I agree, taking it easy isn't all that easy
Boy, are you right,
@Atkinson8! As my kids sometimes tell me, "take a chill pill, mom" which is always much harder said than done--I always remind myself of the tortured, back and forth recovery path that I know is the case for everyone, and have furious arguments with myself when, as this morning, I'm sore and not sure why. I need to slow down, I remind myself, and yet slowing down often seems harder than working through the stiffness and soreness.
@Debru4, I live in Washington State, on the coast, where winters are usually mild. During a usual winter, one smugly listens to the national news weather forecasts of terrible snow and frigid temperatures anywhere but here, while "basking" in mild winters comprised of seemingly eternal overcast and drizzling rain, but temperatures in the 40's and 50's. Not this year! A lovely, unusually sunny January followed by a frigid, snowy February. Some nearby areas got more snow this past week, but fortunately with temperatures rising during the day it mostly melted away. I do think the cold weather has been tough, but I also know my stiffness and achiness is more probably related to my inability to slow down my pace. It isn't that I'm out there bike riding for miles or running marathons, but I like to move around during the day and I have a hard time resting even when my hips and those attached muscles are complaining that I'm doing too much.
I have a new PT session scheduled for next Tuesday, and I'm hoping they can offer up some new exercises to help with additional strengthening. Maybe massage will be offered, I can always inquire. They may, of course, give me a massive stink eye and say "no more exercise, you idiot, and more rest". Your comment about needing to channel my restlessness is absolutely accurate, lack of activity spools me up and makes me anxious and on edge. But doing too much is hard, too, as I struggle to be "normal". I think my family and friends are convinced that I've had a miraculous recovery and think I am able to do whatever with no repercussions. My complaining is done pretty much only on this forum as I hate appearing weak and wimpish in my daily life. Yes, I know--stupid and vain! I know I need to stop driving myself so hard and be more honest about how I'm feeling and not worrying about whether my world thinks I'm faking it and just being lazy.
And yes,
@KathyB, we all DO need to just keep plugging along and keeping the faith. I find this something I say frequently to others on the forum also, as I know how easy it is to get discouraged and we all need to rally one another. But, although I know this about others, it is challenging to apply it to myself. The whole, "physician, heal thyself" is applicable here, isn't it?
@Going4fun, walks might be better exercise, although I was out trotting around with a friend on a host of errands yesterday so a fair amount of walking all day. Last night was family game night at my daughter's house and I collapsed with fatigue on the couch where we were playing the evening's game, and when I tried to stand up at evening's end after a few hours, my hips, back and legs felt so weak, and I really had to grit my teeth to try to rise and walk "normally" and not give way. Climbing up the stairs from their basement to the front door was really HARD. So, is walking really the answer? Or am I sore because I had a Pilates class on Thursday and overdid it? And is it even worthwhile to try to figure out what exactly caused the significant energy drain and weakness? I mostly just put blinders on and power through, refusing to let weakness and stiffness control me. Slept well last night and I'm off to the gym today--short and low level workout but it's something, and I need to do something to stay sane.
At least it's a sunny day out there, with lots of blue skies and sunshine although it's fairly chilly. There is frost on the lawns and garden areas which will melt, I hope, by later today.