Meet Mabel. Mabel is 78 years old and has just been told she needs surgery.
It’s not a death sentence or anything dire like that, but her doctor assures her it’s necessary. Mabel’s always been independent, robust, a veritable whirlwind in sensible shoes. But the word ‘surgery’—it unnerves her.
You might be wondering why we’re here, talking about Mabel.
Well, you see, Mabel is going on a journey, an expedition of sorts. An adventure?
Eh, maybe not.
But it’s a trip that countless seniors like her must undertake. And her tale has something to teach us all.
It’s about surgery, but more than that—it’s about preparation, perseverance, and a fast recovery that defied everyone’s expectations.We’re talking about prehab and rehab.
Mabel, in her Mabelness, was determined to get back on her feet fast. And she was successful, like a superhero without a cape, tackling this nemesis called surgery and recovery with the determination of a cheetah.
And here’s how.
Image by Christine Sponchia from Pixabay
Mabel learned about something called ‘prehab.’
No, not rehab, prehab. It’s preparing your body before the surgery.
And it isn’t some fancy, high-tech medical procedure. It’s about exercising, eating right, and staying positive. It’s about pushing away the fear that surgery is an endgame and embracing it as a stepping-stone toward recovery.
Mabel did just that.
Every morning, she would do her exercises, her joints protesting, muscles rebelling, but she persevered. She ate her veggies, lean proteins, colorful fruits, and brain-boosting nuts and seeds. She even learned to meditate, to find that serene spot in her mind to banish her fears.
Prepare for return
Then came the day of the hospital admission. This wasn’t Mabel’s first rodeo, but she wasn’t about to rest on her laurels.
She had a plan, a strategy. Mabel had spent time preparing her home, her fortress, for her return after the surgery.
First, she arranged everything at home.
She meticulously removed all potential hazards from her path. Area rugs that could cause a slip? Gone. Cluttered areas that could result in a tumble? Cleared.
She even installed grab bars in crucial places like the bathroom and stairs, a safety net for the days when balance might not be her strongest ally.
Mabel had a friend, dependable and kind-hearted, ready to step in.
She knew the importance of having an extra pair of hands during the first few days back home, someone to help with meals and offer a steadying hand when needed.
And speaking of meals, Mabel had a stockpile. Healthy, nutritious meals are prepared in advance, frozen, and ready to be heated and served, negating the risk of handling sharp utensils or standing near a hot stove when she is still regaining her strength.
To minimize fall risk, she even made sure her frequently used items were all within easy reach—no climbing on chairs or bending low for her. It was all part of her elaborate plan, aiming for a smooth, secure transition post-surgery.
It was like setting up dominoes, each one an action, each action triggering another, setting in motion a chain reaction to make her bounce back faster.
But unlike the falling of dominoes, her plan was to keep her upright, safe, and on the path to a swift recovery.
Mabel, you see, was not just prepared; she was primed for success.
Image by Kate Trysh from Pixabay
Rehab at home
The surgery was over. The surgeon had done his part with a satisfied nod, Mabel had breathed a sigh of relief, and now the real quest began.
Rehab. Just a five-letter word, but it encapsulates a vast journey. And Mabel? She was ready. Her resolve was as steadfast as a fortress wall.
Every day, a physical therapist came to her home.
A man of understanding and patience, equipped himself with an arsenal of exercises designed to restore her to her full glory.
These sessions were tough, sometimes nearly unbearable, but Mabel had always possessed the heart of a warrior — maybe not literally, but certainly in spirit.
She pushed, she pulled, she bent, and she stretched. She hobbled, staggered, then finally walked with growing confidence. Each movement, each painstaking effort, was a tiny victory, a small brick in the grand castle of her recovery.
To help her along this arduous journey, she enlisted the aid of in-home care. This wasn’t an admission of defeat but a strategic reinforcement.
A friendly, trained caregiver was there to ensure her safety, lend a helping hand, and offer that all-important human connection when her spirits flagged.
And let’s not forget the unsung hero in her recovery — nutrition. It’s often overlooked, but Mabel was savvy. She knew that the food she consumed was her body’s fuel, the raw materials her body needed to rebuild itself.
With advice from a dietitian, she focused on a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Lean meats, eggs, dairy, fruits, and vegetables became her allies, arming her body with the tools it needed to stitch itself back together.
This was no easy journey.
The exercises could be grueling, the fatigue overwhelming, but Mabel was an unyielding soldier in the battle for her recovery. Every day, her body healed a little more, knitting itself back together.
And all of this was possible because she had prepared. She had armed herself with knowledge, with support, and with determination.
Because Mabel, dear reader, was not just strong. She was invincible.
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After weeks of perseverance, Mabel did it.
She recovered, faster than anyone expected. She was back on her feet, shopping and having socially distanced tea with friends.
And the beauty of this? You can do it too.
If you’re a senior preparing for surgery, learn from Mabel. Prehab before you head to the hospital. Prepare your return home. Engage in rehab exercises. Just remember, it may seem challenging, but the rewards are plentiful. Mabel did it, and so can you.
So, are you ready to beat the odds and embark on your fast recovery journey?
Remember, you never, ever have to sit back and let surgery determine your pace. Take the reins, prepare, and watch as you bounce back, just like Mabel.
Fast recovery after surgery is not only possible—it’s achievable.
