Catch-up post (yes, it's been a while...)

So, a lot has happened since my last post.  Firstly, my surgery date was moved - twice!  My initial date was the beginning of December, but due to my Medical Aid plan changing, my surgeon's hospital was not on the list of approved hospitals covered by my Aid.  In retrospect, this actually worked out great, as my surgeon would have been on leave right after I got released from hospital, so if anything went wrong, I would have had to see another surgeon.  The new date was middle of January, but due to a schedule clash with the assisting surgeon, it was moved to Tuesday.  Once again, working out in my favour as I had so much to finish at work before the surgery.  I would also have missed out on a camp this weekend that I've been looking forward to for months!  

Up until my pre-op check-up with my surgeon last week, I was still under the belief that I would be out of hospital within a few days, and I'd be able to start doing my "regular" activities after about 2 weeks.  During my pre-op check-up, my surgeon set me straight...  She told me in no uncertain terms that I WILL BE IN PAIN - FOR A FEW WEEKS AT LEAST.  She told me I have to be aware that I will be on strong pain medication for a few weeks, if not months.  And even though I might be medically (and physically) up to hiking again in a few months, the pain might make it unbearable.  She also mentioned words like "dependency" and "addiction", but that is worst case scenario.  I just need to be aware that there is a risk - as the pain medication I'm going to be on after the surgery is very habit-forming.

But - I have something that most other patients don't have.  I have the Otter trail hike to look forward to in July.  I've also set myself a goal that I will hike to the top of Simonsberg this year.  This hike has always been on my hiking wish list.  This list should not be confused with my hiking bucket list.  See, I have 2 hiking lists - one list of hikes I still want to do one day, and another list of hikes that I thought I could never do.  This list was saved in that mythical place where you put things would love to do one day, but you realistically know you will probably never get to do.  Like sleeping inside the Great Pyramid in Giza or seeing a wild Leopard up close. :)  But after the surgery, those 2 lists will be one list for me.  And Simonsberg has always had a prime spot on that second list - right next to Drakensberg Grand Traverse, and the Amatola trail.  But as the last 2 require some planning (and leave days that I don't currently have), Simonsberg is the lucky winner.

So, check back in a few months - when I conquer that peak, I'll definitely post photos.  :)

Also...  T-minus 4 sleeps before surgery.  My butterflies have butterflies at this point!

Photo of Simonsberg