Much to be Grateful For
Much to be Grateful For
As many of my WA friends will be aware, I had hip revision surgery a little while ago (2 weeks tomorrow) and am now recovering at home.
A hip revision is where the surgeon replaces an old hip replacement which has reached the end of its life. It's a more complex operation than the original, as the old prosthesis has to be removed, the site cleaned up, the hole in the femur drilled out deeper and then the new prosthesis fitted.
All up, it was a 5 and a half hour operation compared to around 2 hours for a first-time hip replacement.
As I recovered in hospital post surgery, I reflected on the many things I had to be grateful for:
Top Health Cover
Thanks to my online businesses, I'm able to enjoy top health cover, so that everything - the surgery, the hospital stay in a private room with en suite, additional tests, pharmaceuticals, meals, physiotherapy - were all covered by payment of a single excess of $500 (chosen when I took out the health cover).
But even if I hadn't had health cover, I live in a country with excellent public facilities. The difference would have been a longer wait, no choice of surgeon and probably a shared room. But zero cost.
Not Being Bombed
How awful must it be to live in a country where the hospital you're in is subject to attack by an invading army. An army whose soldiers are not recruited for their empathy but in fact include those who take pleasure in inflicting suffering on other people. Imagine just having given birth under such circumstances. We take our good fortune for granted but it's a major item to be grateful for.
Modern Communications
A hospital bed can be a lonely place and all my children and grandchildren live overseas or interstate. But Facetime video allowed me to connect with all of them every day at the press of a button. This technological miracle has occurred within a single generation, but what a difference it has made to all of us.
Dedicated, Professional Staff
I cannot speak highly enough of the doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and orderlies who looked after me during my stay in hospital. From highly qualified specialists to those who delived my meals and cleaned up the bathroom, they were all delightful people, dedicated to their jobs.
My Wealthy Affiliate Family
I was knocked out by the number of encouraging messages that I received from the lovely people I've met on Wealthy Affiliate. People who took time out from their busy schedules to wish me a speedy recovery or to enquire after my progress.
My brain wasn't at its sharpest, partly because of the pain-relief drug regime, but every time I turned on my laptop and logged into WA, I'd find more messages and though I wasn't up to getting into live chat and answering questions, or posting a WA blog, I was more than happy to respond. It gave me a warm glow.
So a big thank you to everyone who helped me get through this process. I love you all.
Recent Comments
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It's so wonderful to know that you had great care in hospital, Phil and that you are now at home recovering nicely! Being able to connect with family or friends online is also such a marvel. Sounds like Australia has a great health system. There are many things to be thankful for.
Susan
Indeed there are, Susan. I cannot speak highly enough of the hospital staff, from the specialists to the nurses, physios and orderlies. It helped that it's single-level in a lovely bush setting.
That sounds like a nice place to be when you need it, Phil. Very reassuring when you need it most. Get well soon :-)
Thanks, Susan. Getting a bit better each day. Did a supermarket shop this morning. About a half hour's walk each way, which I felt was an accomplishment.
That's impressive, Phil! So glad you're healing and able to get around. Have a lovely weekend :-)
You've said a mouthful with your title. It's good you can recognize all you have to be grateful for, especially in the circumstances you are in presently. I believe, though, that gratitude will help your healing process.
I do hope you recover quickly, Phil. Enough, already! You have paid your dues and done well, getting through your ordeal. Isn't it nice it's over? Another thing to be grateful for...
May you heal in record time.
Glad you are home and recovering was wondering how you are doing thanks for the update! Glad you had the insurance health coverage. We don't get free medical care in usa we have to pay for health insurance coverage and very expensive a lot more than aussie dollars average approval time for authorization for surgery typically is two weeks. Glad your health cover provided you the amenities you needed in your hospital room. You will have to go to outpatient rehab? Or get home health care? Not sure how Australian medical care system works, a bit different than USA.
Post-op care is governed by what you need. In my case, I have a weekly Zoom call with a physio as that's all I need. I had one today where she went through removing the dressing with me. And she's mailing me a complimentary Garmin to keep track of the number of steps I'm taking each day. This is a physio associated with the surgeon. There were also physios attached to the hospital who saw me each day post-op.
Our system seems to work pretty well and (unlike the US) isn't a political issue.
Thanks for your interest, Brenda.
Yes, while we have our anti-vaxxers and anti mask mandates, it's all purely personal, not divided along political lines at all.
Great to hear from you Phil my friend.. I am so happy that everything went well for you and you are on the mend now!
We all have much to be grateful for in all aspects of life and having the privilege of living in a country with excellent public facilities is certainly worth being grateful for.
Welcome back buddy, and you will be back on your feet in no time.
Take it easy ok!
It can be a slow road to recovery sometimes Phil, but as long as it's getting better everyday you'll be fine my friend!
I'm going to tackle a walk to the supermarket today. Normally takes around 10 minutes so I'm going to allow half an hour.
Yes, walked there and back (on crutches, of course) so around an hour. Tired afterwards but a sense of accomplishment.
Thanks, Nick. As I've said before, it gets a bit better every day, so I'm feeling really positive.
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Happy Blessed Easter Sunday!
I'm so far behind in reading my WA emails... over 6500+. My apologies.
Indeed, we have much to be grateful for. Thank God, we have internet so we can communicate with our loved ones. I'm glad you are back home and have amazing health care support.
I do have the Ukrainian people in my prayers and I will say prayers for you too... one of quick and proper healings, strength, peace, and love. Prayers are powerful.
Please take care and have a wonderful Easter Sunday... ummm, you are a day ahead? Perhaps then, a wonderful Easter Monday?
Monica
Thank you so much, Monica. Yes, I've just got up to Easter Monday. And although the hospital does its best with meals, it can't compete with the breakfast I'm about to make of smoked salmon, avocado, scrambled eggs and real coffee.
You're welcome! Ummm, yum! I went out for lunch today and had eggs benny with Hollandaise sauce and smoked salmon. So, you're a day ahead, eh?
Have a wonderfully blessed week and I pray you will feel stronger each day.
Monica
Thanks, Monica. It seems to be happening.