new beginnings

Posted , 12 users are following.

My dear friends, 

Well, I have blessed and released 2015 - What an interesting journey it was (still is) in your lovely company -

I have started to do some volunteer work ... Left my coccoon, so to speak wink after a year or so .... 

A brand new cultural center openend in the village in October - assisted living for seniors but open to everybody ...  I had told the visiting home health nurse that I was interested - 

They are, of course, aware of my physical limitations like lifting or pushing heavy things; still need my cane when walking in hallway etc ...

Most people there are of able albeit old body - I am talking late 80's and 90's - 

I take care of pouring coffee, tea, help them sit down/ get up and playing games and such ...  Just 2-3 hours in the morning when they need me - 

So, I have been assisting 3 days in a row (someone cancelled due to illness) and a bit disappointed that I am still so stiff and sore around knees and groin in both legs  - It feels as if my hips are bruised when I lightly touch them -  even my scars are sensitive ...

I am thinking of all of you who are going back to work at 8-10-12 weeks - how do you do that in the beginning ... 

Today is so cold and icy outside !   WInter might have arrived !

Thank you for letting me share 

big warm hug

renee

4 likes, 26 replies

26 Replies

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  • Posted

    Hi Renee

    Thanks for your post. I have been thinking of doing some volantary work too. I retired 4 years ago and had been helping to look after my grandchildren until my second op in October. They are both at school now and for the first time in my adult life I am totally free of any work commitments. Its a bit strange to say the least and a bit scary too if Im honest. So I am going to start checking out how I can volunteer in my community. 

    I had previously posted that I would love to be able to help people who have been in our situation (been through a major op) with some short term support once they get home from hospital or even visit them in hospital.

    So your post has spurred me on to get myself in to gear tomorrow once my husband is back at work.

    Big warm hug back to you Renee 

    Linnet x

  • Posted

    Good for both of you, Renee and Linnet.  Volunteering can be so rewarding.  There are organisations in the UK that will help you find what it is you would like to do.

    please may I do a little shameless advertising and ask anyone who wants to volunteer to consider Samaritans.  It is not for everyone but if you think it might interest you please contact your local branch.  You will be welcomed with open arms.

    joan

    • Posted

      Joan not shameless advertising but a really good idea about the Samaritans.

      Thank you

      Linnet x

  • Posted

    Renee,

    That is brilliant - I just knew from the way you selflessly support people on here that you would volunteer for other good works.

    Thank you for all the good advice and encouragement you have given me, and others on this forum.

    ​Best Regards

    ​Graham - 🚀💃

  • Posted

    I can not think of a nicer person to share my older age than you dear Renee! I am sure you will bring much joy and sunshine to those you visit.

    And what is most wonderful is hearing that you are ready for the world again after two hip replacements! When I first came to the forum you were one of the first to greet me and make me feel welcome (not to mention the support you have given me and everyone else ever since) and all along having such tremendous challenges to cope with yourself.

    A new door opens now for you, it is the start of something brand new and inspiring. With new friendships, relationships and energy! I am sure they will cherish you there as we all do here.

    Well done you and happy new year angel!

  • Posted

    Hi renee

    i am so glad you have found something where you can help others just as you do on here. You are the perfect person for a little job like that because you are always so kind..

    if winter has hit there please be very careful. 

    Hugs Hailea x

  • Posted

    Fabulous news Renee a great mile stone achievement. Enjoy xx
  • Posted

    I am delighted to read about your 'job' a new centre and

    a new beginning.. It will make you feel so young to be helping

     90yr olds.

    I had an eventful morning, bringing a tray downstairs I was

    distracted (husband looking for mouthwash) and I missed the

    bottom step... Tray went flying, smashed plate and glass, and I was 

    in a heap on the floor. Of course I was concerned about my hip,

    My elbow is cut, so I think it broke my fall, my side feels sore,

    and I will probably have a bruise along the lower part of my scar,

    my foot is slightly swollen. I HAVE NOT DISLOCATED, but was very

    shocked. I am absolutely fine, have walked, driven and gone up/down

    stairs..

    My 12 week old hip is stronger than I thought.. 

    Cathie

    • Posted

      Cathie,

      Thank goodness you are safe and the hip is not dislocated, my wife did something similar a few years ago, but started at the top of the stairs, she broke bones in her feet and suffered for months from sciatic nerve problems.

      Take care, and heal well

      Graham - 🚀💃

    • Posted

      Oh my dear cathie... That sounds terrible .. you must have been in a great shock -

      Just watch it for a couple of days - 

      did you fall on your hip ? if you get some swelling there or anything different in your body, have it checked out ...

       

    • Posted

      Oh my goodness Cathie thank goodness you are alright! Thats the problem one minute you are busy doing something the next you lose concentration and are flying through the air. 

      Do take care 

      Linnet x

    • Posted

      Thank goodness you are okay Cathie. It is easy done. What a horrible shock - I hope you are sat down leg raised, husband busy looking after you now.

      I am sure I speak for everyone - it is our worst nightmare isn't it. ...and sends shivers down the spine.

      At least now you know our hips are more hardy than we imagine, strangely you may have more confidence in it now.

    • Posted

      Thank you. So many tiny bones in the feet. Among our

      friends here they all seem to have fallen downstairs some

      time or other. Your wife's fall was much longer and steeper

      than mine.

      My husband did it last year and cut his head.

      I was lucky that it was the bottom step only, my view was blocked

      by the tray, and I looked upwards..My elbow hit the floor first, 

      before my hip, thank goodness.

      good luck this week, you deserve it.

      Cathie

    • Posted

      Hi Marilyn,

      I did blame him, of course, pneumonia or not! these things come

      so 'out of the blue', I was congratulating myself on looking after

      him so well through his pneumonia, and shouting at him at the

      same time! I have a check up on 21 st and have to have both hips

      xrayed then.(we have a double appointment with the specialist,

      me for hips, my husband for his shoulder).

      I know you are in the build-up time to your sad anniversary, and am

      thinking of you with special thoughts,Love Cathie

    • Posted

      You are right, falling is the thing we dread.. I was lucky it was

      a short, though shocking distance. The consultant did say it

      was well anchored.. I didn't plan to test it though!

      my husband still has a while to go to recovery, it is nearly week 2,

      they say 5 weeks to getting strong again, however, I am resting and

      he has been making me cups of tea.

      now, Rose, what about that middle aged helper, who will be waiting

      for your vacancy advert to appear in the paper shop.I can visualise

      her medium height, short hair, full of energy, with a floral cover-up 

      pinny and sensible shoes, loves children, wants a few extra pounds....

      love Cathie

    • Posted

      hi Renee,

      I had a lucky escape, even the marks came off the chair

      where I flung the tray! My elbow was cut a bit where I made contact

      with the hard floor, it was the first point of contact. I will be having

      both hips xrayed prior to my  3-ish month check on 21 st with the

      specialist.

      it has been raining here, so I'm having a rest day.

      love Cathie

    • Posted

      I am coming up to 8 weeks post op for 2nd hip I can just about sleep on my side. News years day I walked into town and back about 1.5 miles there and back I was aching yesterday. Rob let us speak with Reuben on Xmas day xx
    • Posted

      Cathie the lady you describe sounds like Mrs Doubtfire! I would do anything for a Mrs Doubtfire! smile I now have a little bit of cleaning help as I couldn't see how I could possibly do some things. Surgeon said absolutely no vacuuming - so that is one of many things I need to do. Hopefully it will be enough.

      My neighbours are I don't think in a position to help, the house next door is a second home as is the one opposite. My other neighbour is a widow but has met someone happily in Devon and has disappeared down there. The other one runs a kennel!! And seems inundated with dogs at this time of year. That is it for our end of the village, I do worry I will fall and no one would ever know, but I am sure that would be the case for anyone on their own. I will have to be careful. I hope your husband is feeling better and you have woken up comfortable and well after your fall. Do you have someone to help you? It seems like a lot to contend with both if you being out of action.

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