Crocheting Again After Surgery

Crocheting Again After Surgery: a season of healing, family, and finally returning to crochet and unfinished projects.

It feels a little strange popping in here after being quiet for a while, so let’s rewind a bit and catch up properly. I also feel like all I’ve talked about lately is surgery, recovery… surgery, recovery… and here I am again with another blog post about yet another surgery and recovery…

It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls

Back in December, we kicked things off with the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls…and if you’ve never been, let me just say: you are absolutely missing out. The entire town transforms into a living, breathing homage to the movie, and it’s pure magic. Every corner feels festive, nostalgic, and honestly kind of surreal in the best way.

The Most Fun 5K I’ve Ever Done

Me, my husband, my mom, and my stepdaughter all signed up for the 5K, which was held at night, and I can confidently say I have never done a race quite like this one. The whole route was lined with houses glowing in Christmas lights, music spilling out into the streets, and cheering spectators everywhere you looked. There were drink stations along the way serving hot chocolate, hot cider… and yes, even shots. It felt more like a moving block party than a race. I loved every single second of it and am already 100% sold on doing it again next year.

Learning to Swing Dance (Yes, Really)

After the 5K, there was a swing dance lesson, which my husband and I (okay, mostly me) were very eager to jump into. I don’t have photos, but honestly, the memory is better than any picture. Growing up in a very strict Baptist church where dancing was a big no-no, learning how to swing dance felt joyful and freeing in a way that’s hard to describe. It was fun, a little awkward, and completely out of my comfort zone…in the best possible way.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery Round Two

Just a few days later, I went in for my second carpal tunnel surgery, this time on my left hand. Recovery was just getting started when life, once again, had other plans.

A Week Caring for My Grandmother

Only days after surgery, I was needed at my grandmother’s house. She had been hospitalized for several weeks with pneumonia and then COVID, and the hospital wouldn’t discharge her unless someone could stay with her 24/7 for the first week to make sure she could safely return to independent living…at the ripe young age of 96.

I was the only one in the family available and qualified to do this, and while helping care for someone just days after surgery wasn’t exactly recommended, we made it work. That week was exhausting, emotional, and meaningful all at once, and I’m really grateful I was able to be there for her.

One of my favorite little moments from that week was braiding my grandmother’s hair. I did a simple French braid, and it turned out so pretty that I had to take a photo. Would you believe that beautiful braid was done on a 96-year-old?

Britton’s Back Surgery Update

Before I jump ahead too far, I should also share a quick update on Britton. Back in October, he had major back surgery, and recovery has been a long road….but he’s been doing incredibly well. So well, in fact, that he’s officially taller than me now. Can you even believe it? After everything his body has been through, seeing him stronger, upright, and feeling good again has been such a gift.

Breast Reduction Surgery and Recovery

Just a few days after leaving my grandmother’s house, I found myself back in the hospital again…but this time for my third surgery: a breast reduction. This was something I had needed for a very long time, and I cannot even begin to explain how relieved I was to finally have it done!

The drive to the hospital was intense. Snow was coming down fast and thick, and it was absolutely a white-knuckle situation. But all I could think was that nothing – and I mean nothing – was getting in the way of this surgery. I wanted my boobs gone, and gone now!

Once we arrived, everything went incredibly smoothly. We were an hour early and they took us right in. The surgery itself lasted about two and a half hours.

Pre-surgery, and post-surgery (and finally getting to eat my snacks lol)

Breast Reduction Recovery: The Real Talk

Recovery at home wasn’t nearly as bad as I had feared. I was sore and tender, but not in constant pain. The best way I can describe it is that breastfeeding, engorged feeling…except without any relief. Thankfully, by day four that sensation started to subside.

The worst part of the whole experience? The drains. Hands down. They were uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and always in the way. After a week, they were removed, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to have something taken out of my body.

As I’m writing this, I’m 21 days post-op. I’m still wearing a surgical bra, still swollen, and occasionally a little tender – but overall, I’m feeling so much better.

Getting Back to Movement After Surgery

I started easing back into movement about a week post-op with gentle walking. For that first week, walking was all I was cleared to do. So I bundled up in the cold and went out every day – and it just felt so good to get fresh air and slowly begin to move my body again.

After that first week, I gradually added in other exercises and continued increasing things as my body allowed. I’m currently working with a personal trainer through these recoveries.

Training for the Empire State Ride

I’m preparing for something pretty big: the Empire State Ride. I feel like I’ve mentioned it before, but the short version is that I’m training to ride 500 miles across New York State – from NYC all the way to Niagara Falls. I’ll share more about that soon, but for now just know that it’s a huge goal and something I’m deeply committed to.

Finding My Way Back to Crochet

As for crochet? It’s been happening here and there in small pockets, as life allowed. And finally – finally – I’m starting to make my way back into my pile of WIPs. Slowly, gently, and with a whole lot of grace for where I’ve been and where I’m at.

Thanks for sticking with me through this Crochet Diaries catch-up. It feels really good to be back.

What to Crochet This Week

Waffle Washcloth

Woodland Bloom Blanket

Reversible Almond Pillow

 SHOP PREMIUM PATTERNS:

These photos are the property of Spotted Horse Design Co. This tutorial is for your personal use only. Please do not copy/paste, distribute, or alter and claim as your own.this Crochet Diaries catch-up. It feels really good to be back.