A New Week

[SusieSW]

Thanks to all of you who helped me last week when I was "feeling overwhelmed." Your support meant so much!!!!! I'm getting past the walking pneumonia, feeling some of my energy coming back.

I went back to PT yesterday. I was really apprehensive about it - very unsure how much of a setback it would be to have missed several sessions when I got sick. I have to give major kudos to my PT - she was just awesome yesterday. She put me through a good workout, but really helped me ease into it - lots of stretching, we took it slow. I was there for two hours if you count the time icing at the end. The great part was, even though I was moving more slowly and it was more painful that it had been recently, I didn't really lose any ground. I was able to do all of the exercises, using the same level of weight on the machines, and the ROM was about the same. I felt relieved and encouraged - and really grateful for the patience of my PT.

Today I went to two interviews, and though you never know how these things turn out, they went well! Both of the interviews were in hospital settings, which meant a lot of walking. I had to park at a distance for one of them - no parking close by. It was bitterly cold out and I had to manage a flight of stairs to get near the building. And I did it! by the time I got home I was very sore, stiff - so I did some exercise and icing and I'm ok.

I thought about all of you, your encouragement last week, and it gave me a lot of strength. TKR patients definitely rule!

Well, my kitty just came in to visit so I'm going to say some goofy things to her and get in some kitty snuggling.

Thanks again, everyone!
Susan

 

[Skeet]

I am so proud of you! Thanks for letting us know how things went. I hope one of the jobs works out for you. And great news on the PT visit! Isn't it encouraging when you have a few things go your way?? You are such an inspiration to me as I am feeling overwhelmed, too, and you helped me. I am now taking more of my anti-depressant and - guess what?? No crying with my pain meds!! My family is so happy

Today was my first day back at work, even though it was from home. I struggled to get through some phone meetings. I was exhausted by 11 am! Tomorrow I start meetings at 6 am so I need some sleep tonight. Of course, I also came down with a cold today, so that is not helping with my energy.

God bless you! You are in my prayers!
Skeet

 

[Doug]

That's great for both of you. Its funny but I wondered how you days were going quite a number of times today. I bet I checked this site 10 times.
Well, I to had a major accomplishment today......Yep, I baked a cake. At 55 I baked my first cake. I've cooked all of my life. Meat, beans, potatoes, veggies, but never a cake. Now I just need to make my son clean up the mess. You know what?? Don't ever lift the mixer things out of the bowl while they're still spinning. Not a good thing. The dogs liked it though.

 

[SusieSW]

Doug - LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is such a funny image...any special occasion for the cake?

I need to sleep - more later!

Susan

 

[Josephine]

Way to go, Susie!! I am soooo proud of you. You climbed your mountain that day for sure. True grit indeed.

And way to go, Doug! I loved that image. Another tip for ya - never use a damp tea towel to lift a tin out of the oven!

 

[SusieSW]

Hi Skeet. That's great you're getting back to work. Isn't it amazing how easily we get exhausted? My PT tells me that as we build strength and endurance, that it all gets better. As with everything else we're all dealing with, it takes time. I'm wondering about jumping into full-time work after all these months if I do get a job offer. I figure it will be hard at first and then I'll adjust.

Good for you taking the anti-depressants. I am so glad they're helping. Remember, sometimes depression that gets more severe or lasts longer can be related to brain chemistry - and no one can control that. When you take in the situation TKR patients face, with all the aspects we've all talked about on this forum, I think I'd be surprised if a TKR patient didn't experience some level of depression somewhere in the process. I think of antidepressants as a tool to help anyone who needs them push past the depression enough to do the things they need to do. And they're not habit-forming or addictive. It's really no different than taking meds for any other medical condition - like say high blood pressure meds or for diabetes. For some reason in our society there's a myth that we can make depression go away through willpower, and it's just not true.

Hey - watch that cold - especially if you get a really bad cough - maybe see your doctor if it goes on a while - I think I waited too long to see mine.

I'll keep you in my prayers.

Susan

 

[TitaniumMan]

Great job Susie and Skeet....keep up the good work. Amen to both

 

[TitaniumMan]

Doug, I think I will stick to the meat and veggies, LOL
Godspeed,
T-man

 

[Doug]

After demonstrating my great culinary skills yesterday, I decided that today I was going to just not do a darn thing.
I grabbed my new camera and drove down to the coast. It was a bright clear day. Crisp (for North Florida), mid 50's. I had a blast. I walked the farthest I have since the operation.
It really helped me mentally to get out, not think about rehabing etc.
Also, I didn't have to take a pain pill until 5pm.
I'll jump back on the train and work till it hurts tomorrow.

 

[gatiger]

Doug, I was thinking that you were some kind of superman, without the Krytonite. It is a good thing to take a day to enjoy for yourself sometimes. Sort of re-charge the batteries. After all, we all did this TKR thing to make our lives better right? I have no doubt that you'll be back on the bike with a vengence tomorrow, but smell the roses man.

 

[Doug]

Well thanks for the compliment. I am definitely no superman. I just really enjoy getting out and doing things. I live in a great area that provides the opportunity to go into the swamps, woods, and beach to enjoy God's creation.
I also have to keep up with a 14 year old boy who jumped right into puberty and has girls calling all the time...In my opinion, too young to worry about those things.
He keeps me motivated too. He should test for his 3rd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate this September. I had to secretly tell my wife that by next year he will probably hurt my pride when we play fight and spar.
The free play day did recharge my batteries and I am looking forward to the torture bike tomorrow a.m.
Have a good one.