Broken Hips and Holidays

Late March, early April consisted of running around like a headless chook (chicken). My husband had a hip replacement on the 8th of April and there was loads to get ready before the big day and of course regular life had to carry on in the meantime as well. So between shifting (moving to my North American friends) stock, preg testing the cows and weighing lambs off for the sale yards there was also school, soccer practice and rugby training to get the kids to.


Working on the farm as well as running the home and being a taxi service is nothing out of the ordinary, but the closer we got to the operation, the less and less my husband could do on the farm and the more everyone else had to pick up the slack. We are fortunate that we found a reliable, experienced man to take over while Mick is recovering. 

It was a relief when the big day finally arrived. The operation only took about two hours and he was up on the ward in three. But I know what you're thinking. Either a) I'm using an old picture for my bio and I'm much older than I look, or b) I married a much older man, a sugar Daddy as it were. Sorry to disappoint. My man is still quite young...or at least young to have his hip replaced.


He was in the hospital for only four days, including the day of his operation. They kick them out quite fast if you ask me. I think that he should have stayed another night, and in the hospital's defense, the nurses said he could stay if he wanted to. But he's stubborn and wanted to come home. All was well...for the most part. He was in extreme pain for only a little while when he woke up from a nap and his painkillers had worn off, but we learned from our mistake and made sure he was well drugged up for the next few days.


It has now been about three weeks (although I'd have to check the calender to confirm that, one day is blending into the next at the moment) and he is completely off all medication now and getting around on his crutches like a pro. In fact, when we went to get his dressing changed the physio said he was doing really, really well. It might have something to do with the fact that they are used to seeing people twice his age, but still, I'm very impressed. Especially considering the state his hip was in before the replacement. His hip was stuffed, completely worn out. I have it in my freezer if you want proof. I did consider posting a photo of it, but thought it might gross too many people out.


And the holiday part of my post? We haven't packed our bags and headed for tropical islands for the winter, tempting as it would be. No, the kids had two weeks off from school over the Easter. The first week consisted of them staying at friends and visiting their dad in the hospital and the second week we all just hung out at home.

It was really nice. It's been a long time since they enjoyed each others company without too much fighting. We finished reading Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince and then watched the movie. I've been mean to them and not allowed them to see the movie until we finish the corresponding book so they've been hanging out to see it for a long time. I do think their friends at school have told them what happens though. :( We are now onto the final book of the series and I feel sad about that.


The kids are now back at school and life has returned to some semblance of normal with school and sports to get them to. But my husband will be stuck at home in the house with me for a few weeks yet and it will take some getting used to having him hang around. I've taken to hiding in my room to get writing done. Some days I feel like I've never actually gotten up. Oh the sacrifices one must make... ;)