Monday

The kids were off for a long Easter weekend, which gave us the chance to spend time with some old homeschool friends and just enjoy a slower day together. I was on my feet quite a bit in the first half of the day, so I definitely welcomed a more low-key afternoon as the soreness and fatigue started to set in.

We wrapped up the day with sports for the kids. Even though I’m mostly just driving them to and from practice right now, I’m so grateful to be able to help in that way again.

Tuesday

I had a business meeting in the morning for my decluttering and organizing business, Sister Home Systems, followed by physical therapy in the afternoon. I was cleared to get on the stationary bike for the first time, which felt like a big and exciting milestone!

Right now, a lot of PT consists of manual massage work from my therapist along with simple exercises to do at home. Things like clamshells, side leg lifts, and practicing single-leg balance on my operative leg.

In the evening, we went out to dinner to celebrate my father-in-law’s birthday, which was really nice and another step toward feeling more “normal” again.

Wednesday

I put on makeup and blow-dried my hair for the first time since surgery to head out to a local business networking meeting—it felt like such a small but big step at the same time. Afterward, I made my first post-op Target run!

The freedom to get out and do normal things again felt amazing, but I was definitely sore by the time I got home. That evening was my typical “drive-around and get the kids to all their activities” kind of night—and honestly, I was so grateful to be able to do it.

Thursday

I had in-person counseling in the morning, another first since surgery, and then I got to enjoy my first Emily Day since going under the knife.

If you know me well, you know about my infamous “Emily Days.” It started as a way to carve out a monthly date with myself during the busy season of homeschooling. A full day where I had permission to do whatever I wanted while my husband held down the fort at home.

Emily Days used to include things like thrifting, grabbing coffee or lunch with a friend, and hiking. But over time, I realized my favorite part was much simpler: getting a coffee, driving somewhere new, and listening to a good podcast. That’s it. Give me a new route, a drink in hand, and an interesting podcast, and I am the happiest person.

My friends kind of make fun of me for it, but as moms, they also totally get it. Honestly, you should try it sometime.

So to say I was thrilled to have an Emily Day again after surgery is an understatement. The whole day just felt like freedom and joy.

Friday

I was so happy to be able to “help” in my youngest daughter’s class again for her school party! They had their spring kindergarten party, and even though I mostly just sat with her for the duration of the event, it meant so much to be there. I know she was happy to have me there too.

Saturday and Sunday

These were probably my two best days so far in terms of physical recovery. My hip felt great, and I was moving around the house a lot more!

On Sunday, we went to church and had to park far away, but it didn’t hurt at all during or after the service. Just a week earlier, I had to sit down halfway through worship, but not this time. That felt like such a huge win.

By the end of the weekend, I was feeling really encouraged.

Wrapping it up

Overall, this week felt the most “normal” things have felt in a while, especially when it comes to getting out of the house.

That said, I still need a lot of help at home. My mom comes almost daily to help with laundry and cleaning, and honestly, without her, my house would be a complete disaster.

Some things that are starting to feel easier and more normal again:

• Showering
• Putting on makeup
• Getting dressed
• Driving
• Cooking and preparing meals
• Doing the dishes / loading and unloading the dishwasher
• Starting a load of laundry
• Attending events for the kids

Physical therapy is progressing, but it’s still slow, and I’m definitely riding the roller coaster of up-and-down pain. That said, this week felt like a really encouraging step in the right direction.

Of course… as I’m writing this, three days into week 10, I can’t say the same has been true this week—but we’ll save that for next week’s post.

Resources

If you are contemplating this surgery or preparing for it yourself, be sure to check out my Recovery Resources and Blog pages for more support and guidance.

And as always, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can email me anytime at hello@emilylivingwell.com or connect with me on social media @emilylivingwell.