Larry T. Townsend

I honestly didn’t expect getting to the “all done” part to feel this weird. Surgery day had been sitting in the back of my mind for months and after spending around $28,000 between appointments, imaging, surgery, and everything that comes with it, I kept thinking I’d feel relieved the second it was over. Instead I’m laying here staring at this brace, keeping my leg elevated, trying not to overthink every ache, every tight feeling, every little movement. I know it’s super early and recovery is supposed to be a process, but part of me already wants to fast forward to feeling normal again. The swelling, being stuck resting, needing help with basic stuff… nobody really prepares you mentally for that part. I’m trying hard to stay patient and remind myself this is exactly where I’m supposed to be right now, but it’s definitely easier said than done. For anyone who’s been through this before, what was the hardest part mentally after surgery was finally over?

I honestly didn’t think the first day after surgery would feel this weird mentally 😩 You prepare yourself for pain, swelling, stiffness, all of that… but nobody really explains the feeling of laying there realizing “okay… recovery officially starts now.”

Part of me feels relieved to finally have the surgery behind me. The other part keeps wondering how long until things start feeling normal again. Right now every movement feels like work, sleep feels impossible to figure out, and time somehow moves both incredibly slow and incredibly fast.

Between surgery, appointments, imaging, and everything leading up to this we’re already around $24,600 into the whole process, so I’m trying really hard to remind myself this is an investment into getting my life back. Still doesn’t make day one feel any less overwhelming.

Trying to stay positive and take it one small win at a time because I know this isn’t a quick process. For everyone who’s been through this before… what surprised you most about those first few days after surgery?

I honestly didn’t expect week 7 to mess with my head this much 😩 Part of me feels like I’ve come a long way and part of me still stares at it wondering if I’m behind somehow. The swelling is definitely better than those first few weeks, the scar is changing, and overall things are moving in the right direction… but recovery really plays games with your brain.

I’ve already got close to $21,400 tied up between surgery, appointments, PT, and everything that comes with recovery, so I think that’s part of why I overanalyze every little thing now. One day I’m proud of progress. The next day I’m comparing myself to people who seem way further ahead.

The frustrating part is nobody really prepares you for how mentally exhausting recovery can be. You expect soreness and stiffness. You don’t expect constantly wondering if you’re healing “normally” or checking things way more than you probably should.

Trying hard to stay patient and trust the process but some days that’s easier said than done. Anyone else around this stage feel like recovery is way more up and down than they expected?