Strength to strength

Today marks ten weeks since the surgeon replaced my right hip. A couple of weeks ago, I felt I had hit a brick wall. As I walked around Rome with my husband, I was still experiencing a lot of pain. I needed painkillers every night to sleep.

When I returned from Rome 11 days ago, I was relieved to return to my preferred diet of fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, pulses, fish twice a week, and the occasional egg. I eat little bread, and when I do it is wholemeal and/or sourdough because I have learned that most carbohydrate-rich foods (including potatoes) give me sugar spikes, and sugar spikes mean inflammation.

Amazingly, my pain levels decreased so that I could do a four-and-a-half-mile walk in the hills without feeling in agony. In fact, I felt strong. That was about a week ago. Yesterday, I did just over five miles and some gardening. In the last week, I have managed several nights without the painkillers I had relied on nightly pre-surgery since October 2022 to cope with the arthritic pain – and since the surgery, to cope with the post-surgery pain. I am finally on the mend.

However, when I try to sit cross-legged or get over stiles, I am acutely aware of the limitations in my new joint. I have a distinct impairment in terms of hip mobility, particularly in terms of outward rotation. I might never regain the flexibility I had pre-surgery, which, while less than on my left side (also arthritic, but not yet bone-on-bone), was good for someone in their seventies. It’s hard to accept limitations to my movement. I’m a mover.

This post-op period has challenged my identity, as I have relied on mobility aids like crutches and walking sticks (I have given more weight to my walking poles than usual). It’s felt like a rehearsal for later life, but not a role I’ve enthusiastically engaged with if I’m honest. I’m glad of the reprieve.

There’s just one other problem. Now that I am no longer taking codeine at night, my poor little insomniac brain has returned. Which is why I am writing this at two-thirty in the morning.

On balance, I feel the operation might have been worth it. After all, I no longer get woken up by sudden involuntary movements that result in my joint painfully ‘catching.’ Instead, I just get woken by my brain.

Now, can anyone tell me where I’ll find the off switch?

Shameless self-Promotion

A KIND OF FAMILY RELEASE DATE: JUNE 18^TH 2024

Love…Loss…Hope…

Following the death of her parents, Rachel leans on her brother as her only living relative. Until a message arrives telling her he’s focusing on his family, and she needs to find her own. In her forties, Rachel thinks she’s lost her chance at love and the close-knit family she longs for.

Community artist Fran embraces life in a way Rachel’s never experienced before. Outgoing Fran is conservative Rachel’s complete opposite, but the attraction she feels for Fran both excites and disturbs her.

As Rachel’s feelings for Fran deepen, Aggie, who looks and sounds as if she’s from 1960s working-class London, enters her life. She takes a special interest in Rachel’s relationship with Fran. Who is she and why does she care so much about their relationship?

When tragedy strikes, it’s Aggie who helps Rachel find a way forward.

A Kind of Family challenges traditional ideas of what constitutes family.

It explores the raw emotions of grief and finds hope in the connections that help us heal.

Pre-order here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kind-Family-Bonnie-Meekums-ebook/dp/B0CZHZKY1Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AKV8FLQ55PF2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VOi2sR9_uQdV6REQS31rwg.LKss8VliELS1v9Swms3JmChjYCss4AJDxkjb3dbLQco&dib_tag=se&keywords=bonnie+meekums+a+kind+of+family&qid=1712590999&sprefix=%2Caps%2C394&sr=8-1

So, now I’ve got that out of my system… phew! I just have a newsletter to write for those people who have signed up for that, and I think I am done for a bit.

This is my debut novel. It took years to write. In fact, it began as a series of short stories I wove together, filling in the gaps to make a much bigger story. I penned the very first story in 2011 and sent the final manuscript to my publisher towards the end of 2018. They accepted it early in 2019 and published it – wait for it – in early 2020, just as the world imploded in the wake of the worst viral plague I have seen in my lifetime.

My publisher assessed the situation and decided to re-launch with a new (more appropriate) cover and a re-edit. The story remains the same, but it now reads much better. I am thrilled to be involved in bringing this story to more people.

So, if you would like to read ‘graceful yet heart-breaking tale of love and loss… written so naturally that I honestly felt that I could feel the love between all the characters,’ (Kimberley, book blogger) ‘an exquisite study of relationships and what constitutes family – an overcoming adversity,’ (Jacqueline Ward, best-selling author), just follow the link above. Oh, and there is a bit of hill-walking in there. Well, it wouldn’t be one of my books without some nod to nature, really, would it? Rambling on, as ever.

Past the six-week mark

This has been an eventful week. On Monday, I notched up six weeks post-surgery. On Tuesday, I saw the physio, who told me I was doing very well, but the limitations on my range of movement might be to do with the joint rather than any muscle tightness, so I might have to live with them. He also told me that the research suggests so-called ‘hip precautions’ have no proven effect on whether I might dislocate said hip, so I can basically do what I want, within reason. However, I mentioned my continued pain, which is worse when I’ve done a lot, so he told me to do less. Mind you, he also encouraged me to walk outdoors with only one crutch or none. Then, on Thursday, I saw the consultant’s right-hand chap. When I told him I’d been pushing myself, he said ‘good.’ I suspect he sees many people who are scared to do anything after a total hip replacement, whereas I am determined to get back to full fitness (which was at a higher level than most people of my age) as soon as I can.

The take-home message, which my physio impressed on me, is that I must listen to my body. The trouble is, the more I do, the more I and others will expect me to do. So, yesterday for example I washed up, made two beds up with clean bedclothes for grandchildren, and walked a fair distance along hospital corridors. Today, Friday, I drove for the first time in over six weeks. It’s so good to finally be independent again!!!!

And in six days, my husband and I fly to Rome where I will not only be giving a keynote speech, but running a Dance Movement Therapy workshop. Twice. And then, we will walk our little socks off around Rome.

Painkillers still feature in my night-time routine, and last night I needed more in the middle of the night. Unsurprising, really. But I am getting stronger, daily. I have been using this time to do a daily stretching and strengthening routine not only for my hip but for my spine and my bone density. It’s a combination of yoga, dance exercises, and a bit of Pilates. This kind of dedication takes time, and I’m not sure how long I can keep it up, but it’s satisfying to find that whereas I began with eight reps, I am now up to 15.  

When I return from Rome later this month, I will go back to my weekly yoga class at the gym, and try to ensure I also swim and use the gym equipment every week. I also hope to increase my walking in natural environments. A retired GP friend recently told me the first six weeks are the worst, but it takes about three months to fully feel the benefit of this operation. The doctor I saw yesterday said I might always experience some pain. Hopefully, by my birthday in June, I will feel it has all been worth it.