Homestead Life

The Recovering Homesteader

Homemade yogurt – yum!

Homesteading During Recovery

No, I’m not recovering from homesteading! I think that is an addiction I’ll never really kick. ๐Ÿ™‚ What I’m really talking about is my slow return to homesteading activities as I recover from total hip replacement surgery.

I’m doing a lot of cooking from my pantry this winter.

My Homestead Updates

I underwent surgery on December 20th, 2017 and, as of February 5th, I have been able to walk without crutches, drive a car, and do some shopping. It is great to be out and about again.

Although I am still a little sore and I can’t do everything I want, I’m happy to be back to some of the things I enjoy. Here is a sample of what I have been up to:

Physical therapy is a pretty big deal for me right now. I want to be as strong as possible before gardening season arrives…and that means I need to exercise. So I have been working on that every day. If you ever need joint replacement surgery, make sure you follow the physical therapist’s instructions. I’ve also been taking the dogs for short walks on nice days.

It has been great to have all a lot of canned goods for meals!

I’m also going up and down the stairs to do laundry, grab canned and frozen foods, and clean the kitty’s litter box. I try to accomplish at least one or two small projects each day, as well as the normal household tasks. It’s tough to get a lot done without getting tired, but it feels good to ‘earn’ my naps, lol!

Homesteading After Surgery

If you need to have surgery, you may want to take a break from most of your homesteading activities. A lot depends on what type of surgery you’re having, how long recovery will take, and what your doctor recommends. Here are some tips that may help…

Prepare For Surgery:

  • If you smoke, quit!
  • Ask your doctor for exercises you can do to prepare for surgery
  • Reduce sugar and alcohol intake and eat healthy foods
  • Find someone to care for your animals while you are recovering (or find new homes for them if necessary)
  • Take care of yard work ahead of time
  • Clean the house and remove tripping hazards
  • Install grab bars for the shower and toilet, if needed
  • Make meals ahead and freeze
  • Put needed items within reach
  • Arrange for help with shoveling, mowing, and other tasks
  • Stock up on groceries
  • Make sure you have someone to take you to doctor’s appointments, etc.
  • Pack your bags!

These are just a few things you can do ahead of time to make recovery easier.  Hopefully you will have family or friends to stay with you and help out while you are on the mend. I know that I could not have done this without the support of my husband!

As You Recover:

  • Don’t rush your recovery, healing takes time
  • Let people help you, they want to!
  • Keep your mind occupied with reading, knitting, etc.
  • Do your physical therapy
  • Eat healthy foods and keep a positive attitude

I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to have this surgery. My hip feels much better than it has for several years and my homesteading plans for this year are attainable. I’m looking forward to having a garden and preserving food again. Even more importantly, I feel like I will be able to homestead for quite a few years, now that my hip is functioning again.

Have you had surgery and returned to your homesteading activities? What challenges did you face?

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6 Comments on “The Recovering Homesteader

  1. Yep, yep, and yep! I agree with you about everything you said about hip replacement. Replacement surgery is a blessing. I’ve had both a hip and knee surgeries on mt right side. Although they don’t always work like the original equipment, they are pain free with time.

    My physical terrorist (er um therapist) was a godsend. I still do the exercises prescribed after 20 years. They continue to let me do around the homestead. Now, if recovering from my stroke (right side paralyzed) was so easy, but it still doesn’t stop me either.

    1. Oh my goodness, Jo! Well, I feel like a wimp now… Lol ๐Ÿ™‚

      You are amazing to still be homesteading after these setbacks! Modern medicine is wonderful and I’m so glad that you are recovering from your stroke. That is such a tough thing to come back from.

      Best wishes and thank you so much for reading and for the feedback!

  2. Doing more urban homesteading, I had foot surgery/hand surgery. You do have to plan ahead and my husband had to really pick up the slack. You also have to live with the fact some things won’t done, or done to your specifications ๐Ÿ™‚ Life goes on and do your PT!!!

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