Enforced time off

[nellie]

Dear All,

I'm feeling rather despondent. As some of you will know from my post in Mina's thread, I recently had an operation on my hip. The idea was to tidy up the cartilage that had become damaged. This was going to free-up the hip and soften my seized back (from protecting the hip) and so I could ride better (and it wouldn't hurt anymore) and all this for just 2 days on crutches and 2 weeks off work - sounds like a good deal, eh? Well, that was what I thought so I organised care for Mina for 2 weeks and went for it.

Unfortunately it was a bony lump on my femur that had caused the damage to the cartilage so it turned into a much bigger op than anticipated as they sorted that too. You know how it is when you are coming round from a general anaesthetic, you're really not with it so it was at my first Physio appointment on Thursday that I learnt what the impact of this is:

1. 4-6 weeks no driving
2. 8-9 weeks no riding

This is really bad news and I've been quite down about it. It is the impact on Mina and our relationship that is really worrying me and keeping me awake at night.

Has anyone else ever been in this position and, if so, how did it go?

Many thanks,

Helen

[sarah]

Hi Helen, I really feel for you, and remember the frustration only too well.

I have had many knee ops, knee related accidents, broken bones etc that have kept me out of the saddle for weeks or even months.
Firstly, don't beat yourself up about it.
As long as Mina has food, shelter, company and some form of exercise she will be just fine while you recover.

I would just try to spend as much time being around her as you can, and hopefully you have a trustworthy friend who can keep her ticking over with some hacks.

I hope you make a really speedy recovery and don't worry about Mina, she will be just fine and spending time with her on the ground will help continue the bond you already have with her.

Best wishes,
Sarah.x

[angelac]

Hi Helen
So sorry to hear this news. Just when everything was going so well too.
I havent had such an op but I did have to stop riding for nearly a year during a tricky pregnancy and then a section.
I had only had my little cob for two months at this point and he was a very green 5yr old. I had just taken up riding again aged 40yrs after a 20yr break.
My little cob came through this period fine.
He was looked after well, stabled overnight and handled daily by kind non horsey partner.
A good youngster rode him 3 or 4 times and he was taken out in harness 3 or 4 times.
When I got on him for my first short ride, he was really fine.
He was fine afterwards too.
I imagine Mina is much more worldly and sensible and so i imagine if she is looked after and ridden as much as poss by someone you trust, she will be unlikely to change.
Obviously Avril could advice more re her temperament.
My very best wishes for a really speedy recovery.
You have a lot to look forward to.
You and Mina look stunningly good together

[em]

Hi Helen

Oh i am so sorry to hear what has happened... how bloody frustrating for you... I have a candle on my kitchen sink that light for differing reasons sometimes i light it to ask for good things to come to some one in need or personal stregnth in dealing with difficult situations or sometimes just to say thank you for the good things in life... dont ask me who or what I am asking it just feels nice putting thoughts out there... so I wanted you to know I am lighting the candle tomorrow for you helen to ask for a speedy recovery and for Mina to wait patiently for you as I am sure she will..

When you are able to see her tell her what has happened you never know how much they understand

Take care Em x

[nellie]

Thank you all for your lovely words - and to Avril to whom I wrote a desperate email! The after-sales support she provides is beyond any price and I'm not sure if we owners make enough mention of it.

Em - thank you for the candle. I will tell Mina because I'm actually pretty certain she understand all she wants to from what I tell her - from "I'll tell Avril" when she's being cheeky to "Look after the baby". The first makes her reconsider her actions, the second she has taken to heart.

Sarah - thank you for the reassurance, you must have the patience and forebearance of a saint!

Angela - a year off riding ! Agh!

After hearing your stories I'm counting my lucky stars!

I'm going to leave Mina out 24/7 and, having been in touch with Avril, I'm not organising a rider for her, it's just too hard to make sure any potential rider would follow Avril's approach.

However, Mina is indulging in plenty of self-exercise at the moment. I think the arrival of the baby and the new pony and the departure of number 1 mare combined with the change in weather is stirring them all up and there's a LOT of charging around going on!

Mina is really a spectacular sight when she gallops across the field ;D. She may not have the floating action and high tail carriage of the baby but I love the way she lowers and uses her whole body, her sturdy legs pounding the ground and then tucking right up under her tummy.

Thank you for helping me feel so much better and bouncing me back to my cheery, positive self - I just wish I'd posted earlier instead of stewing for days!

Helen

[liz]

I'm sorry to hear that you've been grounded for a few months, Helen. I do feel for you - I've been there and it's soooo frustrating. I had my black Wc X TB mare at the time I was seriously ill and was laid off for 6 months. The thought of getting on the old baggage again really kept me going and the first short ride I had was throught the fields and she actually behaved pretty well! Fortunately the people I kept her with found a capable girl to ride and care for her during the period when I could not do a thing.

I'm sure that Mina will be fine - she'll just enjoy being a horse and I'm sure that regular contact with her will keep you happy, too!

[angelac]

Glad you are feeling better about it
Mina sounds such a sensible lovely girl that I bet she will cope just fine.
Great to be able to get advice from Avril too.
As you say ,unless you absolutely know a rider, it is definately better to leave it.
My year off was rather disappointing. I had'nt been expecting it at all and we really did come through that chapter without a problem
Best get well wishes x

[cobblergirl]

Hi Nellie
sorry to hear your news these things are sent to try us.. i wish you a speedy recovery .
it will give you plenty of time to spend on the Forum!! which i look forward to reading.


Sue x

[angelac]

Hi Helen
Hope you are getting on okay.
Perhaps you have that lovely pic of you and Mina on the side to help keep your spirits up
Best wishes for a speedy recovery
Angela

[em]

Hi helen

I was just thinking of you this morning and wondered how your recovery was going... hope your feeling positive and the signs are good.... Hope Mina is not worrying you and is relaxed just mooching about being a horse...

Good luck and healing thoughts sent your way

Em x

[nellie]

Thank you all for your kind messages. I'm doing really well - so well I'm back to work on Monday !

For the last week I have been driving (phew!) and so took over Mina's care again. I have to say that I have really enjoyed this week of "down time" with her. With no mucking out to do and riding off the agenda and ground work tricky too, I have just been spending quiet time with her and it's been lovely.

So now I just have to keep up with my physio exercises while I get used to working again and I'll be riding before you can say "Hoorah" - if it takes about 4 weeks to say it!

[sarah]

Hi Helen, so lovely to see a post from you and to hear that you are doing really well.
Keep up those exercises, they are boring but essential!

Having some unpressurized, quiet time with Mina will just make your bond even stronger.

Cant wait to hear from you again, once you are back where you belong, in the saddle. ;D

Best wishes,
Sarah.x

[em]

Thats great news... when your feeling nearly 100% it will be very tempting to get back on board too soon or slacken off the enthusiasm for the physio....,,, dont be tempted... be gentle on yourself, once your completely healed you will be back on board and wont look back

Good to hear from you keep us posted

take care em x