November: Between Endurance and Readiness
Layers of Alignment
Another full week — at least one appointment every day — as I tried to hold my nerves steady for the upcoming Denver trip. I was hoping for good news about my right hip healing and, most of all, clearance for the left side in December.
My body is still adjusting from all the bodywork and alignment work that started in late October. It’s a lot of input, but I can feel the layers starting to integrate. I could easily collapse into bed at any hour of the day, but I keep moving — one careful project, one small task at a time.
Switching Roles
At home, I focused on things that make me feel grounded: backyard landscaping (participating via brainstorming while Patrick did all the heavy work), adding a wide rock border around the mulch beds, saving seeds from the garden’s final blooms. On Tuesday, the roles reversed when Patrick sprained his ankle at volleyball — so I switched into caregiver mode for a few days. It felt surprisingly good to take care of him, though it definitely took a toll on my body.
Simple Joys at Home
By Friday we were back in rhythm, hosting friends for dinner — they made us chicken piccata pasta, kale salad, apple crumble — the kind of night that feels both simple and celebratory. We’ve been loving NBA season too, grateful for the small luxury of streaming games together.
Preparing to Go Separate Ways
As Sunday approached, we both packed for separate trips: me to Denver, Patrick to Albuquerque. We’re tired of splitting off this way — especially during the holidays — but this is still our reality for now. A bright spot arrived in the form of a surprise: my brother is flying to Denver in early December to spend the days before surgery with us. I haven’t seen him since March, and it’ll overlap with a long-awaited celebration dinner with our legal team — a proper closing of that intense chapter.
Even while packing, I could feel the next chapter opening — one appointment at a time, one meal, one small win.
Reunion in Denver
Travel Sunday went smoothly — the kind of easy day I always hope for. My friend picked me up at the airport, and it was lovely to catch up on the drive. Reuniting with my mom felt like an exhale. We ordered gyros from our old favorite spot, Jerusalem, and sat outside catching up in the cool air.
Pampering and Planning
Monday was a pampering day — facials, rest, and a Frankenstein movie — the best kind of reset. Throughout the week we alternated between laughter and long, serious conversations about the upcoming surgeries and all we have been through over the last four+ years. We can hold hard truths and still find lightness together; it’s something I never take for granted.
Big Appointment Day
Tuesday was the big appointment day I’d been dreading — three-month post-op for my right hip with the PAO team. I walked in nervous and left with full clearance for the left hip in December. The relief was instant. The appointment I’d built up so much fear around turned out to be calm and encouraging — a reminder that anxiety rarely predicts reality.
The second appointment — a combined check-in with the arthroscopy team — went just as well. They were pleased with my progress and agreed that it made sense not to ramp up activity now with surgery just three weeks away.
I am already bringing in lessons from the last go-around with the right hip. Like asking directly for imaging orders and other details upfront to avoid extra hassle later and having a pain management plan involving local providers.
Unexpected Openings
Wednesday brought an unexpected win — a last-minute opening with the eye specialist I’d been trying to see since August. The exam confirmed what I’d noticed: my dry eyes are feeling better on the prescription drops. We’re trying a new one for glare sensitivity, and if that doesn’t help, we may need to look deeper.
There was good food threaded through the week — reubens at our favorite sports bar, sushi, Indian takeout — and by Thursday I was ready to fly home. It was a long travel day but everything went smoothly. Navigating Denver airport solo felt like its own milestone.
Back Home and Grounded
Back home that evening, I had a session with my energy-work practitioner. While working, she described seeing an image of dissolvable stitches reintegrating — my body rewriting its blueprint. The words landed deeply. My nervous system feels more stable lately, and I’m proud of the way I’ve been catching spirals before they take over though it often means doing less, taking in less (often why I don’t answer calls or texts).
We also talked labs and next steps: a fecal test on the way (ugh), hormone panel for ongoing cycle changes, and plans to hold off on new supplements while finishing the naso-neb protocol. I finally have an appointment set with my facial reconstructive surgeon (Nov 26) and a December plan with my ENT team to make sure things stay stable before surgery.
Steady and Preparing
By Friday, I was ready to slow down — PT, lab pickups, final logistics before the next phase. My body feels strong even as pain flares remind me to stay careful. Coming home to Patrick and the pups felt like pure relief.
As of today, November 15, I’m 23 days from left-hip surgery #1 (arthroscopy) and 17 days from leaving for Denver again. It’s wild how close it’s getting — and how steady I feel compared to the last time around.
Healing keeps reshaping itself — less about pushing forward, more about refining balance. This chapter feels like a bridge between endurance and readiness.
Continue regular weekly appointments with Taos providers as able
11/20-23: P in LA
11/26: Telemed with Co Springs Facial Reconstructive Surgeon to discuss the possibility of a perforated septum repair surgery
12/4-20ish: Denver
12/8: L Hip Arthroscopy in Boulder
12/11: L Hip PAO Pre Op
12/15: L Hip PAO - inpatient at Swedish in Denver (1-2 night hospital stay)
12/22: First PT Appointment
TBD: return to run, impact, and higher intensity exercise
