Hip-hop anonymous - a PAO journal

One week from today, I'll be in my own apartment. The day after Christmas, I'll drive the 500-some miles to Colorado and get on with my life. A hair cut, visits with friends, and my eight-week follow-up appointment will punctuate the first few days of my return. I'll start physical therapy sessions with Jennifer on Jan. 5, which also is the day I return to work. I'm so excited to get moving again! A few challenges lie ahead, including driving, which I haven't done since the operation. And the possibility of snow and ice, which would be dangerous on crutches and stairs. Luckily, I'll have plenty of help until I get the all clear to drop the crutches, so everything should be good. How can it not be?

Just a quick post to say that I'm back in Colorado, none worse the wear. I did not have to stop any more often than I normally do! One stop in northern Wyoming and one in central Wyoming, and then home sweet home. The ride was not comfortable, but it wasn't too uncomfortable, either. I saw my girls tonight, and it was so good to hang out with them again. I don't feel as if I've been gone very long, but I feel like a very different person from the one who left here seven weeks ago and was stressed to the max and uncertain about everything. Today, I am calm, happy and at peace. But I miss my momma. :)

Two big things happened today. 1) I drove my car. 2) I cooked dinner. Both have done wonders to make me feel like my old self. I can't believe I'm feeling so good! My biggest concern is not pushing too hard as to ruin my new hip. Vroom vroom!

I warily went up my first stair on Mother's Day, two and a half weeks post op. This week, I've conquered 14 stairs in a row no less than four times each day. Going up takes a little more effort and tends to cause a little more discomfort; going down causes more fear and requires more concentration. Tonight, I climbed those 14 wooden stairs with a backpack and a bag from Target in hand. (Photo for all my girlfriends who wanted me to zoom around in the motorized cart.) And if that wasn't enough, today I also decided to try to get into my little two-door coupe to see if I'd ever be able to drive back to Colorado. I conquered that, as well. And it was EASY. And if that wasn't enough, today I also was able to kneel with my good leg on the floor to search for something in a low cabinet. And if that wasn't enough, today I also was able to grab from a standing position -- not with my grabber but with my own hand -- a cord that was ON THE FLOOR. I have a new gn...