My Second Life: Six Months Post-Op, My Expanding World
Today was my six-month post-op checkup.
After an X-ray, I had my consultation. The condition of my bone is stabilizing, and my range of motion in my leg has improved since the last visit. When I lay on my back, bent my left knee, and let it fall outward, it didn't open as wide as the right and there was a little pain, but the doctor said, 'It's fine. You can continue your exercises without worry.' I also expressed my gratitude to the doctor, saying, 'Thanks to you, I am able to live without any inconvenience.'
Then, feeling a bit hesitant, I asked, 'I haven't made any plans yet, but I'm thinking I'd like to travel abroad... is there some kind of certificate card for when I trigger a metal detector?'
The doctor replied, 'Artificial joint surgery is common now, so it's fine if you just explain it verbally.' On top of that, they gave me an 'artificial joint sticker,' saying, 'We do have small stickers.'
For this sticker,
↑ It seems you can have it sent to you for free by applying here.
Also, it seems some hospitals issue their own certificate cards.
Furthermore, local governments (such as city offices) and some public transportation agencies also distribute 'Help Marks'.
The Help Mark is for people who need assistance or consideration due to conditions or disabilities that are not visible to others, to let those around them know.
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My next orthopedic checkup is in six months for the 'one-year post-op checkup.' Whether I'll be able to move even better by then depends on my exercise habits from here on out. I plan to keep working at it steadily starting tomorrow.
Today, I happened to run into someone who had their hospitalization and surgery on the same day as me, and we caught up on each other's recent news.
'It's great that the pain is gone and we can really walk normally, isn't it?'
'I've become able to sit cross-legged and squat!'
And so on... It was a happy time that made us laugh together (laughs).
As my leg has improved, my range of movement has expanded, and going outside no longer feels like a chore.
Yesterday, Sunday, I was drawn out by the pleasant weather and went for a walk in a large park. The time spent walking while looking at the trees starting to change color feels like a true reward for my rehabilitation.
The large ginkgo trees were also almost entirely yellow, but there was still some yellow-green remaining here and there, and the seasonal gradation was very beautiful. I think I'll go back to the place where I played by making a sofa out of fallen leaves once a few more leaves have fallen.
I couldn't enjoy the autumn leaves last year 🍁.
This year, I've been able to enjoy them so much ❣️
Thank you for reading until the end.
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#TotalHipArthroplasty
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