

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  14. What a great way to pass the time as you heal! I always learn something new when I visit. And now I can see where our geese have gone :).

    Get well soon Alys!

    Sara (Birdz of a feather)

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