THR Gizmo home again

[DallasSarah]

Hi Gizmo,

On your earlier thread you mentioned why you got down, don't do that to yourself remember we all heal at different rates...wooooohooooo congratulations on driving! Not sure on the breaststroke comment, it's funny you mention the pool I'm pondering going back to my local place for a dip, either swimming or they have a aerobics class. I think right now I'm a little freaked out I will get there and worry about getting into the pool in a dignified lady like manner...hahahahahahaha oh dear!

Let me know how pool goes, a few people on there have been going and it sounds like a great way to exercise in a gentle sense!

Have a good week!

xxooxx

 

[gizmo]

Hi Sarah,
I did do a pool session last week. It was good to be back in the water and underwater my legs felt more flexible. I didn't actually swim but did have a little float which was lovely. I swam regularly prior to my op. however I seized up when my rotation in my hip gave out. I went into the pool one day and my leg just dragged- that was last June. It seems a lifetime away now. I have put on some weight since then being less mobile so more exercise will be great. Let me know how you get on when you get to your pool. As long as you can make it in dont worry too much about your dignity to start with- it will return.
Gizmo

 

[C Mac]

Hi Gizmo,

Wow, you sound great! The pool, the beach, a new car, happy and excited kids -- this sounds like some really good quality of life progress!!

So, how do you get OUT of the pool??? I'm guessing I should use the ladder now. Any discomfort with that?

Take care,
Cardie

 

[gizmo]

Hi Cardie,
I was back in the pool for my second hydrotherapy session today. With a floating sausage thing I made it across -not real swimming but good enough to feel I had made a start. There is no way I could make it up or down swimming pool ladders as yet. A scary thought.:skeptical: I am not really flexible enough. I would be scared of getting stuck in the big grown up pool and needing to be rescued. Our leisure centre has a smaller warmer pool with easy steps and hand rail, thats my limit for the moment. Just thinking about it is lovely after all those weeks stuck at home.:happy dance:
Let me know if you get to the pool.
Best wishes
Gizmo

 

[tashia]

Gizmo, Thank you so much for mentioning your swimming. I to use to do it almost every day but got out of that habit. Now that you have brought to my atttention oh how i miss the pool. I have a swimming club not to far from me that I belong too. After this posting I will get my suit and towel and put into a bag and put it on my list of have too. I mean don't let me use any excuse. I live along and thats good and bad. i can put things off easy because no one is reminding me to do something. Our days have been in the 60s so there is not excuse. I do miss a surport team at this end. My support group is the site thank goodness. Again thank you for reminding me on swimming .:wow2: I feel better just thinking about it. Thanks Tashia:doggieshmooze:

 

[Jamie]

It's good to hear from you, Gizmo! I think you're doing just fine. Sometimes we must start with baby steps forward and just keep adding little bits until we are back to normal. Hang in there!!! You'll keep seeing improvements.

I love that you're driving again!!! That is a HUGE milestone.

 

[gizmo]

Hi,
I am loving the freedom my automatic car has given me. I did try to run before I could walk the other day though and embaressed myself again. Well, feeling clever I thought I'd try a spot of grocery shopping. Not even a big shop mind you. Its amazing what we take for granted really. All that pushing and twisting really exhausted me. (It would be even more embarassing if you knew how little I'd bought.) By the time I'd negotiated the shop and been stuck trying to get over a small bump with my trolley. Well then I couldn't even get into my car -the one I bought very recently- I struggled with my boot but it wouldn't open. I stepped back and aimed my zapper at the door again. Suddenly small suspicions built into larger suspicions. Although it was an identical colour match it wasn't quite the right shape and the number plate was somehow unfamiliar. Yipes I was trying to get into the wrong car. I stepped back and scanned the row of cars again and two along there was my automatic wondering just what I was doing- and who it had ended up with. Maybe I need to leave the shopping for a while or give myself a five item limit.

I can spend more of the night on my side now so generally I'm getting more sleep. Up until now I have avoided the bath- the idea of getting out being too scary. However, inspired by other peoples posts, Particularly welshJanes I think it was- I have now had two. It was so lovely but it was really hard work getting out again. I think it was Jane who said about getting out was easier with the water in and this was really useful as it made it feel more do-able. I'd been imagining getting out of an empty bath. Faulty visualisation!!!
I was so pleased with myself I asked for congratulations from hubby for managing a bath. He was so underimpressed.:no2: as he felt congratulations on the scale that I was asking for should be reserved for things like sailing alone around the world and climbing mount Everest. And so here I am again with all you bonesmarts who understand how much we need to celebrate all our little achievements. And by doing that one day I will climb mountains again. For now having a wonderful soak is to be celebrated- I have dreamed of that moment for so long!!:flowerysmile::happy dance::happy dance:
All the best to all
Gizmo

 

[C Mac]

Hi Gizmo,

What a lovely report and we certainly appreciate the bath tube success!! :yes 4: This weekend I practiced getting in and out of the tub with my clothes on, as I may one day need to soak in the tub -- so I can totally relate!

Cute story on the grocery shopping expedition :th_heehee:, glad you made it home safely...

Take care and keep up the good work,
Cardie

 

[DallasSarah]

Hi Gizmo....

Now I'm not laughing at you...hahahah the car tale is very very funny!! Did anyone see you, I'm still laughing...oh dear! The shopping adventures will get better, the more you go the easier it will get promise. I find the shopping cart a little tough and seem to limp more with it instead of the cane and a small basket.

Wow congratulations on the bath that's a BIG deal, I wouldn't even attempt that one right now. I'm sure it was heavenly, I miss having a bath my new place has a very low down small bath tub plus theres hardly no side areas to put my hands, no rails either it's very tough to get out of, my tub before was more oval and had good corners where I could get a nice grip and get myself out. I struggled with this new tub before surgery now.....no way! You can aways come here for WooooHooooo's it is tough for none hip people to relate to the little accomplishments which are big deals to us. Tell him not be a such a bah-hum-bug

You sound in good spirits which is the best news!!

xxooxx

 

[gizmo]

Hi Sarah,
It's o.k. feel free to laugh.:th_heehee:I do in fact have even funnier car stories from post op days-but so embarassing I didn't even have the excuse of recovering from an op. then. Did anyone see? Good question. A friendly, kind, lady who must have been 60-70's offered to help. She had gone by the time I'd realised it wasn't my car. At which point I glanced around furtively and must have looked even more suspicious if spotted at that point. Yipes !! I then hobbled over to check out my "other" car and double checked inside this time before attempting a more advanced manoevre -like opening door and getting in !! There is a pigeon sitting on a branch just outside my window. He has been there so long he is starting to feel like a visitor.He is all preened up and fluffy , quite a contortionist. How long have you been back to work ? I hope you are taking things easy !!!!. Now that would be funny.:doggieshmooze:
All the best
Gizmo

 

[gizmo]

Hi,
Well the time has come I need to take my "weight issues" seriously. I was so happy I was disciplined and lost some pre op. But it has come back on and with a vengance. Up to now I've not really been the right place to tackle it. This is therefore my public declaration that NOW is that time. So many clothes that fit last summer -just dont now. (Most actually) I think I will need to join some sort of slimmers support network. Has anyone tried one of these and did it help? I guess this is a kind of late New Year Resolution.

On a slightly different note I had a great:bathtub:last night, which made up for the BIG disappointment of finding the water was cold the night before after I'd psyched myself up!! At the moment for me it's all about appreciating these little things.

I went to the hairdressers yesterday and said "help" -Just cant do anything with my hair. I have had it short for years. Mainly as I didn't know what to do instead. She didn't cut it but showed me how to straighten it. I am so amazed at the difference and my husband really liked it. I didn't realise there was a whole world full of people doing all these procedures to their hair. I just thought mostly it was all falling in place naturally and couldn't understand why mine wouldn't. Having gone to the trouble of growing it a bit during my confinement I didn't want to just chop it back without experimenting a little. So yesterday for the first time in months it looked under control and the girl in the hairdressers was so kind and patient.

This is a bit rambling -but I guess at the moment I am pottering along slowly but steadily. Happy to have had the op. and just needing to be patient with my progress.
Gizmo

 

[Poppet]

Hi gizmo

Thanks for your post on my thread.. You really cheered me up tonight xx

Wow, I love the tale about your shopping expedition and your new car, but good for you and I am so pleased that you are finding the automatic easier.

Do you put candles in your bathroom and make it a extra special treat for yourself? Husbands are like that, what is really a huge achievement means little to them, or at least they don't see what all our excitement is about...

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus still applies, heheheh!!

Great to have a treat at the hairdressers, just an extra good thing we can do for ourselves.. It all counts.

When do you have to go back to work (can't remember if you do work)?

I will keep looking in on you and hearing more about your shopping experiences, well done you!

Lots of love xx

 

[DallasSarah]

Morning Gizmo,

Going to the hairdressers is always fun, good for you trying a new way to style.

Earlier you had asked about me and work, I've been back working full time just over 5 weeks keeping in mind I do home office which I think gives me a lot more flexibility and is probably easier on my recovery, this is also how I can continue to do my daily walks with my dog Miles.

Im there with you on the weight conversation....it's just a pain in the bum!! My entire life has been up and down with the weight. A few years back I did do weight watchers and had great success, went to weekly meetings....wow now thinking about that time frame it was the year I first stated to feel the pain in my hip but ignored it for about a year, I was walking daily and really made a commitment to portion control and it worked I lost 40lbs quickly to 10-12 weeks. I tried to go back last year but I think becaus I had heard the "message" I wasn't in the mood for the meetings and had refused to log things. 3-4 months before my surgery end of last year had met this lady who was similar to a nutritionalist who really helped me sort out, educate me on what works and what doesn't. In a healthy sense. Now AGAIN here I am with the weight back not as bad though only half. I think regardless of what route you go the formulas Are the same, you have to cut your calories, eat lots of mini meals, drink water and move a little. My last experience showed me I could loose those 40lbs without doing one exercise it was all done with eating properly! The other thing I had to realize and acknowledge was my eating was always based on emotions and facing that was a big deal and recognizing when I was craving food and replacing the habit with something else. I sound SO grown up uh!!

Weight watchers on line is also pretty good. I have been tracking my food now on my new little pedometer toy it has a online journal section and that helps show me exactly what junk I was eating. Once I'm on a good routine I always feel better and the weight comes of pretty easy and in the long run this has to be good for our new hips!

Have a groovy week it's almost over Yay!!

xxooxx

 

[Josephine]

gizmo, I use this site Nutracheck. It's not free but contains the most comprehensive list of foods with all the info you could wish for. Plus it works out your daily calories and keeps track of them, plus your fluid, 5-a-days, fat and so on. You can add your activities as well and keep progress of your losses. I think it's an awesome site. I've been a member for quite a while.

 

[DallasSarah]

Hi Gizmo and Josephine,

I like that website! It does help to write things down, even to learn what is high in calories and what isn't that always surprises me. Hey when I said the weight comes off easy didn't mean it literally, if it was sooo easy it wouldnt be an issue silly me! it's hard work, once I have the commitment and the routine down then it's much easier.

I'm giggling to see Tescos has a diet, I worked there years ago, did the night shift stocking shelves, doesnt sound too galmorous....but it was really good money...I'm talking around 15-17 years ago.

xxooxx

 

[Jamie]

Here's a free website that I think is excellent. It's part of livestrong.com and it's called The Daily Plate.

 

[gizmo]

HI,
Thanks for the advice. I will check out the sites, monitoring what I am eating in black and white will give me some extra added incentive to resist that extra biscuit because I am feeling bored. I agree with you Sarah there is definitely an emotion element to eating. I like lots of healthy foods and nutritious meals. I also like the not so healthy things -especially chocolate.
I will have to say that again. I love chocolate. :wubroses: I can avoid it while shopping. Then I can be really strong and walk past. Then I can be really proud of myself for resisting temptation. BUT if it finds its way into the house it has no chance.I am constantly aware it is there and it is hopeless. Thank goodness this year people listened to my pleas. DO NOT GIVE ME CHOCOLATE FOR CHRISTMAS. I am sooooooo grateful. Sorry I digress (such is the power of chocolate) I digress as I am not eating lots of chocolate, I am avoiding chocolate. Portion size is an issue for me -too much good stuff even. I like food. I dont really want to eat less because I am immobile. I want to get more mobile so I don't have to eat less. BUT I am not getting mobile quick enough for that.Now I will need to follow advice (just because I know many of the answers and basically its a less food= less weight , it is useful to be told again) If I could lose 2stones It would help my hip so much. If I dont make the effort now, the opposite will happen. Without more mobility I am not in balance, currently I am in gaining mode. IT MUST BE STOPPED I must say .:no2:to the weight gain. Monitoring can start immediately . I think after half term I will find a people group as that will strengthen my resolve. Your 20lbs lose in three months was great Sarah.

Sarah -you asked about work. Well my job came to a natural end last summer. Although I loved my job I was also deteriorating quickly at this point and wouldn't have been able to carry on for long. My operation was cancelled last summer and in the end it was october before I had my op. I wasn't very employable at this stage. I did look to see if there was anything I might manage but nothing. My progress post op has been slower than average and I am only just back driving again. I was working with young children previously so small chairs and lots of ups and downs. I have started looking at job posts -but so far nothing I would be up to. I think the op knocks some of your confidence or it has for me. Finding a new job and pursuading someone I could rise to the challenges that might entail when I am struggling with elements of day to day life seems daunting. I am studying at home. I am convinced I could be useful, given concessions to my difficulties, so really job wise its a matter of watch this space as I do have a few plans in mind.
Thanks again
Gizmo

 

[Poppet]

Hi gizmo, I think you are so right about the surgery knocking our confidence.. but I think in time we will get it back.. We have been through the mill so to speak.

What are you studying?

Hang in there hon

 

[DallasSarah]

Morning Gizmo,

Your email made me smile and a little sad this wet dreary morning.

Hehehehehe chocolate yes I love too! Along with all the yummy foods that pack on the lbs. luckily I'm not a huge fast food eater thank goodness, i also have no self control of portions if it's delicious I'm going to eat tons of it plus lick the plate so there!! There's a connection here with your second part about not working and loosing confidence, forgive me being candid part of me is saying this and talking to myself.

If you can take the steps towards eating better and working on dropping those lbs-stones it might be tough the first few weeks, then something kicks in and the confidence part comes back. I think it's all connected YES its tough when immobile, aches, pains with extra weight the mixed blessing being at home affords you & me too even though I'm working it affords us extra time to focus on ourselves, getting food prepared, walking or whatever you prefer. Planning meals for the week. Being back in an office full time takes away some of this time.

I also think its very easy to camp in and get worried "who would hire me" kinda thoughts, I'm pondering changing directions with work and terrified I will have limits even right now...I think to myself I can get an interview, them am I going to show up in my sweats, air nikes and my cane ummmm Duh! Then I meet new people now and when they ask about the cane and I tell them what I just had done they are amazed how brave and confident i must have been to have this type of operation. See how there are two sides to all of this.

My other thought and we are in same age group, we are halfway into this life (hopefully) we have just been given a new opportunity to start a new way of life! Take advantage to take what you know and polish it up, or learn something new with your studies....when you are ready to come back to work you will be stronger, smarter and just better than ever and remember the old pain has gone this the best news!

Ahhhh about a month ago I had picked up some chocy digestives BIG mistake I love dipping biscuits in either my tea or coffee, you can do that once in a while me though has to do that maybe 5x a day so for now no biscuits in the house hahahaha!

Have a good weekend Gizmo .

xxooxx

 

[gizmo]

Hi Sarah,
Sorry didn't mean to make you sad . Honestly you don't need to on my account. I am just not up to starting a new job just yet- more from a I'm not reached that point in my recovery. It's not so much peoples attitudes but actually I really couldn't do the things that the job adverts are looking for. I may suddenly think Yes I can do that when I see a job. But when the time is right I will also be very pro-active. I am studying and that keeps my brain functioning. Each week I can see improvements. Without my op I think I would have been in a wheel chair by now. I had lost rotation in my leg and the muscles were really struggling. I think my surgeon was great and my new hip is working well- but my brain and muscles need to be re-trained and that is taking time. Driving again has already given me a new lease of life. The rest will come in time.

And yes I will feel great and more confident if I can fit back into my clothes! I have got of to a good start -despite resorting to dunking a couple of biscuits by the end of the day. Yes - you have found a fellow biscuit dunker!!

Bye for now
Gizmo