Reconstruction – before, during and after – here’s for some chuckles

Every crisis situation also gives us some moments for us to smile. These moments have the power to render a charge that is endless and keeps us smiling everytime we think of those moments.

The recent ankle reconstruction surgery was one such situation that had a moment before, during and after, that still has the capacity to make me break into chuckles, either thinking of it or while sharing it..

Those of you reading this blog, pls read the blog at https://peoplecatalyst.in/reconstruction-for-the-body-or-mind/ before reading this, if not done already..

A moment before 

We were to see the doctor with the X-Ray taken. So when we entered the doctor’s cabin, he had the X-Rays all arranged beside him, putting it up against a light. All I could see were just bones and all he could see were the ‘breaks’ in the bones. As he was briefing me on the next steps ahead, for the next 4 – 6 months, I listened to all that, with one question in my mind waiting to be asked. Me being me, did that at the immediate opportunity – “When can I resume my Martial Arts class?”

I recall the look on the doctor’s face and the ensuing silence for a couple of seconds. I am not sure what was on his mind but I did my own imagination and thought that he may have thought any one the three or all or none 🙂

– You have just broken your ankle lady, and you are talking about resumption of your Marial Arts class?

– I am telling you that at 56 and being a woman, the chances of your bones taking time to heal will be more, and all you can think about is resuming your Martial Arts class?

– Lady, you are indeed admirable to think this way!!

😊😊😊😊

A moment during

Just before the surgery started, I recall asking if they will play songs, as they had planned a local anaesthesia for the surgery. I was told that they may but I could check with the doctors. After the surgery started, I waited for them to play some music but nothing happened. So I asked them if I could sing and with their consent I started. They must have thought that I may sing a song or two and then stop.

How were they to know that I may go on for a good 15 minutes singing all kinds of songs !!! – right from a few of M.S Subbulakshmi’s songs (some Annamacharya Keerthanas and Kurai Ondrum Illai by Rajaji) to a song by George Benson (Nothing’s Gonna change my love for you) and then one by Cliff Richard (Bachelor boy) to a song from Guddi (Humko Man ki Shakti Dena) to a couple of Nursery Rhymes (Baa baa black sheep and Twinkle Twinkle little star) and finally Old Man Donald. All the anaesthesia I guess also made me go so woozy and so imaginative, that I tweaked the rhymes also .

After about what I think was 15 minutes, I heard a voice saying, “Ms. Malathy, will you please stop speaking? (thats how my singing may have sounded – like speaking:-)) I need to do this surgery well.” On request (no pun intended :-)), I immediately stopped.

Asking about resumption of my Martial Arts class and now this singing, he must have been amazed at the rare find of this ‘individual’. Couldn’t see the doctor’s face though when he made the request. Ah!!! Sad that!!

A moment after

I was looking forward to see Mr. D’s reaction after I reach home – as he would be seeing me after almost a week. The anesthesia kept my imagination high even after a week – I thought he would come jumping and barking and running circles around me to greet me; and that he would be excited for a few minutes. I stepped in home with a bated breath and so much anticipation. Oh well, well, well!!!

I decide something and he decides otherwise 🙂

He saw his favorite and one he considers his master (my older son), and went jumping on him, barking and running circles around him. Here I am at home after a week and don’t even merit a look; and there he is, who was seen just that morning and all attention is on him.

The optimistic me waited, thinking that after he finishes giving all his love to his favorite, Mr. D would turn towards me. Forget turning, he didn’t even look at me. He just went and lay down. When I called him and said “Excuse me!! a greeting would have helped”, he lifted his head to look at me and went back to his lying state. It was as though he was saying, “I see you.”

Is laughter the best medicine? I am not sure but it certainly helps to heal, physically and mentally. I am though more sure that these moments would be ‘chucklingly’ cherished, for years to come!!