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!!