I don't mind listening. Many of us are losing some of our abilities. There is a kind of mourning that accompanies it.

bkay

Debra I am so sorry you are having these mobility issues. I don't mind listening either, we are like a little family here sharing the good and unfortunately sometimes the bad.

Thank you for sharing. It's not always easy sharing our struggles. I have a good support group to share my struggles with, but when I start into my gardening woes, their eyes just kind of glaze over.

debra..we're happy to listen..we understand the sadness of physical limitations..I'm glad your bad move wasn't any worse..take care of yourself..

debra: sorry you're struggling with hip issues. Hugs...

Sorry about your troubles Debra. Not trying to compare, but I had one spinal fusion and I know how painful it can be before the operation. With all you have going you should look into what devices might help you to keep doing as much as you can. I know you realize you have new limitations, but please be careful. Do only what you can do comfortably and cut back. It simply isn't isn't worth doing more damage. - Jon

So sorry to hear about your new limitations. Take care of yourself.

It is so hard to understand what is best for our bodies in diet and hard work. Some say hard work keeps you going and some say it wears you out. It is good that you are aware of limitations, but it is not fun. Take care and go slowly.

Thank you all for your support. I know it was a long post…….Bkay, you are right—— there is a mourning to this all. :-(

peren, I do believe we are like a family…….. I guess that’s why I felt safe making the post.

steve, I am glad you have a good support system. That’s so important. My husband is a great support, but he’s not a gardener……and doesn’t care to be. He does help from time to time. He’s a golfer and likes to ride his bike, which is great for him.

NW, I am trying hard to move better……. I do use a cane and kneeling pad outside.

gardenchick, thanks for the hugs!!

jon, I knew you would understand because you have had spinal surgery as well. The suggestion to cut back is good. Kinda ironic, while healing, during the alphabet I started shopping for hostas and bought over twenty. I am still waiting for my Naylor’s order of 5 more.

beverly, thanks and I am trying to respect my new limitations. It takes time to develop new patterns of moving so that it becomes ingrainded in one’s self.

pandora, you are right, it is not fun……going slowly has never been in my nature. I am more impulsive and a type A to boot. Thanks, I am trying……hard. :-)

debra

Oh gosh. I am so sorry you are going through all this, debra! You have every right to feel down about your new restrictions and all you have to deal with.

I thought about what I would do in your situation as far as the gardening goes. Would you enjoy being more of the designer and director in re-doing your gardens some? Moving to more shrubs? Maybe one of those garden seats that you can easily move, but one that is sturdy to allow you to reach plants for deadheading? I just dislike that so many of us who now have time to be out in our gardens are finding it so difficult and even painful. Still, we all stuggle on out there and when we are in the garden, in those moments, isn't it the most delightful and marvelous thing?!

If I were artistic, I might just start plein-air painting-I would have to concentrate on painting weeds, though, I am afraid. ;-) . Actually, I might try my hand at that.

Even reading this was painful! Thank goodness for Buddha and your husband being there when you needed them. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. You're enthusiasm about your garden is contagious, and I hope you find ways to keep on enjoying your garden even if what you can do is limited. Nothing wrong with being a boss and instructing what needs to be done, or just going a little slower and coming up with new ways to manage what you can.

Utog and friends, you will be happy to know that I am working with one now. I have worked with her many times before and always showed good results. Thanks for the suggestion.

debra 👍🏽

Oy, Debra, I'm so sorry about what happened. It's PIPS that are supposed to pop, not HIPS! Good that you have help you can delegate tasks to. Take it easy and enjoy gardening at whatever level you can manage.

Ester, love that……pips are supposed to pop not hips!!!! lol…..lol

debra

I just read your post. I can't believe you have had to go through all of those procedures! I am sorry too that you had to have that experience with your hip dislocation. You should get a medal for all that you have been doing in the garden! You have pushed yourself to the limit.

As we age, it seems we have to come to terms with the fact that our bodies are changing---and not for the better! I take it that it is to remind us that we are not what we used to be and, in fact, never will be again.

Some of us have more challenges than others. Life is not fair!

I know you will find a way to continue your love of gardening.

Thank you for sharing a bit about your life with us!

Newhostalady, thanks for you kind words! I admit, I was bit concerned about sharing so much,but you all feel like dear friends. :-)

debra

I am glad you shared your story, and most of all, that you consider us as dear friends. Sure wished I lived nearby----I'd be popping by to give you a hand!

Sorry to hear you are having difficulties with the hips and back. I can relate but it is the two knee replacement for me and my spill off second step of the step ladder when painting that finished me off , I had discs compressing and them rubbing on each other. I guess over the years of thinking we were bullet proof and lifting things that full grown men should not even be lifting. Did we learn? Me ,,, not so much. It kills me to see the weeds growing and I hurt too much to get them all before it is time to start again. Not near as much fun as it was when I only hurt a bit. Now we are going to have another 10 days of 40 *C temps and worry the well may not keep up to my watering needs and plants turn to tissue paper. I guess it is what it is and will muster through too. It is always nice to have others who understand and probably hurt the same. I found if I do a little , rest, do a bit more rest kind of works. Hope your hips are behaving. So much for the golden years but beats the alternative. Lucky you can find someone that can help with your gardens. Around here no one seems to want a job and if they do seem to suck at it. Good thing our plants are toucher then we are. Feel better soon

Faye, thanks for your support……I remember seeing your post on theGardening and Aging thread. I am not sure what I would do if my knees went. The one way the doctor said I can garden is by going down into a tall kneel and then forward on hands. Trouble is it’s hard getting back up without something to grab onto or push up from, like a stool. perhaps I will need to take my little foot stool out…..falling off a ladder can be very bad no matter how high. I am sorry that happened. I think you are right about do a bit, rest…..then do a little more. I am impulsive amd that’s my downfall. Please take care of yourself.

What about one of these, Debra?

https://www.gardeners.com/buy/deep-seat-garden-kneeler/40-009.html

Ha! My husband bought me one of those a couple of years ago. I didn't think I needed it---and I certainly am not old enough! LOL I don't use it for kneeling with. I just use it as a bench---so far, anyways.

INgg ( hope you don’t the abbreviation), thanks for the link, I had been looking at these for years. Your suggestion with link——finally bought one. It is what I need to help me get up and down. Thanks!

debra

Youre welcome, Debra. Its just another tool for gardening - it is NOT a senior aid. :-)

no worries on abbreviations, i should have said ’call me IGGY’ lol!

Love that, a tool for gardening…….yes! I already have it!

debra

So sorry to read this Debra. I hope my note finds you in better spirits and feeling better.…aging is literally a PAIN. I have my share of old age problems too, I just do the best I can and rest frequently between garden chores. I hope we all have the strength and stamina to keep doing what we love! Sending prayers and positive vibes your way, BTW, my Zoe still doesnt know she is sick : )

Sherry

Thanks sherry, I am finding was to stay within my restrictions, but I constantly catch myself starting to move improperly and that is the first step. I am so happy Zoe is doing well!! :-)

debra