How do I heal from physical changes?

I recently experienced three surgeries on my foot; an almost complete reconstruction.  It seems that after decades of use and the fact that my foot was not in the right position from birth, I was no longer able to walk, run, stand or maneuver my foot in almost any way.  Due to the amazing advances in present day medicine an orthopedic surgeon was able to make the necessary changes to enable me to, hopefully use my new foot for the rest of my life.  To think that not so long ago, I might have been relegated to a wheel chair for the remainder of my days, I would say that I am in pretty good shape.

Many of us, at all ages, but particularly after 40 years of age, find that our bodies need repair, rejuvenation, reconstruction.  We often think very little of going under the knife due to our incredible medical system and the possibilities that we are offered.  Following appropriate surgeries, we are grateful that we are alive and have the opportunity to move forward with our lives in healthier ways. Family and friends may be available to help and give us solace as we are physically recovering.  Life is good.

Then we notice our mood is low.  We can't seem to empower ourselves to move forward emotionally.  Stuck with poor energy, unexplained sadness or anger and lack of understanding for these feelings.  We are healthy.  We are actually better than before the procedure(s).  What is wrong?

Often, we don't acknowledge that along with renewed health, we have also experienced loss.  Even though our "old parts" were unhealthy, they were ours!  I have found the following steps helpful:

Make sure to say "good-bye" to the parts of you that will be going away or are currently missing.

Express gratitude for how it/they worked for as long as it/they did.

Express gratitude for the new you.  ( you can do this verbally, in writing, art, song, etc.)

Allow yourself to be sad while you get used to the new you.

Change is inevitable.  The more we acknowledge changes when they occur, the easier it will be to go through these experiences with grace.