Post-Op

Scalpels. Deep surgical cuts. Bone grinding. Bone removal. Swelling. Bruising. Stitches. Big bandages.

All without pain.

Is this possible?

YES.

Last month I had foot surgery which entailed all of the above. Post-surgery involved 'taking it easy', a walker, a surgical boot, a handicapped parking pass (score!), and - super fun - a knee scooter. 

Constant foot pain made it apparent that I would need surgery, so I decided to schedule it as quickly as possible. My podiatrist explained the entire procedure, and I relaxed around it. Post-surgical pain, difficulty sleeping, and low energy are things I didn't dwell upon.

To make the most of my four- to six-week recovery, books were stacked up, pillows were prepped, and food was prepared in advance.

'Taking it easy' does not come naturally to me, so I knew that would be the most challenging part of the whole thing.

When I told people about the impending surgery, I was warned about pain/difficult recovery/not walking for weeks/etc. etc. etc. But that was their story: I chose a different one. I chose to believe everything would go well and I would feel great.

And you know what? 
I felt better than great.
I had *ZERO* pain.
As in, none.

I even gave back my pain pills.

The swelling I experienced was minuscule. It was tons of fun wheeling around my house on my knee scooter (anyone need a barely-used knee scooter?). Having handicapped parking made me feel like a princess.

Best of all, I was still able to lift weights, do sit-ups and swing a kettlebell... all while wearing a surgical boot!

I read lots of books and got to sit in the back seat and work or read while being driven around by my significant other (a girl could get used to that!).

My body did all the work (with a pretty big assist from my mind) while I 'took it easy.'

So if you are contemplating foot surgery, or any surgery, think about how you approach it. If you dread it, are afraid of it, or resent it, you may have a completely different experience than mine.

How much does your attitude affect your experience? 

Your attitude determines your experience.

Stat.

©Catherine Borowski 2017
www.celebratingwealth.com

---