6/28 and 6/29/2014 A good, productive weekend!

6/28 and 29/2014

A really good, productive and energetic weekend!!! 

Even on somewhat low sleep - I'll take it! 

Saturday - slept in a bit, a good breakfast - lots of summer fruit I LOVE summer fruit!), eggs, bacon... 

I got 30 minutes in on the exercycle in the morning, and a good six block walk - half a mile! 

I get that new little vacuum cleaner out and vacuumed the heck out of the livingroom, hall and and kitchen - it may sound ridiculous, but (and I am NOT one who enjoys the house keeping, nor have I been physically capable of doing much of it, if any, for a  long time) it was SO WONDERFUL to get my floors cat-hair free!! It makes the place look SO MUCH BETTER - got a bit of tidying done, too! 

A good dinner, and a little studying... a great IM conversation with my poet friend, and he would call after dinner (here in town). Happy surprise - not just a phone call, but a great visit! Things are always brighter and elevated when he is in the room, and the conversations are interesting and fascinating. It was still warm in the apartment and I coudl feel breezes kick in, so I suggested a walk... 

another 6 blocks for the win, and sitting out on the stairs for a litle while - it's not a great porch for sitting, but, as  his Grandmother always said, "Everyone should have a porch!" - wise lady! We had a great log conversation about everything, but particularly the Poem wehe is writing and we will be reading. I look forward to it, and really enjoy the process. 

He left around 2:00 am with lots of food for thought... I didn't sleep until after 4:00 am! ui! 

But - up around noon, feeling pretty stiff... once I was moving around a bit, breakfasted (Fruit, scrambled eggs with parmesan and shallots, and sausages), coffee'd and awake, I got some sink laundry done (ANd theres more in the soak now - I have no laundry facility, and it is such a hassle to go to the laundromat - though I CAN now, so that should happen soon!). Emptied and loaded the dishwasher... 

I got down on the floor and stretched and did some strengthening reps and THEN 20 more minutes on the 'cycle! 

This momentum is so exciting - I am so ready to push past my "pre-surgery" state AND my pre-pain state (More than 7 years ago) and raise my personal bar. 

I have errands to run later, and if it cools off enough, I hope to take a walk today. If I don't get to it, I will get on the bike again. 

:) 

I have a couple of friends (some new ones, sent to me by their friends, thinking I may be able to give them a little information and a morale boost and encouragement - I am SO happy to do that!!) who are taking hope from my progress - And you should, too - 

Always remember - I am an extreme case - you will very likely have quicker pregress than I am- and I am DELIGHTED with my progress!!

**************** later...

Well, I got out and got cat litter and looked a few places for some new hairpins recommended by a friend (I have SO. MUCH. HAIR) and home again. 

I didn't take the walk or get back on the bike, but I did take - oh lord how embarrassing - the garland off the fire screen - and yes. I mean the real cedar garland I had at Christmas in lieu of a Christmas tree - much less trouble, considering I had surgery December 3... it had gotten so dry I was dreading dealing with the prickliness and mess. But it had to happen, and it did. Momentum - I am getting things done which have wanted doing for so ong, adn the help I needed to ask for was more important tasks... groceries, trash being taken out, etc. END TANGENT - BUT - I got it out to the trash and most of it cleaned up (a quick vacuum tomorrow night will finish it up. I pace myself. 

So - the more you improve, the more you will do to make that push forward - results give you energy and hope! You get thing sDONE again, and you do them on your own - it is a magnificent feeling, after so long having to depend on others!! BE CAREFUL and MINDFUL - I tried to change a high lightbulb last week and realized, "Nope. This is too wobbly yet. Get down. Get help with this - you may NOT fall." and carefully climbed down. It'll happen when I remember to ask someone. It can wait.  

Life is GOOD, and I don't say that lightly. Look around - if you're hurting and still waiting for help and relief - find the things that still get through the pain and make you happy - and then start remembering all of the things you miss that you WILL BE ABLE TO DO!!! 

Make a list. ANd then gleefully check 'em off as you go! 

Heck I can't even FIND the list I made before my hip replacements - I think I'm kind of leaving it in the dust. 

6/27/2014 Moving Along, Though Tired.

Today was a retirement BBQ at work for one of our first two employees, 25 years ago. 

Fortunately, at our workplace, the people who cook are familiar with gluten issues as well as dairy, egg, and nut allergies. Some peopel think that's going too far, but I know there are at least two dozen people in the almost 200 in our workplace with food sensitivities, (Yes - legitimate ones. If you ever feel that you have to ask that - just don't. IOt's none of your business.) But it is most appreciated, because we can all participate! I ate two all beef gf hotdogs, one with a bun... It is rare for me to take seconds, but it ws a very abundant spread, and potlucks/smorgasbords are a bit of a weakness. At least it was salads and fruit otherwise - and a small ice cream for dessert. 

I've bought Trail mix with more sugar than I usually eat(Tiny chocolate and peanut butter chips) and for some reason I snacked on some n the afternoon. I am usually starving when I get home - but I really have no desire for dinner!! I will cook the thawed chicken I have in the fridge for tomorrow and the next few nights. but I'm still SO full. yek. 

When I got home from work, knowing how tired I am and that once I was home, I'd be shucking most of my duds to cool off and relax, I parked my car across the street and headed off to walk around the block as a brisk pace. It's pretty warm today, but not hot by Sacramento late June standards - but by the time I got home, I was really breathing hard and lagging, and my back and shoulders are sore - maybe pushing too hard at keeping my posture straight and hips upright - getting out of the life- long tilted posture. Ui. 

I grabbed my purse from the car and headed up stairs - heavy-going... 

I hope it's just from eating too much. I am SO tired. 

A little less sore in the left hip than yesterday - a bit stiff, but that's lack of stretching. I made sure to stretch a good bit before heading out for my walk.

I realize that this isn't scintillating reading today, but it's a reminder - holding myself accountable, not getting lazy - reminding myself how important it is to get back - and IMPROVE over my general state of fitness in the last decade as my hips deteriorated.  

ANd I hope some sort of inspiration and reminder to you, too, that if you are going through this experience, you need to just make yourself do it. 

Tired? You'll get a nice rest when you're done. 

Sore? Stretch well before you go, and again when you get back. Pay attention to where you're sore, and ask your Physical Therapist for exercizes to help with the area where you get sore (Even if it's not the actual hip area - everything is conneted, and they are there to help all of you be better!)  If you need to take a little Tylenol, OK. But keep it up. 

I will, too! 

I haven't gotten to the bike tonight- I took a nap and had dinner and then - it was late. At least I got my block walk in!

But will do tomorrow, and walk, AND finish vacuuming now that I have a functioning vacuum cleaner. 

6/26/2014 Up and Down, and all Around!

I'm keeping up exercise pretty well - if not increasing every day, at least DOING it! 

I have't been sleeping great, so I'm pretty tired.. having odd bursts of intense energy in the after noon, and by the time i get home I'm just beat. I'll try tomorrow to just come straight home (No errands to run, for once). I'm hoping that works! 

Yesterday after picking up a vacuum cleaner a friend was giving me (After blowing up mine the day before). I got it home and up the stairs pretty easily. Then when I went to fetch my phone I'd left in the car, I went around the long way - took the alley and cut the block in half, but the total walked was three blocks, at least. 

Tonight I did 10 minutes on the Cycle, and a good bit of walking around Trader Joe's - not quite as good as actual striding on a good walk, but better than none. 

Knees are a bit stiff and sore, and my left hip was kind of painful today - not just sore, but more pain... if that makes sense. It is extremely helpful having had the recent 3 month check/x-rays with my surgeon, Dr. Smith, because it confirmed that structurally, I'm getting mroe solid and secure all the time- the bones are bonding with the new parts - because, when I do have a new kind of odd pain or ache - and it happens almost weekly, a small different thing or other - I can remind myself that the Boss is keeping an eye on me, and it is nothing Dire. 

I'm moving more and more, faster, with different push-off while walking, etc. It makes total and complete sense that bits and pieces are going to be freshly sore as I am freshly more able. 

The fatigue is a little frustrating, though. 

I did call a yoga instructor who is right down a few blocks and around the corner, just above my favorite gluten-free bakery. She has a technique called Svaroopa Yoga - it is more than regular Restorative Yoga, which I tried before, and I LOVED, until the mobility in my hips became too frozen and excruciating to be able to even get onto the floor, let alone hold any of the poses. 

The instructor and I talked a while, and I think this is pretty much EXACTLY the next step I need to get my flexibility always increasing... it is only on Tuesday nights, when I can make it, but I look forward to when I can start! 

This is once of the great things about taking the time away from the stage for the summer - I can do what I need to do and not worry about my rehearsal schedule or performances conflicting. 

I can also likely find more time to spend with friends - most of whom are as busy or more-so than I am when I'm in rehearsals (ANd still doing the day-job). 

I also am determined to get some dance training. I don't usually play dancing roles - the character roles I play tend not to be a part of dance numbers - but it was be GLORIOUS to be able to tell the choreographer, "YES!! You need me to join this dance number? Sure! I got it! " 

Then in the Fall, I have a potential of at least three roles starting, to carry m through Spring!

Right - speaking of all this fatigue and such - time for this one to get in bed! 

6/24/2014 keeping it Up, Moving Pianos

Pretty good energy today! strode around work with a good pace and used "Overdrive" as much as possible - leaning ahead and really pushing off when I walk. It works more muscles.

Power-sped (Walking) around Safeway  - and did 30 minutes on the exercycle!
I started vacuuming - the first time by myself since the surgeries - and promptly caught a scarf (The cat had hidden it under the couch) in the vacuum, breaking the (brand-new) rotor belt. Dammit!
Oh, well, the hall is cat-hair free!

Worked on some Fado music... medicated the cat...

Also... I forgot to mention this about the self-defense class I took on Saturday.

I helped move a baby grand piano. :)
Mariam told me, "Don't be a hero!!" But I would not have done it if I didn't think it was safe. There was a little stress on my frame, but if it have been bad, I would have stopped - not problem at ALL! not then, not after, not now!

I haven't helped move ANYTHING of weight in so long I cannot even remember! It made me feel so useless for things like helping build stage sets (I know HOW to do that - I went to college for theatre and you learn this stuff!!) or striking the set after shows close...

 I won't do anything stupid - I WILL NOT! These hips are too precious, and I will not screw up my second chance!
BUT - I HELPED MOVE A BABY GRAND PIANO!!!
And the best part was, people who know me and what I have been through, though checking in quickly - "You good?" LET me. No one freaked out.
I TRULY appreciate the concern. But oh my GOD it feels good to do things and be helpful!

:)

6/23/2014 Numbness Receding, Keep Moving

We're at about 10 months out for the right hip replacement, and just short of 7 months on the right. 

A good, busy work day - but I managed to get my butt up often and stretch. The upstairs look was out of order, so a little more walking... good enough - but one must remember that one has further to go and heed the call sooner to avoid discomfort. 

I missed my walk (got home exhausted, took a nap) but did 15 minutes on the 'cycle.

I am definitely noticing changes in the large numb area of my right thigh (and even some in the small numb patch remaining on the left!)  - the achey soreness underneath the skin and a slight sensation in most of the skin surface returning. 

I wonder if it might be because I've been getting more exercise and movement? Or perhaps it's just time for those nerves to be reaching that stage. I can't quite recall if this is the time when my right left began to get the feeling back - the left was a shorter surgery, 3.5 hours - the right was 5. 

This is unusual... hip dysplasia, and Dr, Smith was determined to get that acetabulum well and  properly re-sculpted! 

I plan to increase my walk from 4 blocks (All around one block) to a mile within the month. 

I have a planned trip up to Murphys (a little under 2 hours away, where I often do summer theatre) to see friends perform Twelfth Night, and then have a lovely low-key walk in the woods around Lake Alpine in a few weeks - I'd love to really have my stamina going well by then! 

And here's hoping I'm in bed in the next half hour. Sleep is not my forte. I need more of it, 

'night, then! 

6/21/2014 and 6/22/2014 Solstice, Self-Defense Training, Accomplishments Achieved

Yesterday on Facebook: 

"Today, I took a really terrific women's self-defense class - Diamond Defense from the wonderful Lisa Thew!! I took it two years ago, when I was barely mobile and feeling pretty vulnerable in the world, and I was still able to get a LOT of good information from it. I left that day feeling much stronger, and knowing that I was more badass than I remembered. It was GREAT revisiting the material and information today, able to be up on my feet and participate fully in the class!!! It was a powerful experience, and I met some really great women who also got a great amount from it. 

Thank you Lisa... For any of my women friends who feel a little more vulnerable in the world than you would like to be, I really recommend this training."

This was wonderful. The group of women all got really great rewards from it, and it was interesting to see the different vulnerabilities in each woman come to the surface, and then dissipate. 

Everyone left feeling empowered and more secure in the world, with tools to know that we can take care of ourselves in a bad situation. 

And there was only one maneuver I needed to sit out - it involved a side-kick, and I tried gentle tests of it first, and felt impact where it didn't feel like a good idea, so I just sat out that section, still watching and learning. 

I also did 10 minutes on the 'cycle before the training, and then another 15 at night! AND - It was a three-medication day for Lexi. It's grueling, but I did it, and she actually came for a cuddle at bedtime Her appetite skyrocketed after the appetite stimulant - hurrah! what she wants to eat, she gets. 

It was also Summer Solstice - a powerful day as it is, being the longest day of the year, but also the day my mother died, twenty-five years ago. I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that my nearest and best beloved, my mother, friend and wise woman, has been gone for that long. I think we learned a lot from her while she was here - no - I KNOW we learned a lot. About how to deal with a problem - There is no problem is there is a solution. ANd there is pretty much always a solution. SO try not to panic, but calm down and think of what the solution might be. 

That has served me well, and many people I love, having passed that simple wisdom on, over the years. 

Thanks, Butchie! We all have the same twinkle - thanks for passing it on. 

And today:

I got some things accomplished! Some relaxation, too - but not too lazy. 

I picked up things in prep to vacuum. No - I didn't get the vacuuming done. It seems the hardest and worst task in the household, for some silly reason! It's an automatic MACHINE! But it'll happen soon - the cat hair off of these two fluff butts is pretty overwhelming. Tidied up the kitchen... 

I looked for some sheet music - discovered where it wasn't, and figured out where I can get it... 

Went out the door, walked briskly around the bock in the warm afternoon, hopped right in the car and went for groceries. 

Medicated Lexi again - only prednisone. I'll add the sub-q fluids tomorrow - oh how we hate that. but it must be done. 

I did another 10 minutes on the 'cycle - and received a note that I could get a comp ticket some friends' show - an original score just written in the last 30 days - so I showered, made dinner and went out at 8:45! It was lovely and a terrific show. It fels so good to get out and see things spontaneously. 

Conversely - I missed a wonderful poetry event yesterday... I just wasn't ready in time. C'est la vie! 

I worked on some Fado music today - my Portuguese pronunciation is getting better and fitting more naturally in my mouth - it has been a real task - especially for someone who specializes in regional dialects - this one is very tricky!! 

So - all in all, a good weekend! 

6/20/2014 Walking, Meeting Neighbors, Keeping it Moving Forward!

Second longest day of the year (Along with day-after-tomorrow, of course).

A warm but lovely day... I got up a little closer to "on time" today thinking, "It's Friday. I don't want to be hanging around work later that most of the others on a Friday". But then I thought, "I didn't get on the 'cycle or walk yesterday. Nope! Time to get on the bike for 10 morning minutes." 

And so I did. Mornings are not my thing, NOT my time for activity - I tend to go in a little bit later and home a little bit later... and very little occurs other than shower, dressing, and a litle nosh (Fruit or such) in the car. 

So - yay! I did plenty of stretching today at work, too.

Gave my pal Mariam a ride home - she came by to try and help me administer meds to Electra, but Lex is onto me/us. I wish it weren't so hard - it's exhausting having skittery cats when then get sick. 

Ah, well.  When I took Mariam home, I got out of the car and headed right on the street at a good clip! I was determined to go aroundthe block - work clothes, purse and all - before heading back in. And I DID - bonus, was meeting the neighbors on the first corner I round! 

They've been there three years, but I haven't been walking - except for when I was doing post-op hove care  Physical Therapy with Shauna. 

It was daytime and unusual to see a neighbor home/out, but he ws always up on the porch studying, so I never bothered him. 

He was doing his grad work at the time. This time, the dog came down to say hi, and Tiffany came down after her, and Kevin (Eric? Keith? It take me a few times!) followed. I introduced myself, reminded him that he might have seen me before, but with a walker - and he DID remember me with my PT! I explained about the new hips, and they were very congratulatory - lovely, friendly people, and I'm glad to know them! 

I will likely see them fairly often now, since they are on my walk - even though I tend to mix up the pattern once I'm walking more than around the block! As I walked away, they smiled and commented on my big happy smile and how I was just MOVING down the road - When I walk - I WALK!! Strolling is for recreation!! :D (But I do stop and look at the pretty things and sights, and smell the earth and leave and flowers, too! ) 

About 3/4 of the way around, my knees and a foot started to be a little cranky, so I slowed the pace a little bit, and concentrated on correct alignment and placement and such - but I headed right up the stairs pretty briskly. It was a good cardio - I was breathing pretty hard - but doing all right! 

I'll get back on the bike again tonight - I should to some vacuuming too... we shall see if I get to that tonight. But the vacuum cleaner is at least out and ready - so some time this weekend!!! (With these two luxuriously-coated kitties, it is sorely needed.) 

I am noticing things - my skin is smoother and nicer that it has been in so long. Pain and inflammation really do a number on it. Getting better really allows it to bounce back! Coconut Oil is also my friend! 

Also - the numb areas on the top/front of my thighs (around the surgery site) are starting to show the next sign that the nerves are waking up - I know this now from the parts that have already come back - there is a bruise-y kind of ache below the surface... little tingles and pin-prics that happen more and more often. The numb part on the right (the more recent and longer of the two replacements, last December) was much larger - and I wasn't sure it it was going to wake up - but it is! Such an odd sensation, leaning against something without know I am!

The remainder of the Divot is threatening to be a bit scabby (Sorry) - not bad - but I'm keeping a real eye on it, and if it doesn't get better SOON, I'm back to Wound Care. I am SO ready to have this sucker DONE. It ALMOST is!!

6/18/2014 A Short One - a (mostly) Quiet Day

A fairly quiet day - Stuck in traffic for 45 minutes at a freeway construction site where apparently there was also a car fire - and I watched some fool skirt the right lane and then drive - IN REVERSE up the ONramp! That was different! 

And I just did 20 minutes on the exercycle! Hurrah! 

As I said - it was a quiet day! 

6/17/2014 Officially Divot- Free! And Getting Proper Exercise In, and Keepping It In

Ha! I HAVE BEEN SO EXCITED TO REMOVE THE BANDAGE FROM THE Shin Divot since I saw the wound care specialist Jeff last week, nad he told me to recoved the dressing on Tuesday, nad if I felt the need, to keep my appointment, but if it looked good, cancel it !And I canceled it! The silver-impregnated mesh(silver is anti-microbial) did a crackerjack job of healing and flattening out/ properly forming the texture of that last bit of healing skin -I am thrilled! (I was SO tempted to go ahead and take it off yesterday, but dammit, I stick to what the pros tell me - if it's working, and this has been!)  As he warned me it would be, it is a touch dry and flakey and will clough dry skin for a while. No problem. And the silver left a sort of black-tarnished color to the very last, newest bit of the scar, but that is NOT necrotic - it is nice, firm, smooth and healthy skin! The silver will come up as the layers of skin grow up and out, and the scar will heal and change over the next year or two - I'm familiar with that!
I am just over the moon that the scar will be FLAT - and no divot at all!!

What a happy relief!! 

Today I was a little more stiff and slow than yesterday - I think it's pretty clear that it was due to my NOT getting out for a walk or onto the exercise bike. Well, i'm glad the effects are fast, either direction! If I DO them, I feel markedly better and more energetic the next day, 

If I don't, I'm a mess. 

Today I ate dinner a bit too late, but I got on the bike for 20 minutes! HURRAH! 

So - I anticipate tomorrow to be a more comfortable day. 

6/15/2014 Father's Day, and Keeping It Up

Today is Fathers Day. My dad died many year ago when I was nine, he was forty-four. It's been long enough tht I would rarely say i specifically *miss* him, per se - I was the lucky one, being the fourth of four siblings, and my memories  f hi were all pretty happy ones. 

I've come to learn that he had a fairly mean sense of humor and was a severe alcoholic - the Air Force gave him a job as Personal Affairs Officer - essentially, a counsellor with no training or tools whatsoever, just a lot of empathy. 

Well, that ate him up, and he drank and smoked himself to death from cirrhosis of the liver and emphysema  by 44. That takes a lot of work to accomplish so young. 

On rare ocasions, I become a tad sad at what I missed - the strength and xonfort of a Dad, but my Mom did a pretty fantastic job of raising four kids on her own. We lacked nothing. 

SO I rarely remember it's Father's Day, other than al the ads everywhere, and Facebook. 

So here's how I go about it (at least, today, I did): 

"To all my lovely male friends (and some female, too!) - the ones who are biological or adoptive or step Dads, or are Father figures of love and support to people you are not biologically related to - I feel honored and grateful to know so many great ones, and wish you a very happy and special day today!
If you think this might be you - then you are right! Happy Father's Day!"

And for my Mentor since my freshman year of college (A very long time ago) and dear friend, I thank him for the amazing father he is to his actual children, and the fathering he has so generous given to many of us out in the world. He is only ten years my senior, but still - as a greenhorn 18 year old, he was a terrific 28 year old teacher who taught me a strong foundation about theatre, what it means to be a theatre professional, and the ethics that go along with it. 

I had a lovely day - breakfast with my friend Mariam and we took a little walk about three blocks (Mornings always make me stiff and it takes a bit to be quite up to the task of the nice brisk all-the-way around the block ( and soon, further!). we sat in the sun for a but and enjoyed the trees (Sacramento is peppered with beautiful parks full of very old trees - one of our points of pride. When it got a bit too hot, we headed back to the car and home again. 

I enjoyed an afternoon of "Star Trek iInto Darkness" - a good movie, and I am a big fan of Mister Cumberbatch's, so lots of fun. 

Then I mustered my energy, took a few good stretches, and headed out for a good full-around-the-block walk! Nice and brisk - hurrah! 

Managed 15 or 20 minutes on the bike leer, as well! As I hve mentioned to friends, *this* is why I have taken the summer off the stage! 

To heal, do a few one-off, minimal rehearsal things (though the wonderful Portuguese Poem is becoming a bit consuming, but only because it is fascinating how the subject of the Ploem, as we are calling it - Play/Poem) is unfolding as we do more and more research about him - Fernando Pessoa. Brilliant. 

I could have accomplished  few more things on the To-Do list, but right now, the top priority items are getting more and more healthy by the day! So - I won!

6/14/2014 MOVING Again!

Oh what a nice day! Woke up surprise by the cool and overcast day... caught up on some good Dr. Who storylines... Got Lexi medicated..
I did a full half-hour on my recumbent bike and my legs were just buzzing when I got up - it felt so good - and then got in a good medium-to brisk full-around-the-block walk! Because I CAN!!  I have been dreaming of walking for several years while I was down. I LOVE it, and of course I feel SO much better when I can do it regularly - I look forward to getting up to a mile again very soon (That's around 12-14 sides of a block here in Midtown). I smile the whole way. And today I took pictures!  I love my neighborhood, and I prefer alley walks sometimes - more interesting view! 

Also - new hips are pretty frakkin' COOL!!! 

This is what it looked like in the lovely Golden Hour sunshine (yes, we name our Alleys here ):

Heading out from #4 up T St.

Looking back up Tomato Alley

Heading down 25th

Shadow Selfie, up Solon Alley

Moving back up T Street to Home.

Lovely miniature Pomegranates along the way.

6/13/2014 Moving Right Along!

Hey, hey!! Another good day!!  I am fond of them. 

I really am steadily getting my stamina back up and revving! Even though I've not had much sleep this week, it was great to walk around the office and really be able to pour the energy boosters on nd kind of speed walk wherever I was going - it feels so good! 

And she I got home from work, the evening was beautiful and soft with a perfect breeze - I got out of the car and instead of walking up to my apartment, I headed off up the block and turbo walking speed - zoom! Keeping very conscious, of course - no tripping, no falling. 

made it down to the corner and back, and headed up - pleasantly winded, but not out of breath by any means - a little cardio and some PT! 

Went to dinner with a dear friend and did some catching up - it never tires, seeing someone see me moving around for the First Time Since! 

They always have a great big loving grin for me - and I have one right back for them! 

Gearing up like this reminds me that I am still fully capable of moving on and up and doing so much more! 

Right now I'm having odd little spark-y, twinge-y pinpricks in my right thigh, which had a much larger and longer-lasting numb area due to the longer surgery on this side (5 hours). but those weird little phantom sparks are nerves regenerating!!! HURRAH!! I always note a litlle deep sore, kind of bruise-y spot underneath an area that is waking up - it's great! 

The numbness is not that big a deal, but it is a little annoying. I notice it most when I lean against the bed to make it - it is weird that I stop- and realize I've stopped because my thigh is up against the bed! I wasn't sure it would comeback - sometimes it doesn't - so that is just cool!

I really look forward to finding a dance class! 

More walking to come this weekend, and studying music, poetry and Portuguese... 

My friend asked me what I'd be doing with my evening the other night, when I told him I'd be up for a while.

"Oh yeah?? Doing what? Crochet? Knitting? Dancing a jig? Jumping jacks?"  

"yes." 

"Now that you can, of course!!"

I love that.

June 11/12/ 2014 Great Shin Divot Progress, Miss Lexi goes to the Vet, Things Portuguese, and Support in Abundance

This was a busy  - and good - day, too!

A short day at work due to the ol' Shin Divot wound care appointment. And such a good report I received! last week Jef in Wound Care said I would probably be ready to take the bandage off this week, but I thought, probably two... 

Sunday was the day I was scheduled to change the dressing, and though it was doing well, and there was no drainage, it was still about the size of  watermelon seed (though less deep by far). 

SO yesterday, they didn't even measure it! it just a small pink spot left in the middle of the now-scar, and was granulated (has grown a thin skin over it). HURRAH! Jeff dressed it, this time with one more wee touch of silver nitrate, and then a piece of fine mesh coated with medical silver, which is apparently very helpful in wound healing. the mesh also helps the healing tissue texture to heal like the skin around it. 

Interesting!!  Over that, he placed a bit of foam padding and a thin clear sticky plastic film (a bit like Nexcare bandage).

Back on with the compression stocking for good measure, and he told me to uncover it next Tuesday, and then it's my choice - if I am happy with the healing, we're DONE! If I was not, go ahead and keep the Wednesday appointment. 

It shoudl be a bit dry and flaky for abit as the skin regenerates and sloughs, but the care is pretty much wash it and put lotion on it (and the coconut oil/cocoa butter combo I use).

I am delighted with how much better and more flat and less scarred it looks than I was afraid it would! It was full-thickness deep. to the muscle, and the edges were not looking so good for a bit, there.  Now it's looking great, and already becoming the proper color of skin. 

What a relief! 

Then the valet at hospital (yes - everyone can use the valet at Sutter!) pointed out my very-low tire! Oh, dear... I tried several gas stations and non of them had operating air hoses - so I stopped at my mechanic's. Turns out, the tire was a goner - HUGE cracks in it!! 

Thank goodness - he kindly fixed it for me for no charge... They take good care of me there - thank goodness, because I needed to get Miss Electra ("Lexi") to the vet  -she hasn't been feelign well - again. Pancreatitis - tiny and thin, and not a happy bay (though not as bad as the first time she became ill). 

The vet was hopeful - Lexi was puring and cuddling and even head-butting (things totally uncharactaristic of her at the vet! and she never even head-butts at home!) and scarfing treats... 

Good news, and home again! 

Spent the latter part of the evening talking on the phone about Portuguese poetry, music and people. It was delightful, and very energizing - and slightly mind-blowing, too. 

Today I posted this photograph on my Facebook page - it's from last week, the day my Physical Therapist, Anne, "graduated" me - balancing on a foam half-cylindar with no hands! I knew my friends supported me, but a LOT of them still haven't seen me since surgeries... oh dear god - almost 400 people"liked" it!!! I am NOT a counter of clicks - I promise!!! - but I was really really touche dby that and the really kind and supportive comments my friends made. 

6/10/2014 Good News, Reflections on a Year

Today's Facebook status: 

This is a Very Good Day. Even a bit Red-Letter-ish! It was my nine-and-six-month checks on the new hippity hips - and the first set of x-rays since that little tumble March 2... we were pretty sure all was well... but I will not say I wasn't HUGELY relieved to have Super-Doc Smith look at my X-rays and smile, and say, "Nope - no problem! These really look rock-solid. It's looking like they are really set in there!!" (I, being "special" wasn't so clearly solid at first - five screws were added to the mix to keep it all in place) He was very careful to ask all about everything(Including the shin divot, in detail) and we're set for another look-see in three months! I appreciate the very thorough follow-up!
Then Mariam and I went for our now-traditional post-check Gunther's ice cream. AND - I just finished 20 minutes on the recumbent bike- I was gong for 10. 

Like

It was a year ago tomorrow that I went hobbling into my first appointment with me new, desperately-found (and fortunately wonderful) Primary Care Physician, Dr. Noreen, in so much pain I could barely see straight. I had just closed "A Little Princess" a beautiful world premiere musical at one of our professional theatres, Sacramento Theatre Company. I had to add a cane to my costumes and juggle handsfull of props with it for the final 9-shows-in-five-days (and a few full days of work at my day job in there, as well). 

I only just now saw that tit was a year ago, tomorrow. It really brought that into focus- how VERY far I have come and how much healing I have done.

I am told that the bit of pain I am still feeling should calm at the one- year mark - all of the other milestones I have been told about have held true (the magical 2 weeks for pain, 6 weeks for mobility, etc. etc.). It will be one year for the Left hip August 20, and for the right on December 3. SInce I am getting my stamina back again, I believe I will be in even better shape! And as I get to walking again and using the exercycle, and I tone and lose some weight naturally, thing will just get better and better!! 

But the truth is - even if today were my final result and this woudl be my permanent level of discomfort and occasional pain (though there would be frustrating days), I would be really content, especially when I remember how completely wretched I was a year ago. 

Tears and meltdowns were the order of the day and I felt like I was losing my mind with the pain. 

I was 55, feeling like 85. 

Now I am 56 feeling like 45. :) 

Life, my friends, is good. 

June 9, 2014 Heat... Improvement... Motivation... Inspiration

It is HOT right now, here in Northern California.

Currently 104 degrees F, at 3:45 in the afternoon. I went out to enjoy lunch on our company patio a couple of hours ago, and I lasted about 10 minutes. It was awfully warm.
This, just at a time when I am ready to be active, and get my stamina going!
I am back to being able to get up the stairs with only a little support for balance by the rails... all the way up without getting winded!
And oh, how I'd love to get to walking gain - but really - even though I have begun to acclimate better to the yearly summer heat, once it's over 100, walking out doors is not my idea of a healthy thing to do.

I do have motivation, though (once it is just a LITTLE less sweltering). My friend Graham has a theatre in the Sierra Foothills, in Murphys. I have worked there many a time, and intend to again, I hope next summer.
One of our favorite places in the world is Lake Alpine, just a bit up the highway from Murphys. There is a fairly steep trail that isn't terribly long, up to the most stunning view - "Inspiration Point." At the top, along a lava ridge at about 7500 feet, you can see the most stunning views - on one side, the blue, blue of the Lake, and on the other, there are two reservoirs, Elephant Head Rock, and you can see the Sierra for miles and miles, a good portion of the way North to Lake Tahoe, Maybe 40 miles away, and  Heavenly Ski Park, on a clear day. You can also see the beautiful, perpetual and majestic thunder bumpers that roll up over the top of the Sierras to the East. It is truly a beautiful place - it induces me to sing when I am up there. Usually the Shubert Ave Maria. It is that wonderful.

The last time I made the hike was when my late best friend Deborah and I drove up to celebrate Graham's birthday with him, in September of - perhaps 2011? Oh, my. I think it was more like 2007. Perhaps the next-to-last time I went up - but we had a great day. Deb was between brain tumors (There were 8 in all, recurring. Three brain surgeries, two radiations, chemo... it's what she succumbed to eventually last October) and she was a little wobbly, but determined to climb to the top. We found her a good, sturdy walking stick, and with many rests and breathers, made it! 

I always have to go up slowly - maybe 25 paces at a time. It's that altitude, and even then, my hips were beginning to challenge me, even though I was walking regularly. It took a while (Maybe an hour?) to reach the top. That last little bit looked like it might be too much for Deb, so she perched in the shade, and insisted that we forge ahead and pick her up on the way back,she was happy to sit in the shade and smell the pines and listen to the birds. But, about five minutes after Graham and I made the crest, there she came. It was something else to share that special time with her. It meant a lot to her to accomplish that.

We stayed a good while at the top - it's thin air and sunny, and hats and water are a must, but the beauty keeps you from wanting to leave. Graham took off his shirt, and by god, we were all friends, so I took off mine too (the bra stayed on)! I just needed that sweet air on as much of my skin as I could manage!
We watched the clouds  and the high-altitude butterflies play, and just - breathed. I sang - because I have to - and finally, we turned to head back down the steep trail. It is sort of easier going down, but challenges a whole new set of muscles!

Nearish to the top, Deb suddenly developed double vision - it happened on a pretty regular basis between tumor pressure and medications, but usually cleared up after a bit. We found a cool, shady spot to rest, and eventually, her vision was at least clear enough to carry on. We both offered an arm down, but she preferred the walking stick and feeling her own way. We stopped for a delicious dinner on the way back to Graham's, and then had a dense chocolate torte I'd made for the occasion, sitting out on his balcony which overlooked the Stanislaus National Forest, smiling.
That was a fine and memorable day, the last time Deb was able to do anything that physical again. That saddest part is that I didn't own a camera or cell phone at the time - there are no photos.
And it one of the last times I was able to make that climb. Graham and I have driven to the Lake another couple of times since and stayed down by the lake, but that hike was beyond my strength by then.
The minute I knew that I would be getting new hips and get better, one of the very first things I thought of was, "I will be able to climb up to Inspiration Point again!!!" that and dancing were my first dream/goals.

I hoped to do it this summer, but I also knew that it might be too soon.
Today, Graham and I spoke (Theatre business to start - I still make the programs, even when I am not on stage with them) and we talked about my getting up to Murphys (under two hours drive) to see the new production of Twelfth Night which opens next weekend. He thought it would be great for me to stay over and the next day get breakfast and drive up to Alpine and "Not do anything crazy, but have a nice easty stroll around the lake."

What a fine idea!!  It should be a few weeks, at least two or three - and I think I can get my stamina up and at 'em for a lovely lake stroll before then! There are many logs and boulders to sit on and rest if needed - but the air there is so sweet and beautiful among the evergreens -  I cannot wait! Next summer? You bet your but I'll get to the top of Inspiration Point. This time, I'll have two cameras.

So - until the Heat calms a little in a few days, it's the exercycle, and dreams of cool glades!

6/6/2014 A Few Nice, Quiet Days / the Anniversary of D-Day

Just a quiet couple of days - work, and relaxed evenings at home. 

But I have been sure to stretch and tdo my strengethening exercises again, and they make a HUGE difference in pain and mobility - immediately. 

I haven't have Tylenol today, and haven't needed it! 

It's the 70th anniversary of D-Day, and I it have been interesting and moving to see the veterans visiting Omaha Beach for perhaps the last time, sharing it with loved ones, seeing the places again, meeting the French again... 

6/4/2014 Happy. Like REALLY, Truly Happy :) PT Graduations and - Well, Read On.

So - today. Lots of things - hang with me - they're all good!
I had three (!) medical appointments.
Wound care - That Divot is healing like a boss! Wound care guy, Jeff, thinks it'll be pretty well healed by next week and the 4-layer compression bandage can come off!! More healing in three weeks than in the previous 2.5 months!
Optometrist - got my new contacts - woo hoo!
Physical Therapist - this was the 6 month-iversary of my second hip replacement, and my "graduation day" from PT! The wonderful PT I have, Anne, has been absolutely amazing and helped me get better and better, encouraged me through a slump while the Divot had me kinda down, and was really proud that I am (and I AM!) back on the upswing!
After I left, I felt so happy - that BIG ol' GRIN kinda happy I had after the surgeries (not from drugs - they were out of my system by then) because I have my life back, and nowhere NEAR the pain I had for so long. I'm still healing deep down, but any pain is *little* pain. I was just kind of in love with everyone I saw - and it felt wonderful, and I love it when it's that way. 

Came home and got on the exercise bike for 15 minutes...
made a rockin' skillet full of Chicken Liver and Onions - which if you like 'em, are DEVINE. (If you don't, ignore the previous line)
And like magic there appeared an *extraordinary* documentary on PBS - "Happy" - essentially, a film about the people all over the world who, in every kind of situation and environment, find the capacity to be deeply, fulfillingly and consistently Happy. It bolstered up that feeling - that knowledge that, while not being a Pollyanna - one can create happiness in their lives. I can- in MY life - and I am. And it tends to spill over. 

I see my surgeon in6 days for the next 3 month followup with x-rays, and I look forward to showing off a little. :) 

I hope you are and that you can, too. 

Thanks for listening. Goldang, I am HAPPY. :'}

PS - 

WOA!! I ALMOST FORGOT!!! It was hot and I wanted a treat (I have been mostly off sugar... ) And at the Co-op - I found... **Chocolate Scotch ICE CREAM**(yes, the booze - not candy!) I'm gonna go get some RiGHT NOW. !!! HAPPIER!!!