The sun sets...
We are in the final night of our stay in Chennai. Outside I hear the incessant honking of the horns. On the T.V. they are discussing the India/Pakistan match. India has fallen. Geoffrey Boycott, the crusty old Brit commentator (and what decent Cricket match doesn't have a crusty old stiff upper lipped Brit) , doesn't have much good to say about India's performance. Neil is reading a comment book where previous hip resurfacing patients have left their feedback. We are all set to head out in the early afternoon to the Quality Hotel MGM near Mamallapuram to start the next phase of this Indian adventure. I don't know what this 'Resort' has in store for us but if it is like the rest of trip we will have some surprises awaiting us (it's part of the fun).
I probably haven't been paying attention but I noticed my first yellow center stripe in the middle of a road. Here it's more of a suggestion than a rule. Less like 'You should be on the correct side of this line at all times' and more like, 'Go where ever you want but once that bus heading straight for you is within 10 feet you might want to get back over to the correct side'. And this is one tough place for pedestrian. No nice walk/don't walk signs. The driver taking me to the hospital yesterday morning cut off a family of four (within a foot or so) walking to school. Sorry, no free pass for the kids either. Also, the police in America could never cope. They would be spending all their times ticketing parents on scooters for lack of proper child seats.
I probably haven't been paying attention but I noticed my first yellow center stripe in the middle of a road. Here it's more of a suggestion than a rule. Less like 'You should be on the correct side of this line at all times' and more like, 'Go where ever you want but once that bus heading straight for you is within 10 feet you might want to get back over to the correct side'. And this is one tough place for pedestrian. No nice walk/don't walk signs. The driver taking me to the hospital yesterday morning cut off a family of four (within a foot or so) walking to school. Sorry, no free pass for the kids either. Also, the police in America could never cope. They would be spending all their times ticketing parents on scooters for lack of proper child seats.
Here Neil is with Chrislin. Chrislin was the best English speaking nurse we had. She also helped us to decipher our first Bollywood movie.
posted by Peter Egan at 7:00 AM
12 Comments:
Neil,
Did the doctor give you any kind of a note about the pin in your hip - will it cause a problem with airport security?
Did the comments in the book reflect the same thoughts that you've had?
Pete,
Are you actually going to be driving or do you have alternate transportation to the hotel? If you're driving, we'd better start the prayer chain. ;-)
I hope you both have a great time "on vacation" - and are able to rest up for your return to normalcy and the hectic pace of American life.
I've really enjoyed staying in touch this way, and hope the hotel allows a continuation of the blog. Does India have Internet cafes? The hotel probably has an Internet connection somewhere if Pete takes Neil's computer home?
Take care,
Ellen
Neil,
Glad to hear your moving to yor next phase. More time in India... who's to say, you may have other adventures in store that you don't even know about yet. I'm sending you positive thoughts and good vibes. Wish i were there.
Love,
Patrick
Day of departure-sun rising. Sleep wel last night and am awake with morning tea.
Have had my first round of excercises; these I will do on my own now.
Spent the morning time and those meditative moments reaffirming my gratitude for this opportunity. Not sure why I am so angry but I have been very crabby. I think I do not want any inconvenience at all in my life. Certainly, I am frightened about the next two weeks. It is amazing the number of simple little things I cannot do when I am on cruthes.
These thoughts are triggered by reading the comments book that the hospital keeps for BHR (Birmingham Hip Resurfacing ) patients. I was not feeling the love and happiness being expressed.
Right now I am feeling the how lucky I am to be one of the few people in the world that even know about this operation. How few doctors anywhere are doing it. And for 1/10th the cost ,if I could get in the US trial.
In 10 years this will be the only operation anyone gets to repair an undamaged ( unbroken hip ). But I was able to learn about it and be here now to start the benefits torward normal activity for the first time in years.
I am Blessed.
I am Lucky .
I am Grateful.
Ellen,
I actually get a certificate for the airport that I have a metal Hip. I also receive a certificate with a bar code that identifies the exact hip I have. All joints and implants are cataloged- I assume worldwide. I can be scanned and you will know exactly the model of the hip and ,I assume, from that all the info about who I am and the details about the operation.
Neil,
I can understand that you have strong conflicting feelings - I guess the recovery time will help you work through the process. Your anger may simply be part of the grieving process for your lost hip or your lost vision of recovering faster.
As you well know, one day at a time you will cope with the challenges. You might be disappointed that you don't get to do as much as you had hoped while you were over there. But maybe next time you have the opportunity to travel to India it can be strictly pleasure.
Your affirmations show that you're already bouncing back. I wish I could be there for you - to carry a bag or something. ;-) Relying on others isn't a trait that we learned growing up, but I trust you will have opportunities to receive help on your journey.
I'm sorry if this sounds like a lecture, but as the oldest I do have a role to play! ;-) No, not the bossy older sister - just the Mother Hen.
All my love to both you and Pete! Happy Trails!!!
Ellen
Neil, It was soooo good to hear your voice. I think about you so much every day. I hope our talk was helpful. Sorry we got cut off... I hope you felt you said what you needed to say. While we talked I just wanted to book a flight and get right over there so I could help you out. But I know that you will do fine as you are so resourceful and of such strong character. I think Ellen had some wise words about grieving and loss so I won't repeat it. Hang in there, luv. I will wait for an email from you about Tupper. XXOO Luey
Hi Neil,
I really like the new Indian spelling of your name. I am finally logging on to respond to everything I have read so far. Mark and I have been so busy with the chocolate shop, getting reading for Valentine's day and our impending vacation in 2 weeks that other things have gotten away from me. You have been in my thoughts often even though it has taken awhile to write! You look a bit weary. I hope the relocation to the resort will help. I am not surprised to hear about the delay with your healing time. Depending upon others teaches one so much about interdependence. I know when I had a really awful accident and surgery years ago with my ankle I learned a lot about humility, support and surrender. Sending love, hugs, cybermassage and cyberchocolate to you Neil.
Kathleen
Neil and Pete,
I'm anxious to hear of your accommodations at the resort. I envision beautiful palms swept by the ocean breezes kissed by the azure waters. Have you sipped the Kingfisher yet? Delightful brew. Serene settings; time to heal and reflect. Take care.
Dennis
We haveb arrived at the beach and is a special treat for Peter as he had to hang so much with little to do.
Good food; beautiful sand with sunset / sunrise combo to help us change the energy of crowded, noisy Chennai. Oh, and the energy of that hospital thing.
We took a car to town to sightsee and shop. This is atown full of stonscarvers and I mean some of these guys are carving full size elephants out of granite. Intricate, beautiful work. A bit on the dusty and noisy side as the work day hits full stride.
The blog will slow because I am the only one posting from India starting tomorrow. Also it looks like the ability to post pictures is flying into the dark western skies tonight.
Glad we got a litle play time before Peter goes. We may be able to squeeze in some mimi-golf before coctails on the beach.
Ah, mini-golf before cocktails on the beach--sounds like heaven, mahn.
Relax, refresh, recreate.
Ken
OK, I missed this part of the story, but why are you staying in India on the beach? Why not fly home and recuperate in the US with cable TV and pizza delivery? Do you have a check-up later in Chennai and is this something they require?
Neil and Pete,
I was hoping we wouldn't lose touch once you relocated and once Pete left the country. I appreciate all the interaction of the blog and being able to share from a distance.
Love to both of you!
Ellen
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